Leather shoulder bags

The number to look at

Handle drop is the distance from the top of the handle down to the bag. It decides how a shoulder bag sits. Poelle Untitled Medium has a drop of 25 cm (9.8 in) and stays on the shoulder. Carolyn Tote Medium has 29 cm (11.4 in) and goes over a coat as well.

Small, medium, large

Small: Untitled Small, 29 × 15 × 10 cm (11.4 × 5.9 × 3.9 in), with one slender arched handle, carried in the hand or on the shoulder. It takes a phone, a card case, keys and sunglasses. Sophie, Cecilie and Cleo are further models of this kind; see all baguette bags.

Medium: Untitled Medium, 35 × 15 × 13 cm (13.8 × 5.9 × 5.1 in), adds room for a wallet, a small cosmetic bag and a slim notebook. Neither size takes a tablet.

Large: the totes. Carolyn, Jane and Object №03 Large all carry a laptop on the shoulder. Jane is the lightest of them at 700 g (1.5 lb).

Not sure which shape you need? Our guide to bag types and sizes compares them. To wear one across the body instead, our guide to choosing a leather crossbody bag explains strap drop and size.