Woman in tan jacket and grey trousers carrying a large black shoulder bag.

A Guide to Types of Bags

Three tan leather shoulder bags in different sizes displayed on a neutral surface.

Types of bags

Imbued with American heritage, Ralph Lauren’s bags are celebrated for their timeless designs, high-end materials, and outstanding levels of craftsmanship. Whether casual or formal, different types of bags can radically transform an outfit with a minimal amount of fuss, taking you from the office to a cocktail bar or a golf club to a picnic

Above all other accessories, bags are the most utilitarian of items while also being status symbols that signify personal taste, social standing, and even one’s level of wealth. The bag you buy says a lot about your lifestyle and your inherent personality, whether that’s a streamlined leather backpack or a sumptuous equestrian satchel.

In our guide below, we’ll walk you through our most popular types of bags, covering a variety of designs and their numerous features, along with the outfits they pair with best. A Ralph Lauren bag is a sage wardrobe investment that remains timeless and elegant whatever the season, synonymous with luxury and a refined sense of taste.

Essential bags

Tote Bags and Shoulder Bags

If you’re seeking a smart casual accessory to carry your essentials, then Ralph's Polo Play Tote Bag and Polo ID Shoulder Bag are your perfect style match. Both designs showcase a minimalist aesthetic that flatter everyday outfits and are finished with understated hardware and subtle but gorgeous embellishments. They’re also ergonomically pleasing thanks to their wide open-tops and generous interiors that offer plenty of space for cell phones and purses.
A tan bag captured in mid-swing.
The Polo Play Leather Tote, with its relaxed silhouette, is available in tasteful shades of Ink, Fiscus, and Black, as well as eye-catching colours like Lemon Meringue and Cherry. Made from Italian pebbled leather, it comes in a solid range of sizes including a clever compact version which features a too-cute detachable key cover and a removable crossbody strap.
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Striped canvas tote bags in red, green, and orange with leather straps.
Meanwhile, Ralph’s Striped Canvas Tote showcases a summery pattern of bold deckchair stripes and a snapped leather tab at the opening. Team with a linen shirt dress and a pair of sandals when you’re heading to the beach, or tapered jeans and a simple tee if you’re meeting friends for lunch.
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Large dark green leather shoulder bag and smaller leather crossbody bag on a wooden stool. 
Finally, the Polo ID Shoulder Bag comes in luxurious hides like calfskin and suede, as well as surprising materials like denim and raffia. With its saddle silhouette and shiny brass pony plaque, this enduring accessory is beloved by celebs. It easily transitions between the office and the evening and looks as good with a crisp white shirt and trousers as it does with a cable knit sweater and a pair of tapered jeans.
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Woman in a brown coat and purple turtleneck carrying a tan leather crossbody bag.

Crossbody bags

For easy hands-free travelling, shop the Polo Play Leather Pocket Crossbody which is inspired by Ralph Lauren’s legendary collection of polo shirts. Crafted from Italian full-grain leather, this rectangular beauty accommodates all your essentials and is finished with a sleek snap closure for added security. It also features the RL pony insignia on its sleek exterior pocket.
Woman in a dark brown leather jacket holding a large green leather clutch bag.

Clutch Bags

For a night on the town, the Polo ID Clutch Bag couples with an elegant sartorial suit, a flouncy skirt and blouse, or a sassy little cocktail dress. Available in a tasteful shade of Tan, this enviable accessory showcases a crossbody strap that can be added to the top, which instantly transforms it. It’s finished with a magnetic teardrop slide lock featuring Ralph’s pony insignia (artfully cut from of gold-coloured brass).
Woman in sunglasses, tan blazer, and red scarf carrying a green suede satchel bag.

Satchels

Looking for a compact out-and-about bag? Opt for the Polo ID Mini Satchel in butter-soft leather or textural suede. With its saddle construction, equestrian stitching, and smart Hutton buckles, it instantly elevates everyday outfits. Marry with pleated trousers, midi skirts, and layered separates like camis and cardigans. Cinch or expand it via an adjustable belt which can be found inside its luxe interior.

Backpacks

For outdoor pursuits, office commutes, and international plane travel, peruse the RL collection of utilitarian backpacks. Designed with functionality in mind, these must-have bags look best with casual garments like joggers and overshirts, or graphic t-shirts and laidback cargo pants.

Shop styles like the Bellport Suede Backpack (or its Scottish plaid version) which is enhanced with buckled straps, engraved brass hardware, statement stitching, and a foil-embossed logo. Beneath its top flap, you’ll find a handy drawstring closure which keeps your belongings extra safe, along with a convenient interior pocket.

For an edgy streetwear aesthetic, check out the Tiger-Patch Canvas Backpack which delivers a military-meets-biker vibe with its camouflage print, eclectic mix of fabric badges, and trendy leather details. Its interior padded pocket was thoughtfully designed with laptops in mind, or for storing smaller tablets.
Woman in a grey coat wearing a brown suede rucksack.

Understanding Bag Materials

A detailed close-up of a black leather handbag.

Leather

For a smart, sturdy bag that gets better with age, opt for one that’s crafted from leather. Transitioning effortlessly between day and night, leather bags are best maintained with protectants and polishes that help prevent damage, while enhancing their condition and overall lustre. Carry to the office, then take to the club.
A detailed close-up of a brown suede handbag.

Suede

Known for its napped finish, textural feel, and impressive durability, suede is ideal for handbag construction. Its luxe matte exterior is easily damaged, so spray with a waterproofer to protect it from moisture. Marry suede bags with structured blazers, wide leg trousers, and body-hugging midi dresses. They also look fab with denim jeans, plain white tees, and vintage-style Western jackets.
A detailed close-up of a beige canvas tote bag with black trim.

Canvas

When shopping the farmer’s market or running errands in town, choose a canvas bag with plenty of room. The material’s tightly woven fibres make it exceptionally strong, meaning it can carry weighty items without compromising form.
A detailed close-up of a woven raffia tote bag with leather straps.

Raffia and Woven Textures

If you’d like to channel your inner bohemian, shop Ralph’s collection of raffia bags including the casual Big Pony Tote. Create major visual impact by teaming with pretty translucent blouses and simple feminine dresses, or sling over a sweater when you’re heading to the shops.
A detailed close-up of a green nylon bag with matching woven straps.

Nylon

For supreme durability and protection against the elements, nothing beats a nylon bag. Ralph’s Keaton Tote and Utility Duffel are ideal for taking on weekend breaks, thanks to their exceptional sturdiness and water repellence.
A detailed close-up of a black leather handbag.

Leather

For a smart, sturdy bag that gets better with age, opt for one that’s crafted from leather. Transitioning effortlessly between day and night, leather bags are best maintained with protectants and polishes that help prevent damage, while enhancing their condition and overall lustre. Carry to the office, then take to the club.
A detailed close-up of a brown suede handbag.

Suede

Known for its napped finish, textural feel, and impressive durability, suede is ideal for handbag construction. Its luxe matte exterior is easily damaged, so spray with a waterproofer to protect it from moisture. Marry suede bags with structured blazers, wide leg trousers, and body-hugging midi dresses. They also look fab with denim jeans, plain white tees, and vintage-style Western jackets.
A detailed close-up of a beige canvas tote bag with black trim.

Canvas

When shopping the farmer’s market or running errands in town, choose a canvas bag with plenty of room. The material’s tightly woven fibres make it exceptionally strong, meaning it can carry weighty items without compromising form.
A detailed close-up of a woven raffia tote bag with leather straps.

Raffia and Woven Textures

If you’d like to channel your inner bohemian, shop Ralph’s collection of raffia bags including the casual Big Pony Tote. Create major visual impact by teaming with pretty translucent blouses and simple feminine dresses, or sling over a sweater when you’re heading to the shops.
A detailed close-up of a green nylon bag with matching woven straps.

Nylon

For supreme durability and protection against the elements, nothing beats a nylon bag. Ralph’s Keaton Tote and Utility Duffel are ideal for taking on weekend breaks, thanks to their exceptional sturdiness and water repellence.
Accessories to complement your bag

Footwear Pairings and Jewellery

To really tie an outfit together, match your Ralph Lauren bag with flattering footwear and statement pieces of jewellery. The key is to select accessories that complement the bag—think contrasting shades, cohesive colours, and similar types of metals.

Ralph’s beachy Polo Play Cord Tote pairs perfectly with Double O-Ring Leather Sandals, while Polo ID Saddle Bags harmonise with Calfskin Penny Loafers and Leather Western Chelsea Boots. For an edgy streetwear vibe, team a vibrant crossbody bag with a colorful pair of chunky trainers before enhancing with glinting Chain Hoop Earrings and Rose Gold Stirrup Bangles.
Accessories Shoes Jewellery
Pair of brown leather mid-calf boots with metal buckle detail on a wooden surface.
A pair of brown leather boat shoes with red knit socks placed inside.
Woman dressed in black wearing cat-eye sunglasses and a chunky gold necklace.
Black leather handbag on a wooden table with leopard print gloves tucked inside.

Types of Bags Recap

Ralph Lauren bags set a strong style precedent with their iconic silhouettes, ingenious functionality, and masterful levels of craftsmanship. When shopping for one, remember to assess materials, colours, textures, and embellishments to consider how they’ll synch with the clothes in your wardrobe. Shop illustrious collections of handbags and backpacks that can be tailored to your lifestyle. Select a singular bag or purchase a few. You can never have enough.

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