Your handy guide to picking the best bags for summer 

Handbags are our constant companions in the fight against the small pockets or lack of pockets in women’s clothing. They’ve carried not just our essentials but been our version of toolkits on-the-go.

If behind every man is a woman, behind every woman is a bag that she carries everywhere.

The new season brings the urge to refresh our wardrobes with the newest trends that are also compatible with our day-to-day needs. Summer bags that carry all our cool-down essentials and go with our new season’s wardrobe. We’ve compiled a list of the most anticipated bag trends for the new season, so you have the right accessory to match every occasion.

Shop for the latest summer bag trends

Make pastels your go-to neutrals

As the colour palette of the season, bags in soft pastel shades can instantly update your white sundress or breezy co-ord set. Think dusty blues, muted pinks and delicate shades of lavender as summer’s new neutrals.

The Skye Tote is versatile and light with detachable straps and magnetic closure to keep your must-haves easy to access and in place. The bag comes with three different handle lengths which makes it a flexible fit in your busy summer schedule.

Take a chance on nylon

When bags in stiff materials or natural fabrics feel too sticky for summer, nylon is the true champion. Typically seen in gymwear, nylon is famous for keeping us cool through a workout session so imagine what it would feel like tucked under your arm.

What more? The fabric’s sheen elevates your look, helps the bag hold shape and is durable, making it an all-season fabric.

The IRTH Thea Nylon Work Bag is ideal for girls who want to look more put-together this summer. We’re partial to the olive green shade, but the brown is a good fit too, if you love wearing bright floral prints in summer.

A mini for all your major essentials

Who doesn’t want to leave the house with just one card and a lip gloss? But summer’s rising temperatures demand a hand-fan, wet wipes and sunscreen reapplications.

IRTH’s Birch Twines Handheld bag may look tiny, but you’ll be surprised by how much it can hold. It comes with two compartments to organise all your essentials.

It can fit everything from your cards, petty cash, lip combo and power banks. Minimises stress and maximises style and space. Play into any trending aesthetic, like literary chic, or 90s minimalism with just one bag.

Charming additions to your bags

From Kawaii soft plushies adorning many young adult’s bags to more understated fruits or miniature totes on others, bag charms have been the ‘it’ accessory since late 2024.

If you’re looking for something a little understated, IRTH’s Sailor Handheld bag comes with a structured origami charm.

It’s quaint, a new vibe and doesn’t dangle on your bag with clings or clangs.