The everyday black leather bag: how to choose one that goes with everything
Choose an everyday black bag by three things: what you carry, how you carry it — by hand, on the shoulder or across the body — and what it weighs empty. Smooth black leather goes with tailoring and with jeans, so the question is size, not color. Below are seven of our black bags side by side.
Seven black bags side by side
| Bag | Size | Weight | What it takes | How it is worn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolyn Medium | 40 × 26 × 14 cm (15.7 × 10.2 × 5.5 in) | 1250 g (2.8 lb) | a 13-inch laptop, a tablet, a water bottle | shoulder, 29 cm (11.4 in) drop |
| Jane Tote | 48 × 27 × 15 cm (18.9 × 10.6 × 5.9 in) | 700 g (1.5 lb) | a 14-inch laptop, documents | shoulder, 28 cm (11 in) drop |
| Object №03 Medium | 33.5 × 21.5 × 13 cm (13.2 × 8.5 × 5.1 in) | 800 g (1.8 lb) | a small tablet or an A5 notebook | by hand or crossbody, strap up to 140 cm (55.1 in) |
| Untitled Medium | 35 × 15 × 13 cm (13.8 × 5.9 × 5.1 in) | 900 g (2 lb) | a wallet, sunglasses in a case, a small cosmetic bag | shoulder, 25 cm (9.8 in) drop |
| Cecilie | 33 × 14 × 9 cm (13 × 5.5 × 3.5 in) | 650 g (1.4 lb) | a phone, a card case, keys, sunglasses | shoulder, 27.5 cm (10.8 in) drop |
| Josefine | 30 × 20 × 10 cm (11.8 × 7.9 × 3.9 in) | 600 g (1.3 lb) | a phone, a wallet, keys, sunglasses, a notebook | by hand, 31 cm (12.2 in) handle |
| Cleo | 25 × 10.5 × 7 cm (9.8 × 4.1 × 2.8 in) | 350 g (12.3 oz) | a phone, a card case, keys, earbuds | crossbody, strap 123–148 cm (48.4–58.3 in) |
Size first, then shape
If you carry a laptop every day, your everyday bag is a tote: Carolyn Medium for 13 inches or the lighter Jane for 14. If the laptop stays at home, choose a mid-size bag: Untitled Medium or Object №03 Medium take a wallet, sunglasses and a cosmetic bag. For weekends and evenings, add a small one — Cleo or Cecilie. Shapes are compared in our guide to bag types and sizes.
Weight: a difference of almost half
The black Jane weighs 700 g (1.5 lb); Carolyn Medium, 1250 g (2.8 lb). Carolyn keeps straight sides because of a dense eco-leather lining; Jane is softer. If you walk a lot, start with the lighter one.
Smooth or textured leather
Most of our black bags are smooth calfskin: an even surface with a slight sheen. Jane also comes in black leather with an elephant texture. The hardware is gold-tone metal: warm and visible against black, never loud. We make no black suede; for a matte surface, look at navy blue suede.
Caring for black leather
Wipe the bag with a soft dry cloth after wearing. Every few months, apply a thin layer of colorless cream for smooth leather, testing it first on a hidden spot. Colored creams and alcohol wipes change the surface. Store the bag in its dust bag, filled with tissue paper, away from radiators and direct sun. More on our care page.
Questions
Which black bag goes with everything?
A mid-size bag in smooth leather without large details. Among ours: Untitled Medium on the shoulder, or Object №03 Medium, carried by hand or crossbody.
Which black leather tote fits a laptop?
Carolyn Medium takes 13 inches, Jane Tote 14, Carolyn Large and Object №03 Large up to 16.
Which black bag is the lightest?
Cleo, at 350 g (12.3 oz). Among the totes, Jane at 700 g (1.5 lb).
Do I need black cream for a black bag?
No. Use a colorless cream for smooth leather; colored creams change the surface.
