Yves Saint Laurent has been around since the 60s yet it’s hard to imagine that the YSL handbags were only popularized in the early 2000s by then creative director Tom Ford. Fast forward to today, and you have a growing list of contemporary, classic, and edgy designs that make up the Saint Laurent handbag collection. The Loulou and Sac de Jour are now style staples. You’ll find the Kate and Kaia handbags adorning the arms of celebrities and influencers around the globe.
In true Parisian style, the YSL handbags are classic pieces that have gained iconic status. YSL handbags are symbols of what the luxury fashion house stands for: Sleek and sophisticated classics with a modern appeal. A worthy investment for any true fashionista.
The 21 best YSL bags to buy
- Loulou
- Sac de Jour
- Sunset
- Solferino
- Kaia
- Lou
- Shopper Tote
- Kate
- Manhattan
- Envelope
- Le 5 à 7
- Cassandra
- Noe Rive Gauche
- Niki
- Uptown
- Le Carré
- College bag
- Le Maillon
- Gaby
- Jamie
- Chain Wallet
YSL Loulou
Yves Saint Laurent named the Loulou bag after his muse Loulou de la Falaise. With decadent colors to choose from, it’s easy to see why the quilted chevron boxy bag has become a fan favorite.
The all-season day-to-night design of the Loulou bag makes it a great piece to invest in. Embellished in gold-toned hardware, this leather bag has a fashion-forward look that makes it a breeze to style any look from classic to contemporary.
Best for: Being your own muse.
YSL Sac de Jour
Sac de Jour translates to “day bag” in French. We find the name quite fitting since the minimalistic design can be used as your all-day everyday bag. From the office to drinks and dinner, YSL Sac de Jour is versatile enough to be carried anywhere.
The smart accordion design on the side of the YSL bag ensures you have ample space for all your favorite accessories, including the perfect wallet to pair with.
Best for: Bagging a classic YSL style staple.
YSL Sunset
You can go from sunrise to sunset with this YSL handbag. The interior compartments will make sure your keys, cellphone, and sunglasses stay in their place for fuss-free organization.
We love the all-black version with matching tonal details. Pair it with a monochromatic ensemble for an enviable minimalistic look. The chain strap allows this YSL bag to go from a cross-body bag to a shoulder bag, making it perfect for any occasion.
Best for: Staying organized and glam on the go.
YSL Solferino
The boxy design of the Solferino bag is understated enough to allow the oversized YSL logo plaque to take center stage. The classic messenger bag silhouette gives this YSL small leather shoulder bag a timeless look that will remain relevant in decades to come.
Good things come in small packages. The small size of the Solferino bag certainly packs a big punch. It can elevate any outfit to style icon level.
Best for: Small yet impactful statement maker.
YSL Kaia
Runway regular for Saint Laurent, model Kaia Gerber, was the muse behind the Kaia bag. The simple saddle design with smooth leather finishes makes this the perfect casual bag. Great for those who prefer a leather strap as opposed to a chain strap.
The spotlight of the Kaia bag is on the oversized gold-toned YSL plaque. Finish off your look with the Kaia bag, and the spotlight will be on you.
Best for: Understated daytime glam.
YSL Lou
Say cheese! One of the most gorgeous camera bags in the designer world has got to be the YSL Lou bag. Lou by YSL is a modern take on the vintage-inspired camera bag. With different finishes to choose from, these YSL bags can serve as the ultimate go-to accessory to style any outfit.
The croc-effect leather bag screams statement piece. While the quilted leather bags are every girl’s ideal companion for selfie perfection.
Best for: A vintage-inspired go-to bag.
YSL The Shopper Tote
The YSL Shopper tote is perfect when you need to carry more but still look on point while doing so. Think laptop, a comfy change of shoes or important documents all toted in a simplistically designed carryall.
The spacious Shopper tote makes an ideal travel companion, sleepover bag, or “mom” bag for the super woman who carries around everything but the kitchen sink. With the list of must-have totes running long, YSL has ensured their designs give the rest of them a run for their money.
Best for: A roomy interior for your travel essentials.
YSL Kate
The opulently styled buttery calf leather has pushed the Kate bag to receive cult status among evening bags. The striking features of Saint Laurent’s Kate bag make it to the top of our list of elegant eveningwear.
The glamorous gold straps can be hidden inside to transform the shoulder bag into a stylish clutch. Match your accessories to the hardware of the bag for a well-coordinated look. The classically-styled YSL Kate bag ensures that wherever you go, you go in style.
Best for: Showstopper appeal.
YSL Manhattan
The YSL Manhattan bag has a very similar look and feel to the cult-classic Hermès Kelly bag, at a fraction of the cost. Named after the city that never sleeps, Manhattan by YSL can easily go from day to night without much fuss.
The adjustable strap lets you decide on the look you want to achieve. Stay casual with the YSL bag close to hip length or formal by wearing it close to your shoulder. Tuck the strap away for a totally sexy oversized clutch.
Best for: Sex and the city vibes.
YSL Envelope
Named after its classic envelope silhouette, the YSL Envelope bag is a compact slimline shoulder bag for when you need to carry just a few essentials. You can write us a letter and seal it in the YSL Envelope any day!
The bag is made in textured leather and features three quilted patterns that add an extra special appeal to the overall look. The distinctive design of the Envelope bag makes it a classic piece to invest in.
Best for: Signed, sealed and delivered in style.
YSL Le 5 à 7
Also known as the hobo bag, Le 5 à 7 is a sleek and simple YSL shoulder bag that brings with it a taste of the 90s. Adjust the buckle strap to your preferred drop, and you’re good to go. Wear it on your shoulder, in the crook of your arm, or by hand for three different yet totally chic looks.
Le 5 à 7 is meant to go from work to play without skipping a beat. We think it does just that…effortlessly.
Best for: A très chic take on a boho basic.
YSL Cassandra
The Cassandra bag was named as an ode to Adolphe Mouron Cassandre, the man behind the design of the iconic Yves Saint Laurent logo. This mini top handle bag has a structured form that can be carried by hand or crossbody by attaching the straps.
Step out in true Saint Laurent fashion, and create a stir with the OTT YSL logo announcing your arrival. The Cassandra bag is one of those accessories that take center stage without any effort on your part.
Best for: Bagging the most compliments.
YSL Noe Rive Gauche Tote
On the banks of the river Seine in Paris lies The Rive Gauche. A source of inspiration for many of the Saint Laurent designs. This tote makes a statement, no doubt. Bold, functional, and tote-ally versatile.
The Rive Gauche tote can fit a whole lot of necessities. Use it as an overnight bag, trendy beach tote, and handy travel bag. Canvas and leather work together exquisitely to bring you your next best tote.
Best for: Living the Parisian dream.
YSL Niki
YSL’s Niki bag is slightly slouchy, vaguely vintage, and gorgeously grunge. The tonal YSL logo on the front of the bag gives it an edgy feel which we can’t get enough of.
The Niki bag has plenty of room for all your necessities and then some. It’s one of those bags that goes well with any outfit. Dress to the nines or casual and comfy, the Niki bag can pull it off with ease.
Best for: An edgy fashion fix.
YSL Uptown
For those days when all you need is your lipstick, cards, and phone…the YSL Uptown clutch will do. It’s a super slim pouch that’s meant to fit the absolute essentials. It doesn’t hurt that it looks undeniably sleek while doing so.
From uptown soirées to downtown hangouts, this clutch can fit in with any crowd. Pair it with a LBD or jeans and a baseball cap. There are no rules when it comes to dressing up your YSL.
Best for: Making your own rules.
YSL Le Carré
If you’re in love with the well-crafted bags from Saint Laurent but shy away from bold logos then the Le Carré is for you. Unlike most other Saint Laurent bags with bold YSL logo’s across the front, Le Carré has a delicate Saint Laurent engraving in the front square clasp.
The contemporary design can easily be paired with your everyday wardrobe. French for “the square”, Le Carré’s boxy frame is the fashion-forward add-on to any fashionista’s closet.
Best for: When it's hip to be square.
YSL Collège bag
YSL’s Collège bag has become a coveted fashion item since its 2015 release. It has long been the arm candy of every trendsetter on the block. The classic style of the YSL bag has ensured that it continues to trend even today.
Roomy and, versatile, the Collège bag is one for all-day wear. This YSL bag is often a first-time Saint Laurent purchase for many. We can see why.
Best for: Multifunctional versatility.
YSL Le Maillon
Translated to “link” from French, you can be sure Le Maillon is not the weakest link on our list. The gold chain-linked hardware at the front of the bag models its name perfectly.
Inspired by vintage leather satchels, Le Maillon’s design is elegant and practical at the same time. Giving off vintage vibes with a modern appeal. Le Maillon is an organizer’s dream with plenty of pockets to keep your belongings in place.
Best for: Linking together all your looks.
YSL Gaby
The Gaby shoulder bag comes in a boxy silhouette and features all the signature finishes that makeup Saint Laurent’s handbags. From the gold YSL logo upfront to the chevron-quilted leather, this is another firm favorite among Saint Laurent fans.
We don’t often like to use “pretty functional” in the same sentence but Gaby is just that. A pretty number that’s functional enough for a good day out. The oh-so-stylish look of Gaby has got us obsessed.
Best for: A new fixation for every bagaholic.
YSL Jamie
Initially available in black and red leather, the Jamie bag from YSL evolved to add-on jersey-wool versions. Complete with patchwork quilting for added character and unique flair. Jamie can go from a casual brunch to a formal dinner without batting an eyelid.
The soft fabric makes it irresistibly huggable. A hug that’s there to comfort you after one too many shopping sprees. We’re crushing on Jamie as our next favorite investment piece.
Best for: Bags of comfort.
YSL Chain Wallet
Just as the name describes, YSL Chain Wallet is a wallet with a chain attachment. Ideal for times when you just need your wallet, without compromising on style. It can be carried on the shoulder too…without feeling chained down.
Remove the straps and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous wallet to carry in your tote or roomier handbag. The YSL Chain Wallet is the perfect way to round off your Saint Laurent handbag collection.
Best for: Chaining together your YSL collection.
The history of YSL
Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 in Paris, France, by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The luxury fashion house started out as Yves Saint Laurent and has since evolved to Saint Laurent all while preserving the iconic YSL logo.
Starting out as an haute couture house, the brand shifted into ready-to-wear five years later. In 1966 Saint Laurent revolutionized the idea of menswear as womenswear with the introduction of the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo suit.
Over the years the luxury house has seen a host of celebrated creative directors heading the brand. From Tom Ford and Alber Elbaz to Hedi Slimane and currently, Anthony Vaccarello. Saint Laurent represents an edgy style celebrated not only by the masses but loved by celebrities alike.
How much does a YSL bag cost?
YSL bags currently retail from $675 for a YSL clutch up to $7,100 for a YSL shoulder bag. If the pricing seems out of reach for your favorite style of YSL bag take heed, there are alternative options.
Check out the wide selection of pre-owned YSL bags on Farfetch and Fashionphile. The style of YSL bag you’re looking for could be yours at a fraction of the cost of the new bags. Bag your piece of pre-owned luxury.
Frequently asked questions about the best YSL bags
Yes, YSL is one of the fashion labels that hold their value. Classic seasonless styles like the Loulou and Sac de Jour bags have a good resale value. Check our round-up of the best YSL bags to invest in to see the full ranking.
Yes, the YSL brand has been around since the 60s and creates timeless, classic styles. Their signature bags are made of luxurious quilted leather which has become style staples in every woman’s closet.
Yes, YSL is a French luxury fashion house founded in 1961.
YSL bags are made in Florence, Italy at the YSL manufacturing facility along with all other leather items made by YSL.
