The 21 Best Dumpling Bags of 2023

Apr 21, 2024

Celebrities from Jennifer Lawrence to Kendall Jenner have been sporting the popular style

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Gotham / GC Images; Amazon

There’s a mystique that comes with a person’s handbag — whether stars are toting tiny nano purses or filming “what’s in my bag?” YouTube videos, there’s a certain fascination around what makes up someone’s go-to bag. And recently, the fashion side of TikTok has come to a conclusion that Beyond the Vines’ dumpling bag, an adjustable, water-resistant nylon crossbody, may just be the new it-bag that everyone needs in their lives.

Touting thousands of likes on videos showing off just how much you can squeeze into these little dumpling bags, shoppers are raving about the micro dumpling bag for its deceptive capacity and undeniably stylish design. Even celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence are wearing versions of these cinched bags, from the slouchy Simon Miller Lopsy bag and Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch that Kendall Jenner often styles.

“Dumpling bags are trending right now because they are an easy and relaxed style while still being polished,” says Cameron Quittner, celebrity stylist to Niall Horan and Hailey Bieber. “Consumers may be reaching for this casually chic bag over others because it completes a look while still keeping it fresh and on-trend.” The verdict? Everyone’s tired of being so structured — they’re leaning into easy and effortless.

While splashing out on one of these luxury brands would be fun, we’ve found similar styles for a whole lot less than their designer counterparts. Keep reading to discover the best dumpling bag alternatives, from Amazon to Madewell and beyond.

Amazon

This bag is great for someone who wants to adopt the dumpling bag trend into their own wardrobes at a budget-friendly price (and channel Jennifer Lawrence’s gold bag style).

It’s less ideal for shoppers who are looking for something with a zipper closure and a removable crossbody strap.

Move aside, structured bags, because this pillowy pouch is getting added to our shopping carts immediately. This gathered clutch throws the notion that bags should have “shape” out of the window and lends itself to a relaxed frame, fluffed up by a softly pleated exterior and sealed with a lined, metal closure. We’re loving the pebbled (faux) leather texture that this bag touts, and it even comes in a collection of five chromatic colors to compliment any outfit. It also features a thin strap so you can sling it over your shoulder as a crossbody and head out the door — turning heads with every step.

Price at time of publish: $16.94

Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 3.5 inches | Material: Polyurethane | Colors: 5 | Details: Permanent crossbody strap

Amazon

Shoppers who are looking for a metallic bag that comes in different sizes (small and medium) will love this stylish pouch.

This bag isn’t great for people who are leaning towards a neutral or more everyday bag.

Anyone looking to add a pop of metal (or Barbie pink) into their wardrobe will be enamored of the Bisadon dumpling clutch. These bags are made from textured faux leather to add extra dimension to their already abstract shape, ensuring that this bag will always catch the light no matter where it’s toted. You can even get these styles in a small or medium size, which offers more options for personal wear (the medium bag for those days when you have a ton of things to carry, and small for a nano purse moment). The strap is another advantage, as you can adjust the length for a shoulder or crossbody bag style, or completely remove it for a night-out clutch. The possibilities? Endless.

Price at time of publish: $30.99

Dimensions: 8.3 x 1.6 x 4.3 inches (small), 14.6 x 3.5 x 7.9 inches (medium) | Material: Polyurethane | Colors: 3 | Details: Detachable adjustable strap, various sizes

Amazon

This bag is good for the minimalist who appreciates a classic shoulder bag — but with a fun twist.

Its non-removable straps make this style not ideal for someone on the hunt for a clutch.

Shoulder bag lovers, rejoice — we just found the perfect version of the dumpling bag trend for you. Complete with a shoulder strap and vegan leather body, this slim purse takes a twist on the dumpling style with a gathered bottom. Its exterior is separated into two panels and ruched along the hemline to form the pillowy silhouette that we love and closes with a zipper for extra security. You can even adjust the length of the shoulder strap with a buckle along the side, which allows it to be as short or long of a strap as you desire. And did we mention that it comes in nine pastel and neutral shades, plus one version in cheetah print? It doesn’t get better than this.

Price at time of publish: $32.99

Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.1 x 7.8 inches | Material: Vegan leather | Colors: 10 | Details: Adjustable strap, zipper closure

Amazon

We like this bag for people on-the-go who are looking for a stylish bag that can double as a catch-all tote.

It’s not great for someone looking for a small bag for fancy events.

Sticking with the shoulder bag theme is the Janelle Croissant from Amazon’s The Drop, a faux leather (smaller-scale) tote that looks far more expensive than it actually is. This slouchy bag features a gathered design and seals together with a snap closure, keeping your items safe in the deep pocket of this bag while you go about your day. While the bag itself is quite bigger than some of the others we’ve looked at, it can certainly hold more — making this a great option for people who need a bag that can hold everything they need from day to night (while still looking impossibly chic). Snag it in three colors, tan, black, and light gray, for an everyday bag that will elevate any outfit.

Price at time of publish: $49.90

Dimensions: 15.25 x 9.75 x 3 inches | Material: Polyurethane | Colors: 3 | Details: Shoulder strap, snap closure

Amazon

We think that shoppers who want to get the crosshatch look made popular by luxury fashion designers for less will love this bag.

Shoppers set on the idea of a shoulder bag design.

Whether you’re headed on a vacation or a date, it’s fun to bring along an untraditional purse that adds a bit of texture to your outfit — and that’s exactly what this woven pouch provides. Its crosshatched design feels reminiscent of the Bottega Veneta mini leather pouch, just at a much lower price. We appreciated the several colors that it came in, from punchy pastels to silvery chromes, and liked that its straps were removable (and that it even came with a detachable chain strap, if you wanted it to be a little dressier).This is the perfect woven option for someone looking for a pouch bag rather than a shoulder style.

Price at time of publish: $32.99 (orig. $38.99)

Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.7 x 5.9 inches. | Material: Polyurethane | Colors: 14 | Details: Removable and adjustable straps, additional detachable chain

Uniqlo

Its utilitarian design is great for someone who wants something a little bigger and more functional.

This fold-over style is not great for the fashion-lover looking for a dainty, fun purse.

Those old drawstring bags you used to wear to gym class? Yeah, they’re back — just in a much cooler, crossbody style. These slouchy bags from Uniqlo give a new meaning to the name “dumpling bag” with its cinch-top closure and single carrying strap, which replaces the backpack drawstrings from ye old days of P.E. class and college orientation. It features an inside zipper pocket and has a little more functionality than the others we’ve looked at thanks to its dimensions, which are large enough to fit a laptop, wallet, and even a reusable water bottle (basically a bookbag). For the student or busy commuter, this bag is the ideal way to incorporate this hot trend.

Price at time of publish: $39.90

Dimensions: 44.5 x 19.3 x 23.6 inches | Material: Polyester, cotton, nylon | Colors: 3 | Details: Drawstring closure, adjustable crossbody/shoulder strap

Charles & Keith

This hobo-style bag is great for someone who wants a larger bag without the look of a tote.

It’s not ideal for shoppers who are looking for a true nano bag, as it's fairly spacious.

Need just a bit more space in that dumpling bag of yours, but don’t want to lose the adorable pouch look? This ruched hobo bag from Charles & Keith checks all of those boxes, featuring a nearly 15-inch long body with a wide-capacity inside to hold all of your essentials. There’s even a zipper pocket inside to keep your keys and wallet extra safe as you zip around, and a snap closure to secure all the rest. We love its cinching straps that decorate the hemline of the bag, which you can pull to cinch the top taut into a plush dumpling shape before slinging it over your shoulder. And it comes in baby blue and black — need we say more?

Price at time of publish: $83

Dimensions: 11 x 14.76 x 11 inches | Colors: 3 | Details: Shoulder strap, cinch closure

Amazon

Its accent handle makes this bag great for anyone who wants a unique take on the classic pouch.

We don’t think shoppers who are looking for an adjustable or detachable strap would be too thrilled with its permanent ring handle.

Sometimes you need a purse in between a shoulder bag and a clutch, but where do you find such a thing? Behold, the Verdusa pouch bag — a delicately gathered, faux leather bag with an acrylic handle and several color options. Teetering the line between a clutch and a wristlet, this teeny bag (and we do mean teeny, it’s just 5 x 9 inches), can snugly fit a phone, card holder, and a lipstick or two inside before snapping shut at the top. It’s available in two colors in a smooth, leather-like material, two crosshatch fabrics, and one metallic faux-croc fabric. When your outfit is needing one last statement piece, you can add this tiny purse as functional jewelry.

Price at time of publish: $22.99

Dimensions: 8.9 x 2.2 x 5 inches (not including handle) | Material: Faux leather, polyester | Colors: 5 | Details: Round handle, snap closure

Charles & Keith

This Charles & Keith option is great for the shopper who wants a more casual version of the dumpling bag.

It’s not a small bag, so someone valuing the trendy tiny size over storage won’t be impressed by this one.

These gathered bags have the tendency to make your ‘fit look a little dressy without even trying — so in order to get the most use out of your dumpling bag, you may want to go for something like the Charles & Keith Ally. This slouchy bag comes with a comfortable shoulder strap and ruched opening, which can be magnetically closed to protect your belongings. Its plush material is accented by a conjoining center seam, which draws your eye to its dumpling-esque top and elevates this otherwise traditional shoulder bag. Whether you’re dressing up your jeans-and-a-tee outfit to run to the store or toting this bag to work, you’ll be sure to stand out in a sea of drab bags.

Price at time of publish: $59

Dimensions: 8.27 x 3.15 x 5.9 inches | Material: Faux leather | Colors: 7 | Details: Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, magnetic closure

Madewell

This larger pouch is great for people who like to operate hands-free.

It’s not the best option for someone who wants a small-scale dumpling bag.

If crossbody bags are the name of your game, then you’ll love what the Piazza bag from Madewell has to offer. Its boxy shape is still able to be cinched at the top, giving it the slouchy look that we know and love. Plus, its leather material makes for a supple, shiny surface that catches the light with every pleat and pucker. But what’s even better about this bag is the ability to pack a ton of all-day essentials into it — from phones to wallets, makeup products, and more. Grab it in one of its three classic shades while it’s on sale.

Price at time of publish: $89.99

Dimensions: 9 x 3 x 9.5 inches | Material: Leather | Colors: 3 | Details: Dual handles — short carrying straps and one detachable/adjustable crossbody strap, drawstring, magnetic closure

Ssense

This one is great for someone who wants to invest in a high-quality bag that both looks and feels expensive (without having to splurge too much).

If you’re looking to stay under $100 for your new purse purchase, this one won’t quite fit the bill.

When it comes to Quittner, her handbag rules are simple: easy to style, transitional, and functional. She recommends the Nothing Written Black Nella Bag as an everyday bag that can go with any outfit and slide right into anyone’s wardrobe thanks to its neutral shade and simple design. While the lambskin leather that constructs this bag makes it look far more expensive than it is, the stylist was drawn to this style for its versatility.

“I always recommend my clients invest in what's right for their lifestyle as well as pieces that can easily rotate with various looks in their closet,” she says. With its drawstring closure, adjustable straps, and easy for everyday (yet anything but ordinary), this little black bag is certainly stylist-approved.

Price at time of publish: $210

Dimensions: 6 x 10 inches | Material: Lambskin | Colors: 2 | Details: Twin leather drawstring straps

Mango

This bag is perfect for someone with a fun event to go to that requires a little dressing up.

It’s not ideal for someone looking for an everyday, go-to bag since it’s more dressy than casual.

Casual bags are nice to have, but they just won’t cut it when your next nice event rolls around. So whether you have a wedding or especially fancy date night in your future, you may want to turn your attention to this quilted dumpling bag from Mango. This crossbody is decked out in elegant, faux leather pleats and a delicate chain strap, and available in an ivory and gold combo or all-silver facade, depending on your preference. Its zipper closure ensures that your belongings will stay neatly tucked away all night long as your bag steals the spotlight.

Price at time of publish: $45.99

Dimensions: 9.84 x 5.12 x 2.36 inches | Material: Polyurethane, polyester | Colors: 2 | Details: Detachable chain strap, zipper closure

Reformation

This tiny bag is great for someone looking to lean into the nano bag trend while experimenting with a fun shape.

If you carry a wallet larger than a card holder, you won’t be able to fit it in this triangular structure

A dumpling bag with fun colors that can transform its shape depending on your outfit? It sounds like a figment of your imagination, but it’s really just the Mini Chiara Convertible Bag from Reformation. This small bag can be worn differently depending on which way you have it closed — whether that’s open (creating a V-shape) with the drawstring laying loosely or drawn taut, molding the bag into a dumpling shape. Two ways to style, two funky silhouettes, and one price for a bag that can be worn in several different ways.

Price at time of publish: $248

Dimensions: 6.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Material: Nappa leather | Colors: 10 | Details: Drawstring, wristlet strap

Clare V.

This bag is great for someone looking to add a pop of color that can work year-round into their outfits.

Due to its small size, this bag wouldn’t be the best for someone looking to stuff their bag with a ton of essentials.

Pops of color are everything to celebrity stylist Chelsea Volpe, and this strappy pouch is the perfect bag to liven up your wardrobe, no matter what time of year. Volpe describes this pouch as “flirty, young and fresh for a festive dumpling bag,” lauding it’s shamrock hue for its wearability. “It's a knockout transitional color from spring to summer and summer to early fall,” she says. Made to fit a phone, keys, your wallet and your favorite lippie, this bag is all you need for a day on your feet.

Price at time of publish: $299

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5.25 x 7 inches | Material: Lambskin, chambray | Colors: 1 | Details: Permanent straps, drawstring, snap closure

J.Crew

This bag is perfect for someone looking for that last piece to pull together an evening look for an upscale event without having to splurge.

Because of its crystal-encrusted facing, this purse won’t be the best option for someone looking for an accessory for day-to-day things, like running errands or going to the office

Some bags should be functional enough to take on your day-to-day life, but others should be a little more fun — and this crystal-studded bag from J.Crew is the perfect way to tie together a black-tie ensemble. Volpe recommends this style because it’s basic enough to fit many upscale outfits, but not so outlandish that it detracts from the rest of your outfit. Think of this sparkling wristlet as an extension of your jewelry, dangling from your wrist like an elaborate bracelet (that can conveniently carry all of your night-out essentials in).

Price at time of publish: $98

Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x 8 inches | Material: Polyester | Colors: 1 | Details: Fold-over carrying handles, snap closure

Revolve

This clutch is a unique and fun way to incorporate metallics into your wardrobe without dedicating an entire outfit to it.

It only comes in one color, which may not fit everyone's wardrobe or style.

Anyone in need of a party purse? This clamshell-looking clutch from 8 Other Reasons looks like a bag fit for Dua Lipa’s mermaid in Barbie and feels perfect for a night out — especially according to Volpe. “Metallics are a huge hit for the fiery summer months,” she says. She credits pinks, blues, greens, and golden chromes as a colorful way to modernize your purse collection while embracing the trendy dumpling bag silhouette.

Price at time of publish: $179

Dimensions: 13.75 x 2.5 x 8.5 inches | Material: Faux leather | Colors: 1 | Details: Magnetic closure, detachable and adjustable shoulder strap

Etsy

This pillowy pouch is perfect for someone who wants replicate the look of a designer bag (at a much lower price).

You won’t get much in terms of interior storage, like pockets, so this won’t be preferable to an organizationalist.

No, your eyes don’t deceive you — this bag is shockingly similar to the Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch that we often see Kendall Jenner sporting. From its gathered closure to its cinch straps and long, monochromatic strap, this purse bears a striking resemblance to its luxury lookalike, just at a much lower price. We appreciated this bag’s upscale look without the price tag to match, and loved the option to choose from a variety of colors: autumnal shades like wine, green, and black, to name a few. If you have designer taste but not the designer checking account to match, then this bag could be the one for you.

Price at time of publish: $67.60 (orig. $87.79)

Dimensions: 8.66 x 2.75 x 5.11 inches | Material: Faux leather | Colors: 5 | Details: Shoulder strap

Diggzy / Jesal / Shutterstock

Nordstrom

This clutch is great for someone who is looking for a well-made, unique clutch that has the classic look with a modern shape.

This one doesn’t come with a detachable strap, so shoppers who want the option to wear their bags crossbody won’t be able to with this one.

Taking a traditional spin on the modern dumpling bag is Rebecca Minkoff’s faux leather clutch, a sleek, gathered bag that features intricately woven fabric and a statement tassel. Its deep and spacious interior features a zippered pocket and the bag can be securely fastened by the tassel-adorned outer zipper, which matches the bag’s dusty lilac shade. Its crosshatched weave bears a slight resemblance to the Bottega Veneta Teen Pouch that model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley often dons, which makes us love this stylish pouch even more. Pair your clutch with your best tweed suit set or use it as your statement piece to dress up a casual evening outfit. Plus, it's currently on sale in different hues and textures at various retailers if you want to switch it up.

Price at time of publish: $76.80+ (orig. $198)

Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 6.5 inches | Material: Polyurethane, cotton | Colors: 1 | Details: Statement tassel, zipper closure

Banana Republic

This bucket bag is ideal for someone who’s looking for an elevated version of a drawstring bag

This may not be the best option for someone looking for a larger-capacity bag (it’s deceptively small)

We know and love bucket bags for their ability to hold a surprising amount of stuff while maintaining a cute shape, and this version from Banana Republic is essentially the bucket’s older, cooler sibling. This teeny bag is only 6 by 6 inches, but its silhouette is up to you, thanks to the adjustable drawstring. You can choose to wear it cinched like a true dumpling bag or open for the full bucket effect, and sling its long, knotted straps over as a crossbody or wear it like a shoulder bag. Plus, it’s made with buttery genuine leather and lined with ultra suede, a purely polyester interior, for a superior look and feel. This is surely the dumpling bag in its final, grown-up form.

Price at time of publish: $179.99 (orig. $220)

Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 25 inches | Material: Leather, suede | Colors: 1 | Details: Drawstring closure

Cult Gaia

This bag is great for someone who wants to splurge a little bit in order to get an elevated everyday bag that they can use for years to come.

As its price is a little higher than some others, this bag isn’t the best option for someone who’s looking for a budget-friendly buy.

If you’re looking for something a little more structured and suitable for everyday use (without being boring), this Cult Gaia bag is the perfect contender for the job. Volpe calls this croissant-shaped bag as being one of her favorites because of its phenomenal quality. “The gold hardware detailing is exceptionally well done and perfectly placed — tasteful, trendy, and refined,” she quips. If you’re looking for a purse with equal parts style and quality, this shoulder bag is well worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $498

Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.3 x 10 inches | Material: Leather, polyester, polyurethane | Colors: 1 | Details: Magnetic closure, decorative hardware

Ganni

This handbag is great for the fashion-lover who wants to invest in a durable bag that sets itself apart from the crowd with luxe details and sustainable materials.

We don’t think a cost-conscious shopper would be the most attracted to this bag’s steeper price tag.

The epitome of elevated everyday — that’s how we’d define the Ganni Bou Bag. This purse is on the more wearable side of things, made from a soft leather fabric in a caramel hue that will keep this bag looking perfectly in-style for years on end. Volpe highlights this bag for its versatile shade, calling it the “perfect bag” for things like the office or a casual brunch. “Neutral tones create an elevated, chic, and timeless look which is easy to pair with anything — from your oversized boyfriend-jeans to your ultra-feminine lace mini,” she says. Its unique, strappy accents, recycled materials, and general versatility make this bag one we wouldn’t think twice about splurging on.

Price at time of publish: $445

Dimensions: 11.8 x 4.9 x 5.5 inches | Material: Recycled leather | Colors: 7 | Details: Interior organizational compartments, magnetic closure, card pocket, detachable and adjustable shoulder strap

As with any bag, a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you search for that perfect dumpling bag are the design features that make up your pouch. From interior pockets to closures and more, there’s a myriad of features that make each bag unique. Bags like the Uniqlo U Drawstring Shoulder Bag are more functional, offering interior zipper pockets and a fold-over closure (plus a ton of space inside) for all of the things you need, whereas the Banana Republic Pietra Bucket Bag, with its lax drawstring closure and small interior, is a bit more for show (though you can certainly stow your wallet and phone inside).

There’s no set fabric that these kinds of bags are made from, as this gathered look can be achieved with so many different kinds — from leather to tweed and so many in between. But more flexible fabrics are often the ones that designers will reach for to achieve the most pillowy look. “I like a dumpling bag to be slouchy and any soft material like suede or leather,” says Elisabeth Kassab, the creator of StylistCheck. “To literally look like a dumpling!”

A “dumpling bag” is the loose term we’re coining these slouchy bags with, because these styles really do come in endless shapes and sizes. From seashell-like clutches (think: Rebecca Minkoff’s Ruched Faux Leather Clutch) to softly-pleated baguette bags, there’s a world of dumpling-esque options out there for you. It’s also important to take into consideration the way you wear your bags — whether you prefer crossbody styles, large carry-all bags, or clutches that can be transformed with a detachable strap. After all, versatility is key.

“I’m seeing lots of circular styles and top handle dumpling bags — very small in size as well,” Kassab says. She calls out this rounded bag from Alva, decorated with a twisted handle and buttery blue suede, as a style she particularly loves.

Dumpling bags are any sort of purse that feature a pouch-like structure and a cinched top — forming the shape of a traditional dumpling. These bags come in various sizes and styles, but they all feature a gathered element or type of cinched closure.

Dumpling bags are rising in popularity because of a few notable names on social media, such as Beyond the Vines and Uniqlo, but stylists believe that there’s a few other reasons behind the fame. “I think dumpling bags are trending right now because of how effortless and minimal they are,” says Kassab. “No logos, no hardware, so easy to style. They go with anything.”

While prices and affordability look completely different to every shopper, we think that generally, this is a look that you can attain for (normally) under $200. Our lowest-priced pick, the Ankomina Dumpling Bag, goes for just $17 while a more expensive option, like the Banana Republic Pietra, is on sale for $180. There’s truly no price on style, so whichever style sparks joy in you (and fits your budget) is the one that you should pick when it comes to the price tag.

“I would keep the rest of the look pretty minimal so that the bag is the star of the show,” Quittner suggests. “A pair of vintage jeans, with a tank, button down, sunglasses, and kitten heels is always my go-to,” she adds, a look that you can take straight from the office to happy hour. “When you identify your uniform, but rotate unique accessories like bags, belts, and sunglasses the possibilities are endless.”

Alyssa Brascia is a commerce writer at PEOPLE with an expertise in beauty and fashion. She has previously written commerce content for Dotdash Meredith brands such as InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and more during her time as the E-Commerce Editorial Apprentice while she was an undergraduate fashion student at Iowa State University. For this article, she tapped Elisabeth Kassab, stylist and founder of StylistCheck, as well as celebrity stylists Cameron Quittner and Chelsea Volpe, to get expert insight as to why these bags are making a splash in the world of fashion right now — and how you can achieve the celebrity-approved look for less.