You can tell a lot about a person based on the bag they carry. Consider then, that woven leather bags are the most discerning and sophisticated accessory to tote, signalling that the wearer is quietly elegant, a little bit mysterious and someone who favours the finer things in life.

For example, the personality of the individual who styles a chintzy shoulder bag showcasing the designer logo du jour is a true maximalist at heart and someone who likes to have the most cherished pieces of their wardrobe at arm’s length.

The newfound adoration for the east-west bags indicates a nostalgia for the sleek minimalism associated with ‘90s fashion and that, as is often the case, less really does equal more. (As Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off”. The same principle applies to your bag, meaning you should always carry as little as possible, especially for spontaneity’s sake.)

Woven leather bags fall on the other end of the spectrum.

A woven leather bag is an accessory that is made out of leather that has been plaited together to create a shape. The practice of weaving is a customary tradition found all around the world, with its roots traced back as early as 12,000 years ago. Demure by make, they reveal very little about the owner other than they prioritise craftsmanship and enjoy their fashion to be truly timeless.

Like how the quiet luxury aesthetic introduced us all to the concept that a certain inconspicuous stitch is the tell-tale sign that a basic wardrobe item is actually a lavish designer purchase, the entwined motif points to a palette that’s averse to trends and places a higher value on discrete clothing.

You need only look to the adopters of the woven leather bag to understand its widespread popularity and how considerably "in" style it is for 2025. Bottega Veneta is the leader of this silhouette, pioneering the use of Intrecciato (that’s Italian for "braided") leather in the luxury space

Countless contemporary brands have followed suit, too. Australia’s leader in refined tailoring and city-meets-coastal supermodel off-duty staples, St. Agni has made this one of its signatures. “We first started creating woven leather goods over 10 years ago, and it’s remained a core part of our identity ever since,” tells me over email from her studio in Byron Bay. Counting Kendall Jenner and Meghan Markle as customers, explains that, like everything the brand does, St. Agni’s woven leather bags prioritise exceptional workmanship and traditional techniques.

“While we were initially drawn to weaving for its more classic, artisanal feel, over time it’s evolved into something more polished and modern. I love the tactile texture it adds to an overall outfit—it brings a sense of depth and quiet complexity to even the simplest look.” Closer to home, Dune and Dragon Diffusion have become synonymous with creating the best woven leather bags, especially since their pieces have been adopted by the celebrity style set and spotted on the arms of Bella Hadid and Ashley Olsen.

What I love most about the best woven leather bags is how easily they transition between seasons. In winter, when you’re bulking up in knitted layers and piling on gloves, the bag plays into the luxe leather staples associated with the season. In summer, the interlaced motif has a lightness to it, despite the heaviness of leather being quite antithetical to warmer months.

I’ve adopted my woven leather bag as the perfect in-between size for running errands. It elevates my work tote when I’m heading into the office, but also makes me look more sophisticated when I’m at the farmer’s market or heading to the park to read a book and drink chicken wine. (If you know, you know.)

agrees: “In summer, it pairs really nicely with light fabrics and relaxed looks—think linen sets or slip dresses. In winter, it adds texture to more structured pieces”. Ultimately, however, the rise in popularity of woven leather bags can be whittled down to the shape’s tactility. “People are looking for pieces that feel more thoughtful and well-made,” tells me.

“Woven leather has that handcrafted look and feel, and it stands out without being loud. It also works across seasons and styles, which makes it super versatile.” From expensive-looking versions on the high street to the investment pieces you’ll cherish forever, keep scrolling below for the 14 best woven leather bags handpicked for you.

Kendall Jenner wears a woven leather bag and a look from Bottega Veneta's autumn/winter 2022 collection to the US open.

Margot Robbie wears a woven leather bag while out in New York off-duty while promoting Barbie in 2023.

A woven leather bag from Bottega Veneta's spring/summer 2025 runway collection presented at Milan Fashion Week in September 2024.

A woven bag spotted on the Gabriela Hearst autumn/winter 2025 runway.

Style Notes: A Bottega Veneta woven leather bag designed by Matthieu Blazy, one of the final pieces designed by the Italain creative director for the house.

Ava Gilchrist is the SEO Writer at Who What Wear UK. Born in Sydney but now based in London, Ava has worked at some of the most prestigious women’s luxury and lifestyle publications including ELLE, Marie Claire and most recently GRAZIA where she held the title of Senior Fashion Features Writer. Ava has five years of industry experience, beginning her writing career after graduating with a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology, Sydney. Her words fuse style with substance, bringing readers insightful commentary on the latest fashion trends, runway shows, celebrity red carpet offerings, must-have shopping pieces, beauty hacks and pop cultural moments. As an editor, Ava has interviewed everyone from Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Emma Corrin and Stella McCartney.