I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review.

I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review.

      During the peak of the slouchy leather bag trend in the summer of 2024, Coach launched a bag that marked the beginning of the brand's modern era: The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag. I realized it would become a sought-after item when supermodel Bella Hadid was seen wearing it repeatedly. As anticipated, it quickly went viral. Since its inception in 1941, Coach has adapted to each generation’s preferences. Over the years, the brand has maintained its classic essence while evolving with the changing fashion landscape. Coach has always been a staple in my home; my mother frequently took her monogrammed hobo bag from Coach whenever she left the house. Today, the brand has effortlessly aligned with current trends, and the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag exemplifies this progression.

      As a stylish Gen Z resident of NYC, I typically carry my entire life in my bags: laptop, phone, book, notebook, disposable camera, makeup pouch, and occasionally shoes. I appreciate a spacious bag. In 2022, my first year in the city, tote bags were in vogue, but I found them neither chic nor comfortable for carrying all my belongings. The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag caught my attention when it was first unveiled, and I became increasingly intrigued as I searched for a new everyday bag to invest in.

      Coach is recognized as a mid-range luxury brand that produces items that look expensive but remain accessible, with the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag priced under $500. I was interested in the bag's quality and how it would fit my personal style. Thus, I reached out to the Coach team to request a Brooklyn Shoulder Bag for a trial. I opted for the Merlot color in size 39 to step out of my comfort zone of black bags and test its spaciousness. Is it deserving of its viral status? Is it worth the price? My candid review addresses those inquiries.

      **The Stats**

      Brand: Coach

      Model: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag

      Materials: Leather

      Color: Merlot

      Hardware: Brushed gold hardware

      Measurements: 15.25in x 17.0in x 4.75in

      **My Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 Review**

      The leather on this bag is robust and structured with a flat base, unlike the typical soft leather and shapelessness found in other bags. It also feels light, primarily due to the wide strap and flat base. I usually experience shoulder discomfort from other bags, so I was pleasantly surprised when I placed the Brooklyn bag on my shoulder, fully loaded.

      My walks to the train didn’t leave me drenched in sweat from the NYC heat, thanks to the even weight distribution of my belongings in this bag. I even met friends for a chat session, which turned into a long walk. Normally, I'd leave my laptop at home before going out, but the bag's lightweight feel remained, even with my heavier items. We chatted and walked for about an hour and a half without breaking a sweat.

      The bag features a magnet closure that might not be everyone’s top choice for security, especially in a major city, but I find it easier to access than a zipper closure. I prefer to have my items quickly accessible, as NYC moves at a rapid pace. I kept my smaller essentials—deodorant, cards, hand sanitizer, chargers, etc.—in the inner pouch, which closes with a gold hardware button. This was convenient for quickly grabbing my metro card or lip gloss when needed. The pouch is also spacious, so I didn't have to rummage excessively for my belongings.

      Traveling by train with a large, structured bag isn’t too challenging when standing, though don’t expect someone to offer a seat for your bag. On my lap, the bag feels a bit awkward, particularly because I'm petite. If you are under 5’4”, it may appear somewhat oversized on you. I’m 5’, but I’m willing to sacrifice a bit of aesthetics for comfort and practicality.

      **Pros:** Spacious, stylish, modern design, durable material, reasonable price

      **Cons:** Might be too large for petite shoppers

      **My Final Thoughts**

      Aside from possibly being too big for my petite frame, I believe this bag is perfectly suited for someone who is always on the move or commuting in a city. There is also a smaller version, size 28, but after testing the size 39—which accommodates everything I need daily—I doubt the smaller option would suffice for someone working in an urban environment. The stiffer, sturdier leather makes it convenient to navigate the city without shoulder strain, which was a significant advantage for me.

      It’s clear why this bag gained viral popularity; the quality-to-price ratio is exceptional. Its shape is modern, exudes a sense of luxury, and remains casual enough for day-to-day wear. Given the leather's quality, I can see this bag lasting for years with proper care. Overall, I would recommend this bag to anyone seeking a roomy,

I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review. I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review.

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I Tried the Coach It Bag, Now a Classic, for 48 Hours—Here’s My Genuine Review.

If the popular Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag has caught your attention, I’ve examined it to determine its suitability as an everyday bag. Discover the results here.