I consulted with the experts, and we all agree that this unexpected bag trend will be the upcoming major trend.
Since Matthew Macfadyen’s clever character Tom Wambsgans introduced the idea of a “ludicrously capacious” bag in the final season of HBO’s Succession, fashion insiders have increasingly celebrated the benefits of an oversized tote bag. Naturally spacious and endorsed by celebrities—just look at Jacob Elordi's collection of oversized intrecciato-leather Bottega Veneta bags for evidence—these large utilitarian accessories have become emblematic of the effortlessly chic look that's currently dominating the style scene. However, for 2026, a more defined approach is emerging, inspired by a certain profession: the doctor's bag.
(Image credit: The Row)When I first heard whispers about the doctor’s-bag trend, I envisioned a classic, sterile design filled with medical instruments like stethoscopes, thermometers, and that rather absurd reflex hammer. Initially, after spotting this trend in cult second-hand fashion platform The RealReal’s annual luxury resale report, I found it difficult to grasp the style being identified as the next big thing. Was the suggestion really to carry something reminiscent of what Meredith Grey or Nurse Ratched would use? Not quite.
What Is the Doctor's-Bag Trend?Speaking with Noelle Sciacca, associate director of fashion and strategic partnerships at The RealReal, she clarified that doctor’s bags are "a structured style with a true rectangle shape, typically featuring a zipper closure and shorter double strap handles." Certainly less clinical and much more refined than I had imagined. Sciacca mentioned that the shape of the doctor’s bag is a common thread linking many popular emerging styles, with "average selling prices and searches increasing by 25% and 24% this year, respectively."
The Hermès Plume has been identified by The RealReal as a must-watch item, with the French luxury brand recently reviving the style for its spring/summer 2025 runway. (Image credit: The Row)In an era where wellness culture is on the rise—the industry is projected to reach USD $9 trillion by 2028—it makes sense that a style with medical roots would achieve unprecedented demand. If we examine the designers leading this trend, it's clear that this concept has been explored for some time. "I attribute the resurgence of the doctor’s bag to the launch of Miu Miu’s Beau bag," says Sciacca. "The brand has a talent for presenting accessories in ways that generate viral interest for specific styles."
The Beau remains one of Miu Miu's best sellers and regularly appears in the brand's new-season lines, as demonstrated in the autumn/winter 2024 presentation titled Individual Moments. (Image credit: The Row)However, even prior to the spring/summer 2023 collection that introduced the bag, Miuccia Prada had been delving into the idea of uniform dressing through healthcare-inspired designs. For example, Prada's autumn/winter 2023 show, aptly named Take Care, transformed nurses' skirts into something visually poetic through the addition of embellished rosettes.
Miuccia Prada stated in the show's notes that she was experimenting with "the beauty of care, love, and reality." (Image credit: The Row)While I'm not implying that those embracing this trend are intentionally challenging the GP dress code, I can't help but see a connection between the rise of the doctor's bag and the post-pandemic world we inhabit today. After all, aren’t we more conscious of hygiene now than ever before? Particularly in London, I believe this bag style is ideal for individuals who meticulously apply hand sanitizer after commuting and take daily gut-health shots to maximize their immunity.
So, without further delay, keep scrolling for the best doctor's bags to shop now without needing to swear the Hippocratic Oath.
Shop the Doctor's-Bag Trend
COACH
Empire Carryall Bag 34
Following its debut on the Lyst Index of hottest products for the third quarter of 2025, I predict the Coach Empire Carryall will take center stage.
How could I create this edit without including the unparalleled original?
Prada
Bonnie Large Suede Handbag
Another early 2000s design making a comeback, the doctor's-bag trend aligns with our collective nostalgia for styles past, as Sciacca points out. "In a world inundated with messages about what's new and next, [these pieces] empower customers to curate their own fashion moments by revisiting eras and trends that resonate with their personal style."
Manu Atelier
Le Cambon 40 Vanilla
The stark white hue of Manu Atelier's beloved Le Cambon truly embraces this movement.
The Row
Marlo 14 Textured-Leather Tote
If you're seeking an alternative to the Margaux, consider its stylish successor, the Marlo.
The full-lined zip and wide wingspan are defining features of the trend, and Toteme executes both beautifully in this piece.
The Row
Astra Leather Shoulder
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