I spoke with the experts, and we all concur that this unexpected bag trend is set to become the next major phenomenon.

      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 experts have been increasingly advocating for the benefits of oversized tote bags. Naturally spacious and endorsed by celebrities—Jacob Elordi's collection of oversized intrecciato-leather Bottega Veneta bags exemplifies this popularity—these large, practical accessories have come to embody the effortlessly chic style that is currently in vogue. However, for 2026, a more distinct influence is emerging as a specific profession shapes the latest bag trend. It’s no longer secretarial top-handles or upper-class lawyer briefcases; it's the doctor's bag.

      When I first heard about the rise of the doctor’s-bag trend, I immediately pictured an outdated, clinical design filled with medical items like stethoscopes, thermometers, and that comically silly reflex hammer for testing knee reflexes. After recognizing this trend in The RealReal’s annual luxury resale report, I struggled to grasp the style being hinted at as the next major trend. Were we really expected to carry bags reminiscent of what Meredith Grey or Nurse Ratched would use at work? Not quite.

      In discussing this trend with Noelle Sciacca, the associate director of fashion and strategic partnerships at The RealReal, she clarified that doctor’s bags have "a structured style with a true rectangular shape and typically feature a zipper closure along with shorter double strap handles." These bags are certainly more sophisticated and less sterile than I had imagined. According to Sciacca, the doctor’s bag's shape is the common denominator connecting some of the most sought-after emerging styles, with "average selling prices and searches up 25% and 24% this year, respectively."

      The Hermès Plume is identified by The RealReal as a key item to watch, and the French luxury brand recently reintroduced the style as part of its spring/summer 2025 runway collection. In a time when wellness culture is on the rise—the industry is projected to reach USD $9 trillion by 2028—it makes sense that a style rooted in medicine is experiencing unprecedented demand. If you examine the designers leading this trend, it becomes clear that they have been exploring this concept for some time.

      “I credit Miu Miu’s Beau bag with reigniting interest in the doctor’s bag," says Sciacca. “The brand has a talent for presenting accessories that create viral demand for specific styles." The Beau remains one of Miu Miu's top sellers and consistently appears in the new-season collections, as showcased in the autumn/winter 2024 presentation titled Individual Moments.

      However, long before the spring/summer 2023 collection introduced this bag, Miuccia Prada was already experimenting with the idea of uniform dressing inspired by healthcare. For instance, Prada’s autumn/winter 2023 show, aptly named Take Care, transformed nurses' skirts into visually poetic creations with the addition of embellished rosettes.

      Miuccia Prada articulated in the show notes that she was probing into "the beauty of care, of love, of reality." While I’m not implying that trend adopters are deliberately subverting the doctor's dress code, I can't help but see a correlation between the rise of the doctor’s bag and our contemporary post-pandemic world. After all, aren’t we now more conscious of hygiene than ever? Particularly in London, this bag style seems ideal for someone who methodically applies hand sanitizer after their commute and consumes a daily gut-health shot to maintain peak immunity.

      So, without further ado, continue scrolling to discover the best doctor's bags to shop now—no Hippocratic Oath required.

      Shop the Doctor's-Bag Trend

      **COACH**

      Empire Carryall Bag 34

      After appearing on the Lyst Index for the hottest products in the third quarter of 2025, I predict the Coach Empire Carryall will become dominant.

      How could I create this selection without including the iconic original?

      **Prada**

      Bonnie Large Suede Handbag

      Another early 2000s style making a comeback, the doctor's-bag trend perfectly aligns with our collective nostalgia, as Sciacca notes. "In a world saturated with messages about what's new, [these items] empower customers to curate their fashion moments, revisiting styles that resonate with them."

      **Manu Atelier**

      Le Cambon 40 Vanilla

      The bright white tone of Manu Atelier's Le Cambon aligns well with the movement.

      **The Row**

      Marlo 14 Textured-Leather Tote

      If you seek an alternative to the Margaux, consider the chic successor, the Marlo.

      The fully lined zip and generous wingspan are defining traits of the trend, beautifully rendered in this piece by Toteme.

      **The Row**

      Astra Leather Shoulder Bag

      For those attempting this trend, a boxier shape is preferable.