I spoke with the experts, and we've all come to a consensus that this unexpected bag trend is poised to become the next major hit.

I spoke with the experts, and we've all come to a consensus that this unexpected bag trend is poised to become the next major hit.

      Since Matthew Macfadyen's clever character Tom Wambsgans brought up the idea of a "ludicrously capacious" bag in the final season of HBO's Succession, fashion insiders have increasingly acknowledged the advantages of oversized tote bags. These inherently spacious and celebrity-approved accessories—evident in Jacob Elordi’s collection of large intrecciato-leather Bottega Veneta bags—have come to symbolize the effortlessly elegant style that dominates today. However, as we look toward 2026, a specific influence is shaping this bag trend: the doctor’s bag.

      When I first heard about the rise of the doctor’s bag trend, I envisioned a vintage, clinical style filled with medical tools like stethoscopes and thermometers. Initially, I struggled to grasp the exact style being suggested as the next big thing after spotting this trend in The RealReal's annual luxury resale report. Was the data really encouraging us to carry something a character like Meredith Grey or Nurse Ratched would use? Not exactly.

      What Is the Doctor's-Bag Trend? Noelle Sciacca, associate director of fashion and strategic partnerships at The RealReal, clarifies that doctor’s bags are characterized by "a structured form with a genuine rectangular shape, typically featuring a zipper closure and shorter double strap handles." Certainly more refined and less clinical than I had imagined. Sciacca notes that the shape of doctor’s bags is a common element linking many of the emerging styles, with average selling prices and searches up 25% and 24% this year, respectively.

      The Hermès Plume has been highlighted by The RealReal as a key piece to watch, especially after the French luxury brand recently reissued it for the spring/summer 2025 runway. In an era where wellness culture is booming—the industry is projected to reach USD $9 trillion by 2028—it makes sense that a style rooted in medicine would see a surge in demand. Observing the designers leading this trend, it's clear that they've tapped into this idea for a while. “I attribute the revival of the doctor’s bag to Miu Miu’s Beau bag,” Sciacca asserts. “The brand has a talent for launching accessories in ways that create a viral demand for specific styles."

      The Beau remains one of Miu Miu's best-sellers, frequently appearing in the brand's new-season collections, as showcased in the autumn/winter 2024 presentation titled Individual Moments. Even prior to the spring/summer 2023 collection that introduced the bag, Miuccia Prada had been exploring uniform dressing through healthcare-inspired designs. For instance, her autumn/winter 2023 show, aptly named Take Care, transformed nurse skirts into visually stunning creations adorned with embellished rosettes.

      In her collection notes, Miuccia Prada mentioned that she was experimenting with "the beauty of care, love, and reality." While I’m not implying that those adopting this trend are consciously challenging the GP dress code, I can’t help but draw connections between the rise of the doctor’s bag and our current post-pandemic society. After all, aren't we more vigilant about hygiene than ever? Living in London, I think this bag style is perfect for someone who diligently applies anti-bacterial gel after commuting and consumes a daily gut-health shot to maximize their immune system.

      So, without further delay, keep scrolling for the best doctor's bags currently available without needing to take the Hippocratic Oath.

      Shop the Doctor's-Bag Trend:

      COACH

      Empire Carryall Bag 34

      After making 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.

      Prada

      Bonnie Large Suede Handbag

      Another early 2000s design that has made a comeback, the doctor's-bag trend resonates with our collective nostalgia for past styles, as Sciacca notes. "In a world inundated with messages about what's new and next, these pieces allow customers to curate their personal fashion moments, revisiting styles that resonate with them."

      Manu Atelier

      Le Cambon 40 Vanilla

      The bright white hue of Manu Atelier's Le Cambon aligns perfectly with the trend.

      The Row

      Marlo 14 Textured-Leather Tote

      If you're looking for an alternative to the Margaux, consider its chic successor, the Marlo. This piece beautifully embodies the trend's expansive structure and full-lined zip.

      The Row

      Astra Leather Shoulder Bag

      For those wanting to embrace this trend, a boxier shape is ideal.

      STELLA MCCARTNEY

      Ryder Logo-Embossed Embellished Textured Vegan Tote

      The flowing lines evoke an anatomical feel that pays homage to the origins of this bag trend.

      Saint Laurent

      Sac De Jour Bauletto Bag in Box Saint Laurent

      As its name suggests, the Sac De Jour is the bag of the moment.

      TOTEME

      Croc-Effect

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I spoke with the experts, and we've all come to a consensus that this unexpected bag trend is poised to become the next major hit.

Leading the way in multiple aspects.