Crossbody bags, totes, fanny packs—certain purses lend themselves especially well to travel. But on some trips, you might find yourself leaning a little less practical and a little more on-trend. Enter: the bucket bag, which in recent months has been spotted on the arms of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Katie Holmes. Sure, it won’t lie flat across your body or hold quite as much as a backpack, but it will tie your look together when meandering in and out of shops in Paris or spending an afternoon at a cafe.
Named for their bucket-like silhouette, these bags come in a bevy of different materials, including straw, cotton, leather, nylon, and faux leather, to suit every style and environment. And thanks to their distinct shape—think: deep interiors, tall sides—these bags can comfortably fit everyday essentials like wallets, headphones, sunglasses, and, in some cases, laptops or tablets.
As you shop for the best bucket bags, you’ll notice some have long straps to wear across your body or over the shoulder, while others have shorter handles; several options offer both for convenient carrying and versatility. While most don’t offer zippers, we’ve selected ones with drawstring, snap, or magnetic closures, offering an added sense of security for travelers on the move.
Keep scrolling to check out our top picks for the best bucket bags from Traveler-approved brands like Cuyana, Madewell, and MZ Wallace, or jump straight to the section that best fits your needs.
For the beach
These beachy-chic bucket bags are the perfect accessory for your next trip to the shore. Most of our top picks are constructed with straw, a lightweight yet durable material. Those who prefer a softer material should consider the Bottega Veneta bucket bag, which is made with breathable mesh. The drawstring closure keeps belongings safe and secure, while the two pockets—one exterior zip, one interior slip—are ideal for your go-to essentials (phone, wallet, keys). As you scroll, you’ll notice most have at least one bonus feature such as a zippered or magnetic closure, multiple pockets, detachable straps, and, for a fashion-forward touch, chic leather accents.
For everyday
When it comes to selecting the best bucket bags for everyday wear, whether you’re at home or on the road, options abound. Our favorites are made from durable materials like nylon, which is ideal for casual or daytime outings, or leather, which offers a more formal feel that can take you from day to night. Among our top picks: the Cuyana Linea bucket bag. Available in eight colors and three sizes, the sleek bag is constructed with supple Italian pebbled leather and features a removable and adjustable crossbody strap, an internal pocket, and a snap closure.
For nights out
On your next night out on the town, ditch the classic crossbody bag in favor of one of these more modern bucket bags. These statement-making selects either have a striking metallic hue or sparkly finish to add a little flair to pretty much any outfit. However, if we had to call out just one, we’d go with the Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Micro bucket bag for its hybrid clutch-bucket bag design thanks to the addition of a built-in top handle. That said, there are several other options to choose from below, ranging in both color and price.
Splurge-worthy bags
For a worth-it splurge, spring on one of these beautiful bucket bags that’ll last for seasons on end thanks to their timeless designs. Some of them are even A-lister–approved: For example, the gorgeous Stella McCartney Apple Skin bucket bag, which has an edgy croc-embossed pattern, a magnetic closure, and a detachable strap, was photographed on none other than Taylor Swift. In the same image, Selena Gomez was spotted carrying the slightly more refined Saint Laurent Le 37 bucket bag, which offers a stylish patent leather construction, subtle local detailing on the hook, a zippered interior pouch, a luxe suede lining, and four metal feet to prevent the bag from making direct contact with the floor—a major bonus when taking public transportation or zipping through the airport.
Bags under $100
You don’t need to break the bank to snag a quality bucket bag—we’ve found quality options for under $100 each. Alo Yoga’s crossbody bucket bag and Athleta’s Excursion crossbody both have a sporty feel thanks to their nylon construction and multiple pockets, some of which are roomy enough to hold water bottles. Minimalist faux leather options from Anthropologie and Amazon offer a sleek but sophisticated feel, while the Essential Bucket tote from Madewell features a genuine leather construction and a spacious interior that’s large enough to hold a water bottle, 15-inch laptop, and a slew of smaller essentials.
