From Kate Middleton's Longchamp Le Pliage to Prada's Re-Edition, the best nylon handbags to invest in

A celebrity favourite, nylon handbags are having their moment.

Jan 24, 2024 | by Bani Sachar

Nylon is undeniably one of the most interesting textiles in the history of fashion. So much so that the humble fabric has risen as one of the most popular styles for bags and accessories off-late. Nylon certainly encompasses the want for the unusual—almost apocalyptic; the fabric is sturdy, water-resistant, and works for a multitude of apparel from couture dresses to daily-use bags. Today, we see royalty like Kate Middleton sporting nylon bags—the trending Longchamp’s Le Pliage, which seems to be every model’s favourite off-duty bag. Not long ago, the Uniqlo crossbody went viral and was made out to be the ideal “daily-use” bag for many. And of course, the Prada Re-Edition in nylon has remained on the list of fashion’s favourite 'IT' bags, frequently spotted on celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Kaia Gerber.

Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Kaia Gerber- all carrying the iconic Prada Re-Edition in Nylon.

Though officially invented in 1938, one might associate nylon's advent with World War II. Back then, scarce rations forced essentials like stockings to go from silk to nylon due to its affordability and the fact that it was easier to care for. Nylon's current resurgence can be attributed to many of the same reasons—it's affordable and delivers ease of use and care. It makes sense why the seasonless fabric continues to resonate, almost a century after its initial heyday. It is functional and durable—a marriage of practicality and minimalism, and the versatility only adds to the allure.

By the 1950s, nylon became omnipresent soon after it debuted on the Paris runways. Coco Chanel, Nina Ricci, and Christian Dior had lent their approval to synthetic fibres. Yet nylon handbags are a relatively modern accessory in the sartorial world. In fact, nylon was not often used in women’s handbags until Prada started using it. When the brand debuted the Vela, popularly known as the nylon Prada backpack, in 1984, it set the stage for nylon bags. Miuccia made a radical statement by pivoting in a direction different from her legacy business’ all-leather approach. Nylon did not align with any of the values that luxury stood for at the time, and that’s what made it more attractive. Today, you can find almost anything from Prada in nifty nylon. The label introduced Re-Nylon in 2019, an alternative to its nylon pieces of the past. Here, each item is made of econyl, a sustainable yarn made from recycled waste. This green approach boosts the bag's appeal to the masses as the circular fashion trend catches on.

Of course, it’s impossible to ignore the effect that the resurgence of all things Y2K has had on fashion and, as a result, on nylon. Younger generations are seeing nylon bags and mini backpacks of the past and want to replicate them today. With more and more emerging designers and established labels, from Sunnei to Michael Kors, experimenting with the fabric, it’s no wonder that Gen Z and millennials are drawn to all things nylon.

Below are some of our favourite nylon bags to shop for.

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag, ₹13,000