I am here with another bag review, and this time it’s on the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag.  I received this bag as a gift from my dad over 10 years ago, and at the time, I had no idea just how much I would love it.  Once I started using it, though, I was pleasantly surprised at how often I reached for it, and it became my go-to bag.  I’ve used mine for everything from the gym to the beach, as a mom bag, when I am running errands, as a carry-on when we travel, or even as a work bag.  That’s because, it’s lightweight, low maintenance, and fit a ton! So, after 10 years of use, I figured it was about time I shared my review with you on this beauty including the pros and cons, general wear and tear as well as my final thoughts on the bag.  In short, is the bag worth adding to your handbag collection and if it weren’t given to me, would I buy it with my own money?

Let’s get started…

Size

With regards to size, the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag is the biggest bag I own measuring at about 12” W x 12” H x 7” D*.  It has a spacious single main compartment with one small slip pocket on the front side.  This can be used for storing cards, cash, or any other smaller items that you need quick access to like a bus pass or ID.  Unfortunately, this pocket is too small to fit a phone.  

(*Side note: Longchamp has changed the size and some features of the large Le Pliage bags.  The new version measures at 12.2” W x 11.8” H x 7.5” D.  It also now has two interior slip pockets – a large and small).  

Functionality

In terms of functionality, this is where the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag really shines.  With its simple design, relaxed structure, zipper closure, and leather handles makes this bag a breeze to use.  When worn, the straps are comfortable and I have had no issues with it slipping or digging in my shoulder, and because the bag has a zipper closure, not only does it ensure my belongings are secure but it’s also easy to get in and out of.  

Speaking of which, this bag is really spacious, and can fit a ton so, it’s a bit of a Mary Poppins bag, in my opinion.  In fact, my son and I recently traveled to Northern California for a long weekend to visit with my family, and it was perfect.  Since I did not want to deal with a checked bag, we shared a small roller bag and this tote as our carry-ons.  It had plenty of room, and I had no issue stuffing it to the brim with everything we needed.  

And if that wasn’t enough, the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag comes in several different colors, and it really comes down to personal preference.  In my case, since this bag was a gift, I had no say as to which color I would like to have.  But my dad did an excellent job of choosing this hue.  It is in the most beautiful shade of blue and I love it so much! I wear a lot of neutral colored clothing, and this bag just works so well with many different pieces that I own.  

Beyond that, one of the unique features of this bag is that it is foldable.  Meaning that it has the ability to be converted into to a small-sized piece when not in use making it incredibly convenient for travel or for closet storage space.  

Durability

As far as durability goes, I can say that the bag is well made.  It is constructed from nylon with leather handles, and this is perhaps the best thing about the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag since it’s very resistant to stains and dirt.  When I get anything on my bag, it is so easy to wipe clean.  I absolutely love that it’s relatively low maintenance and carefree.  And while the bag is showing its age with a bit of discoloration of the gold hardware, leather closure, several scratches and fraying on the bag, as well as small holes on all four of the bottom corners (as you can see in the photos below), I am happy to report that my bag is still in a pretty good condition.  In other words, I have zero complaints on its quality and construction.  

Now for the cons.

Honestly, there’s not much I don’t love about this bag.  But for the sake of transparency, I will address a few things that may be bothersome for you.  

Lack of organization

The first being is that there is very little organization.  Apart, from a small slip pocket inside, the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag is essentially a giant black hole.  So, if you are looking for a structured tote, this isn’t it. Of course, this can be easily fixed by getting a handbag organizer or using small pouches.  

Structure

Along those lines, in addition to the organization or lack thereof, the structure on this bag, can also be seen as a pro or con.  On one hand, since the bag is unstructured, it can’t stand on its own.  So, when it’s unfilled, it just flops over.  But, on the other hand, its unstructured shapes give it a relaxed vibe and make it easy to pack.  Though, it’s worth mentioning that if you have a lot of bumpy or odd shaped things inside, it can create unwanted bulge marks on your bag while in use.  Again, nothing a simple bag organizer can’t fix but something to be aware of.  

Foldability

While I touched on this a bit earlier, I did want to talk about the bag’s ability to be folded again and this is me being more nit-picky than a fault of the bag.  So, while I appreciate the bag can be folded to make it into a smaller piece for convenience, I don’t like the creases that it creates.  It makes the bag look sloppy and I am not a fan.  But more than that, I feel that when I do fold my Longchamp bag, it stresses the edges of the bags even more.  Inevitably, contributing to the bottom corner holes I mentioned above.  

Final Thoughts

Overall, I love my Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag.  It is by far one of the best bags I have ever owned.  Not only for the sentimental reasons, but also for the look, color, and quality of the bag.  It fills a gap that I had in my wardrobe, both with color and size.  So, even though, the leather handles has softened, and the nylon structure is showing its age, I personally love this bag even more with each use.

And, now for the million dollar question – if I weren’t given this bag, would I have bought it for myself? 100% yes.  The Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag is a worthy addition to any handbag collection.  

Are you considering the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag, or own one in your collection?

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  

**Additionally, some items linked above are not the exact item shown because it is either old or sold out, but I linked similar items for those that are unavailable.