An east west bag is wider than it is tall, a long, slim shape that tucks neatly under the arm. Our favourite this season is Savette‘s Slim Symmetry Pochette at 27 cm long and only 11 cm high. Find more in Coveti’s shoulder bags and top-handle bags, and read our The Savette Symmetry Pochette: Sizes, Leathers and How to Wear It for the full pochette family.
Why the shape works
A long, narrow bag sits flat against the body and keeps the silhouette clean, so it pairs well with tailoring and long coats.
The edit
- Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette in Bone Canvas
- Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette in Saddle Canvas
- Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette in Mink Milled Leather
- Savette Symmetry 26 in Storm Smooth Leather
- Savette Symmetry Trapeze Pochette in Coffee Mixed Leather
- Alaia Le Panier East West Large Bag in Raffia, Natural and Black
- Ateliers Auguste Passy East West Silver Edition in Midnight Blue Suede
- Oroton Cinder Crackle Mini Baguette Dark Chocolate
- Mlouye Naomi Baguette Bag in Truffle Green
- Polene Numéro Neuf East West in Textured Plum Bag
- Erdem East West Bloom Bag in Chestnut Leather
How to wear an east west bag
Wear it tucked under the arm with a blazer by day, and on a short strap with a slip dress in the evening. Long, narrow bags look best with simple outfits.
How we chose
We chose bags that are clearly wider than they are tall, made in leather and in stock now. We favoured shapes with both a handle and a strap, so the bag works by day and at night.
East west and baguette: the difference
A baguette is a small east west bag worn tucked under the arm on a short strap. East west is the broader term for any horizontal shape, including longer top-handle bags such as the Savette Slim Pochette.
Frequently asked questions
What is an east west bag?
A bag that is wider than it is tall, with a long horizontal shape.
What fits in an east west bag?
Most hold a phone, a slim wallet, keys and sunglasses in a case.
Is the Savette Slim Symmetry Pochette an east west bag?
Yes. At 27 cm long and 11 cm high it has the classic east west proportion.
Are east west bags in style?
Yes. Long, slim bags are one of the main shapes of 2026, alongside soft hobos.
Related Posts
Designer Work Bags: Structured Bags for the Office
Structured leather bags that hold a laptop and still look polished. Our edit of designer work bags.
Italian Leather Handbags: The Designers Still Making in Italy
Designer handbags made in Italy, from Savette, handmade outside Florence, and more. How to spot quality Italian leather.
East West Bags: The Long, Slim Shape to Know
The long, narrow east west bag is the shape of the moment. What it is, how to wear it and our favourite designer styles.
Leather Hobo Bags: The Designer Edit
From slouchy everyday shoulder bags to small evening hobos, our edit of designer leather hobo bags.
Suede Hobo Bags: The Best Designer Styles This Season
The softest bag of the season. Our edit of designer suede hobo bags, with tips on colour, care and styling.
Where Are Savette Bags Made? Inside the Florence Workshop
Savette designs in New York and makes every bag by hand outside Florence. The workshop, the leathers and why it matters.
Savette vs The Row: Which Quiet Luxury Bag Should You Buy?
Savette and The Row both make logo-free bags. How they compare on shape, craft and price, and which suits you.
Brands Like Savette: Five Labels for Quiet, Well Made Bags
If you like Savette, these labels share its quiet, logo-free approach: The Row, Khaite, DeMellier, Polene and Strathberry.
Savette Fall 2026: The New Bags and Colours
The Savette Fall 2026 collection: the Soft Symmetry Bag, leather-inset locks, the Large Trapeze and the Macrame Pouch.
Savette Leather Jewellery and Small Leather Goods
The smallest way into Savette: leather cuffs and bangles, the Symmetry and Tondo pendants, the Symmetry Belt and card holders.
Savette Exotic Bags: Crocodile, Lizard and Eel
Savette makes its Symmetry Pochette in crocodile, lizard and eel. How the skins differ and what to know before buying.
Savette Florence and Anello Bags: A Buying Guide
The Florence top-handle bags and hobos, plus the Anello Tote and Pouch: how they differ and what fits inside.