Vanity bags: what they are, the sizes, how to carry one and what to pay

A vanity bag is a small, boxy bag with a top handle, modelled on the hard cases women once carried their make-up in. It is one of the most searched bag shapes in the US. This guide covers what a vanity bag is, the sizes, how to carry one and what to pay, with 11 vanity bags from JW PEI at Coveti at $270 to $290 and leather vanities from the edit of designer top-handle bags. For other small shapes, see our JW PEI Thea guide.

Key facts

• 11 JW PEI vanity bags at Coveti, $270 to $290; leather vanities from Saint Laurent, Amiri, Valextra and Oroton run higher.
• A vanity bag is boxy, with a flat base, a zip around the top and a short top handle; most add a long strap.
• The JW PEI Virella quilted vanity is 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm with a 5.3 cm handle and a detachable strap from 49 to 59.5 cm.
• Capacity: a large phone, a card holder, keys and a lipstick.
• The word also covers cosmetic cases; a vanity bag is the version made to be carried outside.

What makes a vanity bag

The shape is a small box: a flat rectangular base, straight sides and a zip that runs around the top so the bag opens wide, like a make-up case. A short handle sits on top, and almost every modern version adds a long strap so it carries crossbody. That boxy frame keeps its shape on a table, which is why the vanity reads as an evening bag, and the wide opening makes it easier to find things in than a flap bag.

The JW PEI vanity bags

The Virella quilted vanity top handle bag is the main style: 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm in quilted vegan leather, with gold hardware and a detachable strap. It comes in dark red, white, light blue denim and a brown croc-embossed version. The Cosima vanity case is a touch smaller and deeper; the Cleo faux suede vanity is longer at 26.5 cm, for more room.

1. Virella Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Dark Red, $280

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

2. Virella Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in White, $280

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

3. Virella Vanity Top Handle Bag in Brown Croc, $280

Croc-embossed vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

4. Virella Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Light Blue Denim, $290

Denim. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 18 Pro Max.

5. Vivienne Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Black, $270

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

6. Vivienne Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Cherry Red, $270

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

7. Vivienne Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Dark Coffee Brown, $270

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

8. Vivienne Quilted Vanity Top Handle Bag in Gray, $270

Vegan leather. 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm (width, height, depth). handle drop 5.3 cm. fits an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Leather vanity bags at Coveti

Oroton Indi Crackle Small Vanity Case Copper, $490

Oroton makes the vanity as a true case, in crackle leather, for make-up and travel.

Amiri Nano Vanity Bag in Brown, $1,410

Amiri in leather, a boxy vanity with a long strap.

Valextra V-Line Crossbody Vanity Bag in Black, $2,450

Valextra turns the vanity into a crossbody, in smooth leather.

Saint Laurent Gaby Vanity in Patent Leather, $3,040

The Saint Laurent Gaby vanity, the shape in Saint Laurent leather and suede.

How to carry a vanity bag

By the handle for evening, held at the side; on the long strap crossbody for the day. Because the shape is so structured, a vanity looks best with softer clothes: a slip dress, a fluid trouser, a knit. In quilted black it is the classic; in croc-embossed brown it is the most autumnal; the denim version is the casual one. Pair it with a slim wallet from our JW PEI wallets guide; a full wallet will not fit.

Care

Store a vanity bag with paper inside so the box keeps its corners, and do not overfill it, which bows the zip. Wipe quilted vegan leather with a dry cloth; brush faux suede. More in our vegan leather guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a vanity bag?

A small boxy bag with a flat base, a zip around the top and a short top handle, modelled on the make-up case; most add a long strap.

What fits in a vanity bag?

In the JW PEI Virella, 18 x 10.2 x 8 cm: a large phone, a card holder, keys and a lipstick.

How much is a vanity bag?

JW PEI vanity bags are $270 to $290 at Coveti; leather vanities from Saint Laurent, Amiri and Valextra cost several times more.

Can a vanity bag be worn crossbody?

Yes, when it has a long strap. The Virella strap detaches and adjusts from 49 to 59.5 cm.

Is a vanity bag the same as a cosmetic case?

Not quite. The shape comes from the cosmetic case, but a vanity bag is made to be carried as a handbag, with a handle and strap.

Is the JW PEI Virella vegan?

Yes. It is quilted vegan leather, croc-embossed vegan leather and denim, like every JW PEI bag.

Read next

The JW PEI Thea. The best JW PEI bags. JW PEI new arrivals. Designer top-handle bags at Coveti.