The Doctor Is In: The Classic Carryall Makes a Comeback in 2026

A doctor bag is a structured, top-handle handbag derived from the boxy medical cases of the 19th century. Its defining features include a rigid, upright form—often rectangular or tubular—and a wide opening. Traditionally, it incorporates a hinged metal frame with a secure clasp closure, dual handles, and a streamlined silhouette.

While modeled after a functional medical tool, current versions retain the silhouette’s “smart” sensibility while adapting it for everyday wear. Considered among the season’s must-have accessories, the design brings together its vintage character with its practical capacity. No longer confined to rigid frames and metal clasps, the doctor bags of today often incorporate zip closures, softened structures, and clean-lined profiles, yet still anchored by top handles.

The origins of the doctor bag trace back to the Victorian era, a time when it functioned as a durable leather satchel for medical professionals. Originally referred to as the “Gladstone bag,” named after British Prime Minister William Gladstone, it was designed as a lightweight, sturdy, and portable bag for carrying tools.

In the early 20th century—particularly during the 1918 flu pandemic—physicians frequently conducted “house calls,” or visits to their patients’ homes. In order to efficiently transport tools and equipment, the Gladstone bag was purposefully designed with a flat base to keep it upright, a reinforced frame, and a secure closure to protect fragile instruments such as thermometers, stethoscopes, and medicines.

As the pandemic waned and house visits declined over time, the bag gradually transitioned from a strictly functional object into a fashion accessory, retaining its distinctive form while shedding its purely medical associations.

Over the past two years, doctor bags have steadily gained traction within the luxury handbag space. Established houses such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton, alongside younger labels like Miu Miu and The Row, have introduced their own interpretations.

While materials and proportions have changed—from supple leathers to extended handles—the current wave is unified by sleek silhouettes, top-handle construction, secure zip closures, and reinforced bases, just like the archival design.

Introduced on the Spring 2024 runway, the Beau bag is defined by its elongated rectangular shape. It features two elongated top handles, allowing for both hand-carry and shoulder wear. Crafted from supple calfskin, it lends a relaxed stance, all while maintaining its geometric shape, even when filled to the brim.

Large Beau leather bag in Cognac, €2,950 (approx. P205,977.85), MIU MIU, miumiu.com

Though its east-west version has become a crowd-favorite, the larger version of Prada's Bonnie bag makes an equally stylish day-to-day. Debuted during the Spring 2025 womenswear show, its silhouette stands out with its rectangular body accented by slim belt-like straps along the opening.

Bonnie large nubuck leather handbag in Cocoa Brown, SGD 4,950 (approx. P232,572.48), PRADA, prada.com

Minimalist and unassuming, The Row’s Marcel silhouette makes a great option if you’re looking for something more compact. Made from polished saddle leather, it features flat top handles and a discreetly tucked zip closure. Untreated and drum-dyed, the leather develops character over time with continued use.

Marcel Bag - Black, $3,200 (approx. P193,432), THE ROW, therow.com

Crafted from natural grain leather, the the Coach Empire Carryall easily transitions from day to night. It features a spacious main compartment that accommodates a 16-inch laptop, alongside a snap pocket for smaller essentials. A zip-top closure and adjustable interior buckles allow for expanded capacity, while a detachable strap allows for hands-free wear.

Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48 in Brass/Maple, £950 (approx. P75,981.63), COACH, world.coach.com

Created in 1930, the Speedy bag was the first Louis Vuitton handbag. To date, the silhouette remains a cult-favorite among luxury handbag collectors.

While the Speedy has been reimagined through the years, the Trunk iteration most closely echoes the original Gladstone-inspired form. It echoes the elongated, domed shape exterior while adopting a more rigid construction reminiscent of the house’s heritage trunks. Rendered in Monogram-coated calfskin and finished with gold-toned hardware, it carries a distinctly archival feel.

Speedy Trunk 25, $3,650 (approx. P220,616.95), LOUIS VUITTON, us.louisvuitton.com

On the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, the Amazona— one of Loewe’s most storied bag designs— was reintroduced as a structured, doctor-style top-handle bag. It appeared in a range of finishes, ranging from supple calfskin to plush suede, offered in both vibrant tones and neutral shades.

Large Amazona 180 bag in soft calfskin - Royal Azur, P314,800, LOEWE, loewe.com

Designed in the 1960s, the Plume is a lightweight, pared-back handbag influenced by 1920s document holders. Known for its featherweight construction, it emphasizes clean lines, saddle stitching, and expansive leather panels with minimal hardware, resulting in a quietly composed silhouette.

Plume Fourre-Tout 40 in Naturel Sable, CA$15,900 (approx. P689,666.88), HERMÈS, hermes.com