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T
hough the Brahmin name may not be as familiar as Hermès or Prada, it’s a brand that’s quickly taking over the entry-level luxury market for its high-quality luxe leathers. If this is your first time hearing about this brand, or perhaps you’ve been debating whether you should add this stylish bag to your wardrobe for a while, then keep reading for my Brahmin handbag reviews!
What makes Brahmin special?
As you may know, the luxury handbag industry is easily one of the most competitive due to the high volume of handbag brands. Most people immediately opt for the more recognizable brands like Chanel and skip over brands like Brahmin.
But there are a lot of impressive-looking handbags that can compete with Prada without draining your bank account.
This American company uses luxurious materials from Italy and beyond to create its shoulder bags. They’re known for the embossed detailing to create their signature alligator design.
Their look resembles the Givenchy Croc-embossed Leather Satchel and the infamous Hermès Crocodile Birkin handbag but at a fraction of the price. And since the Hermès Crocodile Birkin starts at $55,000, a Brahmin bag is a steal!
Wondering how they make their texture that resembles crocodile, ostrich, and other exotic animal patterns?
The process involves several stages.
First, they select top-quality leather that is durable, robust, and suitable for embossing.
Then they create an embossing plate with the desired design, which is then pressed onto the leather under high pressure. This results in the leather taking on the pattern from the plate.
After the leather is embossed, it is hand-dyed and finished with a protective layer. This process can take several days, but it results in a product with rich, long-lasting colors.
After inspection, it’s cut into pieces and stitched together to form the final product.
Price
You can’t consider purchasing a new item unless you know how much it costs. Brahmin purses are in the low to middle range for luxury handbags, ranging from $150-$500, depending on size and style.
In comparison to luxury designer handbags such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Gucci, Brahmin bags are significantly cheaper. However, they are generally more expensive than high-street brands like Zara or H&M.
When compared to similar mid-range designer brands, Brahmin’s prices are in line with or slightly higher than brands like Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, to give you an idea.
My Review
Amazon is where I purchased my Duxbury Satchel Convertible Top Handle Bag, and I was instantly impressed when it arrived. The high-quality craftsmanship was immediately apparent and as a lover of structured bags, I was hooked.
The subtle shine and texture got my attention first. The shine adds a little glamour to the bag without looking fake, while the texture adds some interest while still remaining a neutral piece.
Brahmin products pay lots of attention to the little details, such as pockets for your ID and credit cards and a footed bottom to protect the bottom of your bag from getting extra wear and tear.
Though I love the details of the functional part of this handbag, as a lover of classic bags and expensive-looking things, the shape, color, and subtle gold detailing are ultimately what sold me and made me fall in love!
Where to Purchase
If you live in the South, then you’ll have access to a Brahmin outlet store or boutique to check out these bags in person, but if not, thankfully, they are sold at most online department stores, such as Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Macy’s, and of course, Brahmin itself.
Amazon is also a great place to purchase a Brahmin bag. You get free shipping and easy returns, but it’s not like you’ll need it!
How to Style Your Brahmin Bag
I’d recommend sticking to the neutral colors from a style eye only. A neutral crocodile embossed bag has a rich look and rivals Hermès, while a rainbow-colored crocodile bag embossed bag looks, well, fake.
If you get a neutral one, the quality will stand the test of time, and the design will also. But of course, follow your own personal style at the end of the day!
Now that you’ve got a neutral bag, here’s how to style it:
- Match it with classic and elegant outfits: Because of the high quality and often detailed designs of Brahmin handbags, they pair well with classic, elegant outfits like pencil skirts, blouses, and high heels.
- Pair with casual chic outfits: A Brahmin handbag can also provide an elegant contrast to a more casual outfit like jeans and a blazer, or a white tee and shorts.
- Wear it with a pop of color: Pair your neutral bag with more colorful details for a fun and vibrant look.
- Style it with office wear: Brahmin handbags are also ideal for a professional environment. Match your bag with your work suit or a nice blouse and trousers.
- Pair with other Brahmin accessories: Brahmin also offers wallets, cosmetic bags, and even shoes. Pairing your handbag with other Brahmin accessories can create a more coordinated, high-end look.
- Vary how you carry it: Many Brahmin bags have multiple carrying options. For example, you can use the handles, carry it on your shoulder, or wear it crossbody style. Switch up how you carry your bag for a bit of variety in your look. But if you’re going for a classy look, I think wearing it as a top handle is best. (Though I’m all about convenience and comfort.)
- Mix it with different styles: While Brahmin bags are usually more traditional and conservative, you can mix them with different fashion styles such as bohemian, sporty, or even edgy style. It’s all about your creativity.
Want even more styling ideas? I have free wardrobe style cheat sheets that you can get by signing up here!
Brahmin Best Sellers
So you’re interested in a bag but not sure what one to get? It’s never a bad idea to check out the best sellers and see what other women are loving!
At Nordstrom, the highest-rated reviews are the Medium Asher Leather Tote, the Melbourne – Large Duxbury Satchel, and the Caroline Croc Embossed Leather Satchel. I love the style and colors of this one and this one.
And just in case the crocodile look isn’t your style, make sure to check out their “Smooth” line.
Curious about what other Brahmin reviews are like? Here’s what other shoppers like about this brand!
- Quality: Brahmin handbags are made of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that they last a long time.
- Style: The brand is known for its timeless designs that are also fashion-forward. From classic to contemporary styles, there’s a Brahmin handbag for every outfit and occasion.
- Variety: Brahmin offers a wide range of handbags in different sizes, shapes, and colors. This variety makes it easy for shoppers to find something that suits their personal style.
- Exclusivity: Owning a Brahmin handbag feels special because it is not as commonly owned as other high-end brands.
- Functionality: Apart from looking great, Brahmin handbags are also functional with various pockets and compartments to help organize belongings.
- Status Symbol: Some people perceive carrying a Brahmin bag as a status symbol due to its luxurious aesthetic and high-end reputation.
- Resale Value: Due to their timeless style and durable quality, Brahmin bags maintain a high resale value in the second-hand market.
- Leather: Brahmin is known for its exquisite and luxurious leather which not only feels good but ages beautifully over time.
- Embossed and Textured Designs: One unique aspect of Brahmin bags is their iconic use of embossed and textured leathers, often mimicking exotic skins like crocodile, that add a distinct look to their bags.
Other Brahmin Handbag Reviews:
“They are worth the money and I will continue to repurchase. I am not an avid Brahmin customer but I do have one bag from them that is about 15 years old and you would never know it! They hold up extremely well so while they are high end on price, you definitely get that in quality.”
“If you can be “in love” with a purse, then that is what I am! I never spend this much money on a purse but I am now a Brahmin convert. Not only are the purses beautifully made, they are so functional. No more digging around looking for what I want in my purse. The first time I used it, a woman stopped me as I was walking by her and said “that is a beautiful purse, is it new?” She said over time they “wear in beautifully.” So here’s to collecting Brahmin purses; they have so many wonderful styles and colors I can hardly stop at one!”
Brahmin Handbags Reviews Conclusion- Should You Buy One?
If you like the style and are ready to invest in a handbag, then yes. You’ll be getting a genuine handbag from handcrafted products. The quality will last so that you can feel better about the higher-end price tag and your cost per wear.
Whether you’re looking for a shoulder bag, crossbody bag, or even a tote bag for new moms, this may be one for you worth investing in. However, they aren’t cheap, and if you love the style but not the price, consider getting one of their wallets instead!
If you love looking expensive on a budget, then I know you’re going to love this next post. Keep reading: Upgrade Your Wardrobe: The Fabrics and Colors That Make Everything Look More Expensive
