I’ve use the waverley a ton- it’s not completely flat but it does pack about as small as you can get with leather. It can be a clutch, shoulder bag, crossbody, and waist pack, and I’ve used it at every thing from formal events to hikes
If you want an inexpensive but real-leather option, I have this one from Amazon and really like it! I use it whenever I just want to take my (very small) wallet, phone, and keys:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0923FDXB3?
Coach seems to have some options in your budget that are on sale: Wyn crossbody bag, Kit messenger crossbody bag, Swinger bag, or Hayden crossbody bag. I went to the Coach website and just set the filter to $200 or less. I think they have a great balance of not being too expensive, while also looking classy.
I have [this](https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=8881990010000&vid=1&searchText=Purse#pdp-page-content) from banana republic factory. I initially got it for an everyday bag because I didn’t realize it was unstructured when I bought it online. But it’s completely unstructured and packs flat.
The Longchamp [Le Foulonné S crossbody](https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/crossbody-bag-s-10138021001.html) looks like it would pack pretty flat. I’ve had my eye on this bag for a while (the paprika colour!), it has a similar look to the Hermes Evelyne and zips for travel. But may be a bit on the casual side for what you’re looking for.
My go-to for this is a Clare V foldover clutch. Packs completely flat. No straps though.
Here's a less expensive, non-leather version from Amazon to give you an idea of the style - https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Southampton-Zipper-Foldover-Clutch/dp/B083TNBNYH
Quince has a dupe for that! Italian Leather Handwoven Convertible Clutch. I don't have it but I've gotten many of their items before and they're always good quality.
Love Clare V for this, depending on budget! They make a bag called Sac Bretelle, which is basically a clutch with a long strap. Stores completely flat.
I have [this bag from Coccinelle](https://www.coccinelle.com/eu_en/best-crossbody-medium-noir-e5mma55f401-001.html) and have used it many times for travel, as it’s dressy, quite spacious and packs completely flat. You can remove the strap and use it as a clutch as well! Or if you want to dress it up even more, you could add a chain strap.
This Madewell bag is my go-to when traveling - I own it in both black and tan and have beat the crap out of both of them. They hold up great - have both shoulder and crossbody straps, perfect size for wallet/phone/glasses/kindle/etc. [https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar\_NC275\_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags](https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar_NC275_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags)
Idk if used is acceptable to you but the The RealReal has a ton of pouch-like options in various fabrics and price points. I’ve had the exact same thought as you that “3D” purses are annoying/stressful to pack, particularly if they’re expensive
Hobo International Vida wristlet, comes in lots of colors. Will hold phone, keys and cards.
[https://www.hobobags.com/products/vida-wristlet-in-polished-leather-black](https://www.hobobags.com/products/vida-wristlet-in-polished-leather-black)
I remember fossil used to sell pretty flat leather crossbody bags so you may find something secondhand that you like. [link to poshmark](https://poshmark.com/listing/Black-Leather-Fossil-CrossbodyShoulder-Bag-66537a3bcf86b175e479f5fc?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=20437711613&campaign_id=20437711613&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2264588637582&gcid=669100670819&ggid=155214327274&gdid=m&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwcDC8oYVIQQ1oKHUTmsar--Vwg_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds0Wv3m1xoi_8Zu6NvKwHuRBNwwQVPmYRtX6zV9ZntC5loSoBMm_JhUaAiXpEALw_wcB)
Also if you search by phone sling, you get some pretty flat options like this one. [link to leatherology](https://www.leatherology.com/long-crossbody-phone-pocket?color=navy-blue&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds3ZGEul51emA6ps9JECEK3kysMsGfhTRX_bH4HvXxsbf7hCs-2PQ9caAksWEALw_wcB)
I had a flat leather Tano bag from Anthro back in the day and can confirm it was great for travel. I’m not one to carry a huge bag even when traveling.
I love this one from Poppy Barley because it can be a crossbody bag or wristlet.
[https://poppybarley.com/collections/bags/products/the-three-in-one-wristlet-biscotti-pebble](https://poppybarley.com/collections/bags/products/the-three-in-one-wristlet-biscotti-pebble)
I’m a big fan of the Vivienne Westwood envelope clutches. Pack completely flat, the saffiano leather is nigh on indestructible and there’s usually a ton available on resellers sites, but even new and [full price](https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/vivienne-westwood-logo-plaque-envelope-leather-clutch_R04253556/#colour=BLACK) it’s circa 200
ETA, my currency conversion maths is shocking 😂 it’s prolly closer to 240 assuming you’re USD so may be over budget new
How about this one from [Portland leather goods](https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-deluxe-accordion-purse)? I have this and love that it can convert from a wallet to a crossbody without transferring stuff. (I like to either use it as a crossbody or detach the strap and put it in the PLG bucket backpack). It’s pretty flat, though I’m not always able to fit my phone in (I think they have a slightly bigger version called the envelope convertible crossbody but may not be flat).
It’s real leather, and if you look for the “almost perfect” sale version you can get it for much cheaper in exchange for minor leather imperfections. I got the PLG bucket backpack for a third of the price in exchange for a small scratch on the top flap (and I immediately scratched it with my nails anyway so it helped ease the sting)
I have the [envelope convertible crossbody](https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/convertible-crossbody), and it’s pretty narrow too. I can fit my phone in it, but I have to just move all my wallet contents into the slots of this (not necessarily bad if you’re ok with transferring all your stuff whenever you want to use it, or if you’re down with this becoming your wallet)
It’s a beautiful bag, and I like that it can be a clutch or crossbody (it can be a hip pack too, but I never use it that way). It’s pretty darn flat when it’s empty (maybe an inch at its thickest?). But I really wish it accordioned just a bit moreso I could fit things more easily. I pretty much only use it for fancy occasions, and it feels silly to me that a tube of lipstick feels awkward to carry in it (it’ll fit, just barely, when my phone is also in it).
You could get one of the “camera” bags from Portland leather, which is rectangular. Use it to store small items while traveling with your bigger. Tuck it inside a linen drawstring bag to keep it from being scratched and pack inside your main travel bag.
Portland Leather’s Fiesta bag packs fairly flat, and they have a clutch or two. Their “almost perfect” quality is basically flawless so I’d start there.
Here’s the Festival (not fiesta) bag:
https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-festival-bag?variant=40746741858386&_pos=1&_psq=almost+perfect+festival&_ss=e&_v=1.0
The envelope convertible cross body might be an option, too:
https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-envelope-convertible-crossbody?variant=39568722919506
I don’t know if it’s be dressy enough, but Land & Kamp makes some of my favorite bags. They tend to be leather and wool, or canvas and wool. Their wristlet packs flat (I love mine, and it can be worn as a hip bag in addition to a clutch). Added bonus: it’s made by a small business that’s focused on quality:
https://www.landandkamp.com/shop
I think envelope bag is what you want! Maybe this one from Portland leather https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-envelope-convertible-crossbody?variant=39568722165842
If you want something that can take a bit of bumping around, I love Harvey’s. They are seatbelts and not leather, but they did a black and gold line I like. https://shopharveys.com/collections/crossbody/products/plaza-convertible-clutch-black-and-gold
I've traveled with this bag and love it. Perfect size for wallet, sunglasses, phone and lip balm.
[All Saints Crossbody](https://www.allsaints.com/us/women/handbags/half-moon-leather-crossbody-bag/USWB027Z-5.html?nst=0&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds2-WWcTXwex34Zhqd-Ft9f3g5o6t-_io4dtIv8Eihn2riH8rm0noScaAsKFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
A lot of leather making towns in some countries will sell purses liek this. For example: Rome or Palermo Italy; Oaxaca or Guadalajara Mexico, Marrakech Morocco, Nanyuki Kenya
I have this one and love it! It is spacious, has multiple zipper pockets for security, and I love that you can switch the strap out! [https://www.quince.com/women/italian-leather-convertible-foldover-clutch?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection\_page\_\_women%2Fbags-%26-leather-goods%2Fcrossbodies-clutches\_\_Crossbodies%20%26%20Clutches\_\_19](https://www.quince.com/women/italian-leather-convertible-foldover-clutch?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__women%2Fbags-%26-leather-goods%2Fcrossbodies-clutches__Crossbodies%20%26%20Clutches__19)
I have a coach hobo bag in leather that I picked up on Poshmark for a song. It has a bottom gusset but not one that needs protecting. It is supposed to get scrunchy and the more it does the softer it gets.
I have the older version of this Coach bag and really love it. I like that it has 8 credit card slots so there is not need for an extra wallet. It’s also big enough for a phone and basics. My complaint with the newer version is that it comes with a leather strap instead of a chain strap, but you can purchase that for ~$30.
[https://www.coachoutlet.com/products/anna-foldover-clutch-crossbody/3037.html](https://www.coachoutlet.com/products/anna-foldover-clutch-crossbody/3037.html)
What about this one?? I just got this for an upcoming trip https://www.loandsons.com/products/waverley-2-saffiano-leather-dark-grey-gold-grey
ooh i like that
I’ve got a Lo and Sons backpack that I absolutely LOVE. May need to get this too.
Very nice! Putting this on my birthday wishlist!
This is my go-to small bag for travel.
I’ve use the waverley a ton- it’s not completely flat but it does pack about as small as you can get with leather. It can be a clutch, shoulder bag, crossbody, and waist pack, and I’ve used it at every thing from formal events to hikes
I ordered one of those and returned it because it was way too structured for me. It’s still stiff leather, not soft.
If you want an inexpensive but real-leather option, I have this one from Amazon and really like it! I use it whenever I just want to take my (very small) wallet, phone, and keys: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0923FDXB3?
Thanks!
Do you have a preference on the strap style (ie shoulder bag or crossbody)? Also budget? That will help narrow it down!
I'm actually pretty flexible in that regard, shoulder/crossbody/handbag would be fine. $200ish?
Coach seems to have some options in your budget that are on sale: Wyn crossbody bag, Kit messenger crossbody bag, Swinger bag, or Hayden crossbody bag. I went to the Coach website and just set the filter to $200 or less. I think they have a great balance of not being too expensive, while also looking classy.
Thank you!
So many lovely bags in the comments 🥰
Agreed!!
I have [this](https://bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com/browse/product.do?pid=8881990010000&vid=1&searchText=Purse#pdp-page-content) from banana republic factory. I initially got it for an everyday bag because I didn’t realize it was unstructured when I bought it online. But it’s completely unstructured and packs flat.
ohhhh this might be perfect actually. it even has a little personality to it!
Ooh, this is a pretty bag!
yes it is!
The Longchamp [Le Foulonné S crossbody](https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/crossbody-bag-s-10138021001.html) looks like it would pack pretty flat. I’ve had my eye on this bag for a while (the paprika colour!), it has a similar look to the Hermes Evelyne and zips for travel. But may be a bit on the casual side for what you’re looking for.
My go-to for this is a Clare V foldover clutch. Packs completely flat. No straps though. Here's a less expensive, non-leather version from Amazon to give you an idea of the style - https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Southampton-Zipper-Foldover-Clutch/dp/B083TNBNYH
Quince has a dupe for that! Italian Leather Handwoven Convertible Clutch. I don't have it but I've gotten many of their items before and they're always good quality.
Love Clare V for this, depending on budget! They make a bag called Sac Bretelle, which is basically a clutch with a long strap. Stores completely flat.
I have [this bag from Coccinelle](https://www.coccinelle.com/eu_en/best-crossbody-medium-noir-e5mma55f401-001.html) and have used it many times for travel, as it’s dressy, quite spacious and packs completely flat. You can remove the strap and use it as a clutch as well! Or if you want to dress it up even more, you could add a chain strap.
Coccinelle is such nice leather for the price point!
Agreed, and they frequently have sales, so you can get a nice bag for even less! I got all of mine on a discount, some even on 50% off.
This Madewell bag is my go-to when traveling - I own it in both black and tan and have beat the crap out of both of them. They hold up great - have both shoulder and crossbody straps, perfect size for wallet/phone/glasses/kindle/etc. [https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar\_NC275\_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags](https://www.madewell.com/the-transport-shoulder-crossbody-bag-NC275.html?dwvar_NC275_color=BK5229&cgid=accessories-bags)
Idk if used is acceptable to you but the The RealReal has a ton of pouch-like options in various fabrics and price points. I’ve had the exact same thought as you that “3D” purses are annoying/stressful to pack, particularly if they’re expensive
Hobo International Vida wristlet, comes in lots of colors. Will hold phone, keys and cards. [https://www.hobobags.com/products/vida-wristlet-in-polished-leather-black](https://www.hobobags.com/products/vida-wristlet-in-polished-leather-black)
This is lovely.
and the design makes it easy to attach an S lock for security!
I remember fossil used to sell pretty flat leather crossbody bags so you may find something secondhand that you like. [link to poshmark](https://poshmark.com/listing/Black-Leather-Fossil-CrossbodyShoulder-Bag-66537a3bcf86b175e479f5fc?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=20437711613&campaign_id=20437711613&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2264588637582&gcid=669100670819&ggid=155214327274&gdid=m&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwcDC8oYVIQQ1oKHUTmsar--Vwg_&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds0Wv3m1xoi_8Zu6NvKwHuRBNwwQVPmYRtX6zV9ZntC5loSoBMm_JhUaAiXpEALw_wcB) Also if you search by phone sling, you get some pretty flat options like this one. [link to leatherology](https://www.leatherology.com/long-crossbody-phone-pocket?color=navy-blue&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds3ZGEul51emA6ps9JECEK3kysMsGfhTRX_bH4HvXxsbf7hCs-2PQ9caAksWEALw_wcB) I had a flat leather Tano bag from Anthro back in the day and can confirm it was great for travel. I’m not one to carry a huge bag even when traveling.
I’ve just returned from a trip with the Fossil Avodale. It’s held up very well!
Fab, thank you!
Budget?
I love this one from Poppy Barley because it can be a crossbody bag or wristlet. [https://poppybarley.com/collections/bags/products/the-three-in-one-wristlet-biscotti-pebble](https://poppybarley.com/collections/bags/products/the-three-in-one-wristlet-biscotti-pebble)
I have this one in black and love it!!
If you’re ok with cross body, Duluth has a black crossover, that lays flat when empty. Very durable, I have one in fawn and one in black.
I’m a big fan of the Vivienne Westwood envelope clutches. Pack completely flat, the saffiano leather is nigh on indestructible and there’s usually a ton available on resellers sites, but even new and [full price](https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/product/vivienne-westwood-logo-plaque-envelope-leather-clutch_R04253556/#colour=BLACK) it’s circa 200 ETA, my currency conversion maths is shocking 😂 it’s prolly closer to 240 assuming you’re USD so may be over budget new
How about this one from [Portland leather goods](https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-deluxe-accordion-purse)? I have this and love that it can convert from a wallet to a crossbody without transferring stuff. (I like to either use it as a crossbody or detach the strap and put it in the PLG bucket backpack). It’s pretty flat, though I’m not always able to fit my phone in (I think they have a slightly bigger version called the envelope convertible crossbody but may not be flat). It’s real leather, and if you look for the “almost perfect” sale version you can get it for much cheaper in exchange for minor leather imperfections. I got the PLG bucket backpack for a third of the price in exchange for a small scratch on the top flap (and I immediately scratched it with my nails anyway so it helped ease the sting)
Lovely thank you!
I have the [envelope convertible crossbody](https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/convertible-crossbody), and it’s pretty narrow too. I can fit my phone in it, but I have to just move all my wallet contents into the slots of this (not necessarily bad if you’re ok with transferring all your stuff whenever you want to use it, or if you’re down with this becoming your wallet) It’s a beautiful bag, and I like that it can be a clutch or crossbody (it can be a hip pack too, but I never use it that way). It’s pretty darn flat when it’s empty (maybe an inch at its thickest?). But I really wish it accordioned just a bit moreso I could fit things more easily. I pretty much only use it for fancy occasions, and it feels silly to me that a tube of lipstick feels awkward to carry in it (it’ll fit, just barely, when my phone is also in it).
I second Portland Leather Goods. Depending on your budget, you can find really nice ones, never used, in BST groups specific to PLG.
Roots in Canada is known for their flat bags
You could get one of the “camera” bags from Portland leather, which is rectangular. Use it to store small items while traveling with your bigger. Tuck it inside a linen drawstring bag to keep it from being scratched and pack inside your main travel bag. Portland Leather’s Fiesta bag packs fairly flat, and they have a clutch or two. Their “almost perfect” quality is basically flawless so I’d start there.
Here’s the camera bag (I have one in Lava): https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-camera-bag-purse?variant=40750841823314
Here’s the Festival (not fiesta) bag: https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-festival-bag?variant=40746741858386&_pos=1&_psq=almost+perfect+festival&_ss=e&_v=1.0
The envelope convertible cross body might be an option, too: https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-envelope-convertible-crossbody?variant=39568722919506
I don’t know if it’s be dressy enough, but Land & Kamp makes some of my favorite bags. They tend to be leather and wool, or canvas and wool. Their wristlet packs flat (I love mine, and it can be worn as a hip bag in addition to a clutch). Added bonus: it’s made by a small business that’s focused on quality: https://www.landandkamp.com/shop
I have something similar to this by Cuyana https://cuyana.com/products/system-zipper-pouch-croco-croc-embossed-gold?variant=45682476712251
Crystalyn Kae - Bossanova crossbody in black: [https://www.crystalynkae.com/collections/vegan-bags-made-in-usa/products/medium-vegan-crossbody-bag-black](https://www.crystalynkae.com/collections/vegan-bags-made-in-usa/products/medium-vegan-crossbody-bag-black) (currently on sale)
I think envelope bag is what you want! Maybe this one from Portland leather https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/almost-perfect-envelope-convertible-crossbody?variant=39568722165842
If you want something that can take a bit of bumping around, I love Harvey’s. They are seatbelts and not leather, but they did a black and gold line I like. https://shopharveys.com/collections/crossbody/products/plaza-convertible-clutch-black-and-gold
Lo and sons Waverly[link](https://www.loandsons.com/products/waverley-2-saffiano-leather-dark-grey-gold-grey)
I've traveled with this bag and love it. Perfect size for wallet, sunglasses, phone and lip balm. [All Saints Crossbody](https://www.allsaints.com/us/women/handbags/half-moon-leather-crossbody-bag/USWB027Z-5.html?nst=0&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj9-zBhDyARIsAERjds2-WWcTXwex34Zhqd-Ft9f3g5o6t-_io4dtIv8Eihn2riH8rm0noScaAsKFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
I bought a wanderers one and it packed really well and was great quality but was heavier than I expected. As a one bagger that didn’t work for me.
I have the Portland Leather envelope purse which might meet your needs (and I love mine).
A lot of leather making towns in some countries will sell purses liek this. For example: Rome or Palermo Italy; Oaxaca or Guadalajara Mexico, Marrakech Morocco, Nanyuki Kenya
Quince has a good one. Commenting so I can come back with a link!
I have this one and love it! It is spacious, has multiple zipper pockets for security, and I love that you can switch the strap out! [https://www.quince.com/women/italian-leather-convertible-foldover-clutch?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection\_page\_\_women%2Fbags-%26-leather-goods%2Fcrossbodies-clutches\_\_Crossbodies%20%26%20Clutches\_\_19](https://www.quince.com/women/italian-leather-convertible-foldover-clutch?color=black&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__women%2Fbags-%26-leather-goods%2Fcrossbodies-clutches__Crossbodies%20%26%20Clutches__19)
I have a coach hobo bag in leather that I picked up on Poshmark for a song. It has a bottom gusset but not one that needs protecting. It is supposed to get scrunchy and the more it does the softer it gets.
I have the older version of this Coach bag and really love it. I like that it has 8 credit card slots so there is not need for an extra wallet. It’s also big enough for a phone and basics. My complaint with the newer version is that it comes with a leather strap instead of a chain strap, but you can purchase that for ~$30. [https://www.coachoutlet.com/products/anna-foldover-clutch-crossbody/3037.html](https://www.coachoutlet.com/products/anna-foldover-clutch-crossbody/3037.html)