Today I’m going to give you guys a full break down of my thoughts on Everlane’s recently-released Form Bag. In full disclosure, I have a standing relationship with the brand which allows me to test drive new items and report back to you guys. I received this bag as a gift from Everlane and, if you use my links to purchase it, I will make a small commission. If you ever have any question about my relationship with a brand, don’t hesitate to ask, down below in the comments, or in a private email. It’s important to me that nothing is hidden from you guys, and that you have the full picture of what’s going on with this blog.
The Form Bag is a very unique bag, and I almost passed on the chance to try it out, but at the last minute (and maybe under the influence of some FOMO) I decided to give it a shot. I honestly didn’t love the marketing photos I saw of it. It looked so structured, and the non-leather strap seemed weird to me. However, when the bag arrived, my whole perspective flipped. For me, it was one of those items I had to see in person to appreciate.
I decided to keep this Form Bag in my rotation because it’s one of the best examples of chic functionality I’ve come across.
THE TOP THREE
The top three things that I like about the Form Bag are the function, style and capacity.
FUNCTION // The bag functions smartly because the strap can easily be long or short. (The webbing is easer to adjust than leather.) It has a simple, clean drop which makes it extra easy to wear with dolman style tops, sweaters or jackets (which I happen to have a lot of). The magnetic closure is an unexpected bonus for me. I like that it keeps the bag closed and tidy-looking, but makes it incredibly easy to access anything inside the bag. It’s a lot less fussy than a zipper and more polished than an open top bag.
STYLE // The Form Bag is sleek and structured. It feels modern and fresh to me, particularly with the addition of the webbed strap, which is actually one of my favorite features now. The non-leather strap keeps the bag from feeling too serious, and lends a slightly sporty vibe. It’s hard to tell from the photos, but the strap is actually looped through the leather on the sides, instead of being sewn to the bag. This design detail makes the bag even better. Overall, I like that the Form Bag is unique, but not overly bold.
CAPACITY // This bag holds a ton of stuff, but still allows me to be hands free.
BAG SPECS:
10.5″ wide x 5″ deep x 13″ tall
Made from Italian leather (except for the strap) in Prato, Italy. Magnetic closure at top. Retail price: $235
How much do you have to baby it?
The leather on the Form Bag is really nice. I wouldn’t categorize this bag as ultra tough, but the leather seems like it will get better with age, like most leathers do. I did manage to put a few light scratches in the leather near the top with a jagged fingernail. I was pretty wary of that at first, but so far I only managed to do it once, and I’ve been using it a little more than a month now. I do worry about setting it on the ground since there are no feet on the bottom. When I am at a restaurant or somewhere outside, I try to sling my purse over my knee or the back of the chair to keep it off the ground. The longer I’ve had it, the braver I’ve gotten. At first I didn’t even want to set it down on the floor mat of my car. But I have, and it’s been buried a few times by my kids’ backpacks or other miscellaneous items, and it’s held up very well.
How much has it worn in since you started using it?
Not a ton, the leather on the Form Bag is really nice. Mine has started to gently break in on the sides, with the leather getting softer. (See example in the photo above.) However, the construction of the tote and magnetic closure mean its original shape has stayed intact nicely.
Things you don’t like about the Form Bag?
It does feel too structured for some outfits. For example, if I am wearing Kamm pants, and a structured jacket, I would prefer a smaller bag, or bag with curves or bend over the Form Bag. Sometimes it feels more utilitarian than cute. If my outfit is totally utilitarian (think: fleece and a baseball cap) then I would opt for a different bag. I wish the bottom of the bag had feet, but I know that wouldn’t be a good aesthetic choice because the bag is often worn high. But feet would make me feel a lot more comfortable setting this bag down on the ground.
The key to wearing this bag well:
Consider your proportions. If your items are more dainty or delicate, like a spring dress, this bag might be too overpowering. If you’re wearing jeans and boots, this bag might be just right. I like to wear the bag slung over my ivory trench jacket because it acts as a fastener to keep it closed. When slinging the bag, it usually works best worn in the back rather than the front. I like the strap longer when it’s slung, and shorter when I wear it on one shoulder.
Whew, I think that about covers it. Let me know if you have any questions about the Form Bag. Or, if you’ve tried it too, feel free to share your thoughts!
Thanks for your transparency, Andrea! I always find your reviews thoughtful and I appreciate that you put your affiliate blurb front and center.
Thank you for noticing that Stacey! I am trying to be an open book.
YES! I have been waiting for this Review for a long time..too long that I am waiting for my Form bag to arrive tomorrow LOL…but thank you for your feedback and and the options you always provide in your posts!
Love your outfits and your color palette
Oh that’s too funny!!! I hope you love it as much as I love mine!
Two questions!! First, how heavy is it? Second, does it stay on your shoulder? Actually, three, are there pockets or partitions on the inside or is it just a big bag? Ok, four! Depth — does it feel like you have to put your hand/arm in really far to get stuff off the bottom? I am asking from previous experience with other bags. Nothing irks me more than a bag that won’t stay on your shoulder!!!!
Hi Brenda! Great questions!! I can’t believe I neglected to address these in my post. It is not a heavy bag. I think the lack of hardware helps. Now, if you load it up, it will get heavy though! Yes, it stays on my shoulder very nicely, I think the webbing is less slippery than a leather strap would be. Also, I do have pretty square shoulders, and that helps too. There is one big pocket on the inside that I usually put my keys or phone in. As far as digging in, sometimes I have to fish for my keys, but it depends how much stuff is in there. I try not to overload the bag because I hate hauling a ton of stuff around. I wear the bag pretty high and on my side, so I find it easy to access. If I was lower maybe you feel like you were digging more?? Hope this helps!!!
Thanks Andrea, it helped a lot! Plus I checked the bag out a little closer on their website and I see that it comes in the most gorgeous green! I might have to try it out.
Thanks so much for your excellent review! I’ve been wavering on this bag, as it’s just about perfect for my needs/style, but I have one question. I’m a cross-body bag girl all the way, and I worry the strap is a touch short, particularly over a winter jacket. Do you feel like it would be comfortable enough to always wear cross-body?
Hi Laura! The strap gets pretty darn long, I think you would have no problem!
Love the review. The bag looks stiff in photos, so I’ve been so happy to read it’s soft. The size did seem iffy (not big/not small, though my experience lugging legal accordion files skews my perspective), but I’m intrigued by the small version coming soon.
I just got this shipped to me, and one side of the bag is super wrinkly! Did you experience the same thing when you got yours?
Hi Dori! The side of mine was not wrinkly, but both sides are starting to wrinkle a bit as they break in. If it bothers you I would send them an email. Keep me posted.
i noticed the same! haven’t used it yet and am concerned the wrinkles make it look cheap, and that it will worsen with time. decisions….
Hi, do you have a discount code for everlane? Thanks
I wish I did! I’ve never seen them give discount codes before.