Top 7 Bag Trends Fashion Mag Editors are Swearing By
January 21, 2026
The Rise of the Squishy Bag: 2025’s Most Surprising Style Crush
Article Overview
The fashion world is experiencing constant evolution. The subject has become more important to discuss because of the rise of squishy bags. These are a type of handbag that is ruling the fashion scene for some time now. This year, you can find these bags making waves and catering to the needs of diverse types of customers. With soft textures and slouchy silhouettes, these accessories are becoming a hit with Gen Z as well as the previous generations.
It Is wonderful to see how this type of bag blends comfort with chic fashion and people are loving the different type of style that such accessories symbolize. Whether it comes to street style or runways, you will definitely find these bags in the hands of all – everyday shoppers or fashion enthusiasts.
Why Squishy Bags Are Captivating Today’s Shoppers?
These types of bags are going far beyond their apparently supple and plush forms. You can find them catering to the needs of modern consumers who look for comfort, versatility and tactile pleasure in the accessories that they use.
In a fast-paced world that is brimming with structured and often rigid accessories, the relaxed shape of the squishy bag offers a refreshing substitute. These bags are soft in construction and can comfortably mold to the body which makes them easy to style as well as easy to wear.
The rise of mindfulness and self-care trends has also elevated the demand for products that offer sensory satisfaction. Squishy bags come with plush fabrics, suedes and soft leathers, offering a soothing tactile experience that can alleviate stress in a big way. It perfectly aligns with the growing need for items that can contribute to well-being through daily interactions.
When it comes to the fashion front, these types of bags evoke a nostalgic ode to the early days of the new millennium. Case in point? The “hobo bag” styles of the early 2000s. However, these now come with a modern upgrade. You can notice:
- Innovative materials,
- Contemporary colors, and
- More superior craftsmanship
The aesthetic strikes a balance between laid-back and luxurious, which makes them a hit with shoppers who look for a perfect weekend bag or a casual day accessory that makes no compromise on the style front.
Top Squishy Bag Styles Retailers Need This Season
You can find a number of squishy bag styles enjoying wide popularity in 2025. As a smart retailer, you should keep your shelves stocked with key variants, such as:
- Slouchy Leather Hobos: These have become the quintessential squishy bag. Brands like Fendi and Loewe lead with soft leather bags that maintain their shape while delivering that relaxed silhouette. They slide effortlessly under the arm or hang comfortably on a shoulder.
- Suede Totes and Crossbodies: Elevating the softness with suede fabrics, these bags are perfect for a cozy autumn or winter vibe. The tactile quality of suede adds an extra dimension of sensuous appeal.
- Mini Squishy Holdalls: Compact but plush mini bags are increasingly favored, often worn as crossbodies or wristlets. Their squeezable nature makes them functional yet undeniably fashionable.
- Drawstring and Gathered Fabrics: Emerging in more casual, Boho styles, gathered fabric bags with drawstring closures are making waves for their easy, slouchy design and carefree fashion statement.
- Folded Clutches: On the higher-end fashion front, designers like Acne Studios and Stella McCartney have popularized soft leather clutches that look stylishly squished and casually tucked under the arm, perfect for evening wear or upscale casual outings.
Collectively, these styles reflect the broader movement towards fashion – one that is led by comfort. In this type of fashion, form meets function in a beautiful manner.
How to Merchandise and Market These Bags?
When it comes to merchandising squishy bags in an effective way, you have to focus on lifestyle appeal as well as tactile engagement. As a retailer or a private label seller, you should create displays that invite touch. Try to position such bags alongside complementary apparels focused on comfort that tell a wonderful story of relaxed luxury.
In your marketing campaigns, you should highlight the twin benefits of comfort and style with messaging that centers on the versatility of these bags. Show that these bags are ideal for traveling, weekend and of course – casual workdays. Try to strike partnerships with influencers, particularly with fashion and lifestyle creators who focus on casual chic or mindfulness. In this way, you can create an authentic buzz around your bags.
It can be extremely effective to include video content into your social media strategies. You have to show the soft textures of your bags, how they mold with wear, and how much they are adaptable across outfits. Try to offer different types of stylist tips on pairing these bags with both semi-formal and casual looks, so that your consumers can envision them as their wardrobe staples.
You might also like to consider in-store sensory experiences, such as soft fabric touchpoints or mini events. This will help shoppers to feel the materials and see the bags in action, which can make them feel more inclined to purchase.
What This Trend Means for Retailers?
The squishy bag reflects shift of consumer values towards well-being, comfort and authenticity in their fashion choices. As a retailer, you need to tap into a growing market segment, focusing on relaxed aesthetics and tactile joy.
Try to stock a wide variety of these bags, to cater to an expensive customer base. Whether it comes to practical shoppers or trendy millennial buyers looking for softness and style, these can appeal to everyone.
Remember to highlight durability and craftsmanship alongside softness. You have to reassure your shoppers that these bags are as durable as they look good on the outside, despite their relaxed form.
Conclusion
In 2025, the rise of the squishy bag reflects a compelling fusion of style, comfort and sensory satisfaction that modern shoppers crave for. This unexpected style crush challenges the norms of traditional handbags, focusing on casual chic and softness more. These have become a must-have accessory for the season. You have to craft the merchandising and marketing strategies for these bags properly, to make the most of their sales value for your brand.
