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Why The Practical Multi-Pocket Bag Is Now Trending
Utility has been trending for a few seasons now, whether it’s multi-pocket carpenter trousers with never-to-be-used hammer holders or workwear-inspired barn jackets designed to withstand the harsh conditions of manual labour. Even tool-belt miniskirts, reminiscent of the aprons your DT teacher wore when performing woodwork demos, have all entered the fashion lexicon in recent years. The latest evolution, which perhaps feels best suited to real life, is a practical, multi-pocket cargo bag.
Miuccia Prada, who has long been known for creating clothing that reflects everyday life – and often honouring the labour and individuals who wear them – has always favoured the practical. For spring/summer 2026, this vision manifested as lacquered aprons suited to metalworkers at MiuMiu, and utilitarian shirts with multiple pockets reminiscent of naval officer uniforms at Prada – her runways an ode to utility, albeit with a luxury price tag.
In the bag department, this ethos is just as apparent. Prada’s Vela rucksack, first introduced in 1984 and crafted from innovative, wipeable nylon, redefined what a luxury bag could be at the time. Today, the now-viral Pocket bag, first seen on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2023 runway in Paris and now carried by every It-girl, has captured the same spirit.
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“At first, I thought lots of little external pockets were more style over substance, but actually I’ve decided they’re genius and extremely practical. No more rooting around in the depths of a Mary Poppins bag trying to find my keys, instead I know exactly which compartment everything is placed, (and when I say everything I mean snacks, Uno, and lip gloss) and can reach them in an instant. I never lose anything anymore,” says Vogue’s commerce director, Europe, Naomi Smart, who recently invested in one.
Elsewhere, designers are embracing the trend in their own ways. Isabel Marant presented slouchy canvas rucksacks styled with cargo jackets and eyelet-studded belts, lending a bohemian edge to the look. Acne Studios, meanwhile, experimented with proportion, offering both oversized and micro versions styled with everything from soft knits and crisp shirting to slinky lace dresses.
Miu Miu SS26 Launchmetrics.com/spotlight
Isabel Marant SS26 Gianluca Carraro
When it comes to styling, a multi-pocket bag can bring a relaxed, Y2K-inspired ease to a simple jeans-and-T-shirt combination, or act as a casual contrast to more elevated pieces. Take notes from Mrs P and pair a utility bag with something unexpected, such as an embellished satin minidress, a taffeta bubble skirt or sharp tailoring, for a considered high-low mix.
Call it a collective desire to make life a little bit easier, or perhaps a marker that functionality has become its own aesthetic. When you’re constantly on the move, there’s undeniable appeal in knowing your essentials are not only within reach, but neatly organised with no rummaging required. Scroll on to discover more of the pocket bag trend and the cargo styles Vogue is coveting.
