The Bowling Bag
Notes on the bag shape I love most, plus a small edit
The first bag I remember owning was sparkly and made of plastic.
I don’t remember where it came from, but I remember its shape very clearly. It had a flat base and a rounded top, big, rounded, and able to fit far more than I ever needed at the time, while still being the right size for a six-year-old. I think about it often, mostly because I realise now how much it shaped my taste.
I’ve always gravitated towards bags that feel generous. Massive, I would say. Ideally, something that resembles those old doctor’s bags that open wide and let you put everything inside. I like to carry all I can with me, what can I say?
Somewhere between that sparkly plastic bag and growing up, my idea of what felt right didn’t really change. It just evolved. So when Phoebe Philo showed her version for Céline Fall 2017, it felt immediately familiar. There was nothing precious about it. It didn’t try to be clever or decorative. It was rounded, substantial, worn close to the body, and looked like something you’d actually use every day.
The reason the bowling bag looks the way it does is very simple: it had to carry something heavy, like bowling balls.
Bowling, in fact, became hugely popular in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, especially between the 1920s and 1950s, and its alleys were real social spaces as well as serious sporting ones. Players often owned their own balls, which were solid, personalised, and not exactly easy to transport. And women were obviously smashing it, with their coordinated bowling uniforms and bags.
Early bowling bags were designed almost like equipment cases: thick leather, reinforced bases, short, sturdy handles, and a rounded shape that could hold the ball securely without it rolling around.
What I love about bowling bags, and what makes them still relevant to me now, is that they sit slightly outside of trends. They are the kind of bags you reach for on days when you don’t want to think too much. They work with tailored coats, denim, flat shoes and more importantly, on rushed mornings.
My love for bowling bags was confirmed, when Prada showed these vintage-inspired ones on the men’s autumn/winter runway in 2025. Since then, this shape has literally haunted me in my dreams.
Below, I’ve listed some of my favourites on the internet. Some are investment pieces, some are more accessible, but all of them feel wearable in a very real way.
The Stockholm by DeMellier
Available in five colours, sleek and sturdy, it looks like one of those bags that will survive any stage of your life. Retail price: £525.
The Cheyenne Bowling Bag by Beaularés
This is a unisex bag, and that’s one of the things I love about it. I love the masculine touch and the western vibe of this London brand. Retail price: £170.
Louisiana Bag by Vagabond
Real leather, slouchy, and available in three colours. I honestly love the Mary Poppins way in which it opens. Retail price: £280.
Purple Prada
Going vintage is obviously highly recommended. This one is on the pricier side, but the shape and colour of this gem are unmissable. eBay: $549.
The Alma Bag by Freja
Freja just works for me so well. The bags are reasonably priced, their aesthetic is immaculate, and the quality is great. I’ve been using their bags on repeat without even thinking, this one for the weekends, this for the office, and now the Alma Tall for everything in between. Retail price 200-350£.
Prada Bowling Hand Bag
If you want to go vintage and you don’t necessarily need to be able to carry a bowling ball with you, this is a great bag for daywear, and I don’t think it will ever not be on trend. eBay: £115.
