You know that feeling when you're looking for a bag that doesn't scream "I’m trying too hard" but still looks like you have your life together? That's the vibe Longchamp has mastered for decades. But honestly, the Le Pliage Xtra XS handbag is a bit of a curveball compared to the nylon totes we all carried in college. It’s tiny. It’s leather. And it's surprisingly polarizing.
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at how people actually use these. Most people see "XS" and think it’s a glorified coin purse. It’s not. But it’s also not your "carry-everything-including-a-laptop" bag. It sits in that weird, perfect middle ground of "I only need my phone, keys, and a lipstick to survive the day."
What’s different about the Le Pliage Xtra XS handbag?
Most people hear "Le Pliage" and immediately think of that crunchy, foldable nylon. You know the one—the workhorse of every airport terminal in the world. The Xtra line is a totally different beast. We’re talking cowhide leather here. It’s soft, it’s smooth, and it has this sort of matte finish that feels way more expensive than the price tag suggests.
The "Xtra" designation basically means it’s the upgraded, vanity version of the original. Instead of being a bag you stuff into a suitcase, this is the bag that is the outfit. The XS size, specifically, is about 6.3 inches wide. That’s small. Like, "will my iPhone Pro Max fit?" small. (Spoiler: It does, but barely, and you have to angle it just right).
Longchamp didn't just shrink the original; they refined it. The hardware is usually tonal or a sleek dark chrome, which keeps it from looking like a toy. It’s basically a piece of leather origami.
The "Tiny Bag" struggle is real
Let’s be real for a second. The micro-bag trend has been a nightmare for practical people. Remember those Jacquemus bags that could barely hold a Tic Tac? The Le Pliage Xtra XS handbag isn't that useless, but it does demand a certain level of minimalism.
If you’re the type of person who carries a full-sized wallet, a portable charger, a notebook, and three different pairs of sunglasses, just stop reading now. This bag will frustrate you. It’s designed for the essentials.
Here is what actually fits inside without the bag looking like it's about to pop a seam:
A cardholder (forget the chunky wallet), your phone, a set of keys (without a massive keychain), a tube of Chapstick, and maybe a small pack of tissues. That’s it. That is the limit.
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The beauty of it, though, is the weight. Or lack thereof. You can wear this thing for eight hours at a music festival or a wedding and completely forget it’s there. The crossbody strap is adjustable, which is a huge win because nothing is worse than a bag that hits you right at the widest part of your hip.
Why the leather choice matters more than you think
Longchamp uses a specific type of cowhide for the Xtra line. It’s durable. I’ve seen people treat these bags like absolute garbage—tossing them on subway floors, spilling coffee near them—and they hold up. The leather has a natural grain that hides those tiny little scuffs that usually ruin a "nice" bag.
Also, can we talk about the color saturation? Leather takes dye differently than nylon. The black is deep and "inky," while the seasonal colors—like that soft "Paper" beige or the vibrant greens—have a richness to them. It makes the XS look like a deliberate fashion choice rather than a shrunken version of a larger tote.
The strap situation
One thing that people often overlook is the strap width. On the Le Pliage Xtra XS handbag, the strap is thin enough to look elegant but thick enough that it doesn't dig into your shoulder. It’s detachable too.
Taking the strap off turns it into this adorable little top-handle bag. It looks very "Parisian chic" when you carry it by the handles for a dinner date. It changes the whole silhouette.
Is it worth the price jump from nylon?
This is the big question. A standard nylon Le Pliage is relatively affordable. The Xtra XS in leather is a significant jump. You’re paying for the material and the craftsmanship.
Honestly? If you want a bag that lasts ten years, go leather. Nylon eventually frays at the corners—it’s the classic Longchamp curse. Leather doesn’t do that. It develops a patina. It softens. It gets better with age.
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There’s also the "look" factor. Nylon is casual. Leather is versatile. You can wear the leather XS with a blazer to a business lunch and not feel like you’re carrying a gym bag.
Common misconceptions about the XS size
I hear this a lot: "It's a kid's bag."
Nope.
The proportions are actually very adult. It’s about intentionality. In a world where we are constantly overwhelmed by stuff, carrying a tiny bag is a bit of a power move. It says you have everything under control and don't need to carry your whole house with you.
Another misconception? That it's hard to get things in and out of. Because it has that iconic zipper and the snap flap, people worry it’s a two-handed operation. It kind of is, at first. But the leather is supple enough that you can eventually flip the flap and zip it one-handed once the bag breaks in.
How to spot a fake (because they are everywhere)
Since these became a TikTok sensation, the market has been flooded with "dupes." But there are tell-tale signs.
Check the horse logo. On a real Le Pliage Xtra XS handbag, the embossing is crisp. The rider should have a clear shape. On fakes, the horse often looks like a blobby dog.
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Look at the snap. The back of the snap on a genuine Longchamp will usually say "Original PRYM 6/6B" or have a specific brand marking depending on the year. Also, the leather edges. Longchamp uses a high-quality edge paint that doesn't peel off after a week. If the "leather" feels like plastic or smells like a chemical factory, walk away.
Real-world usability: The "Day in the Life" test
I watched a friend use this bag for a week in NYC. She’s a commuter.
Day 1: She struggled because she tried to bring her Kindle. It didn't fit.
Day 3: She switched to the Kindle app on her phone. Success.
Day 7: She realized she didn't miss the extra weight of her "big bag."
The XS forces a lifestyle change. It’s great for travel because it packs flat in a suitcase. You can use your big tote as a personal item on the plane and then pull out the XS for sightseeing when you land.
Actionable steps for potential buyers
If you’re on the fence, don't just buy it online immediately.
- Go to a boutique and bring your phone. Seriously. Put your phone inside the display model. If you have one of those massive "Ultra" or "Max" phones with a thick case, you need to see if it actually zips comfortably.
- Think about your color palette. The bright colors are fun, but the black and "turtle dove" grey versions have much higher resale value if you decide to part with it later.
- Check the strap length. If you are very tall or have a larger bust, the crossbody might sit a bit high. It’s adjustable, but it has limits.
- Assess your "carry." Empty your current bag. Sort it into "Must" and "Maybe." If your "Must" pile is bigger than a sandwich, the XS isn't for you. Look at the Small or Medium sizes instead.
- Treat the leather. Even though it’s durable, a quick spray with a leather protector (test a small spot first!) will keep the lighter colors from picking up denim transfer from your jeans.
The Le Pliage Xtra XS isn't a bag for everyone. It’s a bag for people who value quality materials and want to lighten their physical load. It’s a classic for a reason—it’s simple, it works, and it doesn't try to be anything other than a really well-made place to put your keys.
Next Steps for Longchamp Owners:
If you already own the bag, focus on maintaining the leather by using a high-quality conditioner every six months. This prevents the "dry" look that can happen in colder climates. For those still deciding, compare the "Xtra" leather to the "City" coated canvas—the City version is stiffer and holds its shape better, while the Xtra is much more "squishy" and luxury-feeling. Select the one that matches your personal style profile.