Look, the fashion world loves a comeback. But honestly, nobody expected the 2016-era "Influencer Aesthetic" to hit quite this hard in 2026. If you walk into a Five Below, a Walmart, or even scroll through high-end resale sites like Vestiaire Collective right now, you'll see it: the kendall and kylie backpack.
It’s everywhere. Again.
Most people think these bags are just relics of a bygone era when skinny jeans and chokers ruled the world. You might assume the brand faded out after the sisters moved on to solo ventures like 818 Tequila and Khy. You'd be wrong. The Kendall + Kylie brand didn't die; it basically just pivoted into a retail shapeshifter.
The Weird Retail Life of the Kendall and Kylie Backpack
The brand occupies this bizarre space between "budget find" and "designer nostalgia." It’s a paradox. You can find a $5 mini backpack at Five Below made of 100% polyvinyl chloride (basically fancy plastic) that looks almost identical to the $150 pebbled leather versions that used to sit on shelves at Neiman Marcus.
Retailers like Walmart and Burlington are still stocking these bags. Why? Because the "Jenner Effect" is still a very real thing, even ten years after their initial launch.
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- The Walmart Connection: The Kendall + Kylie for Walmart line is surprisingly robust. They specialized in these large faux-leather backpacks with detachable pom-poms. People love them because they fit a 13-inch laptop but don't look like a boring office bag.
- The Five Below Phenomenon: This is where the "mini" trend lives. These are tiny. They hold a phone, a lip gloss, and maybe a portable charger. They’re effectively a fashion statement you wear on your back rather than a functional piece of luggage.
- Resale Gold: On Poshmark and eBay, "rare" versions—like the iridescent PVC or the leopard print faux fur—are actually holding their value. Some of the "Sloane" mini leather backpacks are still listed for $50 to $70.
Why These Bags Still Matter in 2026
Fashion in 2026 is obsessed with "visual identity." We're seeing a massive resurgence of 2016 trends, but we're doing them differently this time. It's not about the full-glam makeup anymore. It's about mixing "Loud Luxury" with accessible pieces.
Kendall Jenner was just spotted at the Khaite Spring 2026 show in New York. She’s the face of high-end brands like The Row now. But the kendall and kylie backpack represents the accessible side of that aspirational lifestyle. It's the "starter pack" for anyone who wants that Los Angeles studio aesthetic without spending $3,000 on a backpack from a French fashion house.
Material Matters: What Are You Actually Buying?
If you're hunting for one of these, you have to be careful. The quality varies wildly depending on where it was originally sold.
High-end versions, often found on sites like Gem or ThredUp, use real cowhide or high-quality vegan leather with suede-lined interiors. These usually feature the "Normie" star motif or the "Sloane" hardware. They’re durable. They’ll last you through a few semesters of college or a year of daily commuting.
Then there’s the budget tier. These are mostly PVC and polyester. They look great in photos. They’re perfect for a music festival or a quick weekend trip. But don't expect them to carry twenty pounds of textbooks for three years. The nylon straps on the cheaper versions tend to fray if you overload them. It’s basically "fast fashion" in bag form.
Real Talk: The "Name" Problem
I’ve seen plenty of Reddit threads where people complain about the branding. "I'd buy it if it didn't have their names all over it," is a common sentiment.
Honestly? That's the point.
The kendall and kylie backpack isn't trying to be a "quiet luxury" piece. It’s a logo-driven accessory. In 2026, the irony of wearing mid-2010s celebrity merch is actually part of the appeal. It's "dad-core" meets "Kardashian-core." It's a vibe.
How to Style It Without Looking Dated
If you want to pull this off in 2026, you can't wear it with a choker and a bomber jacket. That’s too "costume."
Instead, try these:
- Pair a metallic or iridescent mini backpack with an oversized, dark-wash denim jacket and chunky Asics sneakers (Kendall's 2026 go-to).
- Use a black faux-leather large backpack to "toughen up" a feminine polka dot skirt or a butter-yellow midi dress.
- Go monochrome. If you have a tan backpack, wear it with an all-camel or coffee-bean colored lounge set.
Is It Worth the Buy?
If you find a Kendall + Kylie bag at a discount store for under $20, it’s a no-brainer. It’s a stylish, functional accessory that handles the basics. If you're looking at the higher-end leather versions for $100+, you're paying for the silhouette and the nostalgia.
The brand has proven it has staying power. It survives because it’s adaptable. It moves from high-end boutiques to the aisles of Five Below without losing its core identity: trendy, accessible, and undeniably "Jenner."
Next Steps for Your Collection
To get the most out of a kendall and kylie backpack, check the material label before you buy. If you need durability, hunt for "vegan leather" or "pebbled leather" on resale sites rather than the "polyvinyl chloride" found in budget stores. For those looking to flip these bags, keep an eye out for the limited edition prints—like the "Acid Wash" or the "Camo" versions—which are currently trending in the 2016-nostalgia market. Always clean the PVC versions with a damp cloth and mild soap; never use harsh chemicals, or you'll ruin the iridescent finish that makes these bags stand out in the first place.