This Handbag Has Just Been Voted the Year’s Key Style—I Saw It Coming Months Ago

What does it take to create an It bag? As a handbag-obsessed editor, I've been known to spot a soon-to-be icon before sightings or sales have confirmed it.

The answer is all in the finer touches. Careful consideration of silhouette, clever design details and thoughtfully chosen materials and colourways all have to align in perfect harmony for a great bag to really take off. And I predicted the Ferragamo Hug Bag would be an icon as soon as I saw it. Now, the data confirms this is the 2025 bag to know about.

Woman wears black coat, black boots and carries black bag

(Image credit: @neelam.ahooja)

The Hug Bag has been all over my social pages in recent months. With every few swipes, I spot a glimpse of its structured bowling-bag silhouette, smooth, rounded top handles and now incredibly identifiable hug-like side straps that are neatly secured with hardware in the front. And every time I lay eyes on it, I once again fall for the understated appeal it brings.

When it comes to the most coveted handbags around, I've noticed they tend to fall into two categories. There are the eye-catchers, bold in silhouette or striking in design features, that have so much strength in their creation that you would happily leave all your worldly possessions that can't fit at home and savour this bag for those truly special occasions. Rest assured, these have their time and place.

The other style is a do-it-all hero. The aesthetic is impeccable, identifiable by those in the know, and a bag of this ilk is not only a considerably stylish companion but a practical one at that. This is the Ferragamo's Hug. No matter the size, you won't have to forgo bringing a wallet out or slip your phone into your back pocket.

Woman wears black coat, white shirt and red bag

(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)

The bag's success is clear from how many stylish wardrobes it's in. So much so that the brand has fully embraced it as the It bag it was destined to be, diversifying into three sizes (XS, M and L) with variations in two-colour options as well as a new softer version. Below, I'll dig into the differences between each, with imagery that shows the size and structure to make choosing the one for you that much easier.

Keep scrolling to explore all versions of the Ferragamo Hug Bag.

The XS Ferragamo Hug Bag

Woman wears brown trench coat and carries small beige bag

(Image credit: @savinachow)

The smallest iteration of the Hug bag is the XS, yet it still retains the polished look. Structured leather maintains the sharp silhouette of the bag, which can be toted in hand or worn over the shoulder with the detachable strap. Let this accent your evening looks and days out. This size currently comes in eight colourways.

Shop the XS Ferragamo Hug Bag:

The Medium Ferragamo Hug Bag

Woman carries Ferragamo Hug bag

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

The medium Hug Bag is the ideal everyday bag, with a spacious interior that features a zipped pocket to secure your most treasured possessions. Hold it in hand or sit it in the crook of your arm—either way, this is a bag that is sure to rise to casual and dressy occasions alike. Currently, there are 17 shades to choose from.

Shop the Medium Ferragamo Hug Bag:

The Large Ferragamo Hug Bag

Woman wears patterned dress, black mules and black bag

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

The largest size of this bag allows you to stash all your essentials plus more. Whether you fill it to the brim or not, the enveloping buckles allow you to adjust the silhouette to suit whilst retaining the sharp shape. Again, this size also comes with a longer strap, adding to the various ways it can be worn. Currently, it comes in 15 shades.

Shop the Large Ferragamo Hug Bag:

The Bi-Colour Ferragamo Hug Bag

Woman wears black dress and has black and red handbag

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

As you may have noticed, Ferragamo is a brand that embraces the scale of colours and shades, so much so that the bicolour brings two colours together in one. Let your exterior whisper subtly whilst the peeks at the interior shout maximalism! Right now, you can choose from one of the 15 colour combinations in the medium size, with plenty more options available in all of the sizes.

Shop the Bicolour Ferragamo Hug Bag:

The Soft Ferragamo Hug Bag

Woman wears brown handbag carries beige bag

(Image credit: @savinachow)

The latest interpretation of the Hug comes in the soft form. Whilst the look of the bag remains as elevated as ever, a supple feel has been added to the smooth calfskin leather, creating a more malleable finish. The single strap is both adjustable and removable, and the bag currently comes in seven shades.

Explore More:
Florrie Alexander
Shopping Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.