Comparing The Row’s Margaux Bags

The Row’s Margaux bag has managed to do what many luxury fashion brands can only dream of for their most hotly anticipated handbag releases. Since the bag’s launch in 2018, it’s been touted as the new Birkin, garnered waiting lists that even Hermès would envy, and helped pioneer the quiet luxury phenomenon that’s ushered in a whole new approach to getting dressed. Speculation that this ‘It’ bag is getting discontinued is still rife and I’ve recently covered this topic and spoken about my favourite alternative styles so go check out this post if you haven’t already. But now it’s time for a deep dive into The Row Margaux bag specifically. 

I’m going to look at the three variations – original, clutch and East-West. I have all three so I’m going to be drawing on real-life experiences styling and wearing these bags and, lucky for you guys, I’ve got comparison shots. I’ll also be touching on the differences between each of the sizes offered for the original. Great info if you’re thinking about investing in your very own Margaux bag from the luxury resale market or simply if you want to find out some more about this iconic design. So let’s get started because we have LOTS to cover. Happy handbag reading! 

There’s no doubt that the Margaux bag has a simple design. And the original is, of course, the most classic and recognisable of the bunch. A minimalist tote with a soft, slouchy design, it’s easy to understand the appeal of the OG Margaux. Defined by its curved top, buckled toggle fastening on either side and structured top handles, it’s masterful simplicity at its finest and, for me, the ultimate understated statement bag. The original Margaux design comes in four sizes – there’s the Margaux 10, 12, 15 and 17 (each number denotes the bag’s length in inches). 

The larger 15 and 17 sizes are among the most popular, boasting the kind of slouchy tote style that has made The Row’s Margaux such an icon. These sizes make great carryalls and work bags. The smaller 10 and 12 options look and feel a little more structured and are more compact, so best suited to holding the essentials, plus a little extra. The 10 and 12 sizes come with a long crossbody strap which is a popular carrying option, you can technically fit the top handles over your shoulder but it will prove a bit snug so, personally, I love carrying in the crook of my arm. 

My Margaux 12 routinely ranks as one of my most-worn bags. It’s the perfect size for everyday when I want more than an ultra-compact shoulder bag, mini style or clutch, but it’s not big like a work or travel bag. It’s ideal for when I need a style to simply tote around. I also have the Margaux 17 which I use as a travel, work and general carryall bag. Describing this size as a holdall is no exaggeration – it can quite literally hold everything I need. It’s most comparable in size to the Hermès Birkin 40. Except it’s slouchier and the top handles work great slung over your shoulder as well as carried by hand or in the crook of your arm – a serious advantage when using a big bag like this for travel. 

Each size of the standard Margaux is very different and could realistically occupy a distinct place in your bag collection. But if you can only pick two, I’d recommend choosing between the 10 or 12 size and the 15 and 17 size, that way one can work for everyday and the other is perfect as a larger carryall. If you’re deciding on just one size, that really depends on your lifestyle and what you’re planning to use your Margaux for. 

And now onto the Margaux Clutch. The Margaux is, of course, best known as a spacious tote but the clutch bag addition to The Row’s Margaux family is a wise move from the brand. The Margaux clutch is everything you want in a chic and simple accessory. It taps into the unstructured pouch phenomenon that continues to remain a dominant force within the luxury bag game. It’s got the same curved top and buckled toggle fastening as the original so it’s a great option if you want the understated simplicity of the Margaux in casual clutch bag form. Plus, we don’t typically think of clutch bags as being super practical, but this one holds a ton. It’s the same width as the Margaux 17, just a little shorter, so great if you want a hands-free bag that’s spacious. 

If, like me, you’re a huge fan of the East-West bag style, you’ll love The Row’s EW Margaux bag, an elongated rectangular update on the classic design. It’s also referred to as the Margaux Shoulder bag. It doesn’t quite work as an everyday tote like the original. Instead, it easily slots under my arm just like any other quintessential shoulder bag, except it has the Margaux’s signature boxy base to make it noticeably roomier than most other designs of a similar style. The result? A shoulder bag that’s more practical than you might first think. Plus, the East-West shape isn’t exaggeratedly long so doesn’t feel too trend-driven and is actually very classic. Overall, it’s pretty comparable in size to the original Margaux 12, the main differences are the rectangular shape and longer handles.

So, which version takes the crown? One thing I love about The Row’s Margaux bag family is that every iteration and size adds something different to the offering. For a compact  and classic everyday option, the original Margaux 12 gets my vote (the Margaux 10 is also a good option if you like your bags on the smaller size). The EW version is ideal for a practical style that effortlessly slips under your shoulder for an understated look, and the Margaux Clutch is perfect for a chic hands-free option that feels a little more elevated thanks to its coveted je ne sais quois quality. I think if I had to choose just one Margaux bag (a challenge, for sure), I’d go with the original Margaux 17. It’s slouchy, spacious and boasts the undeniable practicality and charm that’s made the Margaux so famous. 

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