We Tested the $110 Grocery Bag Everyone Is Obsessed With — and We're IN LOVE
Don't worry. If the $100+ price tag isn't for you, we found dupes.
Photograph courtesy of Longchamp Paris
If you’ve been to the farmers’ market lately (or simply perusing coastal grandma inspo), you’ve probably seen quite a few people using Longchamp’s Le Pliage Filet bag to hold all their fresh fruits and veggies. The boldly colored, netted totes have taken TV, the internet and social media by storm, and they might just be this summer’s must-have accessory. We were lucky enough to get our hands on one of the coveted beauties, and we have to agree with the masses — it’s totally worth the hype and the price tag!
At first glance, we’ll agree that the Le Filet looks a little avant-garde. The loose netted design, which is currently available in 11 colors, is very intentional and makes more sense once you place things inside it. Made in collaboration with FILT, a French brand known for woven bags, fishing nets, braided cords and other string goods since 1860, Longchamp’s Le Pliage Filet seeks to reimagine your "grandmother’s knitted cotton shopping nets" by pairing them with Longchamp's signature leather clasp and handles.
These nets — or French market bags, as they’re otherwise known here in the U.S. — are actually a staple of French culture and style. "Le filet is an iconic bag that represents France but it’s also part of our heritage like going to the markets and the love of gastronomy," says Sophie Delafontaine, artistic director of Maison Longchamp, in a promotional video for the line.
You’ll see exactly what Sophie means when you use your own Le Filet at the grocery store. We used it to hold a collection of our favorite pantry staples, including a family-size box of cereal, a container of oat milk, two boxes of pasta, a bag of carrots and a loaf of bread and were shocked to find that the Le Filet could hold it all. In fact, the netted material has quite a bit of stretch, which is super helpful when you’re packing items of varying shapes and sizes inside. If you’re worried about personal items, like your phone and wallet falling through the netting, try tying them inside a knotted silk scarf as seen in the photo above from Longchamp's website. This adorable fruit-themed scarf from Kate Spade NYC will help keep your belongings extra-safe.
Plus, with more and more states banning single-use plastic bags, investing in a Longchamp Le Pliage Filet may just be the reusable grocery bag you've been missing. The bag’s ultra-flexible cotton netting means it can be easily stored just about anywhere — including your work bag or school locker — without taking up any additional space. And at the end of the day, if there's one thing we could all use a bit more of, it's space!
Check Out These Other Market Style Bags
Looking to spend a little less? These netted grocery bags will help you enjoy the trend without breaking the bank:
Related Content:
