This summer has been one of showcasing skin. From the best sheer blouses that add a touch of provocation to tailored outfits to skirts that have a slip of leg-revealing transparent fabric, naked dressing has never been so exhaustive. Mesh is a girl’s best friend this season.
Still, our penchant for exposing a glimpse of our body under airy translucent fabric isn’t about being risqué. Instead, it’s about selectively revealing elements of ourselves that often go unnoticed. It’s this act that brings us to the accessory du jour: mesh bags.
Perhaps the most intimate style we’ve seen this year, the best mesh bags have emerged as an unexpected alternative to the sturdier woven leather shoppers, suede carry-alls and studded top handles that designers have been peddling over the last few months.
Blame it on the ability warm weather has in helping us shed layers or the air of voyeurism that’s in the air, the mesh bag trend has arrived to unlock the inner exhibitionist inside us all. We’re no longer curious to know what chic women carry through town; we’re becoming these people ourselves, proudly displaying to the world the lip liners, keyring charms and other elegant staples that serve us throughout our day. Because the items we tote around not only hold significance, but hold our secrets too.
Are Mesh Bags in Style?
“Mesh brings a certain intrigue,” explains Jane Frances, creative director and co-founder of Dear Frances. The London-based luxury label focuses on footwear and accessories that enhance off-duty outfits with polish, elegance and minimalism. Known for their sock-esque cult ballet flat, I caught up with Frances off the back of their brick-and-mortar launch into Selfridges to understand just why the see-through look is so in demand.
“The idea that a handbag, used to house and protect our valuable everyday essentials, can be reworked to subtly reveal is unexpected,” she adds, noting why they’re back in style. “There’s a vulnerability to it which is honest, fresh and exciting.”
Of course, mesh is a fabric that has been employed in accessory design for years—it’s the backbone for the functional packing cubes that go inside your Rimowa carry-on luggage or make up the checked laundry bag that you schlep to and from your local dry cleaner. Despite these associations, they’ve been given a luxury makeover. Dear Frances has just launched their first mesh bag called the Sacchetto.
It’s a slouchy and sophisticated long-line shoulder bag made from fine Italian fabric and finished with soft nappa leather. Don’t let the fragility and daintiness fool you, however, the structure of these bags makes them dependable enough to fit your laptop, beach read and grocery haul alike.
According to Frances, mesh bags make such a versatile style as they “go against the obvious”. According to her, the trend “adds a certain considered depth with its unique texture and displays a confidence of the wearer.”
Alongside Dear Frances, The Row’s woven-mesh barn tote is an iteration that’s also leading the charge. The Jenner sisters both featured the striped style as part of their European Summer holiday wardrobes—Kylie wore it with white capri pants when gallivanting around Venice, while Kendall took a more languid approach by pairing it with Ancient Greek Sandals’s saionara jelly flip-flops when in St. Tropez—though local members of the fashion influencer set like Monikh Dale and Marianne Smyth have posted the piece, too.
(Image credit: @kyliejenner)
The trend has also begun cropping up at Longchamp, Proenza Schouler and Alaïa, meaning that there are plenty of contenders for the best mesh bag crown already available. That’s not exempting the expensive-looking high-street versions, either, with brands like COS and Massimo Dutti designing their own versions that rival its opulent counterparts.
(Image credit: Launch Metrics)
“Mesh requires intentional consideration,” Frances reminds me, though. Styling wise, play of other textures, like structured denim or silk trousers, to give a more impactful look. And always remember, the best mesh bags will make the contents of whatever’s stored inside visible, so perhaps in a little pouch for your most personal items. Another reason why it’s a worthy investment? “It pushes the boundaries of comfort and style, never compromising one for the other.” Sure, you’ll have to constantly clean out the receipts and junk that end up littered at the bottom of your other luxury bags, but the payoff will be well worth it.
Shop the Best Mesh Bags of 2025
DEAR FRANCES
Sacchetto Large Mesh Shoulder Bag
This espresso martini brown is such a chic transeasonal shade.
The Row
Barn Mesh Tote Bag
The candy stripes remind me of the parasols of European beaches, making it the perfect tote to evoke a holiday feeling in your everyday looks.
THE ROW
Barn Woven-Mesh Tote Bag
For a more minimal look, try this boxy ivory sand shape with a built-in leather pouch.
MANGO
Semi-Transparent Shopper Bag
This Mango style looks so much more expensive than it is.
MANGO
Semi-Transparent Shopper Bag
Great news—it also comes in brown.
KALIDI
Mesh Extra Large Tote Bags
This price looks much more premium than its price tag would let on.
Khaite
Augusta Mesh Tote Bag
This gilded clasp is so opulent—and secure!
3.1 Phillip Lim
Open-Top Mesh Tote Bag
Lean into the codes of summer with this sunny yellow option.
Tory Burch
Mesh Logo-Appliqué Tote Bag
This micro style is a great day bag for running around the city. Just slip in your sunglasses, wallet, lip gloss and you’re done!
ALAÏA
Patent-Leather Trimmed Mesh Shoulder Bag
A worthy successor to its mesh flats, Alaïa has introduced a leather-trim mesh bag to rival the fanfare of the cult shoe received. It’s already paying off, with Dua Lipa and Margot Robbie both fans of this silhouette.
Ridiculously oversized bags will always be stylish. This white version is big enough to lug around everything but the kitchen sink, but will still make you look premium. (And not like the little old lady who lives in her mesh bag!)
THE ROW
Imogen Mini Metallic Mesh Tote
Metallics aren’t just exclusive to Y2K fashion. This silver mesh bag does so much to elevate a pared-back outfit, bringing a pop of colour and texture to otherwise simple looks.
Reformation
Isabella Tote
This mesh basket really has no business looking so cute.
SAVETTE
Tondo Leather-Trimmed Mesh Tote
For a iteration with a bit more structure and polish, this butter yellow style from Savette checks all the boxes.
PROENZA SCHOULER
Days Leather-Trimmed Mesh Tote
New York-based brand Proenza Schouler knows that city slickers lead busy lives, so they have created a mesh bag to suit every kind of occasion. After a designer bag to suit gym sessions, pilates classes, office days and trips to the beach? This is it.
A great alternative to the Alaïa style.
DEAR FRANCES
Sacchetto Medium Mesh Shoulder Bag
This shopper is my personal favourite style as you throw it over your shoulder or hang it in the crook of your arm. Plus, this limited-edition chianti red shade is darkly romantic, meaning it will bring an element of intrigue to evening looks all year round.
SILK LAUNDRY
Silk-Organza Bag White
The perfect nifty carry-all.
This style has a singular strap, meaning you can wear it cross-body or hang it longer for a more Olsen Twin look.
What to Keep in a Mesh Bag?
Now that you’ve invested in the best mesh bag that suits your personal style and specific needs, the next point of call is to pack it. Like travelling light, curating your handbag is an art. I would know. There have been times when I’ve been the woman who has everything, and other instances when I’ve been the person who carries nothing except the clothes on her back. (Okay, that is a little white lie as those occurrences usually only take place when I’m ducking to Pilates and just need my house keys.)
But when everyone can see what’s inside your bag, you want to take great care in ensuring these styles are as elevated as your new mesh bag. Instead of a pair of hair ties that you bought at Boots, try for a chic scrunchie from Sandy Liang or Damson Madder. A pair of designer sunglasses will never go astray. And for your finances? Try a sophisticated coin purse or card holder.
How to Keep Mesh Bags Clean?
Despite what you may think, mesh bags are not machine safe. Consider this your stern warning to avoid the washer and dryer at all costs. Instead, Frances recommends “treating your mesh bag the same way you would a leather handbag.”
“Store it in its original dust bag and out of direct sunlight. Any small marks can be resolved with a simple damp wipe,” she adds. Don’t be put off by these cleaning caveats, however. “Mesh is malleable, it moves with you, which creates a special feeling,” Frances acknowledges before adding, “mesh is made to endure aesthetically and physically.”
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