Portland Leather Goods vs. Madewell | Which bag should you buy?!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- Hello bag babes!!
I'm so happy to be bringing you this video today! When I was purchasing these two bags, I searched in vain for a comparison video but could not find one. I think these bags have such a similar design, so I wanted to shed some light on the similarities and differences between the two and try to help make your selection a little easier. Tell me in the comments which bag you've decided to buy?! Thanks for watching - please like and subscribe!
Life is short. Buy the bag.
Instagram: girl_in_pursesuit
Madewell: www.madewell.com
Portland Leather Goods: www.portlandle...
#Madewell #PortlandLeatherGoods #lovemyleather
Thank you for this video! I have this same Madewell bag, and I do like it, but I recently bought my first PLG bag (a small zipper tote in cognac), and wow, the quality is just amazing, especially for its price point! I am now officially obsessed with these full grain leather bags and have already ordered my second bag, but from a different company (just to try something different). The icing on the cake is that I’m supporting US small businesses.
JM N you’re so welcome!! I’m so happy people found this helpful and informative!! I didn’t want to come across as hyper critical of madewell but PLG is just so different, rich, and well made!! Love the small business aspect of it too, it’s amazing!! What other brand did you buy from?! Always looking to try new ones!!
@@GirlinPursesuit I got the Avery medium tote from Go Forth Goods. Can't wait for it to arrive!
JM N I’m definitely going to check that brand out!!
Yay I’m so happy you made this channel! I am a bag lover all the way and I’ve been absolutely obsessed with my transport tote from madewell, but since receiving my Portland leather Tote I can’t seem to stop reaching for this bag. It feels like pure velvet.
me too!! I've adored bags for over 20 years, and I just wanted a platform where we could all come together and get our bag fix on!! so glad you're loving it!! and 100% the Madewell is so nice, and I hope it didn't sound like I was putting it down, but PLG is just next level luxury for such an amazing price!! I just adore their bags!!
Oh not at all you gave the most perfect comparison between the two bags. I love how you fairly categorized each aspect on the bags, and I 100% agreed with your review on both bags. They each have their unique qualities. And overall both bags are each a staple in my Wardrobe!! Keep making these videos I absolutely look forward to them!!
@@teresalara7126 I'm so happy that's how it's being received! Because truly they're both amazing bags, but each of them are so different and unique in their own ways as well! And yes, both are a staple! I got you, girl, I have quite a few coming up! :)
I LOVE my Portland Leather Goods bag! It’s one of the best bag purchases I’ve made.
Great comparison video!
Chelsey Hollowell agreed!! It’s such a gorgeous bag - you literally feel the quality in their bags, I honestly would love one in every color!! Thank you so much!! 😊
Just received my small honey zippered tote yesterday and finally opened the package today, and it’s so gorgeous! Love the genuine leather smell and craftsmanship! Will order the oxblood tote 👜 next! New fan! 😍❤️👍🏾👏🏾💃🏾👜
I'm so happy you love it!!! Yes, the smell when you open the box is just bar none the absolute best!!! And then you can just feel and see how well made these bags are - I love love them!! And now they're coming out with more colors, and I'm just trying to decide how to decide which I want as a fall bag!! LOL!! Thank you so much for watching, I really love making these videos for you guys and talking to you all!! Literally makes my whole day!! :)
Thanks for the video, I have a Portland leather small crossbody tote, I was blown away by the quality and workmanship of the bag.
R O you’re so welcome!! 😊 I know!! I couldn’t believe it when I opened the box and felt this bag, the craftsmanship is beautiful!! So happy you love it!!
They did add zippers to the Crossbodys! As soon as I saw that mentioned on FB, I ordered two bags that I had returned. So happy!
I do prefer these Crossbodys compared with the regular totes. The zipper on the regular totes changes the shape too much. It doesn't change it on them at all.
My first style bag like this was Madewell but Portland (and KMM & Co.) have them beat in IMHO. Both made in USA. (KMM will do a custom color on the straps if you want that Madewell look.) I sold my Madewells as soon as I discovered these other brands. And full leather bags rock.
Great video! I love bags!
I saw that too, and I'm so excited!!! Did you see the cranberry color they just released not long ago as well?! I'm a sucker for a lovely red bag, and I think I may splurge on myself!! I have to agree with you, I think the PLG totes are just amazing (never had a KMM & Co. bag but I've heard great things)!! While I'm by no means saying Madewell isn't quality - I think they are and I like a lot of what the company is about, I just feel PLG is a whole new level of bag! I used my PLG bag throughout my move - i tossed things in it and really was not kind with it and it was a champion!! Same here - I love any and all bags!! And thank you!! :)
@@GirlinPursesuit the Cranberry looks gorgeous! I had the Merlot pre zipper days & that was lovely.
I am surprised that I kept the Grizzly. I never carry Brown!
KMM is like a step up with nicer leather, better hardware & they added zippers on new crossbody bags but not on their mini totes. I would totally get one in their totes if they made them
I wear a lot of Madewell. All of my tee shirts & jackets are Madewell. I really like their jackets. Totally worth the money.
Thank you for this. I was looking for reviews on the Madewell bag because I was 90% sure that I wanted one. I had never even heard or PLG. I just went to the PLG site and I'm in love! I just purchased a bag and now I can't wait for it to get here! Also, their website is fantastic at showing sizes and suggesting what each bag can manage to hold.
Do you like the Portland one? Does it feel heavy?
@@dinapopovich1714 I felt it was a bit heavy when it first arrived because I have been carrying around my Longchamp Le Pliage which weighs practically nothing. I have been using the PLG for work and errands since it arrived (really like 2 days after I ordered, shipping was so fast even though I am on the East Coast) and I really do love it and the weight feels fine unless I really overload the bag with full water bottles, heavy books, etc.
I'm so happy this video helped you and that it helped you to discover PLG!! by no means am i downing Madewell, i love their ethics and what they stand for as well; however, i do really love the PLG totes!! How're you loving it? and what color did you get?
@@GirlinPursesuit I totally understand! I just know that I am rough, like, excessively rough, on my bags. The full grain leather of PLG seemed like a better choice for an everyday work bag for me. I got the large size zippered tote in the Grizzly color and she is beautiful. I get compliments all the time and now a co-worker is already planning her PLG order. Also, I got a great deal because I purchased one of the "Almost Perfect" bags. It was a risk but the reviews seemed reasonable enough. I honestly could not find any real defect in the bag I received. There was possibly a small crease along the side where the bag had folded slightly, but that happens all day as I move around with the bag anyway. When shopping on their site, I highly suggest checking their Almost Perfect offers to see if they have something close to what you were planning to purchase.
@@amandabender7851 Agreed! All through my move process I was using my PLG tote because it was a champion in terms of my being able to overstuff it and toss it around if need be! It withheld all of it like champion! The grizzly color is so pretty, and one of the colors i've thought about getting! Totally agree about the Almost Perfect bags! my mini tote is an almost perfect, and I swear i cannot find the issue with it! I think maybe a small mark on the interior of the bag, but that doesn't bother me! The prices are so worth it for the Almost Perfect!
THANK YOU for making my decision easy, you answered all of my questions ! I'm definitely going for Portland Leather Good's.
I'm so happy I was able to help you!! and PLG just posted on IG that the crossbodies are now being made with a zippered option!! So if that's what was holding you back, they've now given that option which I love!!
That was a perfect review. I feel all of my questions are answered. TYSM 🌼
I’m so happy you found it helpful!!! My pleasure!!! ☺️💕
YES! This video is perfect! I love how informative your comparison is. I have a Madewell Lorimer Mini Backpack and I love it but I love the feel of bags and I can't get over the feel of Portland Leather Goods bags. It's just inviting to touch. I can't wait to see your accessories video and surprise unboxing! I also love your "sign off". I always say I need to buy the bag because tomorrow isn't promised.
shano.saurus Right?! Both bags are quality but there’s something just so rich about the PLG bags! Thank you! I cannot wait to see your accessory too!! And I agree completely, tomorrow is never promised so live for today! Buy the bag!
I ordered the Portland Leather Goods Almost Perfect Crossbody Tote with added zipper in the color Honey this morning. I CANNOT WAIT until it gets here. So I’ll just live vicariously through this video 😍
YAY!!! I’m so excited for you, you will adore it!! They truly make it hard to choose which bag, I honestly want them all in every color!! I’ve been seriously eyeing a crossbody tote in sunflower!! 🌻☺️💕
@@GirlinPursesuit yes I agree. Haha I emailed custom service if I could change the color before they shipped to cold brew and then I asked again if I could change that to merlot. Haha unfortunately they couldn’t because they have to keep track of inventory. So I will buy another color next time. Your video made me want merlot so bad 😂😂
@@misprinc1928 I totally get it!! I swear they release so many amazing colors that it literally makes me feel like I need one in every color!! I just got a bucket bag in the terra-cotta that’s stunning!! The merlot is a classic, it’s so pretty!! And I also want to try the cold brew color!! AHHHH!! Literally, PLG becomes an addiction!! Their bags are truly so stunning!!
I am a huge Madewell fan but also recently received a PLG larger zipper tote In Grizzly and a PLG medium tote coldbrew. OMG! I am hooked! Already adding the black tote to my want list.
Both brands make gorgeous bags!! I love love the smell of the leather when opening up the PLG packages!! I’m thinking about the cranberry color!! So happy they made a zipper version of the medium tote!!
After watching your video I could clearly see the Portland leather looks like a much sexier bag. I just pulled the trigger and bought their mystery box it comes with six more goodies can’t wait to open it
so happy you enjoyed it and it helped you!! they're both pretty bags, but there's just something more to PLG!! ohhhhhh, I'm so excited for you!!!! Please let me know what you get, I'm on the fence about getting one!! I've heard that you can get a unicorn color in the mystery tote, so I'm half tempted!!
I have 4 Portland leather totes! 2 large and 2 medium. I discovered them about 4-5 years ago. Beautiful bags!! The smell when you open the box is amazing. The smell of beautiful clean leather. 😍 Wishing they would come up with more styles. Like a satchel. ❤️
Agree completely, they're such beautiful bags and so durable! I don't feel like I need to baby these bags when I carry them which I love! I definitely would like to order the large tote with a zipper, and I'm back and forth with colors! The hardest thing about these bags, I feel, is deciding on a color! I honestly feel like I need one in each color available!
@@GirlinPursesuit I know!! 😂 Hard decisions here.
I will say... to me... these are two different times and places. Do you know what I mean? The Portland seems more casual and would be used differently in a different place where the zipper wouldn't be that big of a deal. I guess like a shopper I've been looking at both of these companies so I really appreciate this video and I subscribed right away. this video is three years ago, but there's still, super cute bags super classic. I've been doing vegan leather over 15 years now so part of me is feeling a little weird about buying leather again, but I heard their sustainably sourced so that's good. I'm not vegan and I eat meat if I don't buy leather goods try to buy sustainable then.....🤷♀️ I love caring leather, the smell of it the feel of it
Great comparison video!
Just got the Madewell Medium Transport zip tote in the Eng Saddle. I do love it!
Now ordered the PLG Medium unzipped, tote in Grizzly. I am excited to try it, as well! Will work great for Fall and Winter plus Evening Casual wear. I am short and very thin, but love bigger bags, anyways. But your vid helped me decide to try the PLG Tote, also. I will update here once I get it.
Thank you so much!! The Madewell m. transport in saddle is stunning!! I've thought about purchasing one in the saddle color!! I am pumped for you to start your PLG journey, I don't think you'll be disappointed!! (you won't be disappointed with either bag, though!!) Can't wait to hear your thoughts!! :)
@@GirlinPursesuit only thing that may be a deal-breaker on the PLG Bag is if it is heavy, as an empty bag, for me! If so, I may return it. :/
@@shippermd completely understand that! I will say that I think it is heavier than the Madewell bag, however, it's not the heaviest bag I've ever carried. But keep me posted on your thoughts for sure, I'm curious what you'll think!! I hope it works out!!
Bought 3 Madewell bags and sold all my PLGs. PLG is really low quality compared to Madewell.
Did I miss the tote drop strap size comparison between the bags?
Edited to add the following:
I’ve been wanting the Madewell MediumTransport Tote/Crossbody for years. I recently found out about the Portland Leather Goods Medium Tote/Crossbody one. I’m on the fence between them. I’m also torn between zippered and unzipped. I really love love love the slouchy look. Not sure which one would give me that.
Buying the PLG, thank you for this detailed comparison! I NEED a quality everyday tote!
You will not regret this bag!! Honestly, these bags are amazing!! Please let me know what you think when your bag comes in!! What color did you pick?!
@@GirlinPursesuit I got the “Pebble black” zipper one to replace my cheap everyday bag that was falling apart
@@MicheleJenae the pebble black looks stunning!! I'm so excited for you to receive it!!
What color is the Portland Leather Goods bag? Such a gorgeous, rich color!!
farmgurl thank you!! I totally agree!! It’s in the Merlot color!! It’s honestly perfect for fall - I love using it right now for the season!!
@@GirlinPursesuit Thank you for your reply! I had placed an order for a tote in Merlot before coming across your video. It looks much better in your video. The pictures on the website don't do justice to the color!!!
farmgurl you’re so welcome!! You’re going to love it!! It’s such a beautiful color, and I get compliments when I use it all the time!! Let me know how you like it!! 😊
What color is the PLG bag? I love it!
Thank you!! It’s in the merlot color!! It’s honestly so beautiful and stunning in person, and the smell when you open the package...omg!! Intoxicating!! The best leather smell ever!!
Thanks for the video! I have one of PLG regular totes in medium with a zipper that I got two years ago as well as the Madewell Tote in your video. While the PLG is better quality leather it is a heavy bag! I still have it but grab my Madewell one more since it doesn’t cause shoulder pain. Wish I could use the PLG one more though!
Brittany Freeman you’re so welcome!! I could definitely see that, as the madewell bag is a little lighter, and I actually did watch a video where someone mentioned that the PLG handles dig into the skin a bit. I think both bags are so stunning, they both have such great qualities to them!!
I think PLG now has the zip-top cross-body tote!
They do!! I’m so happy they created that option now!! At the time of this video, it wasn’t a thing yet, but thrilled it is now!!
Great review! I am a leather tote bag fan and I have three Madewell totes, two Portland Leather Goods, two Go Forth Goods, two Everlane totes, two Cuyana tots AND one KMM&Co tote. If you ever get a chance try a bag by KMM&Co. They are also here in the US and I have to say, I think it’s my favorite!
Yep, I absolutely love leather totes!😂
Thank you so much!! I love leather bags too - well, scratch that, I love all bags!! I will definitely check out KMM&Co.!! I’ve never heard of them!! I also love Patricia Nash bags, and in doing some research into her bags, I have a new appreciation for her stuff!!
I’m curious. What do you love about the KMM&Co totes, and what are some pros and cons to the different brands you have? I have 2 PLG bags and 1 Go Forth Goods so far, but I’m always looking to try new bags. Thanks!
Jjj Nnn would definitely love to hear Valerie’s opinion as well!
Girl in Pursesuit yes, I’m all about bags, too. I have more than I can count. I have a few Patricia Nash bags as well. Her leather is very nice and the faux suede lining is so soft. I have lots of Dooney and Bourke bags, a couple of Fossil bags, several Michael Kors and four or five Louis Vuitton. The oldest bag in my collection is a Dooney satchel I bought back in 1991 and next is my beloved LV Speedy 25 that I purchased in 95. My family doesn’t understand my obsession with beautiful bags so I’m always happy to “meet” a fellow bag lover who shares my passion for a great bag!
Jjj Nnn oh my goodness, where to start. As far as leather quality goes PLG, Go Forth Goods and KMM&CO bags are all pretty equal. Thick, sturdy full grain leathers that smell divine. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all used the same leather supplier. Madewell, Everlane and Cuyana use entirely different types of leather all together. They are thinner leathers, don’t have that great leather smell and are mass produced. I’m not sure if they are made in the US or if they are outsourced. The three full grain leather bags as well as Chic Sparrow and Whipping Post are all handmade here in the US. I forgot to mention I also have a Chic Sparrow and a Whipping Post tote, too. Besides differences in the actual leather all of the bags are different sizes and shapes. Obviously, the full grain leather totes are heavier but that’s to be expected with such thick, hefty leather. The Cuyana is the most “dressy” of all the brands along with Everlane, and Madewell falling in behind those two. The Whipping Post bag is probably the biggest one (and the heaviest) and sadly I don’t use it much. I am petite 5’3” so I have to be careful to not use a bag bigger than me! Plus, I’m retired now and don’t lug around all the stuff I used to. Of my two Go Forth bags the one with the top zipper and front pocket is my favorite. I really like the key clip holder in Go Forth and wish all the totes had it. My other Go Forth bag is the floppiest of all my bags. Everlane is the most structured. There are a few reasons why the KMM&CO bag is my favorite. The size and shape is perfect for me. They come in several colors, mine is called Cognac and I love the color, you can choose what length handles you want, you can add on a crossbody strap or a snap closure and they make matching accessories, too. As with Go Forth Goods and PLG bags the KMM&CO bag will scratch but I think that just adds to the beauty and uniqueness of those bags. The KMM&CO bag is also constructed a little differently in the base of the bag, too. In my opinion, just a little more reinforcement to the bag. All in all you can’t go wrong with any one of all these brands of bags. They are all beautiful and functional as a good, hard working tote that will last you for many years, if not a lifetime!
I ordered the medium Madewell tote 2 years ago and it bent over in half which i didn’t are for so returned it. Your Madewell tote looks more formed and sturdier. I don’t know if the zipper makes the difference? So I went with the mini Madewell which I like very much. I just ordered my first PLGs bag and it is their bucket backpack. But what do you think about the medium Madewell tote? As far as not holding its shape. Maybe I got a softer leather or something which doesn’t make sense they should all be the same due to how they are made. I’m interested to hear your thoughts. Great comparison of these bags.
Did I miss it what color is the Portland leather bag? If you want you could take your bag in and get the crossbody strap shortened. It"s pretty easy to do. They can punch new holes in it.I just got my Portland leather bag!
It’s merlot!! I love it, it’s such a deep and pretty color - unlike anything I have!! I am really considering the sunflower color as well!! That is definitely something I might consider, because I do use the crossbody strap a lot and I prefer them a little shorter! YAY!! So excited for you!! Which bag and what color?!?
@@GirlinPursesuit yeah there are definitely places you can get it done. You could ask a shoe place if nothing else! Such a pretty color!
Great video! Thanks!
I’m glad you found it helpful! ☺️
What about the weight of these bags?
very good question, and I wished I would have talked on it in this video! So if you're going for a lighter weight, the Madewell for sure is the lighter of the two. The PLG is definitely heavier!
Is the Madewlell made of full-grain leather? The web site says “semi-vegetable tan,” but they don’t say “full-grain.”
Barbara JL O'Riordan Honestly, I’m not quite sure. The madewell site only states that the bag is made of semi-tanned vegetable leather and has a wax finish. The bag is beautiful, and it did not come with any pungent smell or odor. Has a very minimal leather smell to it! I like the way the madewell bag fits crossbody on a shorter person - I’m 5’5, and I feel like this fits me well!
What color is the PLG bag?? It’s beautiful!
Hi! It’s merlot 🍷I love how it shows more purple than red, though!
PLG Always!!
Agreed!!
Is the Madewell lined or unlined? And, if lined (I think that it is), what is the material and color of the lining?
It's unlined! It does also have the inside compartment, and it zips versus the PLG tote which has no closure!
Just ordered 2 Portland Leather Totes.
YAY!!! I’m excited for you!!!! What sizes/colors?! I have my eye on a tote mystery box!!!
@@GirlinPursesuit I bought the large tote in pebble black with matching wallet and pencil case. Then, I bought the large tote in Cognac with zip wallet.
@@hobson2207 gorgeous colors!! I'm between the pebbled black tote and the dune color!!! their pebbled leather is just gorgeous!! I hope you enjoy them!! :)
That’s weird I was just on their website and the bag does come with the zipper or you can get it with or without the zipper
They do now and I’m so happy!! At the time I made those video, they had not!!
@@GirlinPursesuit Don’t you love when they get things that you want but then you’ve heard about what you want like I wanted this gray but I guess it’s discontinued
Right?! I remember the grey being released!! Definitely keep an eye out because I feel like the colors resurface. There was a limited edition canyon color I adore and it was gone before I could get it but then they brought it back!!
Great video! I love my Madewell bags! I have two medium transport totes (one with a zipper and one without). I’m thinking of trying PLG. Can you tell me how long the handle drop is? It looks quite a bit longer than the Madewell’s. Also, is the crossbody strap too long to be worn on the shoulder vs crossbody style? I’m 5’5” as well.
Leatherhappy thank you so much!! Madewell bags are great, and their looks are timeless!! I do love that their bags offer a zippered option, whereas PLG does not...yet (hopefully that’s to come)!! I truly think you’d love PLG bags, their quality is outstanding, it’s honestly one of the best built and best quality bags(s) in my collection!! So the handle drop is definitely longer at 11”!! I have worn it on just my shoulder before vs the crossbody style and it does sit longer - especially in comparison to madewell. However, I do think it would be fun to mix n match the PLG tote with the guitar strap handle of madewell - definitely adds a little extra plus those handles are not as long!! Especially the cheetah strap!! 😊
Thanks so much for the info! Your channel is going to be super successful! You’re such a natural! 🤗
Leatherhappy you’re so welcome!! And thank you so much, that makes my whole day!! I’m so happy you guys enjoy watching my videos as much as I enjoy making them!! 😊
I love your bag videos! 😍 Do you use the zipper on your Madewell bag or would you recommend the no-zip version? Thanks!
tlhuettl thank you so much!! I love making them, so I’m so happy you guys enjoy watching!! So I truly don’t use the zipper all that often; however, I do love the fact that it’s there so should I decide I want to secure my items, I can! But that’s just me!
Girl in Pursesuit Thanks so much! That's good to know. I appreciate you answering my question! 🙏
tlhuettl my pleasure!! 😊
What color is the Portland Leather bag?
This is in the color merlot 🍷
You need to try Go Forth Goods as well!
Angela Meier thank you for the tip!! I’m definitely going to check them out!!
Amazing quality products!!!!
Beth York they really are!! Definitely a new fave brand for me!!
PLG has zip tops now
I’m so happy that there’s this option now!! 🤗💕
PLG offers zipper one the crossbody now
they do and I'm so happy! at the time I made this video, it wasn't an option yet! So happy it is now!! :)
Absolutely love your video!! What color is your Portland bag?
Thank you so much!!! This bag is in the merlot color!!! ☺️💕
PLG Forever
Does madewell bag have the smell like Plg?
Not quite like the PLG totes/items! If you've ever walked into a leather store (like a Coach or a Wilson's Leather are examples I can think of), that's the smell when opening up a PLG package!!
Funny question since the PLG bag is a Portland company, but would you worry about its leather in the elements?
Such a good question!! So with the fact that the leather is full grain, and therefore more durable than other leathers, I don’t fear it too too much!! However, there’s still that side of me that’s very protective over my bags - any bag - and I try to avoid them being exposed to extreme elements! But if it was just a light shower of rain, I don’t fear it too much!!
@@GirlinPursesuit thank you so much! Excellent video and I appreciate that it gave me all the info I needed!
Sorry idk if you said this but does the Portland leather allow you to change straps
Hi! Change them in terms of strap drop length? Or remove the crossbody strap?
The crossbody is removable and can be switched out for other straps! Unfortunately the shoulder drop of both bags is not adjustable!
@@GirlinPursesuit thank you for answering my question
would a 15-in laptop fit in either one of these? with or without zip?
So the 15” does poke out from the top of it a bit in the open tote without a zipper! At the time I made this video, a zipper option was unavailable, and ive not gotten one with a zipper just yet. However, I’d venture to say one would not fit into it and be able to zip - this is all in reference to the PLG tote. I also do not believe a 15” would fit into a madewell tote. However, PLG does make different size totes that I know would fit a 15” laptop comfortably! I don’t think you can go wrong with either company 😊
@@GirlinPursesuit Thanks!
Are you okay? 🧡 worried about you
All is well, love, thank you! Life is starting to become more steady, I've just had so much going on! Coming out with a video, hopefully, this weekend :) Just a "where i've been, chit chat," sort of video. Thank you so much for asking!
Is the PL much heavier?!
i would definitely say that it is heavier - in carrying the PLG for a little while now, i will say that it is one thing that could be considered a con for these bags. if you do pack in a lot of stuff, which i tend to do, it can become very heavy. i do plan on doing a more updated video on the PLG and sharing that! but overall, the PLG quality is amazing!
#LUYBAG Bolsa réplica 1:1 con imagen reflejada, resistente y resistente al desgaste. Me gusta mucho.