East-West Bags

East-west bags are long and low: much wider than they are tall, so they sit flat along the side under the arm. Cowhide barrel bags, flap shoulder bags and long top-zip bags, about 8 to 13 inches wide.

What makes a bag east-west

The name comes from the compass: the bag runs side to side rather than up and down. Every bag here is at least twice as wide as it is tall, roughly 8 to 13 inches across and only 4 to 5.5 inches high. That proportion is what gives the slim, horizontal line under a jacket.

Three shapes

Barrel bags are rounded tubes that open with a zip along the top. Flap shoulder bags are flatter and more structured, closing with a lock clasp or a tucked flap. The long top-zip bags have twin handles and the widest opening of the group.

What fits

Width is generous, height is not. A large phone, a long wallet, keys and sunglasses lie lengthwise without trouble; tall things such as a water bottle do not stand up inside. Each product page lists the inside dimensions and what fits.

Questions

What is an east-west bag?

A bag that is much wider than it is tall, so it reads as a long horizontal shape. Baguettes, barrel bags and long flap shoulder bags are all east-west shapes.

Is an east-west bag the same as a baguette?

A baguette is one kind of east-west bag: small, slim and carried under the arm. East-west is the broader term and also covers barrel bags and longer shoulder bags. Some bags appear in both collections.

Can I wear an east-west bag crossbody?

Some can: the ones with a detachable long strap. Bags with only a short shoulder strap or twin handles are shoulder bags; the product page lists the straps.

Will a long wallet fit?

In most of them, yes, lying flat along the width. Check the inside width on the product page against your wallet.