Polène Bag Review & Comparison

This blog post has been HIGHLY requested and I have been meaning to write it for almost a year now!! Every time I post a Polène bag on Instagram, my DMs are filled with questions about the bag: do I like it, would I recommend it, is it worth the cost? So this post will hopefully answer all your questions! I own three different bags, so I’m walking you through each one and the pros and cons.

Polène Number One Handbag

The Polène Number One Handbag in “trio camel” was my first Polène handbag and I still love it as much today as I did the day I got it! This is the largest of the Polène handbags that I own (and the most expensive) and is Polène’s signature handbag. It’s designed to be a day bag and has room for all of your essentials and more. The interior has a zippered pocket as well as two flat pockets.

PROS: It is VERY spacious inside! I can fit all of my essentials (wallet, keys, phone, makeup bag) and there is always plenty of space left in the bag. It could even be used for a travel bag because it fits so much inside, including a water bottle. Aesthetically, I love the look of this bag and the fact that it can be worn on your arm, shoulder, or as a crossbody bag.

CONS: The only con for this bag is that I think it’s quite heavy! If you’re going to be carrying it around for a long time, I would definitely utilize the crossbody feature so that it wouldn’t get too heavy on your arm.

Cost: $420. Dimensions: 32 x 16.5 x 23 cm. Adjustable shoulder strap: 120 cm.

Polène Number One Mini

The next bag I got from Polène was the Number One Mini in camel. This one, unlike the others, has a gold clasp and a gold chain (whereas the other two are made of all leather). It is spacious enough to fit the largest iPhone inside and your keys and wallet, but not much else. The exterior is made of full-grained calf leather and the interior has a flat pocket.

PROS: This bag is smaller than the Number One and perfect for running errands if you don’t need to carry a lot of stuff with you in your handbag. The gold accents definitely make it look high-end.

CONS: Although I really like the look of the gold chain shoulder strap, it gets uncomfortable after wearing it for an extended period of time! And because the strap a chain, you can’t adjust the length of it. I’m 5’4 and wish that I could make the chain a little shorter, since I find that it hits my hip at an awkward spot when I wear it crossbody (photo shown above). The other con would be the cost – for only $40 more, you can get the larger handbag, which is I think is a better option!

Cost: $380. Dimensions : 20.5 x 18 x 9 cm. Shoulder strap: 116 cm.

Polène Number One Nano

My most recent purchase from Polène is this Number One Nano handbag in Tan Textured Leather. This is the least expensive of the Polène bags that I own, at $260, and looks just like the Number One Handbag but in miniature form.

PROS: Out of the three Polène bags that I own, this one is my favorite! I find that I reach for it most often because it’s the lightest and easiest to carry. It’s also the most comfortable on my shoulder because the strap is made from leather and the bag itself is so lightweight. Although it’s a small bag, there is still room for my iPhone (I have the largest one), keys and a few other small items. Another pro is the price, since this bag is the most affordable out of all three!

CONS: None!

Cost: $260. Dimensions : 22 x 7 x 9 cm. Adjustable shoulder strap: 120cm.

Let me know if you have any questions about the handbags and I’d be happy to answer them in the comments! One note is that the bags do ship from overseas so they can sometimes take a while for shipping. Just keep that in mind before ordering! xoxo

Leave a Comment

20 Comments

  1. I think these bags just look sooo cute! My favorite looks-wise is definitely the nano, and I can definitely see all the pros you list here!
    Thanks for sharing this honest review!
    Xx Janine
    https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com

    1.20.21Reply
  2. Kristina M.P.

    First & foremost, Congratulations on that baby doll! She’s perfection! Wishing you & your family God’s richest blessings✨ I’ve been waiting for this post! Awesome! I wish the Nano would fit a water bottle! xx

    1.20.21Reply
  3. Laura Leigh

    really great round up! I think the nano would be my favorite as well. love the smaller size and leather strap!

    xo Laura Leigh
    https://louellareese.com

    1.20.21Reply
  4. Okay now I want these! They’re all so gorgeous and well made/designed. And because they’re neutral, they can be worn with so many outfits. Adding these to my wishlist right now! Thanks so much for the review!

    xx
    Key
    https://storiesbysuddreth.com/

    1.20.21Reply
  5. Annika

    Thank you for writing this post, I remember asking for your opinion on which Polene bag was your favorite months ago! I bought the Number One Mini – I am 5’8 and have a long torso so it sits well on my frame, but I could see how it could be too long for someone smaller! I want to get the large bag next – maybe when we’re “back in the office” and I need to carry around a big bag again!

    1.20.21Reply
  6. Lin Han

    You gave the measurements in cm. Not helpful. Can you please give them in inches? Thank you.

    1.20.21Reply
  7. Sam

    Did you treat your bags with anything? Or do you notice any color transfer with these bags? Thank you!!

    1.20.21Reply
  8. These are beautiful bags! I feel like they could go with virtually anything.

    Congratulations on your beautiful little girl! She is so precious. I’ve enjoyed all the IG Stories. 🙂

    Make Life Marvelous

    1.21.21Reply
  9. All three are so chic but if I was to get one I would go for the Number one, thank you for the great reviews!

    xx Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

    1.21.21Reply
  10. I love all 3 but since I am obsessed with mini bags, I am biased towards the nano. It’s so cute and the fact it can fit everyday essentials, I say it is a winner!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    1.26.21Reply
  11. The bag looks awesome. the brown color is one of the favorite colors. Thanks for sharing with us.

    1.28.21Reply
  12. Emily H.

    Hi Caitlyn, I think you may have mistagged the Polene nano. That looks a like a edition smooth leather in camel, which retails for $300. Note the smooth texture and contrast stitching of the tan textured bag on their website.

    8.3.21Reply
    • Michaela

      I agree, too, I tried to compare it according to the website, but it is not tan texture leather. I am looking at Camel colour, and it looks almost identical!

      2.7.23Reply
  13. I love the Polene Number One Nano, it’s gorgeous! How long did it take for the bag to ship?

    Thanks so much for your helpful review!

    https://thebeautyminimalist.com

    1.8.22Reply
  14. Ashley R

    Great reviews!!! Such beautiful bags! I am wondering if you have a promo code for them?
    It looks like the prices have gone up since your blog post.

    1.12.22Reply
    • Unfortunately I don’t, but I can ask for one!

      1.12.22Reply
      • joy

        Hi any promo code to share please?? thinking of getting the nano for christmas!! thank u!

        12.17.22Reply
  15. Linda

    Hi, I just purchased the numéro un with the chain and you are able to play with the length actually. I shortened it a bit. The chain is made to be adjustable

    3.15.23Reply
  16. KG

    This was super helpful! My birthday is coming up and I’d like to treat myself to my first Polene Bag and I can’t decide between the nano and the larger number 1. If you had to choose between the 2, which one would you pick? Which one do you use more?

    9.12.23Reply