Vera Bradley


Where it All Started

Today Vera Bradley is well known for its bold patterns and luxurious handbags, and it all started with two friends and a bit of wallpaper. In 1975 Vera Bradley founders Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller became friends and bonded over wallpaper, eventually starting their own wallpaper business. The two women were interested in creating unique patterns and this interest eventually drove them to design their own fabrics for clothes. 

 

After a trip together, Miller and Baekgaard got the idea to extend their love of color to luggage. Thus, in 1982, Vera Bradley was born with the purpose of creating unique luggage specifically for women. To set these bags apart, they were made entirely out of fabric. Today, their 100% cotton, quilted bags are the most iconic products of the Vera Bradely brand. 

 

Over time the company gained in popularity. From humble beginnings in a basement, Vera Bradley is now a household name and one of the most popular luggage choices for women all over the US.  

Fabrics

The story of Vera Bradley is really the story of its fabrics. Creating beautiful, unique patterns was the driving force behind the company’s founding. The first Vera Bradley bags were made from 100% cotton, quilted for a luxurious appearance. 

 

Today, Vera Bradley offers bags, backpacks, lunch bags, and more in several high-quality fabrications, each with their own unique attributes.  

Signature Cotton | Recycled Cotton

This soft fabric was the first choice for Vera Bradley founders for its softness and durability. Vera Bradley fabric purses can be washed in a washing machine’s gentle cycle, and they can be folded up for compact storage. This versatile fabric is used for almost all the bags that Vera Bradley offers and is commonly quilted for a luxurious appearance. 

 

Always looking for ways to be eco-friendly, Vera Bradly recently improved their Signature Cotton fabric by now making it with 50% recycled fibers. This change doesn’t affect the softness or durability of the bags, but instead just makes them more eco-friendly. What’s not to love? 

ReActive

Designed for active people, ReActive is a unique fabric made entirely out of recycled water bottles for a truly eco-friendly design. This construction makes it water-repellent and extremely lightweight, the perfect fabric for slings, backpacks, and lunch bags. Another great feature of this fabric is that it wipes clean, so everyday spills won’t hold you up.   

Performance Twill

A blend of old and new, the Performance Twill fabric is water-repellent with a classic, quilted finish. This makes this fabric ideal for anyone who loves traditional Vera Bradley purses but needs a bag that is more resistant to water than a traditional cloth purse. 

Microfiber

For those looking for simpler bags and purses, Vera Bradley created their Microfiber line. These bags are made from quilted microfiber fabric in solid colors. Some bags feature embroidered patterns, but otherwise this fabric offers a clean appearance that is ideal for anyone with a polished style. 

Our Favorite Vera Bradley Bags

Vera Bradley may have started with tote bags and luggage, but today they offer a plethora of bags in all shapes and sizes.  From small crossbody bags to the classic large tote there is a Vera Bradley bag for every occasion.  

 

If you’re heading out for a trip, you cannot beat the Weekender. The Weekender bag is the perfect medium-sized travel bag. It’s carry-on size, so it’s perfect for a road trip or a flight, and features several pockets inside and out to allow you to keep your things organized. The weekender bag comes in recycled cotton and ReActive fabric and most Vera Bradley patterns, so you are guaranteed to find one that suits your style. 

 

Another favorite travel bag of ours is the Hanging Travel Organizer. This bag is a must-have for the frequent traveler, with a plethora of pockets and a metal hook so it can hang over a door. Once unfolded this bag has even more space to store and organize all your toiletries. 

 

Traveling requires more than just bags, however, which is why Vera Bradley also carries a host of Travel Accessories, including luggage tags, pill boxes, and more. Check out more of the Vera Bradley travel bags and accessories to find the perfect bag for you. 

 

When it comes to everyday bags, our favorites are the original Vera Bradley Tote Bag and the crossbody bags. The classic Vera Bradley tote bag is oversized, perfect for anyone with a lot to carry from day to day or want a fashionable gym or beach bag. 

For those who want a smaller bag for just the necessities our favorite is the Hipster Crossbody bag. Vera Bradly hipster bags come in three sizes, a mini, a regular, and a triple-zip, so you can carry as much or as little as you need. 

 

On the run and down have time for a bag? Vera Bradley wallets, phone bags, and cosmetic cases are here to keep you organized on the go, visit the Makeup Bags & Wallets page to see all the Vera Bradley wallets and make up bags we have to offer. 

Time to head back to school? Out for an adventure on the trail? There are Vera Bradley backpacks for that! 

 

Our favorite backpack by far is the Vera Bradley Campus Backpack. This bag has it all. It’s not too big, so it can be used for both school and travel. It’s got padded shoulder straps so it’s comfortable even if you fill it to the 25 lbs. capacity. 

 

Additionally, the campus backpack has a plethora of pockets, both zipping pockets and slip pockets so you can organize all your things with ease. The padded laptop compartment makes traveling with your tech easier and safer than ever. 

 

For smaller outings or slim gym bags, our pick is the Sling Backpack. These backpacks come in the recycled cotton fabric as well as ReActive. ReActive backpacks in particular are great for day trips to water parks or hiking as the fabric wipes clean and is water-repellent, so surprise rainstorms won’t ruin your things. 

 

This smaller backpack design has several pockets so you can still keep your things organized and secure, including specialized pockets for cars and zipping pockets for valuables. 

 

Whether you are heading back to class or just back to the office, a bold and colorful Vera Bradley lunchbox is a must-have. Luckily, we’ve got several to choose from, check out the full stock of Vera Bradley lunch boxes today. 

 

While Vera Bradley is known for its purses and luggage, that’s not all that they do. Today, you can find a whole host of accessories bearing the iconic Vera Bradly patterns, including Vera Bradley masks. So, whether you want to curl up with a cozy Vera Bradley blanket or hang your ID from a bold lanyard, there is a Vera Bradley accessory out there for you. Check out our full stock of Vera Bradley accessories today. 

Why We Love Them

By women, for women

Vera Bradley was started for women, by women with the purpose of creating beautiful luggage for women.  Every pattern, fabrication, and design is made with these customers in mind. The founders Baekgaard and Miller wanted women to love their luggage, and feel like they could express themselves and that’s a message we can get behind. 

Unique designs

Vera Bradley patterns are the heart of the Vera Bradly brand with new prints coming out throughout the year. From traditional plaids to colorful florals and paisleys. Not a fan of bright colors? Vera Bradley retired patterns and current patterns also come in dark and earthy tones to ensure you have a bag that suits your personal style. 

Vera Bradley Foundation

As a company made by women and for women, it’s no surprise that Vera Bradley is involved in other women’s issues outside their business. 

 

The Vera Bradley Foundation was formed in 1993 to support survivors and fund research for Breast Cancer. Today, the foundation is focused on research into improving therapies for more severe forms of breast cancer, like triple negative.  

Specialty Collections

You know what makes an everyday purse extraordinary? A pattern inspired by your favorite TV show or organization! Vera Bradley knows this, and has, over the years, formed many partnerships with other companies and groups to create unique patterns that cater to fans and members. 

 

Currently, the company has four long-term partnerships:

              - Harry Potter
              - Disney
              - Collegiate 
              - Military (Airforce, Army, and Navy)

FAQs

When does Vera Bradley release new patterns?

Vera Bradley releases new patterns with every season. While the number of patterns may vary, each season will see at least one new pattern introduced while older ones are retired. 

Which Vera Bradley Bags are carry on size? 

According to the TSA, carry-on bags can measure up to 22” long, 14” wide, and 9” high, however, the more general rule is that these bags need to be able to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Because of this, bags that measure slightly larger, as long as they are not crammed full, may also be acceptable. Here’s a few bags that we know will fit beneath the seat. 

              -Weekender travel bag
              -Sling backpack 
              -Travel organizer 
              -Tote bag 
              -Campus backpack 
              -Small backpack
              -Utility backpack

 

What about the travel duffle? This is one of the most popular Vera Bradley bags, but the m measurements put it as a little bigger than TSA guidelines. That being said, if the bag is not overly-packed, it’s flexible construction makes it adjustable enough to easily push beneath the seat. 

Are Vera Bradley backpacks comfortable? 

Most Vera Bradley backpacks come with padded shoulders for extra comfort on those days when you’re hauling all your books around. Additionally, the XL Backpack and Utility Backpack designs are backed by the American Chiropractic Association. 

Are Vera Bradley bags durable?

Despite being made entirely of fabrics, Vera Bradley bags are incredibly durable. Each bag is made using high-quality fabrics and materials to ensure that they will stand up to daily use and multiple washes with ease. 

How do you wash a Vera Bradley Bag? 

It depends on the bag and the fabric it’s made from, here’s a quick chart to help you out! 

Love Vera Bradley? Check out...