The fashion world occasionally sees the rise of a handbag that quietly steals the spotlight, merging heritage with modern demands.
For 2025, that bag is the Coach Soft Empire Carryall 40. Beloved by editors, spotted during Fashion Week, and praised by professionals and travelers alike, this bag proves that style and function don’t have to live in separate worlds.
In this guide, you’ll discover what makes the Empire Carryall stand out—its design, materials, storage solutions, style adaptability, and investment value—so you can decide if it deserves a place in your collection.
Design Elements & Premium Materials
What sets this carryall apart is its craftsmanship, starting with the leather.
Luxurious Leather Options for Discerning Tastes
Coach gives buyers three distinct finishes: natural grain leather that gains character with age, glovetanned leather with a buttery, lived-in feel, and suede for a softer, textured edge. Each option offers its own personality, ensuring the bag reflects your lifestyle and taste.
Thoughtful Structural Design
Sized at 15.75″ × 11.5″ × 6″, the Empire Carryall strikes an ideal balance: large enough for daily needs yet polished enough to keep its shape. Its 3.15-pound weight feels substantial without being cumbersome. Add in metal feet, a secure zip-top, and signature Coach hardware, and you’ve got durability that matches the elegance.
Functionality & Interior Organization
A beautiful bag means little if it can’t keep up with real life—and this is where the Carryall shines.
Practical Storage Solutions
It comfortably fits laptops up to 13 inches (and even slim 15-inch models), while expandable gussets flex with your needs. From office files to weekend essentials, this bag adapts without losing its streamlined look.
Thoughtful Interior Details
Inside, you’ll find a roomy compartment, a snap pocket for valuables, and even a lanyard clip for keys—ending the endless dig at the bottom of your bag.
Versatile Carrying Options
With short handles and a detachable crossbody strap, the Empire works however you do. Whether it’s hand-carrying for meetings or going hands-free in busy airports, the design keeps things comfortable and stylish.
Style Versatility & Outfit Pairings
The Empire Carryall is more than a work bag—it’s a wardrobe chameleon.
Professional Polish
Pair it with tailored suits or smart-casual office looks, and it projects confidence without stiffness.
Elevated Casual
On weekends, it elevates denim, sweaters, or dresses, always striking the balance between laid-back and refined.
Travel Companion
For short trips, it’s roomy enough for essentials while staying compact enough for overhead compartments or under-seat stowing.
Seasonal Adaptability
Available in neutrals and seasonal hues, this bag transitions effortlessly throughout the year. Add charms or scarves to personalize it further.
Investment Value & Luxury Comparisons
Here’s where Coach makes its case against pricier rivals.
Exceptional Value Proposition
At $695–$750, the Empire Carryall rivals The Row’s Margaux in craftsmanship and design but at a fraction of the cost.
Heritage Craftsmanship
With 80+ years of leather expertise, Coach brings legacy quality to a bag meant to last decades.
Timeless Design Appeal
It isn’t trend-dependent. The classic silhouette ensures that years from now, this carryall will feel just as relevant—and potentially more collectible.
Care & Maintenance Recommendations
A well-kept bag only grows more beautiful with time.
- Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every 3–6 months.
- Storage: Use a dust bag and light stuffing to preserve its shape.
- Leather-Specific Care: Grain leather benefits from conditioning, glovetanned leather requires gentle cleansers, and suede needs water-repellent sprays and brushing.
- Professional Help: For stains or aging leather, seek expert cleaning rather than risking damage with DIY methods.
Your Everyday Luxury Companion
The Coach Soft Empire Carryall 40 isn’t just another accessory—it’s a long-term partner in style. With its mix of timeless design, adaptable functionality, and investment-worthy craftsmanship, it proves that luxury can be both practical and enduring.
For those seeking a bag that transitions seamlessly from office to weekend to travel, this carryall stands as one of Coach’s most versatile creations yet.
You can find the Coach Soft Empire Carryall 40 on Amazon, and while you’re there, browse other carryall and tote options in Coach’s lineup to compare which best suits your lifestyle.
