ULTIMATE YSL Kate Bag Guide, Everything You NEED To Know

ULTIMATE YSL Kate Bag Guide, Everything You NEED To Know

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YSL Kate Bag Review

The YSL Kate bag was first released in 2010, and quickly established itself as one of the most iconic and popular handbags from the fashion house. The Saint Laurent Kate Bag is an elegant, understated, and sophisticated design that became an instant hit with handbag lovers.

Featuring a classic silhouette, the bag features the beautiful interlocked YSL initials on the front and a substantial chain shoulder strap. The Kate bag is available in a vast array of colours and leathers and is available in two different sizes. Additionally, the bag is available in all sizes and colour variations with or without the delicate chain tassel detail; there truly is a YSL Kate bag for every wardrobe!

YSL Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel Black
YSL Kate Medium Bag

This modern yet simple design makes the Saint Laurent Kate bag the most perfect transitional piece, from day to night. It isn’t hard to see how this beautiful bag has become a timeless classic from YSL. The Saint Laurent Kate still remains as one of the best selling bag styles available from the iconic fashion house today.

YSL Kate Bag Size and Price Chart

The much loved Saint Laurent Kate bag is available in two different size variations, multiple colourways, numerous leather finishes, and with gold or silver hardware. Additionally, the Kate bag is available with or without the ornate chain tassel detailing.

So, how much is the YSL Kate bag? Discover the full-size range of the YSL Kate bag alongside dimensions, complete with a current price list. All prices refer to the classic black leather variations of the bag, and other fabrics will vary in price. The prices listed also reflect the bag with and without the chain tassel detailing. All prices were correct as of October 2022.

YSL Kate Small Chain Bag Blanc Vintage
YSL Kate Small Bag
  • Kate Small Chain Bag in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather,
    £1225, $1890, 20 x 12.5 x 5 cm
    Kate Small Chain Bag with Tassel in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather,
    £1415, $2190, 20 x 12.5 x 5 cm
  • Kate Small Chain Bag with Tassel in Crocodile-Embossed Shiny Leather,
    £1550, $2390, 20 x 12.5 x 5 cm
  • Kate Medium Chain Bag in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather,
    £1415, $2190, 24 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm
  • Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather,
    £1605, $2450, 24 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm
    Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel in Crocodile-Embossed Shiny Leather,
    £1720, $2690, 24 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm
  • Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather,
    £1605, $2450, 24 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm
    Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel in Crocodile-Embossed Shiny Leather,
    £1720, $2690, 24 x 14.5 x 5.5 cm

See our blog YSL Price Increase 2022 for a full look at the before and after prices of the most popular YSL bags.

YSL Kate Small (Old and New)

Although Saint Laurent no longer produces the Kate bag in the old size small, you may still find this available to purchase on the pre-loved market. This mini bag is perfect for small essentials such as your phone, cards, and lipstick which makes it ideal for a night out. However, you really can’t fit much more inside the old-style small bag.

Watch our video on the YSL Small Kate Bag in Neutral Powder with Gold Hardware for a closer look at the bag.

So what fits inside the small YSL Kate bag? The new small YSL Kate bag is significantly larger than the older variation, and can therefore fit more of your daily essentials. This size variation can comfortably fit all of the contents previously mentioned, as well as additional items such as a compact wallet or purse, and extra makeup items.

YSL Kate Medium

When it comes to the YSL Kate bag, if you are looking for a handbag that can easily transition from day to night – look no further than the medium size!

What fits inside the medium YSL Kate? The medium size can easily accommodate everything you could possibly fit inside the small size, and much more. As this bag features one main compartment and a small slip pocket, you can really fit more than enough inside! You can comfortably fit a large-sized iPhone, portable charger, larger-sized wallet, makeup, and perhaps another small leather good – the medium-sized YSL Kate handbag really packs a punch!

Watch our video on the YSL Kate Mini Vs SMall Vs Medium Handbag to see the size comparison.

YSL Kate Reversible

The latest addition to the YSL Kate handbag range is the reversible design. This truly innovative design is one of a kind and allows you to have flexibility over which look you wish to have. The beauty of the Kate reversible bag is that you have two options; suede on one side, and smooth leather on the reverse. Who could possibly argue with having two bags in one?

Currently, the Kate reversible chain bag is available in suede and smooth leather in three colourways; grey khaki, rosy sand, and classic black. Due to the reversible design, the chain is fully removable, which allows you to also wear this bag as a clutch.

What’s The Most Popular Size and Colour of The YSL Kate Bag?

Whilst the YSL Kate bag comes in a variety of different leathers, colors, and sizes, which is the most popular? The most popular variation is the classic black grain de poudre with gold hardware, in the small size.

Much like other Saint Laurent handbags, the most popular colourway (other than black) tends to be nudes and beiges such as dark beige and blanc vintage.

YSL Kate Small Chain Bag In Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather
YSL Kate Small Bag

YSL Kate Bag Fabric Options

Is the YSL Kate bag crafted in leather? The YSL Kate bag is most commonly produced in a variety of different embossed leathers, including the classic grain de poudre, and crocodile-embossed. When it comes to the Kate bag, the most popular leather option is the grain de poudre. This leather is a grained calfskin leather which is perfect for everyday use as it shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
Due to the Saint Laurent Kate’s bag’s sheer popularity, the bag is also crafted in exotic leathers such as snakeskin, including the Boiga, Ayers, and patchwork snake leather.

YSL Kate Medium Chain Bag In Suede And Leather
YSL Kate Medium Bag

The most recent release from YSL in the Kate bag range is the ‘reversible’ style. The name says it all, this soft reversible bag can be worn with either its suede or shiny leather side; a truly innovative design.

How Do You Wear a YSL Kate Bag?

The versatility of the YSL Kate bag cannot be overlooked; it can be worn in multiple different ways and can suit any occasion. The bag can be worn with the long strap on the shoulder, or crossbody. Additionally, the bag can be worn with the chain tucked in as a clutch, or with the chain doubled up as a shoulder bag.

Due to its timeless aesthetic, the Kate bag looks fantastic dressed down with a simple t-shirt, denim jeans, and leather jacket, but equally looks amazing with a little black dress for an evening occasion.

YSL Kate Bag Style Inspiration
YSL Kate Medium Bag

Is the YSL Kate Bag Worth It?

The entire YSL Kate bag range retails for under £2000, and the most popular size small can be purchased for £1225. We discuss the ’13 Cheapest YSL Bags 2022’ in further detail in our dedicated blog post here. In terms of luxury handbags, the Saint Laurent Kate is a fantastic price point for such a classic piece.

As the Kate bag can be worn crossbody in the day, and as a clutch or shoulder bag in the evening; it really is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. We highly recommend the YSL Kate to anyone looking for a versatile and sophisticated bag.

YSL Kate Medium Reversible Chain Bag In Suede and Leather Cannelle
YSL Kate Medium Bag

Is the YSL Kate A Classic Bag?

The YSL Kate bag is one of the most popular and iconic styles available at the fashion house. The timeless design of the Kate bag has ensured that it has remained a classic piece. The Kate is most certainly not a trend-led bag, and therefore will forever remain a classic.

Although it is available in a vast selection of colourways and leathers, you really can’t go wrong with a classic YSL Kate bag in black grain de poudre embossed leather; a true classic wardrobe staple!

YSL Kate Medium Chain Bag In Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather
YSL Kate Medium Bag

Where To buy YSL Kate Bags

All classic and current season Saint Laurent Kate bags can be purchased directly from YSL boutiques or via their online store. Saint Laurent bags are also readily available to purchase from concessions within luxury department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods. Additionally, YSL is available to purchase at luxury online retailers such as LuisaViaRoma and Matches Fashion.

Where to buy YSL Kate bag preloved

YSL Kate Medium Chain Bag In Black Embossed Leather
YSL Kate Medium Bag

When it comes to shopping for a pre-owned YSL Kate bag, we always recommend only shopping at resellers where you can benefit from their authentication services, such as:

We strongly recommend that when you purchase any pre-loved designer piece, you should always get it authenticated by a reputable authentication service for peace of mind and protection. You can find authentication services here.

Where is the serial number on YSL Kate Bag?

YSL Kate Medium Reversible Chain Bag In Leather Cannelle
YSL Kate Medium Bag

How can I authenticate my Saint Laurent bag? Much like other luxury brands, all YSL handbags feature specific characteristics and subtle markings such as serial numbers and stamps that help to authenticate a bag.

Do YSL Kate bags have serial numbers? Alongside all other authentic Saint Laurent bags, the Kate range also features serial numbers that correspond to when the bag was originally produced. So where can I find the serial number on my bag? You can find the serial number on a leather tab on the inside of the bag.

Where to find YSL Kate bag on Sale

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YSL Kate Small Chain Bag In Leather
YSL Kate Small Bag

Do YSL bags ever go on sale? If you are hoping to make some savings on your dream Kate bag, you may just be in luck!

Although you can quite easily purchase Saint Laurent handbags directly from their website and boutiques, you may also find YSL bags included in discounts and sales elsewhere. You can find some amazing pieces at a discounted price at Saint Laurent’s outlet boutique, which is located in the Bicester Village outlet.

Additionally, you may find the Kate bag occasionally on sale at Flannels in the UK and Rue La La in the US. We would also advise that you take advantage of new customer discounts on luxury retailers such as Net-a-Porter as you can make a saving on your first purchase.

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