Has the brand Cuyana caught your attention with its supple leather bags and gorgeous minimal clothing? Read my honest (and unsponsored) Cuyana review and Cuyana Double Loop Bag review before you buy to learn about the quality, company, pros, and cons.
*this post contains affiliate links*
An Honest Cuyana Review
First, as a disclosure, I want to mention that this review is not sponsored. I do not work with, or for Cuyana and the thoughts are completely my own. Style Your Occasion is a Reward Style publisher so the links in this post are affiliate links through Reward Style, not Cuyana.
I first stumbled across Cuyana a few years ago when a fashion blogger I follow was posting about a bag she got from Cuyana. I was immediately drawn to the minimalist appearance and soft pebbled, quality leather.
I’m all about classic, minimal style, and love finding quality pieces to add to a capsule wardrobe, so Cuyana seemed like a great brand to explore.
I settled on the Cuyana Double Loop Bag in Cappuccino pebbled leather and I’m smitten. I know it won’t be my only Cuyana bag!
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of the brand, and the specifics of the double loop bag.
shop the Double Loop Bag:
Is Cuyana a designer brand?
Cuyana is an apparel and accessories brand that focuses on timeless pieces, made with luxury materials and quality craftsmanship, without the designer price tag. While the pieces are moderately priced, you won’t find bags that cost thousands on Cuyana’s website.
The company’s motto is “Fewer, Better Things”, and I’m here for it! It’s like the “less is more” mentality, where buying fewer, high-quality items create a more versatile and elevated wardrobe.
What is Cuyana known for?
Cuyana is known best for its high-quality leather bags that are both practical and versatile. The brand also carries a line of comfortable clothing with a minimal aesthetic, along with small leather goods, hats, jewelry, belts, and a small selection of shoes.
Cuyana Review: The Pros
- Excellent quality
- Versatile and timeless pieces
- Free US Shipping & Returns
Cuyana Review: The Cons
- Barely ever goes on sale
- Costly International Shipping
Pro #1: Excellent Quality
One thing you’ll notice right away when you purchase a Cuyana bag is that the quality is top-notch. From the soft, supple Italian leather, to the durability factor, to the hardware, Cuyana bags are clearly well made.
The Cuyana Double Loop Bag is no exception. It boasts a nice, thick leather that is flexible, yet still structured. It also has a hidden pocket on each side and is a great size for an everyday bag.
In comparison to brands like Madewell, Cuyana’s bags feel softer, more durable, and sturdier while still maintaining a classic and minimal vibe.
Is Cuyana made in China?
Cuyana products are made in multiple regions. Most of the bags are crafted in Italy and Turkey, and the clothing is made in Portugal, Peru, and Romania. Only Cuyana’s silk clothing is made in China.
Cuyana is dedicated to selling products made with high-quality, ethically-sourced materials, and the brand is committed to using suppliers and manufacturers with high-standard, ethical working environments. You can read more about this here on the Cuyana website!
Pro #2: Versatile, Timeless Pieces
A big benefit when it comes to Cuyana bags and apparel is that the pieces are very versatile, with a classic appeal. They can be worn in a variety of ways, for many different occasions. If you are a fan of minimal, effortless style, with a neutral aesthetic, you are guaranteed to love most of what Cuyana offers.
The bags in particular, including the Cuyana System Tote, Leather Tote Bag, Half Moon Shoulder Bag, and Modern Saddle Bag (the next on my list to get!) are all staple wardrobe pieces that can carry you through the year.
For day-to-day wear, work, travel, and even special occasions, the Cuyana bags can carry you through.
Pro #3: Free Shipping & Returns
Everyone loves free shipping, and Cuyana gets that. If your order is over $95 and you live in the United States, you’ll get free shipping on your order (shipping is $5 for orders under $95)! They also offer free returns (less shipping fees) for those in the US.
In my opinion, this is a big plus as there are a lot of smaller brands that do not offer this perk. Now, if you live internationally, the shipping fee is $35USD which is pretty hefty. So, this could be a con depending on where you are located.
get the look:
Cuyana Review: The Cons
While there aren’t many cons on this list, there are a couple. These don’t have anything to do with the quality of the Cuyana pieces but rather some specific things I’ve noticed that can be a bit of a negative when trying to find your perfect bag.
Con #1: Little To No Sales
If you love a good deal as I do, you’ll be disappointed to know that Cuyana rarely ever runs promotions or sales. There’s a chance you’ll see one on Cyber Monday. But aside from that, a sale is unlikely.
You can expect to pay full price for your Cuyana items unless you buy secondhand. This is an option if you don’t have the budget for a new Cuyana bag, or prefer buying consignment pieces over new items (which is better for your pocketbook and the planet, after all!).
Con #2: Costly International Shipping
As mentioned earlier, if you live internationally, no matter the size of your purchase, you’ll pay an additional $35USD for shipping. When spending over $250 on a bag, as most of Cuyana’s are, it’s always a bit of a gut punch to pay an added shipping fee that’s quite high.
Does Cuyana Ship To Canada?
Yes! Cuyana does ship to Canada and many other international locations. So, if you are a fellow Canadian, you will have to pay around $45 CAD (based on the current exchange rate) to ship your order.
Cuyana Double Loop Bag Review Highlights
Now that we’ve covered the general brand review and some of the pros and cons, let’s take a closer look at the Cuyana Double Loop Bag.
Overall I’m a big fan of the bag and use it almost daily, but there are a few things I would change if I could.
Here’s what I love about it the most:
- Super soft, thick leather. Like really soft and supple.
- Great size. It’s perfect as an everyday bag that can carry the essentials; phone, wallet, keys, cosmetics, and sunglasses.
- Comfortable to wear. The crossbody strap is 1″ wide so it doesn’t dig into my shoulder and is easy to carry.
- Easy to close. The magnetic closure at the top is simple and requires no fumbling, although I would prefer a zipper top simply for more security.
- Gorgeous color. The neutral tone of the leather (Cappuccino), makes the bag extremely versatile and timeless, and easy to wear with all kinds of outfits.
Here’s what I would change:
- Top closure. I prefer a zipper close over a magnet close as it secures the items in the bag better.
- Delicate logo print. The Cuyana logo is printed in small text in gold and it is already beginning to wear off. I would prefer to see it stamped right into the leather. Or, a small hardware piece in its place with the text stamped into the metal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I highly recommend investing a Cuyana leather bag. They are beautiful, timeless, and very well-made.
I am very happy to have stumbled across this sustainable brand that is all about affordable luxury and minimal, classic style.
As a company, Cuyana continues to stay true to their commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental awareness, all while promoting the “Fewer, Better Things” motto… what’s not to love?
My Cuyana Wishlist
Below are more Cuyana pieces that are on my Wishlist, perhaps you’ll find some favorites too!
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