Pros
- Unique 3 stitch design
- Medium strap can be worn doubled or extended
- Interior and exterior pockets
- Grained leather is less prone to scratching
Cons
- Structured interior makes the bag interior relatively slim
- Pointed flap edge may show wear over time
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The YSL Envelope has been part of the Saint Laurent handbag collection since its debut in 2018 as part of the Resort collection. Designed by Anthony Vaccarello, it combines the house’s interlocking YSL hardware with a sharp V-shaped flap and three different quilting patterns. The result is polished and structured, but still versatile enough for both everyday and evening wear. In this review, we look at the Envelope’s design, practicality, current sizes, materials and price to help you decide whether it is right for you.
Design
The YSL Envelope bag gets its name from the fact that it is pretty much shaped like an envelope. But oh, what a beautiful envelope it is. The calfskin leather body features three different kinds of quilted overstitching: vertical, chevron and diamond, all worked into the same panel. It’s pretty hard to pull off something so layered without it looking like too much, but YSL have nailed it here.
The Envelope bag has held its place in the lineup as one of the house’s quieter classics, sitting alongside the LouLou and Niki as a study in how differently the same YSL hardware and quilting language can be styled from bag to bag. The leather itself is what Saint Laurent calls grain de poudre, a grained finish that’s proven durable over the years.
Practicality and Functionality
The Envelope closes with a magnetic snap beneath the pointed flap. Inside, the layout is intentionally simple, with one main compartment, an interior slot pocket and an additional flat pocket on the back of the bag. Its shallow, structured shape makes small items easy to find, although it limits how much bulk the bag can comfortably hold.
The strap configuration depends on the size. The Small has a long chain shoulder strap with a 55 cm (21.6 inches) drop. The Medium has a sliding leather-and-chain strap with a 30 to 52 cm (11.8 to 20.4 inches) drop, allowing it to be doubled for shoulder carry or extended for crossbody wear.
One point worth considering is the sharp tip of the V-shaped flap, which may show light rubbing or wear over time. The grain de poudre leather is generally hard-wearing, but this edge may need a little more care.
YSL Envelope Sizes and Dimensions
The Envelope was originally available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. Saint Laurent currently lists the classic bag in Small and Medium, while the former Large is no longer part of the current collection.
| Size | Dimensions | Single Strap Drop | Folded Strap Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| YSL Envelope Small | 21 x 13 x 6 cm 8.2 x 5.1 x 2.3 inches | 55 cm 21.6 inches | N/A |
| YSL Envelope Medium | 24 x 17.5 x 6 cm 9.4 x 6.9 x 2.3 inches | 52 cm 20.4 inches | 30 cm 11.8 inches |
The Small is a compact, wallet-on-chain-style option for a phone, cardholder and a few small essentials. The Medium provides more useful everyday storage, although its slim profile is better suited to flatter items than anything bulky.
YSL Envelope Colorways and Materials
The classic Envelope is made from grain de poudre embossed leather, a grained calfskin finish that gives the bag structure and makes light scratches less noticeable than they would be on smooth leather. The design is finished with the interlocking YSL logo and a chain strap. The Small has a long chain strap, while the Medium has an adjustable leather-and-chain strap.
Black is the most recognisable version and remains available season after season, while current and seasonal options include Bordeaux grain de poudre leather and brown suede. Colours, materials and hardware combinations change by season, so availability varies between sizes and regions.
YSL Envelope Price
The price of the YSL Envelope varies according to size and material. The current prices for the classic Envelope in grain de poudre embossed leather are:
| Size | Price* |
|---|---|
| Envelope Small | $2,700 / £1,940 / €2,100 |
| Envelope Medium | $3,150 / £2,235 / €2,500 |
*Last Updated: August 2026.
YSL Envelope Bag Price History*
The Medium Envelope was priced at $2,190 in September 2019, rose to $2,590 in May 2022 and $2,950 in November 2022, and now retails for $3,150. 44% increase since 2019.
*Price history shown for the Medium size. Last updated August 2026.
Where to Buy the YSL Envelope Bag
If you’re looking to get your hands on the YSL Envelope, here are the listings across various retailers where it is currently in stock:
Other Bags in the YSL Envelope Collection
The Envelope design also appears across Saint Laurent’s current range of smaller leather goods, including chain wallets and pouches.
YSL Envelope Chain Wallet
The YSL Envelope Chain Wallet translates the pointed flap, quilted finish and central YSL logo into a smaller chain pouch. It measures 19 x 12.5 x 3.5 cm (7.5 x 5 x 1.4 inches), has a 55 cm (21.7 inches) strap drop and includes a zip pocket. Its leather-reinforced chain allows it to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody. I own this version myself and love it. It has a classic, timeless design that you can keep and wear for years, whether you use it for evenings, occasions or lighter days.
It is available in lambskin and seasonal materials including grain de poudre leather, patent leather, suede and canvas. The lambskin version currently retails for $1,500 / £1,090 / €1,200.
Final Thoughts
The Envelope is a quieter kind of Saint Laurent classic, less hyped than the LouLou or Niki but just as distinctive. Its mixed quilting, pointed flap and polished hardware give it a strong identity, while the Medium’s adjustable strap adds useful versatility.
The structured interior is slimmer than its width might suggest, and the pointed flap may require some care. However, the grained leather, practical pockets and shoulder-to-crossbody flexibility make it a strong choice for anyone who prefers a polished everyday bag.
Having remained part of the Saint Laurent collection since its launch in 2018, the Envelope has proven its staying power. For that reason, we believe it is a solid investment for anyone looking for a recognisable Saint Laurent design that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.