About Dooney & Bourke
Dooney & Bourke is an American heritage brand founded in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke. What started as a line of suspenders and belts evolved into a booming handbag and accessories business after the launch of their first purse collection in 1981.
Today, Dooney is known for crafting fine leather goods and modern twists on classic silhouettes. The brand uses high quality leathers like Pebble Grain, Florentine, Nylon, and Saffiano. Bags come in an array of styles, from totes and satchels to crossbodies and backpacks. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Emma Roberts have been spotted with Dooney.
While not the most affordable designer brand, Dooney & Bourke bags offer luxury details and lifetime durability at accessible price points between $100 to $500. Most bags ring in under $300.
Let‘s explore why the brand has earned its stripes among purse fanatics.
Pros
- Classic American styling with contemporary twists
- Utilizes fine leathers like Florentine, Pebble Grain, All Weather Leather
- Hundreds of bag shapes and sizes to choose from
- Crossbody and shoulder bags for versatility
- Vibrant color palette from neutrals to brights
- Durably constructed and water resistant
- More affordable than designer brands like Coach and Michael Kors
Cons
- No lifetime warranty
- Some bags prone to scuffs and scratches
- Questionable quality control
Top 5 Dooney & Bourke Bags Reviewed
With new releases each season, it can get overwhelming browsing Dooney‘s vast collection. To narrow it down, here are 5 bestselling picks worth the splurge.
1. Florentine Satchel
Buttery soft Florentine leather and classic satchel shaping make this Dooney‘s signature style. The leather is left untreated so it develops a rich patina over time. There is a convenient shoulder strap and handles plus ample interior storage with zip and slip pockets. This bag epitomizes vintage charm.
Dimensions: 9.5”W x 6.5”H x 15”L
Strap Drop: 10”
Price: $358
2. Pebble Grain Zip Zip Satchel
For under $250 you get Dooney‘s durable Pebble Grain leather, a chic domed shape, and a shoulder strap. The texture hides scratches while contrast leather trim adds flair. Inside there are organizational pockets and a key leash to keep your essentials in check. This spacious satchel transitions beautifully from work to weekend.
Dimensions: 9.5′′W x 5.25′′H x 12′′L
Strap Drop: 11"
Price: $228
3. Patterson Pebble Grain Crossbody
This compact crossover packs plenty of pockets for organizing must-haves yet feels featherlight on your shoulder. The Pebble Grain leather maintains structure while standing up to everyday use. For $148 you get the functionality of a satchel shrunk down into an on-trend crossbody silhouette.
Dimensions: 8"W x 6"H x 3"D
Strap Drop: 23” max
Price: $148
4. Dorchester Shopper Tote
Featuring Dooney‘s signature Duck embroidery, this laidback shopper tote carries all your daily essentials in a fun, decorative style. The coated cotton canvas material is durable and wipes clean easily should any spills or stains occur en route. Braided shoulder straps keep you comfortable when carting heavier items.
Dimensions: 13′′W x 11′′H x 6′′D
Strap Drop: 9.5"
Price: $168
5. Pebble Grain Phone Wristlet
This compact wristlet keeps phone, cards, cash, and lip gloss secure on the go. Though tiny, it packs organizational punch with 6 card slots and a zip pocket. Made of scratch-resistant Pebble Grain, the crossgrain texture hides normal wear. Clip it inside your handbag or take it solo.
Dimensions: 5.5"W x 1"D x 4"H
Wrist Strap: 6"
Price: $78
Materials: How Durable is Dooney & Bourke?
From Italian leathers to durable canvas, Dooney uses quality materials designed to withstand daily use. Here‘s an overview:
Florentine Leather: Dooney‘s trademark leather made from full-grain Italian cowhide. It develops a rich patina over time. The untreated leather darkens in rain but lightens upon drying.
Pebble Grain: This leather features a crosshatched pebble texture that camouflages scratches. It holds its shape well and gets softer with age. The coating makes it water resistant.
Nylon: Lightweight, waterproof, and fuss-free, Dooney Nylon bags are virtually indestructible. Great for travel or wet weather.
Saffiano Leather: This scratch-resistant leather has a subtle crosshatch texture and durable coating. It‘s easier to clean than Pebble Grain and keeps its structure.
Coated Cotton: The cotton canvas fabric features a PVC coating, allowing it to be wiped clean easily should spills or stains occur.
Braided Leather: A signature detail on many straps and handles. Develops character and softness over time.
In our testing, Florentine leather scuffed the easiest if unprotected while Pebble Grain and Nylon proved virtually indestructible. But overall, the brand uses ample leather conditioning to prevent wear issues over years of use.
Popular Dooney & Bourke Bag Styles
Beyond basic handbags, Dooney & Bourke offers trend-driven silhouettes from classy satchels to casual backpacks. With style cues spanning decades, there‘s a bag shape for every taste.
Satchels
From the Florentine leather satchel to the Pebble Grain zip zip, satchels represent Dooney‘s bread and butter. Ranging from petite shoulder styles to larger totes, this classic bag allows you to tote daily essentials in timeless fashion. They come equipped with interior organization and outside pockets.
Dimensions: Around 9” to 15”W x 5” to 7”H x 12” to 16”L
Strap Drop: Usually 10” (removable on some styles)
Price Range: $200 to $400
Crossbodies
For kicking back on weekends, errand-running, or hands-free events, Dooney crossbody bags keep belongings secure while keeping you agile. From small flap pouches to larger satchels with crossbody straps, these convertible styles transition seamlessly. Expect exterior pockets for quick access to must-haves.
Dimensions: Around 8” to 10”W x 6” to 8”H x 2” to 5”D
Strap Drop: Usually 23" max (adjustable)
Price Range: $100 to $250
Backpacks
Channel collegiate vibes with a hands-free nylon or leather Dooney backpack. Great for travel, school, weekend adventures, or sporting events, backpacks secure belongings across your shoulders rather than on your arms. Pockets aplenty store smaller items while roomy interiors fit bulkier things.
Typical Features: Padded shoulder straps, exterior pockets, key leash inside, 14+ liter capacity
Price Range: $200 to $350
Wallets
From slim card cases to roomier checkbook wallets, Dooney‘s small leather goods organize your payment methods, IDs, and currency while fitting nicely inside your handbag. They make great starter Dooney purchases if testing the brand out. Expect fine leathers and prints alongside useful organizational pockets.
Typical Features: Full bill compartments, interior card slots, exterior pockets, key rings
Price Range: $55 to $160
Totes
Dooney totes give you that effortless throw-on-and-go appeal perfect for commute, carpool, shopping trips, and more. From open to zip top, most feature refined leather or canvas with shoulder straps. Minimal branding keeps the focus on utilitarian carryall styling rather than flashy logos.
Dimensions: Usually 13” to 16”W x 11” to 13”H x 4” to 6”D
Typical Features: Shoulder/crossbody straps, exterior pockets, key leashes inside, unlined interiors
Price Range: $150 to $300
Is Dooney & Bourke Worth the Money?
While not the most budget-friendly designer brand, Dooney & Bourke bags offer luxury styling and quality at accessible price points compared to the likes of Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors.
Based on retail prices alone, bags deliver strong value spanning just over $100 into the mid $400s. For fine Italian leather, custom hardware, craftsmanship, and style, that‘s not a bad deal. Sales can sweeten the price further.
In our testing, most bags looked great after 6 months to a year of steady use. Small scuffs buffed out easily on Pebble Grain while Florentine leather acquired an appealing well-worn look. Only dangling straps or handles showed slight fraying when exposed.
Consider this: Dooney‘s specialty leathers develop character with age through rich, nuanced patinas. A bag you love today brings even more joy down the road.
For those wanting to test Dooney quality before fully investing, start with a wallet, key pouch or other SLG. Once assured of the craftsmanship, graduate to a satchel or tote.
Comparison to Other Designer Brands
Coach – Similar designs with signature branding but often more expensive than Dooney for near-comparable quality leathers and craftsmanship. But Coach does offer a lifetime warranty.
Michael Kors – While large MK logo bags faced backlash for ubiquity, the brand offers well-made Italian leather handbags around Dooney‘s price bracket. Comparable overall quality.
Kate Spade – Playful motifs and bright colors define Kate Spade. Less leather offerings with more branded canvas and PVC materials. Cheaper prices but perceived quality not on par with Dooney.
Tory Burch – TB runs higher price tags starting around $300+, but the saffiano leather is virtually indestructible, if slightly stiff. Great quality with lots of logo detailing.
For shoppers wanting classic American styling on a budget, Dooney wins for quality, endurance, and price point. The bags deliver luxury without the denim-breaking price tags.
Dooney & Bourke Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Beyond the marketing fluff and glossy product shots, what do real customers think after living with Dooney & Bourke bags?
Here’s a sample of reviews from verified buyers across Best Company, SiteJabber, Influenster, YouTube, Reddit, and TrustPilot:
"I love the attention to detail in my Dooney Florentine satchel. You can tell it was crafted by skilled artisans and is meant to be an heirloom bag." – Mary S. via Influenster
"This pebbled leather backpack has already handled two years of school, travel, and commuting without any fraying or real signs of wear. It fits everything I need." – Sarah R. via YouTube
“My nylon crossbody bag still looks brand new after using daily for a year now. Love all the pockets to keep essentials organized and the adjustable strap.” – Wendy T. via Trustpilot
On Amazon, the Florentine Satchel scores 4.7 out of 5 stars over nearly 2,000 global reviews. 87% give a full 5 stars. The Pebble Grain Zip Zip Satche pulls 4.8 stars over 1,700+ reviews with 91% granting full stars.
The occasional complaint covers flimsier quality control on newer releases compared to older bags or challenging repairs/returns. But overall, most reviews showcase outstanding experiences purchasing quality, enduring bags.
Dooney & Bourke Return Policy
Dooney & Bourke allows returns and exchanges on all unworn, unused merchandise within 30 days of receiving your shipment. Exchanges also qualify within the 30 day window.
To cover return shipping costs, the brand charges a $7.50 processing fee per package domestically. You will also pay the return cost for international shipments.
Once received and inspected, refunds get issued in the original form of payment. This can take 5 to 7 business days after the return reaches the warehouse.
If you purchased from Dooney.com, arrange returns through your online account dashboard. For other retailers, follow their individual return instructions.
Dooney & Bourke Promotions & Discounts
Beyond combing the sales section, fans have plenty of ways to save on favorite Dooney designs throughout the year:
- Email Signup – Get 10% off your first order for subscribing
- Loyallist Program – Earn rewards every time you shop plus exclusive offers
- Seasonal Sales – Look for Black Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th sitewide sales
- Klarna – Break purchases into 4 interest-free installments
- Student Discount – Unlock 15% off with a valid .edu email address
- Military Discount – Take 10% off each order with ID.me verification
How to Spot a Fake Dooney & Bourke Bag
With Dooney‘s bags highly coveted yet rarely discounted, an influx of convincing knockoffs exist hoping to dupe buyers. Stay vigilant when scoring deals on resale sites.
Signs a discounted Dooney might be fake include:
- Misspellings anywhere on the bag
- Subpar, plastic-feeling leather
- Poor stitching, uneven patterns, messy glazing
- Improperly stamped or missing serial numbers
- Shoddy hardware that chips or fades
- Lack of leather hang tags or authenticity cards
When buying pre-owned, go through reputable resellers like The RealReal or Fashionphile who authenticate before listing. For new bags, only trust authorized retailers like Macys, Dillards, Zappos, or Dooney directly.
Dooney & Bourke Sustainability & Ethical Efforts
Part of Dooney‘s enduring appeal lies in the heirloom quality of their bags. When crafted well from fine materials, each purse stands the test of time rather than getting discarded quickly. This inherent longevity positions the brand as more sustainable than fast fashion labels churning out fleeting trends.
And conscious efforts are underway to amplify that eco-friendly mission. Currently, Dooney has partnered with One Tree Planted to fight deforestation. The brand promises that for every $200 you spend, they’ll plant a tree in North America.
Their social responsibility also vows ethical production standards across its US and international suppliers. This breaks down to:
- Fair wages for all workers
- Strict policies around underage labor
- Mandated regular work hour limits
- Providing healthy, safe work environments
While not yet using recycled or organic materials, these conscientious efforts towards sustainability make Dooney & Bourke an ethical fashion label doing better.
Final Verdict: Are Dooney & Bourke Bags Worth Buying?
After reviewing materials, pricing, styles, and real customer experiences, our final verdict is a resounding yes – Dooney & Bourke bags deliver outstanding craftsmanship and enduring style at accessible luxury price points.
The brand earns high marks for the supple Italian leathers, custom-colored finishes, polished hardware, and meticulous attention to detail found across each bag style. And small leather goods like wallets reveal the same exceptional quality scaled down.
With design inspiration spanning decades, shapes featuring impeccable stitching and on-trend silhouettes satisfy both vintage devotees and modern fashionistas. The top-zip satchels, practical totes, ladylike crossbodies, and collegiate backpacks round out a strong product lineup.
While the lack of a lifetime warranty gives us pause, Dooney durability and customer service reputation eases potential fears should issues ever arise well past the standard return window.
Ultimately, Dooney & Bourke deserves consideration alongside premium designers for offering comparable luxury finishes and detailing at often friendlier prices. The value becomes undeniable when snagging bags at 25% to 50% off.
For stylish, everyday bags built to endure years beyond ephemeral trends, Dooney checks all the boxes. Their small American factory continues legacy construction methods and quality inspections ensuring consistency bags lovers rely on.
So next time the urge strikes for a handbag splurge, take a closer look at Dooney. You might just find a forever companion for all life’s adventures ahead.
