A New Day Woven Bag

Why I fell in love with Target’s affordable woven collection and everything you need to know before buying

I never thought I’d become obsessed with a Target bag, but here we are. After months of searching for the perfect everyday bag that wouldn’t break the bank, I stumbled upon the A New Day Woven Bag collection during a routine Target run. What started as a quick grocery trip turned into a deep dive into one of the most surprisingly versatile and affordable bag collections I’ve ever encountered.

Let me take you through my complete experience with these bags, from initial discovery to daily use, and share everything I’ve learned about what makes them special—and what you should know before making your purchase.

What Exactly is an A New Day Woven Bag?

Before I get too carried away with my enthusiasm, let me explain what we’re talking about here. A New Day is Target’s in-house fashion brand, and their woven bag collection represents some of the most thoughtfully designed affordable accessories I’ve come across. These aren’t just cheap knockoffs of designer bags—they’re genuinely well-crafted pieces that happen to be incredibly budget-friendly.

The A New Day Woven Bag collection features various styles of bags constructed with woven materials, primarily natural fibers like straw, rattan, and paper cord. What sets them apart from other budget options is the attention to detail in the weaving patterns and the surprisingly robust construction. Each bag showcases intricate weaving techniques that create texture and visual interest while maintaining structural integrity.

When I first picked up my A New Day Woven Bag, I was immediately struck by the quality of the weaving. The materials felt substantial in my hands, not flimsy or cheaply made. The craftsmanship reminded me of bags I’d seen in boutique stores for three times the price. This initial impression has held up remarkably well through months of regular use.

Where to Find Your Perfect A New Day Woven Bag

This might seem obvious, but Target stores and Target.com are your primary destinations for finding these bags. However, I’ve learned there are some strategic approaches to shopping for them that can make all the difference in your experience.

In-store shopping gives you the advantage of feeling the materials and examining the construction quality firsthand. I always recommend this approach if possible, especially for your first A New Day woven bag purchase. Different stores seem to carry slightly different selections, so if you’re looking for a specific style or color, it might be worth calling ahead or checking multiple locations.

Online shopping through Target.com offers the broadest selection and often includes styles that aren’t available in stores. The website’s filtering options make it easy to narrow down choices by size, color, and price range. I’ve found that online inventory updates more frequently than in-store stock, so if you’re hunting for a particular bag, checking the website regularly can pay off.

Target’s same-day delivery and pickup options have been game-changers for my shopping experience. If you spot a bag you want online, you can often have it in your hands within hours through these services. This is particularly useful during peak shopping seasons when popular styles tend to sell out quickly.

The Investment: Understanding A New Day Woven Bag Pricing

One of the most compelling aspects of the A New Day Woven Bag collection is the pricing strategy. Most bags in the collection range from $15 to $35, with occasional special styles reaching up to $45. For comparison, similar woven bags from other brands typically start around $60 and can easily exceed $150.

I’ve tracked pricing patterns over several months, and I’ve noticed that Target frequently runs promotions on their A New Day collection. The best deals typically appear during back-to-school season, spring cleaning events, and end-of-season clearances. I’ve scored bags for as low as $10 during these sales, making them almost impossibly affordable.

The value proposition becomes even more attractive when you consider the versatility. At these price points, you can afford to own multiple bags for different occasions without feeling guilty about the expense. I now have a beach bag, a work tote, and a casual crossbody from the collection, and my total investment is still less than what I’d pay for one designer woven bag.

Target’s return policy adds another layer of value to the purchase. The standard 90-day return window gives you plenty of time to test the bag in real-world conditions. I’ve never needed to return an A New Day bag, but knowing the option exists removes much of the risk from trying a new style.

Material Matters: What Goes Into These Bags

The materials used in A New Day Woven Bags deserve special attention because they’re a primary factor in both the bags’ aesthetic appeal and their durability. After examining multiple bags from the collection, I’ve identified several key materials that appear consistently across different styles.

Paper cord forms the foundation of many designs. Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t the flimsy paper you might imagine. The paper cord used in these bags is tightly twisted and surprisingly strong. It creates a smooth, consistent texture that photographs beautifully and feels pleasant to touch. The paper cord also takes dye well, allowing for rich, even colors throughout the weaving.

Natural straw and rattan appear in the more textured designs. These materials bring an organic, beachy feel to the bags while maintaining excellent structural integrity. The straw pieces are carefully selected and treated to resist fraying and breaking. I’ve been particularly impressed with how well these natural materials have held up to regular use and exposure to various weather conditions.

Synthetic reinforcement appears strategically throughout the construction. While the visible portions of the bags showcase natural materials, Target has wisely incorporated synthetic elements in high-stress areas like handle attachments and closure mechanisms. This hybrid approach maximizes both aesthetic appeal and practical durability.

The interior lining varies by style but typically features either cotton canvas or synthetic materials. The lining quality has exceeded my expectations—it’s substantial enough to protect the woven exterior from internal wear while being easy to clean when needed.

Daily Durability: How These Bags Hold Up

This is where my experience with A New Day Woven Bags gets really interesting. I was initially skeptical about how well such affordable bags would handle daily use, but after months of putting them through their paces, I’m genuinely impressed with their resilience.

My primary work tote has been carrying laptops, water bottles, lunch containers, and countless other items for over six months. The weaving shows minimal signs of wear, and the structure remains solid. The handles, which I was most concerned about, have shown no signs of stretching or weakening despite carrying substantial weight regularly.

Weather resistance has been another pleasant surprise. While these aren’t waterproof bags, they handle light rain and humid conditions remarkably well. I’ve been caught in unexpected showers several times, and my bags dried without warping or showing water damage. The natural materials seem to have been treated with some form of protection, though Target doesn’t heavily advertise this feature.

The closures and hardware have performed consistently well. Zippers operate smoothly, snaps engage securely, and magnetic closures maintain their strength. I haven’t experienced any hardware failures, which is more than I can say for some significantly more expensive bags I’ve owned.

One area where I’ve noticed some wear is at stress points where the bag rubs against clothing or other surfaces regularly. This is primarily cosmetic rather than structural, and it’s consistent with what I’d expect from any woven bag in this price range.

Size Options: Finding Your Perfect Fit

The A New Day Woven Bag collection offers a refreshing range of sizes that cater to different needs and body types. Understanding these options has been crucial to my satisfaction with the bags I’ve chosen.

Mini bags in the collection typically measure around 6-8 inches in width. These work beautifully for evening events or when you want to carry just essentials like phone, cards, and keys. I have a mini crossbody that’s perfect for farmer’s markets or casual weekend outings when I don’t want to be weighed down by a larger bag.

Medium-sized options generally fall in the 10-12 inch range. These strike an excellent balance between capacity and portability. My medium tote holds everything I need for a typical workday without feeling overwhelming or causing shoulder strain. This size category seems to offer the most variety in terms of styles and colors.

Large bags in the collection can reach 14-16 inches in width. These work well as travel bags, beach totes, or for anyone who habitually carries a lot of items. The larger sizes maintain their shape remarkably well even when fully loaded, which speaks to the quality of the construction techniques used.

Height and depth variations add another dimension to the sizing options. Some bags prioritize width for carrying flat items like tablets or documents, while others offer more depth for bulkier items. I’ve found it helpful to consider what I’ll primarily be carrying before selecting a specific size and proportion.

Color Palette: Options for Every Style

The color selection in the A New Day Woven Bag collection has evolved significantly since I first discovered it. Target seems to refresh the palette seasonally while maintaining some core neutral options year-round.

Natural and neutral tones form the foundation of the collection. Classic straw colors, warm beiges, and soft taupes appear consistently across seasons. These work beautifully with almost any outfit and maintain a timeless appeal that won’t feel dated as trends change. My natural-toned work bag has proven to be remarkably versatile, complementing everything from professional attire to casual weekend looks.

Seasonal color additions bring fresh energy to the collection throughout the year. I’ve seen beautiful coral tones for summer, rich burgundies for fall, and crisp whites for spring. These seasonal options allow you to embrace current trends without committing to expensive pieces that might feel outdated next year.

Two-tone and patterned options add visual interest for those who want something beyond solid colors. Some bags feature contrasting trim or handles, while others incorporate subtle pattern variations in the weaving itself. These details elevate the bags beyond basic utility items into genuine fashion accessories.

The color consistency across production runs has impressed me. I was concerned that natural materials might show significant variation between batches, but Target seems to have good quality control processes in place to maintain consistent coloring.

Strap Options and Carrying Comfort

The crossbody strap availability varies by style within the A New Day collection, and this has been an important consideration in my purchasing decisions. Not all woven bags in the line include crossbody straps, so it’s essential to check specifications if hands-free carrying is important to you.

Bags that do include crossbody straps typically feature adjustable lengths that accommodate different body types and carrying preferences. The straps themselves are usually made from coordinating woven materials or sturdy fabric that complements the bag’s overall aesthetic. I’ve found the adjustment mechanisms to be reliable and easy to use.

Handle comfort has been surprisingly good across the different bags I’ve tried. The woven handles have enough substance to distribute weight well, and they don’t dig into shoulders or hands during extended carrying. Some styles feature padded handle wraps that further enhance comfort, particularly useful for heavier loads.

Attachment points for straps and handles appear to be reinforced areas that show attention to engineering principles. The stress distribution seems well-considered, and I haven’t experienced any failures or concerning wear patterns at these critical connection points.

Perfect Occasions: From Beach to Boardroom

The versatility of A New Day Woven Bags has been one of their most appealing characteristics. I’ve been genuinely surprised by how many different settings these bags work well in, often exceeding my initial expectations for their appropriate use cases.

Beach and casual outings represent the most obvious application for woven bags, and the A New Day collection excels in these settings. The materials handle sand and salt air well, and the relaxed aesthetic perfectly complements casual summer styling. My beach tote has become an essential part of my warm-weather gear, easily accommodating towels, sunscreen, water bottles, and all the other necessities for a day by the water.

Office and professional settings might seem like a stretch for woven bags, but I’ve found that certain styles from the collection work beautifully in these environments. Larger totes in neutral colors provide a sophisticated alternative to traditional leather bags while still looking appropriately professional. The key is choosing styles with clean lines and avoiding overly casual or beachy details.

Travel applications have proven surprisingly effective. The lightweight nature of these bags makes them excellent secondary bags for trips, and their packability is outstanding. I’ve used various A New Day woven bags as personal items on flights, day bags for sightseeing, and even as laundry bags in hotel rooms.

Evening and social events can work well with smaller styles from the collection, particularly those with longer straps or clutch-style designs. The textural interest of the weaving adds visual appeal that can elevate casual outfits or provide interesting contrast with more formal attire.

What Others Are Saying: Review Insights

Customer reviews for A New Day Woven Bags generally echo my own positive experience, though there are some consistent themes worth noting. The most frequent compliments focus on value for money, attractive appearance, and better-than-expected durability.

Common praise points include the bags’ photogenic quality—many reviewers mention how well these bags photograph for social media—and their versatility across different outfits and occasions. The lightweight nature gets frequent mentions, particularly from users who’ve dealt with shoulder strain from heavier bags in the past.

Areas of criticism tend to focus on limited internal organization in some styles and occasional quality control issues with stitching or weaving consistency. Some users have reported faster wear than expected, though these seem to be isolated cases rather than systematic problems.

Size expectations appear to trip up some buyers, with several reviews mentioning that bags appeared larger or smaller than expected based on online photos. This reinforces my recommendation to see bags in person when possible or to carefully check dimensions before ordering online.

Long-term use reports from reviewers who’ve owned their bags for extended periods generally remain positive, with many expressing surprise at how well their bags have held up over time.

Internal Organization and Storage Solutions

The compartment design in A New Day Woven Bags varies significantly by style, and this has been an important factor in determining which bags work best for my different needs. Some styles prioritize simplicity with single large compartments, while others offer more complex internal organization.

Single-compartment designs work well for users who prefer to organize their belongings using pouches or who don’t carry many small items. My beach tote falls into this category, and the simple interior makes it easy to clean and allows maximum flexibility in what I carry.

Multi-compartment options typically include one or two interior pockets along with the main storage area. These pockets are usually sized for phones, keys, or cards, providing quick access to frequently needed items. The pocket construction has proven durable in my experience, with no signs of tearing or detachment.

Closure security varies by style, with some bags featuring zip closures, others using magnetic snaps, and some remaining completely open. I’ve found the closure mechanisms to be appropriately matched to each bag’s intended use—casual styles often have simpler closures, while bags positioned for professional use typically include more secure zip options.

Eco-Friendly Considerations

While Target doesn’t heavily market the environmental aspects of the A New Day Woven Bag collection, the use of natural materials does represent a more sustainable option compared to purely synthetic alternatives. The paper cord, straw, and rattan components are biodegradable materials that have lower environmental impacts than petroleum-based synthetics.

Durability as sustainability becomes relevant when considering these bags’ longevity. A well-made affordable bag that lasts for years represents better environmental value than cheaper options that need frequent replacement. My experience suggests that A New Day bags fall into the former category.

Packaging considerations have been reasonably thoughtful in my purchases. The bags typically come with minimal packaging, avoiding excessive plastic or unnecessary materials. This approach aligns with growing consumer preferences for reduced packaging waste.

End-of-life disposal becomes easier with natural materials that can break down more readily than synthetic alternatives. While I hope to use my bags for many years to come, it’s reassuring to know they won’t persist in landfills indefinitely.

Professional Applications: Office-Appropriate Options

Using an A New Day Woven Bag as a work bag required some careful consideration of style selection and professional appropriateness. Not all styles in the collection work well in office environments, but several options have proven excellent for professional use.

Tote-style bags in larger sizes and neutral colors have worked particularly well for my office needs. They accommodate laptops, documents, lunch, and other daily necessities while maintaining a polished appearance. The key is selecting styles with clean lines and avoiding overly casual details like large decorative elements or beach-themed hardware.

Laptop protection becomes important for work use, and I’ve found that adding a padded laptop sleeve provides adequate protection within these soft-structured bags. The woven materials don’t offer impact protection on their own, but they work well in combination with appropriate internal organization.

Professional versatility has been impressive—I’ve carried my work tote to client meetings, networking events, and daily office work without feeling underdressed or inappropriate. The natural materials actually provide an interesting textural contrast to typical business attire that many colleagues have commented on positively.

Shopping Strategy: Finding the Best Deals

Timing your purchases can result in significant savings on A New Day Woven Bags. I’ve observed several predictable sale patterns that can help maximize value for money.

Seasonal transitions typically bring clearance pricing on colors and styles that are being discontinued. Late summer clearances often include beachy styles at substantial discounts, while end-of-winter sales might feature earth tones and darker colors.

Target’s promotional calendar includes regular store-wide sales that apply to the A New Day collection. Events like “Buy two, get one free” promotions can make it economical to stock up on multiple bags or to try new styles at reduced risk.

Target Circle membership provides additional savings opportunities through personalized offers and early access to sales. The free membership program has generated several exclusive discount offers for A New Day products in my experience.

Price tracking apps can help monitor specific bags you’re interested in and alert you to price drops. Since inventory turns over regularly, this approach works best for monitoring general categories rather than specific individual items.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Bag Beautiful

Cleaning A New Day Woven Bags requires some specific techniques to avoid damaging the natural materials. I’ve developed a routine that keeps my bags looking fresh without compromising their structure or appearance.

Regular maintenance involves gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dust and debris. This prevents particles from working into the weave where they’re harder to remove. I do this weekly for bags I use regularly.

Spot cleaning works well for minor stains using a barely damp cloth and mild soap. The key is using minimal moisture and allowing complete drying before storing or using the bag again. I’ve successfully removed various stains this way without affecting the surrounding material.

Deep cleaning requires more care and should be done sparingly. I’ve found that very light applications of upholstery cleaner can work for more significant staining, but testing in an inconspicuous area first is essential.

Storage considerations include keeping bags in breathable environments and avoiding compression that might permanently deform the weaving. I store mine stuffed with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their shape during extended periods of non-use.

Competitive Comparison: How They Stack Up

Comparing A New Day Woven Bags to similar products from other brands has helped me appreciate their particular strengths and understand where they fit in the broader market landscape.

Price comparison reveals that A New Day bags typically cost 30-60% less than comparable woven bags from other mainstream brands. When compared to designer options, the savings become even more dramatic, often representing 80-90% cost reduction for similar aesthetic appeal.

Quality assessment relative to price point shows A New Day bags performing exceptionally well. While they may not match the construction quality of premium brands, they significantly exceed expectations for their price range and often surpass more expensive options from other mass-market retailers.

Design variety within the A New Day collection compares favorably to other affordable brands while offering more current styling than many competitors. The seasonal updates keep the collection feeling fresh without abandoning classic elements that ensure longevity.

Availability advantages of shopping at Target—widespread store locations, online ordering, and quick fulfillment options—provide convenience factors that can offset slightly higher quality from harder-to-find alternatives.

Style Evolution: Tote Options and Variations

Tote-style options within the A New Day Woven Bag collection have become some of my favorite pieces, offering excellent functionality while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the woven construction.

Classic tote proportions appear in several sizes, from compact options suitable for light daily carry to large formats that work well for travel or beach use. The handle placement and length have been well-considered across different sizes, maintaining comfortable carrying regardless of the bag’s scale.

Structured versus soft construction varies among tote styles, with some featuring internal framework that helps maintain shape while others rely entirely on the inherent structure of the woven materials. I’ve found both approaches successful, with the choice depending on intended use and personal preference.

Bottom construction in tote styles deserves special mention, as this is often a weak point in affordable bags. The A New Day totes I’ve examined feature reinforced bottoms that distribute weight well and show good resistance to stretching or sagging over time.

Closure Systems: Security and Convenience

Zipper quality in A New Day Woven Bags has been consistently good in my experience. The zippers operate smoothly and show good resistance to sticking or binding. The zipper pulls are appropriately sized and have held up well to regular use.

Snap closures appear on some styles and provide quick access while maintaining reasonable security for casual use. The snap mechanisms have remained tight and functional across all my bags, without loosening over time as sometimes happens with budget accessories.

Magnetic closures offer a nice middle ground between convenience and security. They’re easy to operate one-handed but provide more security than completely open bags. The magnetic strength has remained consistent in my bags, without weakening that I’ve noticed.

Open-top designs work well for certain applications, particularly beach or casual use where quick access is more important than security. These styles often feature interior pockets or clips for securing valuable items.

Travel Considerations: Bags for the Road

Using A New Day Woven Bags for travel has opened up some interesting possibilities I hadn’t initially considered. Their lightweight construction and packability make them excellent secondary bags for trips.

Airline compatibility works well for personal items, as these bags typically fit easily under airline seats and their soft construction allows them to conform to tight spaces. I’ve used various styles as personal items on flights without any issues.

Packability when empty is outstanding—these bags can be folded or compressed into remarkably small spaces when not in use. This makes them excellent to pack as extra bags for shopping or day trips during travel.

Durability during travel has held up well in my experience, though I do take some precautions to protect them from rough handling. Using them as inner bags within hard luggage or protecting them with packing cubes has proven effective.

International travel considerations include the natural materials being generally acceptable to customs agencies, unlike some synthetic materials that might raise questions in certain regions.

The A New Day Woven Bag collection has genuinely surprised me with its combination of style, functionality, and value. After months of daily use across multiple bags from the collection, I can confidently recommend them to anyone looking for attractive, affordable, and surprisingly durable woven bags.

The key to success with these bags lies in understanding their strengths and selecting appropriate styles for your intended uses. They excel at providing fashionable, functional storage at prices that allow you to own multiple bags for different occasions without financial stress.

While they may not replace high-end designer bags in every application, they offer compelling value that makes them worthy of serious consideration for most users. The combination of attractive design, reasonable durability, and exceptional affordability creates a value proposition that’s difficult to match in today’s market.

Whether you’re looking for a casual weekend bag, a work tote, or a travel companion, the A New Day Woven Bag collection likely has options worth exploring. My experience suggests that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by both their immediate appeal and their long-term performance.