Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo vs. Neverfull: Which one is better?

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote is known for its relaxed, open-top design and massive capacity, making it a go-to for daily errands and travel. In contrast, the Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo offers a more structured and polished silhouette with a zippered top, providing a secure and professional look that holds its shape. While both are iconic totes from the luxury powerhouse Louis Vuitton, the choice comes down to casual versatility versus structured elegance.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which iconic LV tote belongs in your closet.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Introduced in 2007, the Neverfull quickly became one of Louis Vuitton's most recognizable and popular handbags. Its name accurately reflects its key feature: it feels like it can never be full. Designed as a practical, spacious carryall, its simple design, comfortable shoulder straps, and iconic side laces have made it a favorite for work, travel, and everyday life.

• What it is: A large, open-top tote bag crafted from signature LV canvas, renowned for its large capacity and a simple, highly versatile design.
• Key features: Open-top with a clasp closure, cinching side laces to change the bag’s silhouette, and a removable zippered pouch that doubles as a pochette.
• Price: Starts around $1,600 USD for the medium (MM) size in classic Monogram canvas.
• Materials/Construction: Durable Monogram, Damier Ebene, or Damier Azur coated canvas with a colorful textile lining and natural cowhide leather trim.
• Sizing/Fit: The popular MM size measures 12.6 x 11.4 x 6.7 inches, easily fitting a laptop, water bottle, and daily essentials.
• Pros: Huge capacity, extremely versatile, relatively lightweight for its size, includes a valuable detachable pochette, and has an iconic, recognizable style.
• Cons: The open clasp enclosure offers limited security, the unstructured body can look slouchy when not full, and the vachetta leather straps and trim can require more care.

This bag is perfect for someone who needs a multi-purpose tote that can handle a heavy load and transitions from the office to the airport with a classic, laid-back luxury feel.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/neverfull-mm

Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo

The Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo is a sophisticated and highly functional tote with a structured design and a secure zipper closure. Unlike the relaxed Neverfull, the Cabas Mezzo maintains its rectangular shape thanks to its reinforced flat base, making it a more work-appropriate or elegant option. It's a slightly more understated choice for those who value structure and security in a luxury tote.

• What it is: A structured, rectangular tote bag with a zip closure, designed for those seeking a more formal and organized carryall.
• Key features: Full zip-top closure for security, a sturdy, flat leather base that prevents sagging, rolled leather handles, and an interior zipper pocket with a D-ring.
• Price: As an incredibly popular Louis Vuitton bag that's now a 'Legacy' or discontinued, its demand has increased over the years with prices starting from approximately $2,000 USD on the pre-owned marketplace.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted primarily from Monogram coated canvas with a sturdy vachetta leather base, handles, and trim. It's incredibly robust and long-lasting.
• Sizing/Fit: Measures approximately 13 x 10 x 5 inches, offering ample space for a small laptop, tablet, and everyday essentials without being bulky.
• Pros: Zippered top offers excellent security, structured silhouette always looks polished, durable leather handle base maintains its shape when set down, and straps are extremely comfortable for daily use.
• Cons: Typically more of a significant upfront investment, slightly heavier due to the leather base, and less capacity than the Neverfull MM.

This tote is an exceptional choice for professionals or anyone who needs a chic, secure bag that keeps its composure from a boardroom meeting to a weekend brunch.

Shop this product: https://www.fashionphile.com

Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo vs. Neverfull Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference between these two bags is their style and aesthetic. The Neverfull embodies a casual, bohemian-chic vibe. It's the tote you can grab and go anywhere and it feels effortless. Its unstructured nature allows it to expand significantly or cinch in to create a more compact look, making it highly adaptable to lifestyle.

The Cabas Mezzo exudes sophistication. Its clean, structured rectangle looks are intentional and elegant. The zip-top and strong leather base ensure it never loses shape, always maintaining a polished and sophisticated appearance.

Sizing & Capacity

While similar in dimension on paper, the capacity for both is significantly different. The Neverfull MM (12.6 x 11.4 x 6.7 inches) expands to allow considerable space for all sorts of occasions, fitting even a laptop, makeup bag, umbrella, and lunchbox.

The Cabas Mezzo (13 x 10 x 5 inches) is a slim-fit tote, perfect for professionals on-the-go. Its strong design accommodates a laptop or tablet and documents without altering its usual box-like shape, ideal for professional meetings.

Construction & Security

Structurally, this is where the differences are most apparent. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is known for its simple design: thin shoulder straps and a simple hook enclosure. For some, a light and open bag could be a security issue, mitigated to some extent by the inclusion of a zip pouch.

In contrast, the Louis Cabas Mezzo provides a secure space with its structured base and full-zip closure, ensuring all contents are safe. The rolled handles offer comfort and the bag retains its shape even after years of use, marking it as a lasting quality piece.

Price & Value

Retailing at around $1,600, the Neverfull MM is a popular choice for a first Louis Vuitton handbag with high resale value and an additional pochette that can be used separately.

The Cabas Mezzo commands higher prices on the secondary market, starting at over $2,000. Its quality and durability make it a smart investment for collectors and those looking for a lasting addition to their wardrobe.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are incredible Louis Vuitton bags, but the best choice depends on your personal style and lifestyle needs.

Choose the Louis Vuitton Neverfull if:

• You need a versatile, do-it-all large bag with great capacity.
• You prefer an everyday aesthetic that is more casual and effortless.
• The value of a bag with an extra pochette is perfect for you.
• You prefer a lightweight material and style for daily use.

Choose the Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo if:

• Security is a top priority for a tote.
• You need an elegant and structured tote that can securely hold your personal documents.
• You prefer comfortable and structured bags to complement your everyday aesthetic.
• You don't mind investing more for a tote where durability and quality are assured long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo and the Neverfull?

The main difference lies in style and format. Both have great capacity and are perfect as tote bags. The Neverfull offers a versatile and casual look, while the Cabas Mezzo provides a sophisticated and structured design with an elegant style.

Can the Cabas Mezzo or Neverfull hold a laptop?

Yes, both bags can carry an everyday laptop, but it's important to check the exact measurements against your laptop model to ensure a proper fit.

How do the straps compare for wear on the shoulder?

The Neverfull has thinner, more flexible flat handles perfect for easy shoulder carrying. The Cabas Mezzo's handles are more structured with a roll design, providing extra padding for comfort even with heavier loads.

Is vachetta leather difficult to care for?

Vachetta leather is a natural hide that develops a dark patina over time, adding character. It can stain more easily than other leather types, but there are professional products available for proper care and protection of your Louis Vuitton bag.

Do the Neverfull and Cabas Mezzo retain their value?

Both of these Louis Vuitton bags are highly regarded as investment totes. The Neverfull, with its useful pochette, maintains its market value well. Collectors love the Cabas Mezzo for its elegance and durability, with prices increasing annually due to its discontinuation.