2021 edit: The Andras have been discontinued.
Here's a long-overdue comparison between the Small and Medium Andra! A few general notes and observations before diving into things:
I don't use my Andras often because I like to be able to carry a bottle of water in my purse. Even though I usually gravitate toward the Tiny/Petite totes more for their ease of use, I feel that both Andra sizes work great for quick errands or for going out to dinner (and I've got to say that writing this post has definitely renewed my appreciation for the Andra's design!). If you don't like wearing bags exclusively crossbody, you may want to look into purchasing or substituting a thinner strap for your Andra—I'm not aware of an easy way to adjust the original strap up to shoulder bag length.
- Small Andra Specs: L 8” x H 5.25” x W 2”, .8 lbs, 21" - 22.5" crossbody strap drop length
- Medium Andra Specs: L 9 ½” x H 6 ¾” x W 3 ½”, 1.4 lbs, 21" - 23" crossbody strap drop length
- The leather on both bags is quite stiff and rigid;
- The Small Andra has a key clip instead of a key leash;
- The Andra is meant to be worn crossbody, but I substituted the original crossbody straps with the straps from my Coach Dinky 24 bags out of personal preference (as the thinner Coach straps can be brought/doubled through the side loops to create a much shorter strap length);
- My iPhone 7 fits in the back slip pocket of both the Small and Medium sizes.
I don't use my Andras often because I like to be able to carry a bottle of water in my purse. Even though I usually gravitate toward the Tiny/Petite totes more for their ease of use, I feel that both Andra sizes work great for quick errands or for going out to dinner (and I've got to say that writing this post has definitely renewed my appreciation for the Andra's design!). If you don't like wearing bags exclusively crossbody, you may want to look into purchasing or substituting a thinner strap for your Andra—I'm not aware of an easy way to adjust the original strap up to shoulder bag length.
Small Andra
The Small Andra is great for the bare essentials! It's comparable in length and height to the Small Parker/Airmesh pouches from the 365 collection, but is slightly shorter and wider. Small, modular items are the key to unlocking this bag's potential. The Accordion Travel Wallet fits inside this crossbody, but takes up most of the space inside; the Card Case or Accordion Card Case are a better fit.
Small Scout Pouch Size Comparison |
With Accordion Travel Wallet |
The example items below consist of a small notepad, a standard BAGGU bag, a lip product, the Accordion Card Case in Lychee, keys, and a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer. (The flap still closes shut over each of these interior configurations!)
With keys outside |
With keys inside |
Coach Dinky 24 Strap (doubled to shorten length) |
I bought these adorable keychains ("The Original String Doll Gang") at the Denver Art Museum, and they're made by a company called Kamibashi. |
MEDIUM Andra
The Medium Andra can fit a surprising number of items, plus a small tablet or Kindle fits nicely in the front interior slip pocket. The exterior slip pocket is 8" wide and can hold a thin smart phone or mini notebook. If you tend to carry a bunch of smaller items and prefer a structured bag silhouette, this could potentially be a great 'everyday' bag for you!
Interior compartments: thin front compartment, slip pocket, lipstick/pen holders, zippered pocket |
Pictured with small Scout Pouch and Accordion Card Case / Accordion Travel Wallet in front interior pocket |
Pictured with old iPad Mini with case in front interior pocket (circa 2012) |
Comparison Photos
Fit Test
Small Allyn
Mini Tote
Please let me know if you have any questions or requests for additional comparison photos—I'll do my best to help. If you decide to make a first-time purchase through Dagne Dover, please consider clicking this link for $20 off your first $100+ purchase! (If you make a qualifying purchase, Dagne Dover will gift me $20 in spending credit as part of their new Dagne Rewards program!) The link will take you to Dagne Dover's home page, where a unique $20 off code should pop up after a few seconds.
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Found your helpful blog through Instagram. Always tough for me to choose a Dagne Dover...what color, what size? Your in depth posts help sooo much more than the actual DD site. Could I make a request to include in your reviews a pic of the purse hanging on your shoulder or somewhere near your hip? I am always concerned the bags are too big or bulky for my frame. I can't tell by the DD photos because of an odd angle or the models are moving too much. Will be following you.
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