If you’ve spent any time on handbag TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed one name popping up again and again: Coach Tabby. The Tabby line has quietly (and then very loudly) become one of the most desirable contemporary-luxury options on the market, driving Coach right back into the “it-girl” spotlight.

Within that family, two designs dominate wishlists and shopping carts:

The Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 (often just called “Tabby 26”)
The Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting (the quilted Tabby)

Both are bestsellers. Both are gorgeous. Both promise that elevated, designer-adjacent look without the five-figure price tag. So if you’re deciding between the two, which one is actually the better choice for your lifestyle?

Let’s break it down.

Who This Comparison Is For

This side-by-side is perfect if:

You’re ready to invest in your first Coach Tabby and want to choose wisely.
You already own one Tabby and are wondering if the other version is different enough to justify a second purchase.
You’re torn between a more structured, everyday shoulder bag and a more pillowy, Chanel-inspired evening bag.

We’ll look at:

Design & materials
Capacity and what actually fits
Versatility (day to night, casual to dressy)
Durability and maintenance
Comfort
Price & value
Resale considerations

And at the end, I’ll share which one I’d recommend for different lifestyles – plus which one I personally gravitate towards most often.

Meet the Bags: Quick Overviews

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 (Regular Tabby)

Heritage: A modern revival of an archival 1970s Coach design – very “cool vintage girl”, but refreshed.
Material: Typically polished pebble leather (grainy, hardy, and low-maintenance).
Shape: Structured baguette-style shoulder bag with clean lines.
Straps: Comes with two detachable straps – a short shoulder/top-handle strap and a longer adjustable strap for crossbody or long shoulder wear.
Interior: Two main compartments, a central zip compartment, plus slip pockets.
Back: External slip pocket (perfect for your phone or travel card).
Size (26): Around 26 cm (L) x 15 cm (H) x 8 cm (W).
Price (Australia): Around $795 AUD at full price.

This is the polished, structured everyday girl – chic, practical, and surprisingly timeless for a “viral” bag.

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting (Quilted Tabby)

Inspiration: Same basic silhouette as the Tabby, but redesigned with plush quilting and chain strap.
Material: Quilted, ultra-soft Nappa leather – smooth, luxurious, and beautifully pillowy.
Shape: Slightly softer and more pillowy, with that classic diamond-style quilting reminiscent of Chanel.
Strap: A non-removable chain strap with leather woven through; can usually be worn single (long) or doubled (shorter, dressier look).
Interior: Two compartments, central zip section, plus interior pockets. Front section often has an extra flap/magnetic closure for security.
Back: External slip pocket with magnetic closure.
Size (26): Roughly 26 cm (L) x 14 cm (H) x 8 cm (W).
Price (Australia): Around $995 AUD at full price – so roughly $200 more than the regular Tabby.

This is the “going-out but make it wearable” bag – designer energy, but still functional enough for dinner, dates, or events.

Tabby vs Quilted Tabby: Side-By-Side Comparison

Feature	Coach Tabby 26 (Regular)	Coach Tabby 26 With Quilting
Look & vibe	Structured, minimalist, everyday chic	Pillowy, quilted, more statement & dressy
Main material	Polished pebble leather (grainy, durable)	Soft Nappa leather (buttery, luxurious)
Strap style	Two detachable straps: short + long adjustable	Fixed chain strap with leather woven through
Carry options	Handheld, shoulder, crossbody	Shoulder or crossbody (strap can often be doubled)
Interior layout	2 compartments + central zip + extra slips	2 compartments + central zip + flap/magnetic front
Exterior pocket	Back slip pocket	Back slip pocket with magnet
Structure	Rigid, maintains shape	Softer, more squishy, more “pillowy”
Capacity (26 size)	Slightly less due to accordion sides	Slightly more – quilting allows a bit more flex
Typical price (AU)	≈ $795 AUD	≈ $995 AUD
Best for	Daily wear, work, errands, polished casual outfits	Evenings, special occasions, elevated day looks

Capacity: What Actually Fits?

Both bags in the 26 size are genuinely practical – you’re not going to be stuck with just a cardholder and lip balm here.

Regular Tabby 26 – Capacity

Because of its accordion-style structure, the regular Tabby has:

Two main compartments
A zipped central compartment
Extra slip pockets for cards, notes, receipts, tickets

You can comfortably fit:

A large smartphone (the back slip pocket takes an iPhone with no problem)
Small wallet or cardholder
Keys
Compact / small makeup pouch
Hand sanitiser
A couple of “extras” (AirPods, lipstick, tissues)

The concertina sides come inwards, which gives it that elegant, structured profile, but slightly reduces how much you can cram in. On the plus side, this construction acts almost like built-in “feet” – the bottom doesn’t rest flat on surfaces as much, which can help protect more delicate leathers or exotic versions from wear.

Quilted Tabby 26 – Capacity

The quilted Tabby has:

Two larger compartments divided by a zipped section
A front flap pocket with magnetic closure for quick-grab items
A back slip pocket with magnet

Because the leather is softer and more squishy, you can actually pack a touch more into this bag before it starts to look overstuffed. It looks especially beautiful when lightly filled – the quilting becomes more pronounced and pillowy.

Think:

Phone
Compact wallet
Keys
A few makeup bits
Small sunglasses in a soft pouch
Hand sanitiser / small hand cream

Overall: Both work for day and evening, but the quilted Tabby has a tiny bit more give, while the regular Tabby stays cleaner and more streamlined even when full.

Aesthetics: Minimalist Chic vs Pillowy Statement

Regular Tabby – Understated Icon

The regular Tabby is all about line and structure:

Clean, rectangular baguette silhouette
Polished pebble leather gives a subtle texture that hides scratches beautifully
Signature C hardware on the front flap
Streamlined body, no quilting or extra fuss

If your style leans towards:

Minimalist
Smart casual
Quiet luxury
Office-appropriate

…this is the one that will melt into your wardrobe seamlessly.

In classic colours like black, chalk, or tan, it becomes that “throw-on-with-anything” bag – jeans and a tee, a blazer, floral dresses, knitwear – it just works.

Quilted Tabby – Soft, Luxe, Trend-Led (In a Good Way)

The quilted Tabby is where Coach clearly had fun:

Plush diamond quilting that immediately nods to Chanel classic flaps
Tonal or hardware-matched C logo
Chain strap for instant glamour
Nappa leather that feels almost marshmallow-soft to the touch

It’s understandably gone viral because it gives you that look – the polished, Paris-girl, flap-bag energy – at a fraction of Chanel pricing, without skimping on materials or finishing.

Because it’s visually “heavier”, it shines with:

Tailored coats & blazers
Evening dresses
Date-night outfits
Monochrome or neutral looks where the texture can really sing

If you want your bag to be a style moment rather than just a finishing touch, the quilted Tabby is your girl.

Versatility: How Many Ways Can You Wear Them?

Regular Tabby 26 – Maximum Styling Flex

The regular Tabby is incredibly adaptable thanks to its two detachable straps:

Short strap – wear on the shoulder, crook of the arm, or handheld
Long adjustable strap – wear crossbody (great for travel or errands), or as a long shoulder bag

Because the straps are removable, you can also:

Swap in a different Coach strap (canvas logo strap, chain strap, etc.)
Remove the long strap entirely for a cleaner, more formal look

It easily goes:

Day to night
Work to drinks
Smart casual to weekend

Quilted Tabby 26 – Elegant But Slightly More Limited

The quilted Tabby usually features a fixed chain strap with leather woven through – chic, but less customisable:

Worn long on the shoulder or crossbody
Doubled up for a shorter, more formal shoulder carry

It’s still versatile, but it leans more dressy than casual. You can wear it during the day with jeans and loafers, but the chain and quilting naturally make it feel a bit more “done”.

If you want a super casual, crossbody-for-school-run vibe, the regular Tabby wins.

Durability: Pebbled Leather vs Nappa Quilting

This is a big one, especially if you’re tough on your bags or want something truly long-term.

Regular Tabby – Low-Maintenance Workhorse

Polished pebble leather is known for being durable and forgiving – it resists small scratches and scuffs, and any marks tend to blend into the grain.
The structure helps the bag keep its shape over time.
Interior is usually lined in leather or microfiber and feels secure and tidy.

If you’re the kind of person who:

Doesn’t baby their bags
Commutes, travels, or carries your bag daily
Wants something that still looks good years later

…the regular Tabby is absolutely the more practical option.

Quilted Tabby – Luxurious but Needs More Care

Nappa leather is soft, smooth, and luxurious – but by nature, it’s more delicate.
The quilting means there are raised, pillowy sections that can be more prone to dents if you press up against things or store it badly.
Light colours (chalk, cream) will show colour transfer more easily, especially against dark denim.

If you’re happy to:

Store it properly stuffed and in its dust bag
Avoid throwing it around on rough surfaces
Wipe it down gently and keep it away from heavy rain

…then it will reward you by looking and feeling incredibly luxe for years. But it is more of a “treat her kindly” bag.

Comfort: Shoulder & Crossbody Wear

Regular Tabby – Comfier for Long Days

Wider leather shoulder strap distributes weight more comfortably than a chain.
Adjustable crossbody strap lets you customise the drop for your height and preferred fit.

If you’re wearing this all day – shopping, sightseeing, commuting – your shoulder will thank you.

Quilted Tabby – Fine for Evenings, Less Ideal for Heavy Loads

Chain strap is gorgeous but can start to dig in if the bag is heavy or you wear it for hours.
The leather woven through the chain helps a little, but it’s still not as gentle as a flat leather strap.

For dinner dates, brunches, events, or “out for a few hours” occasions, it’s perfectly comfortable. For true all-day wear, the regular Tabby takes the edge.

Price & Value

Approximate full-price retail in Australia:

Regular Tabby 26: ~$795 AUD
Quilted Tabby 26: ~$995 AUD

The quilted version is around $200 more, reflecting the more premium Nappa leather, quilting, and chain hardware.

From a value perspective:

The regular Tabby gives you excellent cost-per-wear – it’s easier to wear daily, more durable, and very trend-resistant thanks to its simple shape and heritage roots.
The quilted Tabby gives you huge aesthetic value – a high-end, Chanel-ish vibe without Chanel pricing, and a very luxurious feel in the hand.

If your budget stretches to one and you want maximum wear, go regular. If you already have practical bags and want a special statement piece, the quilted earns its price.

Resale Value & Trend Longevity

On the pre-loved market, both versions of the Tabby tend to hold interest because the line has become so recognisable and beloved and is featured heavily in Coach campaigns.

Neutral colours (black, chalk, tan, maple) and classic hardware generally resell better than bright or seasonal shades.
Quilted versions in highly coveted colours sometimes fetch a premium, especially if they’re sold out in retail.

That said, I’d still recommend buying a Tabby you genuinely want to carry, not one you’re purely banking on as an “investment”. In this price bracket, the real value is in cost-per-wear and how much joy it brings you.

Verdicts for Different Lifestyles

Let’s get practical: which Tabby suits you?

If You’re a Student or Young Professional

Pick: Regular Tabby 26
Why: You’ll appreciate the durability, the crossbody option for busy days, and the more casual-to-smart versatility. It will take you from uni/office to dinner with friends without feeling over-the-top.

If You’re a Working Professional in an Office

Pick: Regular Tabby 26 first, Quilted Tabby as your “fun” second bag.
The regular Tabby looks polished with blazers and trousers, but not too flashy for conservative environments.
Add the quilted later for client dinners, events, and weekends.

If You’re a “Going Out” Girl – Dinners, Events, Parties

Pick: Quilted Tabby 26
It’s the one that looks made for cocktails, date nights, and weddings.
The chain strap and quilting photograph beautifully and instantly dress up even the simplest outfit.

If You’re Minimalist & Capsule-Wardrobe Focused

Pick: Regular Tabby 26 in a classic neutral (black, chalk, tan)
It will quietly work with everything, season after season.
You’ll get a better cost-per-wear and a slightly more timeless look.

If You Already Own Plenty of Everyday Bags

Pick: Quilted Tabby 26
Treat it as your luxe, dress-up piece.
Go for a tone you know you’ll reach for – rich browns like maple, classic black, or creamy chalk if you’re happy to baby it.

Which Bag I Personally Prefer (and Why)

If I had to choose just one as an all-rounder, I’d go for the:

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 (regular)

Why?

It’s more practical and durable for daily life.
The pebble leather handles real-world wear so much better.
The double-strap setup makes it incredibly flexible – I love a bag I can switch from crossbody to top handle in two seconds.
The design feels like it will age gracefully; it’s modern but anchored in that 70s archival heritage, so it doesn’t scream “seasonal trend”.

However, my heart absolutely has a soft spot for the Quilted Tabby 26, especially in those delicious shades like maple or chalk. On evenings out or special occasions, that’s the one I’d instinctively reach for. It just gives instant “I tried” energy, even if you got dressed in five minutes.

So my honest recommendation:

First Tabby? Go regular 26.
Second, special Tabby? Go quilted 26 and enjoy every pillowy, luxurious moment.

Watch the Full Comparison

If you’d like to see both bags side by side, how they move, and what they look like styled with different outfits, make sure you watch the full YouTube comparison on my channel. You’ll see:

What fits inside each in real time
How the straps sit on the body
Close-ups of the leathers, quilting, and hardware

And of course, if you’re planning to buy, keep an eye out for:

“Shop this bag” links below when available
Retailers offering good shipping/returns for your region

Shop this bag: Coach Tabby 26 – various colours

Shop this bag: Coach Quilted Tabby 26 – various colours

Written for AlicjaGriffiths.com — Luxury Handbag Reviews & Style Insights.

Coach Tabby vs Coach Quilted Tabby: Which It-Girl Bag Is Really Better?