You’re too grown to wear a backpack but you’re young to carry a briefcase. The next best option sits in the middle of the “work bag” spectrum - the messenger bag. They’re trendy, stylish and functional.
But with that said, a messenger bag is very much a fashion statement and it’s safe to assume that you’d want to wear one in a fashionable way.
If you’re looking to buy a messenger bag soon, we’ll give you some pointers on how to choose the right one and how to wear it.
Function Comes First
Although we just mentioned that a messenger bag for men and women is very much a fashion choice, function is actually a bigger concern. After all, if you’re buying a messenger bag, you’re likely buying it for work, school, or some other academic or professional purpose. There are a few factors to think about when deciding if a messenger bag is functional or not.
Activity/Use: First and foremost, you need to think about the activity you plan to use your messenger bag for. Are you planning to use your bag solely to carry your laptop, tablet or work documents and office supplies? Are you using the bag mainly for travel? Will you be taking your bag on public transit or will it be slung around you while biking? Also, you need to assess whether the bag has the pockets and compartments you’ll need to carry the items you carry.
Size/Ergonomics: As you might expect, messenger bags come in different sizes and weights. The size and weight of the bag you pick will likely correlate to the activity you will use the bag for. More importantly, you need to pick a messenger bag that is comfortable to wear, and that doesn’t put too much strain on your shoulders and back.
Durability: You no doubt want your messenger bag to last, and that means you’ll have to think about its strength. The durability of the bag will not only determine how long it lasts but also, how well it will withstand the elements. So it’s wise to ask yourself if that bag is waterproof as well as what materials it’s made with.
Making good decisions about the functionality of a messenger bag is half the battle of purchasing one. The reality is that a bag that’s made with cheap quality materials, feels uncomfortable or is just inappropriate for your routine will frustrate you. So make sure to get the functionality aspect right first.
The Style & Make Of a Messenger Bag
Now we’ve arrived at the fun part - the fashion appeal of messenger bags for men and women. Your messenger bag should certainly be durable and comfortable, but it should also turn heads! To do that, you should know a thing or two about bag design, as this will help you choose the right bag to suit your body type, wardrobe and overall fashion sense.
Colour: Whether it’s a shade of grey (excuse the reference) or a reddish hue, your choice of colour will make your bag stand out - either for better or worse. Of course, colour is a matter of preference but some will work better for you than others. First off, think back to the use of your bag. If you’re a professional man or woman, perhaps in the finance, legal or business sector, you might want to stick with a more conservative colour (think black, brown or grey). Of course, if you’re a creative professional, then you can get away with more flashy colours. And you’ll also want to give thought to your wardrobe. For example, if you normally wear brighter colours, a messenger bag with a more subtle tone will create a balanced contrast to your look.
Artistry/Patterning: As subtle as it may seem, the seams (excuse the pun) and stitching of a bag can enhance the look of a messenger bag for men and women. Not all messenger bags will have fancy embroidery, but the ones that do create an appealing texture and design. These types of bags will appeal to you if you’re good at matching patterns. The same goes for buttons and zippers - the shape and placement of buttons and zippers can make an otherwise plain-looking bag “pop”.
Bag Shape/Design: The other style consideration for messenger bags is their overall shape and design. There are many choices and options in this regard. There are plenty of variations when it comes to the flap design, shoulder straps, pockets/compartments, reflective patches and more. Messenger bags for men will often have a prominent flap and strap, while messengers bag for women tends to have more purse-like handles and a thinner shoulder strap. Keep in mind that some of these features relate to the bag’s comfort level and durability, also influencing how comfortable they will feel.
Remember, messenger bags are very much a fashion statement themselves, so you should pay close attention to their combination of colour and design. Before buying your bag, make sure to double-check your wardrobe and shoe rack - they should all complement each other!
Our Recommended Messenger Bags for Men & Women
Of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without our recommendations of messenger bags. To save you the hassle of looking for bags that combine the best in terms of functionality and fashionability, we’ve made some suggestions from our inventory to get you started.
The bags we’ve recommended below are built for durability, comfort, and style. They’re also suitable for a variety of activities and uses, and both men and women can use them.
Messenger Bags for Men & Women
Coarse Leather Messenger Bag 16” Limited - Saddle Brown
Coarse Leather Messenger Bag 14” - Antique Brown
Coarse Leather Messenger Bag 14’’ - Black
These three bags are waterproof and dustproof and will suit you whether you’re a college/university student, an office worker or a frequent traveller. They’re made with the highest quality leather, feature compartments to store electronic devices, pens and wallets and are built for comfort with their adjustable straps.
Leather Messenger Laptop Bag 14” 2.0 - Antique Brown
Leather Messenger Laptop Bag 14” 2.0 - Saddle Brown
SubUrban Leather Messenger Laptop Bag - Dark Brown Pebbled
These bags are aimed at individuals who want a more compact bag that can still fit their laptops, mobile phones and other office supplies. They’re less bulky and highly durable, lined with padding to protect your items from potential impacts.
Make the Most of Your Messenger Bag
A messenger bag is a great accessory for carrying your work supplies and complementing your outfit. They look trendy, they’re comfortable to wear and they’re versatile enough for you to use them for a variety of activities.
With that said, you need to make the right choices if you want to enjoy your messenger bag to the fullest and have no regrets. Take heed of the tips listed above and you will find a bag that fits your lifestyle and wardrobe.
Still need some guidance on how to choose the perfect messenger bag? Get in touch with us so we can help you out!
