A messenger is the ideal companion for men. If you want to buy a versatile, well-sized bag that looks chic and elegant, then a leather messenger bag is for you.
Of course, you can also consider other types of bags. If so, check out our article on different types of bags for men.
Messenger bags are just as practical for everyday use as they are for the weekend. If you've never owned one or want to learn more about what a messenger bag is, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
What is a courier bag ?
The messenger bag first became popular as a practical fashion item in the 1990s (although the style dates back to the mid-19th century), not only among men but also among many women who love its minimalist style and versatility. In general, the style of messenger bags has remained relatively simple, and in the last decade they have become a real style icon.
A messenger bag is a rectangular container with a wide shoulder strap that is comfortable to carry and a large flap with a clasp or buckle to keep your belongings safely stored in the main compartment. Many are wider rather than taller.
Today, these types of bags are the go-to choice for many different types of men, whether you're studying, working in the city, or more of a marketing guru - maybe you just need something to keep your belongings safe? These bags are comfortable to carry and are usually lightweight, they can be worn across the body or over the shoulder. If you're carrying a laptop, a wide messenger bag is for you, and if you want to take other essentials to work (pens, water bottles, maybe an iPad?), just choose a roomier version.
The selection is large, from canvas to robust leather to vegan leather and nylon, there are many variants. Messenger bags usually have one thing in common: they are very hard-wearing. If you are looking for a quality product, you should not only pay attention to the material, but also to the fittings, e.g. B. the robust closure mechanism, the adjustability of the straps, which ensure a good fit, and the quality of the inner lining.
Advantages of the messenger bag
So why a messenger? Well, it makes a great gift, the ideal bag for work and a must-have for the weekend. A leather messenger bag is the practical choice for today's modern, well-endowed man. They are also very trendy right now, and this trend will continue. A messenger bag will serve you well for years, especially if you choose a bag made from quality materials.
Here are some of the key benefits associated with a messenger bag:
organization
They tend to be roomy, and a well-made messenger should have a variety of compartments and pockets to keep you organized at all times. You can store pens, your phone, your tablet, your keys and much more in it. If you plan to take your laptop to the office, choose a larger messenger bag with a quality lining.
materials
The materials used are often strong and durable, allowing messenger bags to withstand the demands of modern life.
Comfort
The shoulder strap should be comfortable to wear, wide enough for a laptop and ergonomically designed to fit snugly on the shoulder or back.
versatility
A messenger bag is the ideal bag for in between, which gives you a lot of flexibility. You can wear it to work because it looks professional, but you can also wear it to the weekend because it's so versatile. It is generally more stylish than a backpack and less formal than a briefcase.
elegance
These bags are a real statement for the style-conscious man. You want a messenger bag with a clean silhouette that combines style and practicality.
Clever design
If you need something quickly, you can easily access it thanks to the compartments. No more annoying searching for the ballpoint pen somewhere in the bottom of your backpack...
Disadvantages of a messenger bag
A messenger bag isn't for everyone, and here's why it might not be the best choice for you.
Messenger Bag vs. Backpack Debate
If you regularly carry heavy loads, a messenger bag may not fit everything you need and can become uncomfortable. Then a backpack that distributes the weight evenly over both shoulders might be more suitable for you. A messenger is designed to be worn cross-body or on one shoulder rather than on the back. The padded, wide strap is therefore essential for carrying comfort.
Inadequate equipment for longer trips
If you travel regularly and over a longer period of time, you should use the backpack. However, a smaller messenger bag is great for keeping your travel essentials safe while still being easily accessible.
You can find more tips for the right luggage here.
Messenger bag vs. briefcase
It could be argued that a modern briefcase is more sophisticated than a messenger bag; this is subjective and depends on your personal style.
The history of the messenger bag
The messenger bag has an interesting history dating back to America in the 1860's when Buffalo Bill, the most famous of all Pony Express riders, carried such a bag. The name "messenger bag" comes from the aforementioned Pony Express, an American mail service that carried mail between Missouri and California with the help of horse riders.
In the 1950s, thanks to the De Martini Globe Canvas Company, the bag evolved into a bag similar to today's version, especially for line workers and postal workers. They were made from cotton canvas with a waterproof lining. They were strong and durable, offered a lot of space and were intended for transporting heavy tools. The bags also featured pockets and straps for easy closure. The original bag is still available today.
In the 1960s, bicycle messengers, couriers, and an increasing number of postal workers began using the bags for delivering messages and mail, and the idea caught on. Over the next 20 years, the messenger bag evolved and was offered in other colors at the request of the companies that used them.
The next phase was to bring the bag into fashion and that was done in the mid 1980's by a gentleman named John Peters who updated the bag and made it a fashion icon. His bags contained light-reflecting strips, straps, and buckles, and were made of nylon.
The bag grew in popularity and became a fashion signature among university students, who later wore it to work. Today, it's an urban fashion accessory often associated with hipsters. Even if the hipsters still prefer the messenger bag, it is definitely a bag coveted by men from all walks of life. Remember Jim Halpert in the US version of The Office? He always carried a messenger bag .
How to carry a messenger bag
You are ready to buy a messenger bag and of course you want to wear it properly, for both practical and style reasons.
Not to be confused with a satchel, a messenger is ergonomically designed to be worn on the side of the body thanks to its wide strap, increasing comfort. It can also be worn cross-body on the lower back. The idea here is that you reach for the bag when you want to take something out. Messenger bags traditionally have longer shoulder straps than messenger bags, allowing them to be worn over the shoulder, on the hip, or carried cross-body.
The Messenger is so versatile that you can wear it with your favorite business attire, be it a smart suit or a blazer with jeans. At the weekend you can combine them with casual clothes for a relaxed look.
Different types of messenger bags
There are many different types of courier bags , which we would like to present here using five examples:
o Messenger - satchel
o Briefcase - messenger bag
o Vertical messenger bag
o Military messenger bag
o Saddlebag
The satchel messenger bag is similar to a satchel in that it has two vertical straps that secure the bag. These are usually attached to the flap that closes the bag. The briefcase, on the other hand, is made of leather and has a front flap. Sometimes there are two straps with a buckle and one or two outer pockets.
The vertical messenger bag is a taller, narrower version of a messenger bag. Then there is the military messenger bag, a sturdy variant often made of canvas. They're roomy, have lots of compartments, and come in earthy tones like khaki, gray, and brown. Finally, there is the saddle courier, which is designed like a satchel and has a round flap. They are often made of leather or canvas.
Conclusion
Now you know the main advantages and disadvantages of the messenger bag, as well as its famous history. Is it time to add this classic container to your everyday wardrobe?
FAQ
What is a courier bag?
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It is a practical crossbody or shoulder bag for men with a wide, comfortable shoulder strap, a front flap with closure and many compartments inside to store your personal belongings. It is usually made of durable material such as leather, canvas, nylon or vegan leather.
How to carry a messenger bag ?
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Wondering how high to wear a messenger bag? This type of bag is designed to be worn cross-body, with the main part sitting on the hips or around the back. Alternatively, it can also be worn over the shoulder.
Is a messenger bag better than a backpack?
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That depends on what you intend to use your bag for. If you plan to carry a lot and carry a heavy load, a backpack will probably be more convenient. A messenger bag has useful compartments that make it easier for you to quickly find what you need. It is also designed to hold essentials such as a laptop, smartphone, tablet and documents. A backpack is more suitable for cycling because it is worn on the back.
How to use a messenger bag ?
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A messenger bag has so many practical features. For students, a generously sized messenger bag is the perfect accessory to carry notebooks, tablets, course books and laptops, and for travelers, it's the perfect accessory to keep all travel documents organized yet easy to find when you need them. And in case you're wondering, are messenger bags cool? The answer to that is undoubtedly yes.