The Best Messenger and Crossbody Bags (2024)

FAQs

Is messenger bag still in style? ›

Whether you're a fashion-forward individual or simply looking for a practical bag to carry your belongings, a messenger bag is a timeless choice. So go ahead and embrace this classic accessory with confidence, knowing that you're staying stylish in 2024 and beyond.

A messenger bag is actually a form of a crossbody bag. Any bag that is worn across your body is referred to as a crossbody bag. Crossbody bags are simple to carry because you may use both hands for other tasks while still keeping your purse secure. They are held on your opposing hip and slung over one shoulder.

If you're wearing business casual or formal attire in the office, the best messenger bag material to go for is leather. However, it's essential to ensure that the color combinations have been taken care of. Go for black or brown leather, depending on the color of your shoes.

If you do carry a heavy load regularly, then a messenger bag might not fit everything you need in it and can become uncomfortable. You might be better suited to a backpack instead, which distributes the weight evenly. A messenger bag is designed to cross the body or wear on one-shoulder rather than on the back.

The most prevalent approach is to wear it cross-body, with the strap resting on one shoulder and the bag positioned on the opposite hip, as mentioned earlier. This method is ideal for evenly distributing weight and maintaining hands-free convenience.

Handbag Trend 2024: Circular Shapes

Trends are cyclical, and sometimes that circularity can be applied quite literally in the realm of design. Case in point: Designers like Altuzarra, Louis Vuitton, and Longchamp featured round purses on their spring/summer 2024 runways.

Versatility. A messenger bag is the ideal in-between bag that gives you lots of flexibility. You can wear it for work because it looks professional but you can also wear it at the weekend as it has that hybrid appeal. It is generally smarter than a backpack and less formal than a briefcase.

No, messenger bags are not only for men. Women have been using them since they were created and images of women using them have permeated the popular culture.

A messenger bag (also called a courier bag) is a type of sack, usually made of cloth (natural or synthetic). It is worn over one shoulder with a strap that goes across the chest resting the bag on the lower back. While messenger bags are sometimes used by couriers, they are now also an urban fashion icon.

A messenger bag has all of the easy functionality of a fanny pack, but it's bigger, more professional, and has more features. They're also great for kids going to school and for those at college. You won't look like your grandad's banker, and you won't look like a schoolkid either.

How do you wear a cross body messenger bag? ›

Out Front and Casual: The Messenger

This form is much like a messenger bag, something you might see on a journalist or with a professor. It puts an emphasis on casual use. Hang the strap around one arm, letting the bag sit between your arm and body, or center the strap across your chest for a more energetic style.

It is important to wear the shoulder bag on the right shoulder. If you are right-handed, carry the bag over your left shoulder and if you are left-handed, carry the bag over your right shoulder. This ensures that you can carry the bag easily and that you don't have to move uncomfortably to reach your stuff.

Crossbody bags are typically smaller and more compact, designed for minimalistic essentials like your wallets, keys and phone and can be your everyday bag. On the other hand, messenger bags are known for their generous space and organizational features.

What to avoid in a bag. Across the shoulder, sling bags and shoulder/messenger bags should be avoided. These bags put too much extra weight on one side of the body and can dramatically impact the weight distributed throughout your spine. This may lead to spinal pain or degeneration if excessively worn.

Men who prioritize practicality during travel often opt for lightweight rPET nylon messenger bags. The easy accessibility and ample storage space make them ideal travel companions for carrying essentials on the go.

The bag grew in popularity and was a fashion staple seen on university students who carried it into their working life later on. Today, it's an urban fashion accessory that is often associated with hipsters. While hipsters still favour the messenger bag, it's definitely a bag coveted by men in all walks of life.

Best Messenger Bag Alternatives

These include real and faux leather tote bags, super-roomy laptop bags, modern briefcases, and large carryalls that can be worn as crossbody styles for a secure fit. From everyday styles to more elevated ones, pick a bag that will fit your lifestyle and needs.

This design of bag has been used in the transportation of mail and goods by numerous types of messengers, including Pony Express riders, postal workers, messengers on foot (especially in ancient times), and bicycle couriers.