JUNE | 2020 | STYLE

CHASING THE BAG

Once upon a time wearing a “man bag” was a sin. It was a symbol of self-appointed importance and often found itself mired in unfashionable controversy. We were told that they were effeminate by those unable to see the value and style in them, and we bravely endured as the uneducated and under styled referred to them as “murses”. 

Those of us who were bold enough to sport them before they became a thing were jokingly questioned about which of the bag’s compartments carried our makeup. But we knew something that they didn’t know--that the messenger bag is more than a joke. Its the intersection where fashion and functionality meet.  

The current environment has shed a shitload of light on the importance of being prepared. Messenger bags play an essential role in doing this, as they provide us with a stylish solution to the problem of having someplace carrying our PPE and hand sanitizer around as we venture out into a country of people who seem to have forgotten that coronavirus is still a thing.

Messenger bags were just as useful before the pandemic, because they provided us with a place to store our essential travel tech, umbrellas, lip chap, and commuting snacks. There’s almost never not an occasion to rock a messenger bag, which is why we’re using this month’s style to introduce you to some bags that are definitely worth chasing. 

Before we dive into this month’s favorites, we wanna spend a little time informing you about what you should be looking for when buying a messenger bag. First things first, remember that style and fashion aren’t synonymous, but they are both relative to the wearer.

Your style is what it is because you want it that way, which is why it's important that you find something that reflects your personality. You should always make this your first rule when it comes to buying anything, because everything else is secondary. 

There are two other considerations to make before finalizing your purchase. Spend a little time thinking about your everyday travel essentials. Doing so will prevent you from buying a bag that doesn’t suit your needs. Does size matter, and if so, how big of a bag do you actually need? You’ll also want to consider the occasion for which the bag will be worn. Will it be a work bag, or something that you casually carry as you meander about town? This will also help you to decide how durable the bag will need to be as well. And now that we’ve covered that, we can get to the shits! 

THE ULTIMATE GYM BAG | F-BOLD DUFFLE BY DIESEL

Gyms across the country are reopening their doors, which is good news for those of us who have missed working out. Diesel has a long history in the realm of men’s accessories. The only reason they’ve survived as long as they have is because they excel at making products that last as long as their owners take care of them. We actually had to think about whether or not people are still giving the brand the respect it deserves, because they haven’t been on our radar. However, the presence of their F-Bold Duffle made a noticeable blip, so we had to make it our first feature of the month. 

We’re gonna go ahead and hit you with the price first and then advise those of you who winced to calm the fuck down. Diesel is and has always been about quality. This bag retails for $159.00 (USD), but we can assure you that you’re gonna each and every one of those one hundred and fifty nine dollars worth of wear out of it! We’re not talking about something that’s gonna tear ten seconds into its first use, we’re talking about a bag that, when properly cared for, will last. 

The bag is crafted from flexible PU (polyurethane, 100%), which is one of the reasons we consider it the ultimate gym bag. Polyurethanes are durable, and there’s nothing more important than that when it comes to a decent gym bag. We’re normally not a fan of logos, but the logo placement on this bag has given us a reason to relax our standards. 

It comes equipped with rubber zip pulls, contrast triple stitching, two top handles, and a detachable adjustable shoulder strap so that you can switch things up when you wanna. The two flat side pockets are big enough to store the smallest of your gym essentials, and you can rest easy knowing that its two-way zip closure will constantly keep your items in place.

CLASS AND DIGNITY | ALEX PYRAMID | KENNETH COLE

Ditch your work from home status and step back into the office with this amazing bag from Kenneth Cole! If there were a visual representation of what class and dignity looks like then this bag would be IT!  Remember that one of the most important considerations to make when choosing your messenger bag is the occasion you’re wearing it for. Many of us will be headed back into the officer sooner than later, and this bag will ensure that your return is as noticeable as it is fashionable.

Don’t get twisted, because although this bag appears second on our list of faves, it was definitely the first pick when compared to some of the other bags we researched. This mid sized beauty is perfect for the professional on the go, and its smooth leather exterior ensures that it is as stylish as it is durable.  

This bag features convertible straps and a simple but dressy geometric design. You all know how much we admire versatility, and this bag has just the right amount of it! Its woven convertible shoulder straps take it from cross-body to clutch in no time flat.

Branding is an essential component in fashion, because designers want people to know where you got whatever piece you’re wearing from. This bag takes a modest approach to it’s branding as evident in its metal click lock closure and adjustable straps.

You’ll also notice that the pyramid pouch is constructed with sturdy siding and a roomy base. These features add to the bag’s versatility by offering more room for storage when needed. Other functional features can be found in the bag’s separated compartments, slip, and one zip pocket as well. 

These features, when combined with its brushed lining at the interior make this bag well worth the $79.98 (USD) asking price. The one size fits all approach normally doesn’t for most, but this bag is the exception to the rule. And while it only comes in one size, you’ve got some options when it comes to color, as this piece can be purchased in black or in tan.

MULTIPURPOSEFULLY | LIGHTWEIGHT FLIGHT MESSENGER BAG | TIMBUK2

So far we’ve covered bags capable of carrying you to and through the places where you’re likely to spend most of your time. But we believe in balance. Regardless of how hard you’ve worked to convince yourself otherwise, there’s more to life than work and the gym. Such, we wanted to find a bag capable of weathering that middle ground. Keep your focus on the “weathering” part because it’ll be important later. 

Finding the perfect messenger bag doesn’t have to be a task. If you’re like most of us, you know what you want the moment you see it. Luckily for you we’ve got a bag that’ll not only provide you with the work-gym balance you so desperately need, but is easy on the eyes, too. Meet the Lightweight Flight Messenger Bag from Timbuk2 ! You’ll find the best of both worlds in this bag, as it’s the perfect blend of personal and professional.

This bag was made for the Beaux on the go! It comes equipped with quick access pockets, spacious storage compartments for internal organization, and is lightweight. This modern take on the classic messenger bag has an internal angled padded slash pocket, so reaching in and out of it won’t be an issue, and it makes for a pretty cozy storage place for small bits of tech. 

You’ll also notice the napoleon side-entry pockets make access a little easier than it is on bags without the feature. The fully adjustable padded air mesh shoulder strap works wonderfully when it comes to keeping the weight from resting directly on your delts and trapezius. 

The most important feature of this bag is that it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. This bag retails for $99.00 (USD) and comes in a variety of colors. It comes in a variety of sizes too, but beware because some of the features we’ve listed weren’t practical enough to be included in the XS version. 

There are those who haven’t realized the importance of having a messenger bag at their disposal. They’re classier than the average backpack, and more casual than any suitcase that ever existed. The best of these bags will satisfy our storage needs as we commute to and from school, work, and everywhere in between. 

There are literally hundreds of brands, styles, and colors for us to choose from, we’ve just gotta remember that choice should be more about our style and less about what’s in vogue. Many of us are thirsty for them to announce the end of COVID, and for them to tell us we can resume our lives as normal. However uncertain we might be of exactly when that’ll happen, we have plenty of time to chase the perfect bag.