Messenger Bags For Men

27 March, 2022 By Steel Horse Leather In The Journal

Genuine Leather Messenger Bag For Men — The Viggo Briefcase | Genuine Leather Messenger Bag

They're simple to understand. You can usually find them anywhere in an urban environment these days. They're among the most popular items for men who want to look cool. Men messenger bags are a good choice because they're functional and stylish at the same time. They come in various shapes and sizes, but they're usually big enough to hold a man's most commonly used items — from his cans of spray paint to his textbooks, to his newest generation Macbook Air and Beats By Dr. Dre headphones.

Messenger bags for men became popular again about 10 years ago, when they practically took over cities everywhere — from London and Milan, New York City and Seattle, to Tokyo, and Sydney. Where did these ideas come from historically? Which sizes and materials do they offer? As for which way they're best worn, men usually want to know if there’s one particular style that works better than another. Today’s article tries to answer all those questions, so just read on to find out.

A good messenger bag is versatile enough for almost any situation; therefore, if you're looking for one that's suitable for most occasions, consider purchasing a good messenger bag. Messenger bags are small and light enough not to cause any trouble for anyone else on public transportation; they're stylish without looking too corporate, and they don't get lost when you ride your bicycle from one meeting to another.

Many people prefer carrying their daily essentials in something simple and practical rather than something formal and businesslike. A stylish messenger bag provides just enough room for everything you want to carry without looking too bulky. So while we’ve written about plenty of bags before — including the best weekender bags, gym bags, and even toiletry bags — here, we’ve rounded up the best Steel Horse Leather messenger bags for men.

What is a messenger bag?

Is it difficult to understand what a messenger bag is? It's a type of bag that was initially meant to hold postal messages. It has a long strap that may be worn across the body or over the shoulder, and it can be made of a variety of materials. Canvas is the most often used material for messenger bag sacks, but leather and plastic varieties are also popular.

History of the messenger bag

Messenger bags are also known by several other names, including carryalls and courier bags. As you may have surmised by now, they were originally used to transport letters and other postal deliveries, even as far back as ancient times. Bike couriers and Pony Express employees were among the first to use messenger backpacks. In the United Kingdom, some Royal Mail carriers now utilize bigger messenger backpacks instead of standard Postbags.

The bag worn by utility linemen in the 1950s was the first contemporary messenger bag for men. It was created by the De Martini Global Canvas Company to house all of the instruments used by linemen when climbing utility poles to repair them. The first messenger bag was constructed of cotton canvas and lined with waterproof cloth. The shoulder strap was likewise cotton and webbed, the bag was fastened with two straps, and it included an internal pocket for invoices. These bags were not sold in stores but were distributed to and by several New York-based messenger firms.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Globe Canvas was the primary bag supplier for the majority of such businesses in New York. Messengers used to get bags from their employers, and the color of their bags was the only way to determine who worked for whom. The De Martini bag was given a makeover in 1984 when John Peters constructed it out of nylon and added binding, buckles, and light-reflective stripes. So, with these simple improvements, the messenger bag fashion frenzy began. It's worth mentioning that prior to the appearance of these bags designed exclusively for bikers, fashion companies produced comparable items patterned after map case bags used by the military. They've been around for more than a century.

Cool Messenger Bags for Men: The Pros & Cons

The Welch Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag

Men, who walk or ride a lot, who normally carry computers, and who is out and about on a daily basis would have questioned themselves (and their mates, better halves, brothers, parents, and so on) the age-old question: "Are messenger bags better than backpacks?"

To begin, we'll be conservative and state that it all depends. Also, unless you live and work in a city where most guys carry some form of a bag for their personal items, expect to be scrutinized and even checked by security. And now, let's get right to it: what are the benefits and drawbacks of messenger bags?

The Upside

1. They're better looking than most other options, both in terms of their appearance and functionality.

You, like most males with white-collar jobs nowadays, are presumably required to transport your laptop from point A to point B on a regular basis. Maybe you work from home most days but have a business meeting downtown once in a while. Perhaps you operate as a freelancer and must carry your laptop to a networking or brainstorming event. Perhaps you just commute to work. In any event, the messenger bag is the better choice in terms of both appearance and usefulness. Simply said, it's larger than a fanny pack (which is attractive but not suitable for larger stuff) and roughly the size of most backpacks. However, unlike a backpack, a messenger bag will resemble a professional laptop bag. Plus, it will keep you from looking like a goofy collegiate kid.

2. It’s far easier to find your stuff

To rapidly jot down something, you'll need a pen. Your phone is ringing nonstop in some hidden nook or corner of your rucksack. Meanwhile, you're fumbling about for your belongings, arms behind your back like you're giving yourself a bizarre type of inverted embrace. Instead of that type of pain, go for a messenger bag. With all of its inside compartments and pockets, having rapid access to an item you need right now (rather than five minutes later, when you've finally managed to unload the backpack off your back) becomes a snap.

The Downside

1. It's not very comfy for riders.

Biking around town in the summer may be a lot of fun—or it can be a huge pain. It depends on the place, of course, as well as the purpose of your travel (pleasure or business? ), but it also relies on how you arrive. Any guy who rides his bike on a daily basis and occasionally has to carry larger items, such as a laptop, a book or two, and/or school assignments, will tell you that backpacks are the last choice. They will make your back sweat profusely and are often only appropriate for lengthy excursions requiring you to carry a load. Messenger bags are more comfortable for shorter travels if you need to make multiple stops and don't need to carry much. However, they will still be uncomfortable for the following reasons:

They will still make you sweat a little since they hang low on your back; they can throw off your balance on the bike if laden; and they can really stress your shoulder on longer excursions than a couple of kilometers.

For all of the reasons stated above, seasoned urban riders prefer panniers, rucksacks, or baggage carriers in the majority of situations. The only exception is if you're merely going downtown to work on your laptop for a few hours before meeting up with buddies for drinks.

2. It is less stable than a backpack.

Continuing from the previous point, even if you don't ride a bike, you'll find that messenger bags are somewhat bulkier than backpacks at times. If you're commuting in rainy weather and your bag doesn't have a solid hold on the shoulder strap, the bag will slide off. Similarly, if you need to carry greater weight, a messenger bag will rapidly cause shoulder pain, but a backpack would not. Overall, the age-old 'backpack vs messenger bag for guys' argument boils down to two key considerations:

How much you'll need to transport (and for how long). If you're carrying anything heavier than a laptop (and maybe a book or two), choose a backpack for better weight distribution.
How well-thought-out your messenger bag is. The shoulder strap of a decent bag will include stabilizing cushioning.

The Real Question: Should men wear messenger bags?

No, males should not be seen carrying messenger bags. Unless, of course:

They want to appear sophisticated and refined. Go for a backpack if you want to seem dowdy, uninteresting, or like a junior high student.
They like to be able to select from a variety of patterns, materials, and sizes. Use a standard 70-gallon backpack. Or a little fanny pack. They're definitely superior. They will also make you appear quite professional.
They want to be able to get to their belongings fast. Who needs all those interior compartments in the first place? Why not just put it on a canvas sack?
They want to feel safe. You may go for a one-strap sling-back rucksack. Who doesn't want a single load strap digging into their back?

You don't want to seem as cool, relaxed, and trendy as this man, do you? Oh, you're joking, aren't you? You do, of course. And you will be able to do so if you start carrying messenger bags. Yes, guys may wear them, especially if they commute and need to carry books, notes, or laptop computers. Unlike rucksacks or backpacks, they may maintain a professional appearance. On the plus side, they're also suitable for guys in their forties and fifties. Your father is unlikely to wear one anytime soon (unless your father is hip and fashionable, of course), but messenger bags are ideal for professional guys aged 30 to 50—and, with a touch of style, even upwards of that age.

Messenger Bags For Men – A quick style guide

So, do we really mean to tell you that it's OK for guys to wear bags? But aren't man purses really absurd? Bags for guys are a no-no if you live in the 1990s or base your life after the philosophy of the blockbuster movie franchise The Hangover. For the rest of you, welcome to a more comfortable and fashionable way of living. Today, we'll walk you through the many types, patterns, materials, and sizes of messenger bags. You'll leave this post feeling just as confident in your manhood as you were when you started, if not a little more so.

Vintage Leather Messenger Bags for Men

With their exquisite arrangement of numerous inside compartments, our Vintage Leather Messenger Bags for men are designed to move stuff conveniently and safely. Handmade leather messenger bags are excellent for all of your work-related needs. Our Leather Messenger Bags offer a huge storage capacity and can be converted from a shoulder bag to a leather briefcase with ease.

Men's Leather Messenger Bags

These bags are constructed of high-quality full-grain leather and can safely carry books, computers, and other items up to 15 inches in size. Our handcrafted Vintage Men's Leather Messenger Bags are manufactured of high-quality leather, ensuring a dependable and long-lasting product with a natural color that develops with time.

The Welch Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag For Men

The Welch Briefcase is mature in style and efficient in service. A perfect combination of shoulder bag and briefcase that provides comfort to the wearer and the capacity for all storage needs. This bag is sturdy, made of high-quality leather, and is capable of carrying securely, valuable gadgets, laptops up to 14 inches, as well as any further items. Not only is this briefcase highly functional, but it is classy in appearance, the elder statesmen of leather bags that look like they belong in any environment; allowing the owner to carry it confidently into any occasion, formal or not.

The Viggo Briefcase | Genuine Leather Messenger Bag For Men

The Viggo Briefcase is designed to efficiently carry items while amplifying your formal look in a corporate environment. This carry companion is an ultimate all-rounder, allowing for belongings to be carried easily and securely, with its sleek arrangement of spacious interior compartments. The briefcase is made of high-quality crazy horse leather, which guarantees a dependable, lasting product, and natural color that develops with the passage of time. Laptops up to 14 inches are securely fastened, and further space is ample, making it a perfect carry companion for all your work-related needs.

The Gustav Messenger Bag | Large Capacity Vintage Leather Messenger Bag For Men

The Gustav Messenger boasts a mature vintage aesthetic, a perfect retro shoulder bag, with a huge capacity for all storage needs. This bag is sturdy, capable of carrying laptops up to 15 inches in width with complete security, along with further items. Removable leather strap and body handle allow the Gustav Messenger to be carried as a briefcase or on the shoulder and the buckles allow for secure fitting of the main flap whilst simultaneously providing easy access to belongings. Not only is this shoulder bag highly functional but it is also very classy in appearance, allowing you to carry it confidently to any occasion, formal or not. This handmade leather messenger bag has both the comfort and capacity that can be hard to come by.

The Faust Leather Camera Bag | Crossbody Vintage Camera Messenger Bag For Men

The Faust Leather Camera Bag is a handcrafted small leather camera bag made with full-grain leather. The Faust Leather Camera Bag is a fully functional, high-capacity leather camera bag for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. The leather is carefully tanned, and the bag is made by hand using traditional techniques. This camera bag is made of thick, full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. Handcrafted with meticulous stitching and vintage leather, this bag will last you a lifetime. The Faust uses full-grain leather that may have blemishes and characteristic marks. These marks are a natural part of the leather-making process and add to the bag's character. It's really like no other camera bag you've ever seen before, and the design is so simple and so practical that it can also be used as a day-to-day bag.

The Dagmar Leather Briefcase | Vintage Leather Messenger Bag For Men

Have you ever wished there was a bag that could efficiently carry everything you need - your laptop, files, wallet, and other items with its high functionality? Well, the Dagmar Briefcase is just that. This bag's high-quality leather material provides maximum protection for all devices and gadgets, also helping it to maintain its elegant look. In addition to this, its vintage good looks make it a modern-day accessory that fits in just about any environment. The elegant vintage design and rich, color variation make it the perfect choice for anyone who likes to look stylish while carrying their valuables. The Dagmar leather briefcase is a top choice for anyone looking for a sophisticated, vintage briefcase that they can carry around with them day to day; no matter what.

What Type of Material Should You Choose for your Messenger Bag?

As you can see from the preceding section, there are three major types of materials utilized in the manufacture of messenger bags for men:

Most canvas messenger bags are light to medium weight, adaptable in terms of appearance, and reasonably priced. They are often constructed of cotton, hemp, or linen. Another advantage of using canvas messenger bags is that they are simple to care for—just toss them in the washing machine, hang them to dry, and sling them back on. Because they are inexpensive and exist in an almost infinite variety of sizes, styles, colors, and fabric patterns, you can consider amassing a collection of such bags to complement different clothes for different occasions. Keep in mind that canvas bags are not always waterproof, so if you intend to transfer a laptop in one, verify the weather conditions first.
Leather is unquestionably the greatest material for a high-quality messenger bag. Bags made of genuine leather may survive for several generations, so don't be shocked if you come across ancient models that have been passed down from one family to the next. Messenger bags for men are available in imitation leather (or pleather), full-grain leather, and suede. Aged leather is a nice aesthetic to explore. In terms of fashion, it's normally advised to match the color of your messenger bag with your shoes, belt, and/or watch belt. There's no need to get obsessive about it, though, because modern style regulations are more lenient in this regard.
Speaking of leather, if you're concerned about the environment or simply want a very sturdy messenger bag that can endure heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions, nylon is a great option. These bags will not last you a lifetime because they are easily scratched, but they are really robust for the price. Laptop messenger backpacks are often made of nylon or other synthetic fabrics since they are waterproof. Keep in mind that nylon, like other oil-based materials, is heat-sensitive. If you don't want your luggage to be damaged, set the washing machine to the lowest attainable temperature.

What’s the best size of a messenger bag for men?

There is seldom a simple answer to such a question, so here are a few factors to think about while choosing a certain size of messenger bag:

Your height and build. It is considerably more crucial to buy a messenger bag that is appropriate for your body type than to opt for one just because it is popular. A solid rule of thumb to follow is to keep proportions in mind at all times. If you're short and stocky, aim for a medium-sized vertical bag that won't make you look any smaller than you already are. If you're tall, go for a larger bag, but if you're slender (or lanky, to be truly honest), don't go for the largest bag available. It will make you appear wispier than you actually are.
This is your normal load. Obviously, if you take your laptop and/or school books with you on a daily basis, you'll want to get a messenger bag that can hold them. Most excellent retailers will inform you what the largest laptop can fit in a specific model. Similarly, messenger bags come in a variety of sizes—pick the perfect one for you.
Your individual fashion sense. Don't fool yourself if you're the type of guy who prefers to put his goods into his pockets rather than carry about luggage. You're not going to start carrying a bag all the time, so there's no point in getting the biggest and most costly one available. When you really have to, get a lightweight bag that you feel comfortable carrying about.

FAQ

What is the best way to carry your laptop?

In any event, the messenger bag is the better choice in terms of both appearance and usefulness.

What is the difference between a backpack and a messenger bag?

However, unlike a backpack, a messenger bag will resemble a professional laptop bag.

What Are Messenger Bags?

What was the original messenger bag?

The first messenger bag was constructed of cotton canvas and lined with waterproof cloth.

What were the bags used for?

As you may have surmised by now, they were originally used to transport letters and other postal deliveries, even as far back as ancient times.

Is it Safe to Carry a Bag?

Also, unless you live and work in an urban area where most guys carry some form of a bag for their personal stuff, expect to be glanced at and even checked by security.