Messenger bags were originally used by bike couriers for their ease of use, and have since become popular among young urbanites. They feature a durable strap, flexible design, and large flap front closure for easy access. Modern variations include multiple pockets and materials, but retain the bag’s functionality and casual look.
Messenger bags are named after bike couriers who preferred the crossbody bag style for its ease of use. As bike messengers became prevalent in major cities, the look of the durable bag caught on with other hip, young urbanites, bringing the bag from the counterculture to the mainstream. Today, almost every bag manufacturer makes a variation of the messenger bag.
The basic features of a messenger bag conform to the original needs of a bicycle courier, which calls for the bag to sit securely on the back while riding, to allow easy access to its contents and to be flexible enough to accommodate loads of different sizes. While messenger bag styles now vary greatly, all bags have the same main components.
The most important feature is a strong and durable strap that fits securely across the chest, allowing the bag to sit centered on the back. Some messenger bags also include a second stabilizer strap for heavier loads. The straps are usually reinforced to the bag with strong stitching for added support, and often include some type of extra padding along the shoulder or chest area.
The original messenger bags featured durable canvas construction, resulting in a softer, unstructured bag that could hold a wide variety of contents. The bag itself was large and sack-like, with no interior pockets or dividers. Today’s variations on the messenger bag include waterproof leather, suede, canvas, or nylon materials, but most still retain the casual look of the original, albeit with more divided interiors to hold a variety of items.
The hallmark of the messenger bag is its large flap front closure, which provides easier access to its contents than a conventional zip top opening. The traditional flap does not snap or snap, but simply folds over the entire front of the bag. More modern variations may include some type of ornate zipper closure or clasp, but the signature full flap remains the most popular version. Traditional messenger bags are also free of exterior pockets or details, while modern versions now include multiple exterior accessory pockets.
Today, messenger bags are available in virtually every fabric and style imaginable, for purposes ranging from diaper bags to laptop sleeves. However, all messenger bags still retain the functionality, durability, and casual look that made them so popular.
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