By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

Over the course of the last few years, messenger bags have taken over, and not just with girls and women. Several boys and men were actually among the first to use messenger bags to help make their load lighter.

Whether you’re a teen or a terminally hip adult; male or female, you’re sure to appreciate the advantages that a good messenger bag has to offer, but you might be overwhelmed by the numerous styles available. Here’s a bit of information about these bags and why they have become so popular – as well as some links to some really cool messenger bag manufacturers.

Rothco 9148 Classic Heavyweight Messenger Bag

What is a Messenger Bag?

The term “messenger bag” refers to bags that are styled after the ones bicycle messengers carry. They typically feature a shoulder strap so the bag can be worn across your body – in true messenger style – with the bag hanging down at your side or slung onto your back. These bags are usually rectangular in shape with enough space for magazines, courier-size envelopes, and anything else that a messenger might need to put into their bag. The closure of a messenger bag typically comes in the form of a large front flap that either closes with buckles, velcro, or other type of fastener. Messenger bags might also feature reflectors or reflective strips.

What Materials are Messenger Bags Made From?

There are as many different materials for messenger-style bags as there are items to put in them. Many feature bodies of waterproof material such as nylon or pvc, while others are made from cotton canvas and are similar in style to the old military-type messenger bags. I even managed to find some made from silk and velvet. And, while I wouldn’t recommend actually using such bags to cycle your goods through a rain shower, if it’s just looks your after, these messenger-type bags will fit the bill.

What Makes Messenger Bags so Popular?

Messenger bags define “hip” by being nearly an anti-fashion statement. They look casual and trendy all at once – and like a denim jacket or a concert t-shirt, they can actually become even cooler the older and more beat up they become. In addition to the fact that these bags are usually roomy enough hold a lot of stuff, their large, straight surface is the perfect canvas for pins, buttons, patches and other embellishments. This prime real estate will allow one to customize their bag to their liking – and custom is always cool, hence, so is the messenger bag.

In addition to the fact that these bags are usually roomy enough hold a lot of stuff, their large, straight surface is the perfect canvas for pins, buttons, patches and other embellishments. This prime real estate will allow one to customize their bag to their liking – and custom is always cool, hence, so is the messenger bag.

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