Cross-body bags have been on the verge of popularity for many years, and it’s surprising they haven’t become mainstream yet. Here are a few reasons why every man should own one and what to look for in a cross-body bag.
Versatile
A cross-body bag is one of the most versatile types of bag out there. You can use it for school, work, as a carry-on for a flight, and everything in between. They often have multiple pockets, as well as small compartments for pens, your phone, wallet, etc.
Not does it have the perfect place to keep your e-liquid, but a couple of notebooks your laptop, and a bottle of water can all easily fit, too.
Easy to Carry
Cross-body bags are incredibly easy and convenient to use and carry. You can wear it over your shoulder, cross-body, or as a briefcase. They are also much easier to carry when heavy, and won’t destroy your shoulders or back.
Hands-Free
Having a bag that you can carry without using your hands is simply more convenient. When carrying it cross-body, there is little to no adjustment needed, meaning you can walk, run, take a call, shop, or anything else without having to worry about it falling off.
Better for Your Back
The one problem with regular backpacks is that, once they are quite full and heavy, they can start causing damage to your neck and back. The straps pull down on your neck and upper back muscles, and over a long enough period, you will start experiencing constant back and shoulder pain.
A cross-body bag eliminates this as you can alternate the weight between each shoulder, and while you may experience slight difficulties, they are much easier to manage.
Affordable
Another great benefit of a cross-body bag is that they are almost always more affordable when compared to a backpack or briefcase that offer the same benefits. It can be difficult to find a high-quality bag that gives you the same benefits and versatility of a cross-body bag.
If you have the money to spend, this also means you can a much more high-quality cross-body bag; this is the perfect opportunity to get a genuine leather bag.
Secure
Cross-body bags are incredibly secure for two main reasons. The first is, just the nature of how it is carried means you can always keep an eye on it, and it is easier to hold in the event of someone trying to grab it.
Many cross-body bags are also fitted with buckles that make them difficult to open quickly, and if it has two zips, you can easily lock the bag, which is particularly useful when you are traveling.
Perfect for Traveling
Speaking of traveling, a cross-bosy bag is perfect for the car, train, bus, or a flight. They can be relatively compact which means they can easily fit under a seat, and they aren’t so big and bulky that you need to sacrifice comfort just to keep it near you.
What to Look for in a Cross-Body Bag
There are a few things you should consider before buying a cross-body bag to ensure you get the perfect one for your needs.
Material
When choosing a bag, the material is one of the most important aspects of the bag. Considering how much you will be using it, you want it to be made from a material that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Canvas and leather are two brilliant choices, but simply researching the material of the bag you like will tell you everything you need to know about its versatility.
Size
When it comes to size, you don’t want something too small, but you don’t want something too big either. An easy rule of thumb is to get a bag that can, at the very least, fit your laptop. This is because everything else you may need to carry in it will almost always be smaller than a laptop.
It’s important to remember that since this will most likely be your daily bag, it should be big enough to hold your other essentials like your wallet and phone. Just ensure it isn’t so small that you still need another bag for notebooks, your laptop, etc.
Color
The color of the bag will come down to personal choice, but a shade of brown, black, grey, or green is best if you want something that will match most outfits. These colors are also incredibly stylish, and go perfectly with more formal outfits like a work suit.
Safety Features
Much like any other bag, you want to ensure the cross-body bag you choose has a few safety features. A bag with two zips is ideal as you can put a small lock on it, while a bag that has buckles can it also very easy to close and harder to open.
Adjustable Strap
Finally, an adjustable strap makes the bag easier to carry as a whole. Many people will experience shoulder or neck pain if they carry their bag too high, or too low, and it can also be easier to carry when heavy if you can adjust it to hang lower.