If there’s one bag that could be used from morning to evening and still look stylish in every way possible, it would be the crossbody bag. There’s nothing like the chic appeal it gives off as it glides across your shoulders. With its different sizes, styles, and materials, the crossbody is indeed a dream bag every person must have in their closet.
But have you ever wondered where and when it all started? How has the crossbody bag remained so trendy throughout the years? If you’re interested in finding out more about how this bag has evolved and been adapted centuries after centuries, keep reading.
Crossbody Bags: How They Came to Be
It was believed that crossbody bags were initially intended to carry coins in early modern European times. Both men and women typically wore these types of bags, which were made of either leather or soft fabric. Perhaps you’ve seen those old movies where men carried around leather crossbody bags. It was the perfect accessory that completed their look.
In the 17th century, young women learned to embroider crossbody bags, which may have sparked the trend of designing the bags to suit the preferences of women who like wearing them.
In the following century, European fashion showed the evolution of the crossbody bag from the usual boxy and bulky designs to a much more slender shape. This evolution prompted the introduction of crossbody bags made of velvet and silk, which were more lightweight, fancy, and easier to pair with different clothing fabrics and trends. Usually, women would carry them with wrist straps.
Today, the bag has come a long way from using delicate fabrics to more durable and versatile materials. One of the newest trends is crossbody bags made from vegan friendly materials, perfect for those who aim to sustain a cruelty-free and ethical lifestyle.
A Closer Look at Crossbody Bags
The crossbody bag, coming in various types of crossbody bags, is easily recognizable because of the single long strap that crosses over the body of the person wearing it. The central bag part usually rests at the front side, just near the waist area. Back in the day, the crossbody style of the purse was ideal for specific jobs for men, such as mail transportation and messenger services.
The bag would usually be of a considerable size, which could accommodate goods inside. In the UK, Royal Mail couriers use bulky crossbody bags to deliver mail. Another name for this bag is ‘utility bag’ because it was also intended for storing the tools of lumberjacks, fishermen, and soldiers.
Through the years, the concept of the bag revolved around the idea of being a messenger bag, which was primarily used for storing documents. Hence, it became popular among people who work in offices as an alternative to briefcases and portfolio bags.
The Crossbody Bag & Its Timeless Appeal
Undoubtedly, the bag has been a timeless piece despite the changing of the centuries and trends. When celebrities and other stylish personalities boast their closets full of bags, shoes, and accessories, you can sometimes spot a few crossbody bags in their collection.
They have become quite a trendy alternative to handbags when they seem too dressy for some or require a lot of effort (and poise) to carry around. More than the use of being a timeless style, the usefulness of this bag is also not to be ignored.
Women find it useful that an accessory can hold many items without looking bulky or being weighed down in any way. The crossbody feature allows a more flexible way of wearing it as you won’t feel burdened in one shoulder or arm because the strap crosses the body from one shoulder to the other.
Aside from being popular among working women, the crossbody bag is also in demand among students who like to control their movements. This is especially applicable to those who commute daily. The bag’s functional yet fashionable appeal is a bonus.
Compared to backpacks, the crossbody is conveniently placed in front of the body, where you can easily see its zipper or opening. Hence, you can rest assured any attempt to steal anything from the bag won’t go unnoticed. For this exact reason, traveling folks seem to prefer to use crossbody bags instead of other styles of bags.
When Utility Meets Luxury
As the crossbody evolves, luxury and high-end brands have started noticing its potential to become a lasting trend. When Europeans discovered traveling by railway, the bag adapted luxurious designs and styles to cater to modern ladies who always moved across the country. Soon after, almost everyone was seen wearing the crossbody bag, traveling or not.
Since then, more and more brands have transformed the crossbody bag into different patterns, inspirations, and styles. But one element has remained the same—the single strap crosses the body, allowing the wearer to move freely and independently wherever and whenever.
The Durability Factor
Another benefit of the crossbody bag is its durability. With the different materials available today, you can easily choose from fabrics or materials that suit your preference as a user. There’s an option for a water-resistant crossbody bag. You can also go for wear and tear-resistant ones, particularly if you want to use them for a long time.
Canvas, for example, is available in thicker options to keep your items safe from water and other harsh elements. Other materials to consider are leather, vinyl, and ballistic nylon. And as mentioned, there are now vegan-friendly crossbody bags that come in stylish designs and colors so you can still stay trendy while committing to your advocacy.
The Crossbody Bag is Here to Stay
The crossbody bag trend is not just another trend. It’s a timeless accessory that keeps changing and adapting to suit the needs and preferences of modern-day women. So grab yourself one of these bags today and see why this style has so much love and appreciation.
