Satchel bag

Satchel bags come with a strap that is worn diagonally across the body while the bag hands down on the opposite hip rather than straight down from the shoulder. They are commonly used for carrying books and other items due to their shape and its functionality. As a result, this type of bag is often associated with the classic image of the English schoolboy, who goes to class with a satchel of books and supplies. It can be said then that the satchel predates the backpack which is now most commonly used for going to school today.

During the 17th century, the satchel bag became a popularized fashion accessory. It is actually a smaller version of the Gladstone luggage bag, named after the British Prime Minister at the time, William Evert Gladstone. Throughout history, important individuals use the satchel to carry documents and money from place to place until the briefcase appeared on the scene. As briefcases eventually became a status symbol for businessmen, the satchel was used less and less for business purposes until modern day when it was brought back as a fashion accessory among younger people.

Although a satchel bag has the same purpose as a briefcase, the main difference between them is that a satchel is soft sided and usually has a strap while briefcases don’t. There is also some overlap between satchels and messenger bags, however, messenger bags come in a wider variety of materials and designs and they must always have a strap. Men favor these bags because the tailored conservative style of the satchel works well with pants, suits, and sweaters and is ideal for professional and formal occasions.