Fashion

20 Messenger Bags That Will Carry All Your Necessities—And Then Some

By Nicole Kliest
20 Best Messenger Bags That Will Carry All Your Necessities—And Then Some
Photo: Courtesy of Coach

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The best messenger bags are uniquely steeped in history. This utilitarian satchel’s origins are most closely linked to mail couriers, but it’s evolved into a basic wardrobe staple, carried by men and women who have likely swapped out letters for a laptop. And while messenger bags may hint at nostalgia, there are qualities that make this carryall still feel refreshingly modern.

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For starters, a messenger bag is useful for storing your on-the-go belongings—all of them; what they lack in a compact size, they make up for in functionality. If you’ve lamented having to choose between bringing your laptop or your current read, the extra space is an innate bonus. Plus, design details like a long strap, pockets, and a flap silhouette lend a subtle sportswear finish. All to say, if your wardrobe is lacking a handbag that delivers on storage and polish, go for a messenger.

Ahead, 20 of the best messenger bag options to consider adding to your repertoire, including a monogrammed classic from Gucci, Prada’s ever-durable ReNylon to Cuyana’s minimalist crossbody. 

  • 1/20

    Prada Re-nylon padded shoulder bag

    $2,900

    PRADA

    Crafted from an industrial fabric made by Prada in the ’80s, this sustainable padded flap bag features a flap closure with a magnet, perfect for train commutes. 

  • 2/20

    Tory Burch small nylon messenger bag

    $248

    NORDSTROM

    Durable nylon and spacious organization compartments give this messenger bag a unanimous stamp of approval.

  • 3/20

    Coach Tabby Grace leather messenger bag

    $595

    SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    The tonal C hardware on this saddle brown bag gives a stylish, versatile finish.

  • 4/20

    Cuyana messenger bag

    $378

    CUYANA

    Ideal if you prefer slimmer strap but still want heavyweight Italian leather.

  • 5/20

    Rag & Bone Field leather messenger bag

    $695

    NORDSTROM

    With Western-meets-utilitarian influences, this brown messenger bag will complement a myriad of style types.

  • 6/20

    Proenza Schouler PS1 medium bag

    $2,290

    PROENZA SCHOULER

    If ever in doubt, Proenza Schouler’s PS1 satchel is always a safe, stylish bet.

  • 7/20

    Gucci messenger bag with interlocking G

    $1,390

    GUCCI

    Crafted from monogram canvas and finished with brown leather details, this pick elevates the look of the messenger bag.

  • 8/20

    Anya Hindmarch Return to Nature compostable crossbody bag

    $950

    BERGDORF GOODMAN

    Crafted from traceable and biodegradable leather, this ‘Return to Nature’ satchel lives up to its moniker.

  • 9/20

    Bottega Veneta large intrecciato fold messenger

    $3,800

    BOTTEGA VENETA

    Handwoven intrecciato gives this messenger depth and top-notch texture.

  • 10/20

    Chloé Marcie textured-leather tote

    $2,490

    NET-A-PORTER

    A Chloé staple, the Marcie emerges this season in a beautiful shade of tan.

  • 11/20

    Marni medium trunk bag

    $1,585

    SSENSE

    Swap out your leather tote for this sleek messenger featuring tumbled calfskin and burnished edges in orange.

  • 12/20

    L/Uniform satchel

    $599

    L/UNIFORM

    A messenger with a collegiate, nostalgic feel, this cotton and linen canvas bag is an instant classic.

  • 13/20

    Miu Miu leather shoulder bag

    $2,500

    MIU MIU

    Contrasting gold hardware lends a textural, polished finish to this black messenger.

  • 14/20

    Mansur Gavriel Soft Lady bag

    $695

    MANSUR GAVRIEL

    Carry crossbody or by hand, this suede cobalt messenger does it all.

  • 15/20

    Akris Anouk small messenger bag

    $1,590

    BERGDORF GOODMAN

    The sophisticated update to your work wardrobe rotation.

  • 16/20

    Ghurka Match No. 229 bag

    $795

    GHURKA

    Introduce this shoulder bag to your daily rotation—the two zippered pouches make holding your essentials a breeze.

  • 17/20

    Mulberry Antony messenger bag

    $1,085

    MULBERRY

    A longtime icon of Mulberry’s, the Antony messenger bag now comes with an adjustable canvas strap so it can be worn across the body or over the shoulder.

  • 18/20

    Loewe XS military messenger bag

    $1,800

    BERGDORF GOODMAN

    Made from soft-grained calfskin, this messenger bag is, at once, refined and statement-making.

  • 19/20

    Il Bisonte leather messenger bag

    $570

    BERGDORF GOODMAN

    This sleek, simple messenger bag is crafted in vegetable-tanned cowhide leather and has an interior zip pocket for ample storage.

  • 20/20

    Cambridge Satchel Co. satchel

    $260

    THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL CO.

    When in doubt, go with a classic. Cambridge Satchel Co. is a mainstay in the leathergoods department—their black camera-style crossbody bag is as good as it gets.

Nicole Kliest is a contributing writer for Vogue, where she covers travel, lifestyle, and fashion. Prior to going freelance in 2018, she was the style director at Who What Wear. Nicole’s work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Domino, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, among other titles, and she enjoys crafting stories where several ... Read More
TopicsBagsAccessories