School Messenger Bags

Opting for School Messenger Bags

As August approaches, school supply sections suddenly appear to burst with backpacks. Whether made with vinyl and adorned with cartoon characters or made with canvas and guaranteed to hold even the heaviest load of books, they all share the same relative design. Though the backpack has long been considered the most popular type of school bag, in recent years it has shared the limelight with the messenger bag.

Practical and Easy to Organize

Popular even amongst those whose school days are long behind them, the messenger bag is a practical, smart choice for anyone who carries a heavy load, carries many small items and needs enough room to hold it all in one place. The challenge is to keep everything organized – just ask any woman whose handbag interior looks like a jungle of coins and receipts! Fortunately, messenger bags are extremely reliable when it comes to organization. In fact, very few bags out there keep your essential items as neatly sorted as the messenger bag.

Comfortable and Stylish

Given this, it's no wonder students are opting to carry this type of bag more and more these days. The messenger bag is also highly comfortable. Most styles feature thick, sturdy straps constructed of canvas. Attached to the bag with metal rings, they run barely any risk of tearing. Of course, the heavier your bag, the greater the risk, but with normal usage (even bearing the weight of several college textbooks), a strong messenger bag will hold up well.

Beyond that, messenger bags are also stylish! For those who seek to be fashionable in all avenues of their lives, a smart and savvy school accessory can easily pull an entire outfit together. Even students who wear school uniforms can add a unique edge to their outfits with a messenger bag.

Types of Messenger Bags for Students

The market is rife with messenger bags. You'll find smart, sensible styles that are clearly designed with a student's needs in mind, but you'll also come across glamorous leather versions by high-end designers. That's right – even Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Donna Karan and the like offer their own take on this ubiquitous bag.

These probably aren't the most practical choices for school, despite the fact that they're likely very well made, boast impeccable craftsmanship and simply look great. Their price tags simply don't match a student's probable budget, and there are far too many equally great looking bags out there that can be purchased for much less!

With that in mind, it's worth taking a glance at some of the styles available right now. You'll find designs clearly targeted toward kids, but there are also many that suit older students and teenagers. Of course, college students also appreciate this type of bag.

• Zac Efron no doubt counts the majority of the middle school set as his biggest fans. This High School Musical messenger bag is sure to excite kids who love the show and its breakout stars. The canvas is adorned with a cast image, and the interior features a wide pocket to keep small school supplies within easy reach.

• Eastpak is one of the industry leaders in the world of schoolbags, so it's only fitting that their messenger bags would be suitable for students. Available in pale blue and bright pink hues, the Delegate messenger bag is a practical choice for students of all ages. It's exceptionally roomy and has pockets of varying sizes to provide ample space for small and large items.

• A bit pricier than the typical student's bag, this Kenneth Cole Reaction leather messenger bag is a great choice if you're searching for a bag with serious endurance. This back is all but guaranteed to stand the test of time thanks to its hardy material, and the neutral color pairs well with everything. Best of all, though, is the smart construction: It boasts roomy interior and exterior compartments, as well as smaller pockets to hold cell phones, pens and other small items with ease. In other words, it's a worthwhile investment.

Where to Shop

School messenger bags can be found everywhere from department stores to specialty boutiques, but some stores carry greater selections than others. Obviously, messenger bags geared specifically towards students will start to appear in greater numbers around August, so keep your eyes peeled for those. Check out these stores:

• eBags
• Macy's
• Target