Backpacks outsell purses, article

[ccbaggirl89]

Interesting article... backpacks continue to outsell purses.

I also made the switch (for work) and it's so much better! Anyone else?

https://www.today.com/style/cute-backpacks-women-are-new-office-trend-t153769

Excerpt:

"For years, businessmen in cities like New York and San Francisco have been forgoing stuffy briefcases in favor of backpacks — now women are getting on board.

According to a recent story in The Atlantic, more women are ditching their purses and wearing backpacks to the office.

And many of them say they'll never go back to an ordinary handbag.

"I have shoulder issues, and I've been using a backpack to help with posture," one woman wrote on Twitter. "Plus it frees up my hands. I'm never going back to a purse (except for formal occasions)."

"I haven't owned a purse since 2015 and I never plan on going back," another woman wrote.

Research backs up the trend.

According to the market research company NPD, sales of women's backpacks are up 28% in the past year, while sales of women's handbags have dropped in recent years.

"Consumers have gotten really into the functionality of products," Beth Goldstein, NPD's accessories and footwear analyst, told TODAY Style. "You're carrying your phone, you're carrying your coffee — having that accessibility, and having pockets for everything, that's giving them the value."

She thinks the spike in women's backpacks is two-fold: 1) More women are carrying backpacks to work, because they can go hands-free during their commute and fit everything they need for the day, and 2) more women are trading everyday pursues for smaller, fashion backpacks, because more brands are making them.

 

[Amazona]

I do think it's just as they said; there are more styles to choose from and after over a decade of lugging heavy purses around, people are experiencing more and more problems with their shoulders, back and arms. When you look at the bag sizes in the 80's and early 90's, the bags were usually very small. They didn't carry a phone and a charger and a laptop with all the accessories and an A4 planner, a water bottle etc etc.
Now it's more than likely that a woman carries all that and a bunch more, plus some handbags are also very heavy as is. With more and more people commuting to work I'm not surprised women have gotten tired of hand and shoulder carry bags and opt for a backpack. Especially with all the pretty backpacks on the market with so many styles to choose from, it makes it easier for everyone to find their own match.

I have a couple of leather backpacks I regularly use for work, plus a few large ones in weather proof material for travel. Just ordered a large Pacsafe piece for our upcoming trips and it's also what I'm going to use if I get issued a company laptop (which I do not look forward to) and I have to leave the office with it in tow (which usually is the point of having a laptop, moving around).
But anyway, it's not surprising backpacks are still going strong!

 

[sonicxml]

I have been wearing fanny pack to work when I don't need to carry laptop. It is super convenient and also stylish thanks to the recent revival of fanny packs. I don't have any work-suitable backpack but I am in the market of getting one. The back and neck pain is a real concern even I am super picky about the weight of my handbags. The only thing that keep me from using backpacks is that it is not the most accessible. Also backpacks would not be the best match for formal attire especially if you wear a dress (without pockets).

 

[bellebellebelle19]

I say take it to the next level and roll your bag then you are carrying 0 weight!

I think backpack are a little impractical for public transport commuters, because you have to take them off to access your transport pass, which is a total pain in a bustling crowd.

 

[pammbw]

Crossbody bags are pretty much what I see women carrying, and totes. But then again I am not commuting on subways and such. The rare times I do ride the subway I see more totes than backpacks on women.

 

[pammbw]

I have been wearing fanny pack to work when I don't need to carry laptop. It is super convenient and also stylish thanks to the recent revival of fanny packs. I don't have any work-suitable backpack but I am in the market of getting one. The back and neck pain is a real concern even I am super picky about the weight of my handbags. The only thing that keep me from using backpacks is that it is not the most accessible. Also backpacks would not be the best match for formal attire especially if you wear a dress (without pockets).

Fanny packs are awesome. So glad they made a comeback. Perfect for travel, commuting, etc.

 

[papertiger]

They may be nice for the people wearing them but I'm sick of being hit in the face/chest/back/arm with them.

Any man carrying a proper briefcase will get admiring glances from me.

 

[fabuleux]

They may be nice for the people wearing them but I'm sick of being hit in the face/chest/back/arm with them.

Any man carrying a proper briefcase will get admiring glances from me.

My problem with briefcases is that they are not adapted to what I have to carry today, which is my laptop, my lunchbox, a few personal items, and sometimes an extra sweater or pair of shoes. The backpack offers a really versatile and comfortable commuter bag.

 

[papertiger]

My problem with briefcases is that they are not adapted to what I have to carry today, which is my laptop, my lunchbox, a few personal items, and sometimes an extra sweater or pair of shoes. The backpack offers a really versatile and comfortable commuter bag.

Granted. Except when it hits me in the face. People are are always swinging them around on the tube. Every time they have to reach into it for something or sit down/standup there it goes crash.

I carry my laptop in a laptop bag that looks like a briefcase. Inside it's padded, I have an Hermes agenda, pen (in holder) and so on. My lunch and water don't go near my laptop. Likewise my wallet and phone are hidden in a X-body under my coat or jacket (I never put all my eggs in one basket). .

I have a Burberry and Chanel backpacks. The Burberry I use for dance because it has a shoe compartment and it's great but a bit risky for a laptop. The Chanel is just 'fashion' vaguely useless as a back pack as I need both arms to hold it from sliding down my back, I sling it over one shoulder. Cant wear either one with nice coats, jackets or suits but I guess if people live in active wear it doesn't matter.

 

[cbarrus]

When I worked at a medical university, all the students carried one. If you got on the elevator with them, it was highly likely you were going to get hit. We used to call it the "backpack attack," LOL. I have never carried one as it didn't feel comfortable to me or fit my aesthetic. I appreciate the people who need to carry one for distributing the weight, but I do wish they would be more careful

 

[whateve]

I don't like the idea of having all my stuff behind my back where I can't see it. I'd worry someone was surreptitiously unzipping the pockets. Then you have to take it off if you need something. So much easier to reach into the purse that is hanging from your shoulder.

Plus it isn't my aesthetic. I consider my purse part of my outfit. I like to see it while I'm carrying it. There are hands free options in purses.

 

[lenarmc]

I carry a backpack to work, but I’m a teacher. Next school year, I’m getting a tote. Looks more professional even though I’m not a tote person. I figure that it’s just for work. With that being said, I still carry a handbag separately. I can’t imagine ever carrying just a backpack or just a tote.

 

[ColdSteel]

My working (like, really working) bag is my Chrome messenger bag. I don't like backpacks because it's too hard to get inside with it behind me and I prefer maneuvering my messenger over a backpack.

I still have a few backpacks I like but when I carry my work laptop, water, etc I like my messenger in the city! I have my Neverfull and Balenciaga totes when I don't need to carry a ton of stuff.