Bag packing??

[chelliotts]

Does bag silhouette determine how you pack your bag or do you just smush as much as possible in there?

I have been really into the silhouette of a 'flat' tote bag recently. Think a single rectangular piece of leather folded in half and sewn up on the vertical seams. Basically like a leather version of those cotton totes that are everywhere. But when I imagine packing them (because I don't want to buy without certainty), I struggle with the idea that the leather wouldn't allow for much packing. A book and maybe your phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm?

Do you have a flat tote bag? Do you like it? Is it more form than function?

 

[Swanky]

It's important to me, so I won't purchase one. I'd love a flat clutch but being able to see lipsticks, phone, etc... in it deters me

 

[Amazona]

With a flat bag, I feel like it's got to be half empty for it to function. Otherwise your things will be mixed up and laying on top of each other, which I hate. Using pouches to organize your stuff might make life a little easier but still...I love a bag with a wide bottom and where I can have my things in order.
A flat clutch works (I own one) because you usually don't carry much in a clutch.

 

[papertiger]

Agreed ^

Flat bags can be a bit annoying and can look like a snake having swallowed a rabbit whole if the item is too big or the wrong shape.

My Gucci Aphrodite and Bouvier are fairly flat and square-ish (the Bouvier is like the Jackie 1961 but without the gusset) but they're also quite large, as is my Gucci half-moon travel bag. The only thing I can't do is take my trusty and full Loewe pouch and simply transfer it, I have to pair-down and spread the contents out. Any cardigan or sweater has to be tied to my waist.

 

[leechiyong]

My flat totes are quite large, so it helps balance the proportions of anything that might stick out, but usually I stick to flat items (tablet, magazine) or put soft items on the bottom (like a sweater) to make the width a bit more generous without being obvious.