What is the Difference Between a Messenger Bag and a Crossbody Bag?
Messenger bags and crossbody bags are both popular choices for carrying items on the go, but they have distinct differences in terms of design, functionality, carrying style, appearance and size. Messenger bags tend to be larger.
Let's take a closer look at the key differences and reasons why someone might prefer one style over the other:
1. Design and Size
Messenger bags are typically larger and more rectangular in shape. They often have a large flap closure that covers the main compartment, and some feature multiple pockets and compartments for organization. The strap is worn diagonally across the body, and the bag hangs at the hip or lower back.
Crossbody bags are generally smaller and more compact. They have a single, long strap that can be adjusted to wear the bag across the body, with the bag resting on the hip or slightly higher on the torso. Crossbody bags may have a zip-top closure or a flap.
Both bag styles are available in leather or man-made materials.
2. Carrying Style
Messenger bags are carried diagonally across the body, with the bag resting at the hip or lower back. They are designed for a more casual and functional look and are often used for carrying larger items like laptops or documents.
Crossbody bags are worn across the body, typically with the bag resting on the hip or slightly higher. This style is more compact and offers a hands-free, easy-to-reach design. Crossbody bags are often chosen for their convenience and stylish appearance.
3. Functionality:
Messenger bags are known for their functionality, making them suitable for students, and anyone who needs to carry a significant amount of items. Leather bags are the choice of professionals. They often have multiple compartments, making organization easier.
Crossbody bags are favored for their simplicity and ease of use. They are ideal for carrying daily essentials such as a wallet, keys, tablet, phone, and a few small personal items. They are popular choices for casual outings or travel when a lighter load is sufficient.
4. Style and Versatility
Messenger bags tend to have a more utilitarian or casual aesthetic. They are often chosen for their practicality and are associated with a relaxed, urban look.
Crossbody bags come in various styles, from casual to more formal options. Their versatility makes them suitable for a range of occasions, including shopping trips, evenings out, or even as a fashion statement.
5. Occasions and Use Cases
Messenger bags are commonly used for work or school, especially when carrying laptops, textbooks, or documents is necessary. They are also used by couriers and cyclists due to their capacity and comfort during movement.
Crossbody bags are versatile and can be used for everyday activities, shopping, traveling, or as a stylish accessory for a night out. They are favored when you need a convenient, lightweight bag for your essentials.
The main differences between messenger bags and crossbody bags lie in their size, design, carrying style, functionality, and style. The choice between the two depends on individual needs, the amount of items to be carried, the desired look, and the occasion. Messenger bags are practical and spacious, while crossbody bags offer convenience and a range of style options.
What Does an iPad Pro Crossbody Bag Hold?
What you can hold in your iPad Pro crossbody bag depends on the overall size of the bag and how many extra pockets and compartments the design has. At a minimum, the bag should hold your Apple tablet and a few accessories or personal items.
An iPad crossbody bag is a versatile accessory that can hold a variety of items, making it a convenient choice for different user groups and their unique needs. Here are examples of what an iPad crossbody bag can hold and how various users might utilize it:
1. Professionals:
The primary item in their iPad leather bag is, of course, the Apple tablet. Professionals may use it for meetings, presentations, or to stay productive while on the go.
Additional items they might want to carry are the charger and cable to ensure the tablet remains charged and ready for use. A notebook and a pen for jotting down notes, sketches, or ideas during meetings or conferences may be on the list but the tablet has somewhat replaced the need for these items.
Business Cards would also be high on the list. A dedicated slot or pocket for business cards for networking. Having a place for your phone and other personal essentials would be something you'd want your iPad leather bag to hold.
2. Students:
Once again the bag needs to hold and protect your Apple tablet, the central item for taking notes, accessing textbooks, or completing assignments. Textbooks or notebooks may be on the list but this may be beyond the capacity of many iPad bags. Pens, pencils, highlighters, and markers for note-taking and studying could be included for students. Snacks and a water bottle might be good to have along to stay energized and hydrated during long study sessions.
An iPad Travel Bag
3. Travelers
The iPad Pro would be front and center providing entertainment during flights, access to travel apps, or for staying connected while on the road. A place for travel documents like a passport, boarding passes, travel itinerary and hotel reservations is good to have.
Having an iPad leather bag that can also double as a travel wallet would be important to this user. A dedicated wallet with compartments for currency, credit cards, and travel-specific documents would be nice. A place for chargers and adapters to keep devices charged while traveling would be handy as well as a place for a small travel guidebook.
4. Creatives and Artists
For this group, the canvas for digital art or design work is the tablet, along with an Apple Pencil, so having a place for the Pencil is a priority. Space for sketchbooks, additional pens, brushes, or small art materials for traditional work would be nice if needed. A pocket for printouts, photographs, or other references related to their creative projects is convenient. Space for personal essentials such as keys, phone, and wallet round out this iPad bag.
5. Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers will use their Apple tablet for navigation, tracking activities, or as a portable entertainment device during outdoor adventures. Physical maps and a compass for navigation might be in their bag along with energy bars, a water bottle, or a hydration reservoir for staying fueled. Items like a flashlight, multi-tool, first aid kit, or a whistle for safety.
6. Everyday Use
Lastly, for everyday use, an iPad crossbody bag can hold the tablet for checking emails, browsing, or reading e-books on the go. A place or case for a smartphone everyday communication is a nice option. Having quick access to essentials like keys while running errands is handy. A place for sunglasses is also welcome.
In summary, an iPad Pro crossbody bag is a versatile accessory that can adapt to the specific needs of different user groups. Whether it's professionals, students, travelers, creatives, outdoor enthusiasts, or everyday users, these bags provide convenient and organized storage for essential items while keeping the Apple tablet secure and easily accessible.
Designing iPad Leather Bags
This is the latest in a series of interviews about the story behind the design of MacCase products. For this interview, we are again speaking to MacCase President and Chief Creative Officer Michael Santoro about the company's iPad leather bags.
JKD: Can you give us some insight into how you design the iPad leather bags for MacCase?
MS: For MacCase, building iPad leather bags is not just something we do or some other surface-level idea. First and foremost, we start with visionary design. We make sure the design will make a statement. We make sure it's original. We make sure it's a MacCase.
Then we engineer it so it works. It needs to work for a huge cross-section of users who are going to use it in situations we've never dreamed of. We had one customer who wanted to use one of our iPad laptop cases on an oil rig site. Stuff like that.
It's very hard to design and engineer a product to meet the specific needs of a foreman on an oil rig while at the same time working for a corporate lawyer in New York City. But we do our best.
Then we add our world-class, ethically sourced leather hides, sourced from the Himalayan highlands. Sew them together with the passionate hands of a third-generation leather craftsman. Obsess over the quality and deliver on the promise of that original concept sketch with an iPad bag that improves the customer's life.
Men's Leather iPad Bag
JKD: You say that you strive for gender-neutral designs. Do you feel that certain models lend themselves to be called men's leather iPad bags while others are more of an iPad purse or a lady's iPad bag?
MS: We have a broad range of customers who use our products. I cannot believe the myriad of ways, conditions and situations our customers use them in. It can be overwhelming.
This broad range of situations calls for a multitude of what designers call "form factors" or styles. Not every bag is going to be right for every person in every situation.
This allows us the chance to offer many styles. Hopefully one of those styles will find a home with men and others with women. The reality is, my goal of making the products gender-neutral has been successful.
It's impossible to refer to one style as a men's leather iPad bag, or an iPad purse. We never do that in-house. We never even think about it. Each model is popular with both groups. I am grateful for that.
Let's take our new iPad Pro 12.9 carry case with shoulder strap. It sells equally well to men and women. I believe because it checks a lot of boxes for a lot of people, regardless of gender.
JKD: That's great to hear. Thank you for your time.
MS. You're very welcome.
Should Men Use Crossbody Bags?
It's perfectly fine for men to use a crossbody bag. The models come in a wide range of styles and colors and a man can easily find one to meet both his functional and aesthetic needs.
Is a Leather iPad Briefcase Worth It?
A leather iPad briefcase can be an excellent way to transport and protect your Apple tablet. These kinds of cases are often padded and can carry other items besides your iPad. A leather case will be durable and an excellent value.
What Size Crossbody Bag Should I Get?
Review all the items you will want or need to carry at any given time. Get a general idea of the space these items will take up. Get a cross-body bag that will fit these items and then some.
You want to get a bag that is slightly larger than you'll need so you'll have extra space should your needs change. You can always carry fewer items but you don't want to over-stuff the bag and risk damaging some items in the process.
Is a Cross-Body Bag Worth It?
A crossbody bag is an excellent choice in a day-use bag due to its compact size, comfort and broad range of price and styles. Be aware of what you need to carry and find a design that meets those needs.
What to Look for in an iPad Shoulder Bag
Buying a quality iPad shoulder bag will ensure your investment in Apple's latest tablet will be protected. So this time next year with you've got your eye on the next-generation model, you'll be able to get the maximum amount for your slightly used, pristine tablet.
When reviewing your options for a bag for carrying your iPad, think about the following:
• How will I be using my Apple tablet?
• What environments will it need protection from?
• Who is making this case?
• How long have they been around?
• What are the reviews for the model I'm interested in?
• What materials represent quality to me?
• Do I want a bag quickly slapped together on a speed line or hand-made with care and precision?
• How do I interact with this bag?
• What are my "must-have" features?
• Do I need a secure place for the Apple Pencil?
Think about the features you'd like and how well they are integrated into the design of the iPad shoulder bag you are considering. Just because a design claims to have a "pencil holder" doesn't necessarily mean it's well designed or integrated into the design with any real thought.
Elevate your tablet transport with a bag that reflects your style and meets your demands, making every journey with your iPad a delightful one.
