Ah, the humble messenger bag.
You’ll recognise the classic style from being slung over the shoulder of countless men ever since the 90s - David Beckham and George Clooney included.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but most often are a rectangular shape, large enough for all the essentials, with a wide strap and a buckle, clasp or zip fastening that will keep everything secure.
Ones larger in size are great for a day in the office, some come with soft lined laptop sleeves and extra pockets inside to organise your valuables - and you might even be able to fit your gym kit in, too.
Smaller designs lend themselves to a day wondering around the city, with ample space for your sunglasses, aftershave, and a power pack, alongside the usuals, without having to schlep a cumbersome, heavy unit around with you.
Living in the UK, rain is always a possibility, so if you’re in the market for a day-to-day bag, then weatherproofing is important. Look to the likes of Rains and Eastpak for watertight styles that don’t compromise on style.
If durability is important for you, it’s leather that should be on your wishlist, but if you want something that looks more relaxed and slouchy, then go for a canvas or nylon.
The good news is that we’ve done the legwork, so you don’t have to.
Keep scrolling for the best.
Mulberry Antony Messenger Oxblood Small Classic Grain
For timeless designs and durable constructions, it’s Mulberry that’s got you covered - especially with its classic Anthony piece.
Spotlighting the heritage label’s iconic postman fastening front-and-centre, it’s understatedly chic and entirely versatile. With a soft suede lining and foil embossed logo on the interior, it’s a masterclass in luxury.
Buy now £825.00, Mulberry
Rains Messenger Bag
In the market for a waterproof style? Rains is the place to go. Made using the label’s signature rubberised fabric that’s fully watertight, your belongings are guaranteed to stay dry - whatever the weather.
It features a main compartment and soft-lined laptop sleeve, so there’s ample space for all of the essentials - and then some.
Buy now £79.00, Rains
Loewe Military extra-small leather messenger bag
Luxury Spanish fashion house Loewe is a leather-goods expert, from crossbodys inspired by cult favourite movie Howl’s Moving Castle to classic wallets - and this mini-messenger is a prime example.
Handmade using 100 per cent calf leather with a debossed logo to the front and a branded adjustable strap, it’s a luxurious addition to any bag collection.
Buy now £1400.00, Selfridges
Eastpak Messer Bike Tarp Black
Calling all cyclists! Eastpak’s design will easily attach to your bike, or can be carried with a shoulder strap when you’re on foot.
Water-resistant, with a built in laptop compartment and reflective stripes, it’s a functional outdoor-ready style that will see you through season after season.
Buy now £75.00, Eastpak
Porter Yoshida & Co. Tanker Shoulder Bag Small Sage Green
A Japanese brand that’s famous for its high quality accessories, Porter’s bags are produced exclusively in Japan using durable nylon that repels both dirt and water.
It’s timeless, compact and utilitarian with the brand’s signature contrast orange inner lining.
Buy now £245.00, Porter Yoshida & Co.
Cos Nylon Small Messenger Bag
High street hero Cos always come through with a quality selection of accessories.
This small messenger is the perfect bag for a day in the city - large enough for all of the essentials but in no way is it bulky. Fully waterproof, featuring a secure buckle and zip fastening and a front slip pocket, it’s a practical design that oozes minimalism.
If you’re not partial to the grey, black is an option, too.
Buy now £69.00, Cos
Bleu De Chauffe Musette Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Messenger Bag
Taking cues from the traditional fisherman messenger, Bleu de Chauffe’s iteration is packed with vintage character. Handcrafted in the French label’s workshop, its exterior is a durable, water-resistant cotton-canvas and it features leather trims for an old-world aesthetic. Even better, it has spacious internal pockets which offer plenty of space for all of your daily essentials.
Buy now £265.00, Mr. Porter
Our Legacy Sling cotton-twill cross-body bag
Stockholm-based label Our Legacy designs collections that are contemporary yet understated - an aesthetic that extends to this sling style bag.
Slouchy and relaxed, it’s made from a cotton twill and features a casual foldover flap and a discreet silver logo plaque for a quality bag that has an understated cool aesthetic.
Buy now £220.00, MatchesFashion
Weekday Carry Bag
Weekday’s messenger bag is crafted using recycled polydamide for a more responsibly manufactured option. It’s a wallet-friendly and medium-sized bag that’s ideal for day-to-day activities.
Buy now £34.00, Weekday
Paul Smith Colour Block Leather Satchel Bag
Paul Smith’s colourblocked satchel bag features lime green on one side and chocolate brown on the other, and both boast a large compartment pocket - so it’s basically two bags for the price of one. If you find it hard to make a decision, this is the bag for you.
Buy now £550.00, Paul Smith
