Nice clothes + backpack = disaster?
October 20, 2008 2:22 PM   Subscribe

I'd like to dress less casually than I currently do. There's one problem, though: my laptop bag. I absolutely hate those suitcase style laptop bags so I use a backpack. I'm afraid of looking like a complete dork wearing nice semi-formal clothes and a fairly sporty-looking backpack. Are my concerns unfounded? Have you solved this problem yourself? If so, how? I'm a male in my early twenties, if that matters.
posted by A Kingdom for a Donkey to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (34 answers total) 13 users marked this as a favorite
 
I love my Tumi messenger bag. They are functional and classy. They go well when you are business or casually dressed. Mine is all black so it goes with everything...
posted by birdlips at 2:28 PM on October 20, 2008


Yeah, backpacks really don't go with professional attire. Been there, done that, sucked it up and went with a less comfortable solution: the messenger bag. Not exactly a briefcase, but will work wherever a briefcase would be most appropriate.
posted by valkyryn at 2:29 PM on October 20, 2008


Do you include messages bags in "suitcase style"? I have an all-black Timbuk2 Commute Messenger that works fine for either dress up or dress down.
posted by dws at 2:31 PM on October 20, 2008


I use a canvas and leather messenger bag. It looks grown-up without being too breifcasey. You could go with all-leather, too, but I think that looks a little more formal.

Your instincts on the backpack are right-on.
posted by mr_roboto at 2:31 PM on October 20, 2008


Go old school (that is, classic) with a nice mail bag-style messenger bag in waxed canvas or leather, distressed or not. Those linked are fairly expensive (and at least in the case of the J. Crew bag, super-overpriced IMO), but they're nice examples of the general style. Put your laptop in a sleeve before tossing it in; done.

Then again, a guy in a suit and a backpack, especially a sporty one, is totally adorkable - so I wouldn't sweat it too much if you really like your current backpack.
posted by peachfuzz at 2:35 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


The backpack is much better for your physical health than a briefcase, since the weight is evenly distributed, and the waist belt (if you have one) will transfer the weight to your hips. The switch to a backpack a few years ago gave me a huge improvement in my comfort, avoidance of sprains, etc. For that reason alone, please keep using the backpack.

As for the fashion issue, I'd suggest getting a smallish (just a little bigger than the laptop), black backpack and find a way to contain any dangling straps, strings, loops etc. Unobtrusive. If anybody ribs you a little, as they have done to me a little, tell them truthfully that it's really important in order for you to avoid back problems (choose your own wording) and that they should start using a backpack too.
posted by JimN2TAW at 2:40 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


Backpacks !=! business attire. Your concerns are not unfounded- buy a messenger bag or a briefcase, depending on how dressy you're going. I think the rule of thumb is if you're wearing a suit jacket, you need a bag you can carry in your hand or wear on one shoulder. Without a jacket, you can wearing a bag across your chest.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:41 PM on October 20, 2008 [3 favorites]


OK, this one's for the snobby anti-backpackers.
posted by JimN2TAW at 2:43 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


I've been in this same situation for too long, and I can sum up the points as follows:
  1. Handbags look more professional than backpacks
  2. Backpacks are easier to carry
  3. Handbags don't make your back sweat, don't wrinkle your jacket
  4. Backpacks can be carried longer, don't mess up your posture the way handbags do.
I tried using a messenger bag for reasons of style to carry a Thinkpad T42 back and forth to work each day (5km each way by foot, on a hill) and it fucked me up. I didn't have the same problem with a backpack, but didn't look/feel as classy.

So the solution for me has been to have one of each bag. If I'm taking the car/bus/metro/plane I'll use the messenger bag. If I'm doing the long hike, I'll use a backpack.

Your back may vary, but if you haven't already, someday you will turn 30, and it will happen to you! /end scary voice with finger pointed at you
posted by furtive at 2:44 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


I had a messenger bag a while back and absolutely hated it - it was impossible to cycle with and just generally got in the way. I much prefer a backpack, you can fit more in, it's better for you and, to be honest, I think people who carry messenger bags these days look kinda dorky anyway.
posted by hnnrs at 2:46 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


Sorry, I know 3 posts is too many. But messenger bags don't make it. Either (a) the weight is unbalanced on one side, which is suboptimal for the OP or anyone else; or (b) as a slight improvement, the strap goes across the chest to the opposite shoulder, which fits just as badly with a business suit, lapels, tie, etc.(if you see it that way), as a backpack.
posted by JimN2TAW at 2:49 PM on October 20, 2008


I second the Tumi suggestions. They make both leather (classier) and nylon (lighter). An advantage of it is that is it well-know as a top manufacturer and so gets an automatic bump-up in the classiness scale (sort of like Brooks Brothers polo shirts).
posted by rtimmel at 2:51 PM on October 20, 2008


If you really want to stick with a backpack, there are some classy-looking ones out there. Everyone's favorite Timbuk2 makes this one, which I think is rather nice. If you want to be more professional, there are some leather ones out there. If you look, there are plenty of non-sporty backpacks out there.

I don't think a backpack of any sort would look right with a formal or conservative suit, but with just a shirt and tie? Sure.
posted by darksong at 2:55 PM on October 20, 2008


I use this. It might work for you.
posted by adamdschneider at 2:55 PM on October 20, 2008


I was wondering exactly the same thing a few months ago and spent some time looking around online for smart backpacks.

One option is a leather backpack, eg these at Leather Tree or one or two at Custom Hide. I'm guessing they'd be heavier than backpacks made of modern materials, and possibly less comfortable and with fewer pockets. But they might be smart enough.

My eventual top choice was the backpacks by Booq. They're still modern backpacks but they look about as chic as a backpack can, and I read many rave reviews from satisfied customers. I've yet to see one in the flesh (until recently there were no UK stockists) but they look pretty good on the site and I hope to get one someday.
posted by fabius at 3:03 PM on October 20, 2008


I have this backpack in a mens' version (can't seem to find the mens, but this is the women's version which is quite close looks wise). I don't think it's all the way to dressy, but it's very sleek, without crazy straps, day-glo, rugged zippers, or other hiking features. It's a very understated bag. That said, when I'm in more than a sportcoat, I carry it by the top handle, as if it's a briefcase. If you carry it with the backpack straps inward (toward your leg), it's pretty tame. Works at business meetings that I go to at least.
posted by zpousman at 3:11 PM on October 20, 2008


I have a messenger bag from Fossil. It's very stylish and sturdy and roomy and was quite affordable. In retrospect I would have bought a very nice bag I saw later at Rodd & Gunn but it was $AU600 and, yeah, no.

Just try not to get your sack dirty.
posted by turgid dahlia at 3:18 PM on October 20, 2008


Personally, I would say that you shouldn't worry about it, as long as you don't have an Optimus Prime backpack or somesuch. Any of the more sober-looking bacpacks are OK unless everyone else is super-formal, as long as you carry it rather than wear it when in the office context. I switched to a backpack from a more briefcase style one a few years back and wouldn't switch back. I visit customers all over W. Europe, almost always wearing a formal business suit, and nary an eyebrow has been raised. Those long runs for a tight flight connection are no fun with the briefcase style.
posted by Jakey at 3:19 PM on October 20, 2008


Is there a reason that you can't use a briefcase? Always formal, always in style (business style, that is.)
posted by squorch at 3:23 PM on October 20, 2008


I have several coworkers who use Ogio backpacks more or less like this one, except company/product branded, and I've never seen anyone blink an eye (except to say "hey, can I look at that?" and dig through it and boggle at all the pockets). They tend to carry them by the top handle when on-site, anyway, and the straps are not viciously dangly. It looks like a business bag, rather than camping gear.
posted by Lyn Never at 3:32 PM on October 20, 2008


On backpacks: Just FYI, there is no such thing as a "formal" or "classy" backpack. But you could wear sporty, urban-look backpacks like the ones from Crumpler, which are cheeky and sleek and made very well. A leather backpack is pretty just awful, unless perhaps you are climbing Kilimanjaro circa 1917, in which case it is awesome.

Honestly, just wear what you want and what is comfortable. I am partial to messenger bags myself, but I see guys (young-ish and older) in suits and backpacks all the time in DC, and as long as it's a non-ratty and not trying-too-hard backpack, it looks fine and not immature or unprofessional.
posted by peachfuzz at 3:32 PM on October 20, 2008


I just bought a bag from Timbuk2 that I love. It's a messenger bag with a removable shoulder strap and hidden backpack straps that can be tucked away/untucked in a jiff. Here's a review and photos. Also comes in other colors.
posted by HotPatatta at 3:58 PM on October 20, 2008


Colors for aforementioned Timbuk2 bag. More colors are also available through other online retailers.
posted by HotPatatta at 3:59 PM on October 20, 2008


I'm happy with a classy-looking backpack. I have an earlier version of the Patagonia Lightwire (which looks better when it's not stuffed like it is in the picture). Mine is a dark green that they don't seem to make anymore. It has a slim profile, not dorky, and is far more comfortable than a shoulder bag. If I could change anything about it, I'd lose the water bottle pockets, but they're not prominent.

I was at a business conference recently, and I was definitely not the only person using a backpack. I think the trick is to avoid stuffing it full so it stays sleek looking.
posted by PatoPata at 5:05 PM on October 20, 2008


I recently had dinner at the Four Seasons, with a 73 year old Knight of the British Realm, who carried a backpack with his expensive suit. Something of a signature affectation, but at least you're not alone.
posted by StickyCarpet at 6:17 PM on October 20, 2008


How formal do you need to be? Backpacks are not really professional attire, and frankly, neither are messenger bags. Sorry hipsters. Get a computer bag or a real briefcase. Coach makes nice bags, but you can find a Targa or other bag for far less. That being said, I work in quite a button down environment and lots of people show up with backpacks, messenger bags, etc. Much of this depends upon your individual work environment and whether you need to meet clients with these bags. If you are running your own business setting up someone's web page then show up in a dashiki and sandals and bring along a backpack and no one will bat an eyelash. If you are a corporate deal lawyer, then a proper attache may be better (although not even here anymore). Most of us are in between. Read your audience. No one here can ever tell you more than the people with whom you work and interact every day.
posted by caddis at 6:37 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


If you have to fly at all, no one will question the backpack. I work in a very conservative field and it's all rolly bag or backpacks.

The new hires have messenger bags.

Do you have a mentor you could ask? Seriously.

I cannot fly home in jeans for fear of being "seen," but a backpack is encouraged.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 7:43 PM on October 20, 2008


It really depends how formal your workplace is. See if any other people in the office wear backpacks. Also, since you are young, you might have more reason to stay away from things that will make you look like a college kid or an intern like backpacks or sneakers.

I think a sporty backpack is going to stick out a lot if it has bright colors and lots of little things dangling off of it. You want something dark colored (preferably black or dark grey), and sleek, without lots of straps and buckles dangling off of it. A backpack with a shirt and tie is probably crossing the line - better to go with a nice leather bag or a low-key messenger back.

I work in a place wear slacks/dress pants and button-down shirts are the norm (aka "business casual"). I'd feel comfortable with my North Face Recon, but it is a bit casual, being a daypack.

Brenthaven, Tumi, and Booq sell business-oriented backpacks.

Cheaper alternatives are Logitech (yes, the mouse people) or InCase.
posted by kenliu at 8:44 PM on October 20, 2008


Don't downplay the need for professional dress. In my field, I can get away with a messenger bag (and love my locally made Bailey, which is always appropriate in my hometown), but when I go one step up the ladder it will not work so well. Of course, you can buck the prevailing aesthetic, but you can only do this if you are willing to be branded eccentric, independent, 'youthful', or otherwise unusual in the workplace. Beyond a certain level in many professions, everything you wear and carry is sending a message about you, and depending upon your field and responsibilities, that can be important.

Messenger bags can go where backpacks can't, and 'real' briefcases go where messenger bags can't. The good news is that a number of good leather bags and briefcases that are basically glorified messenger bags, with nice straps, exist.

Worst case scenario? If you really need to carry your stuff in a backpack, then do, and get a much nicer bag that folds into thirds and tucks into the backpack along with your laptop. When you get to your destination, switch bags, and arrive carrying the nice shoulder or hand-carried bag, leaving the backpack in your hotel or office.
posted by Miko at 9:41 PM on October 20, 2008


Laptop bags are overrated and look lame. I think they're a manufactured need, actually, like salad forks. (Why can't I just use a regular fork? What's so special about lettuce?) Unless you're a total klutz who accidentally drops your bag all the time, you probably don't need a dedicated padded laptop bag with a zillion nerdy pockets. Just put your laptop in a regular messenger bag, & don't throw the bag around.
Ben Sherman makes stylish & reasonably-priced men's messenger bags.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:47 PM on October 20, 2008 [1 favorite]


Definitely seconding Crumpler, the messenger style bags are great.
posted by tomble at 9:49 PM on October 20, 2008


I can highly recommend a Rawlings laptop bag / briefcase. I have one and it's highly, highly durable -- it's travelled with me around the world to many far-flung, tough on "stuff" environments. It also wears to a cool color and texture. If you're a baseball fan at all, it's kind of a cool thing to have. And if it means anything to you, I've also never gotten so many inquisitive looks and compliments from something I've owned, ever.
posted by lazywhinerkid at 9:49 PM on October 20, 2008


I have this tote from Mountain Equipment Co-op and I love it. I have the 13 inch one and it fits all my cables perfectly and also has a side pouch for papers, etc. Looks great with a suit or even casual wear.
posted by 913 at 10:56 PM on October 20, 2008


This messenger bag and this backpack might be a little pricey, but they are the classiest bags I've seen yet and well worth the money. They will last because of how they are made. And the style is subtle but classy, so it too will last for years. And, rather than seeming dorky carrying them, I think you'll have everyone wondering where they can get one...
posted by workinggringa at 4:14 PM on October 24, 2008


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