Men's bag: flat shoulder strap, tablet and documents

The men's messenger bag from the department keeps the essentials flat against the body: Sandqvist Icon and Ground Slim, designed in Stockholm, Elliker Caley and Kep, from Yorkshire. A shoulder bag that is simple, for a tablet, papers, and a phone, without the bulk of a backpack.

The return of the shoulder bag

Long associated with suits and business meetings, the men's shoulder bag has changed its look. Thinner and made of technical fabric, it now accompanies bike rides, cafés where people work, and days in the city.

It can be worn across the chest, flat, and holds everything that doesn't fit in pockets.

Sandqvist Icon and Ground Slim

Sandqvist, a Swedish brand founded in Stockholm, designs simple and durable bags. The Icon, with a flap, closes with a single move and is for everyday use. The Ground Slim, flatter, fits a tablet or small laptop along with a notebook, without creating a bulge under a coat.

The brand has its page: Sandqvist.

Elliker Caley and Kep

Elliker, born in Yorkshire, makes its bags from fully recycled polyester, designed for English showers. The Caley and Kep take their names from places in the area and offer robust fabric that withstands a damp day.

Shoulder bag, messenger or crossbody bag?

Shoulder bag: flat, for a tablet and documents.
Messenger: deeper, for a laptop and a jacket.
Compact crossbody bag: for phone, keys and wallet.
Bum bag: around the waist or across the body, for essentials.

The bag at work

For a casual office, a black canvas bag pairs well with chinos, an oxford shirt, and a jacket. It’s enough for a tablet, a notepad, and a charger, and lays flat on the table during meetings.

The bag while travelling

On a train or plane, a bag keeps tickets, passport, headphones and tablet within reach. Worn in front, with the closure against the body, it reduces risks in crowded stations.

The bag on a bike

With a shortened strap, the bag stays close to the back while pedaling. A water-repellent fabric protects its contents from splashes. Opt for a flap that fully covers the opening.

Choosing the right size

Measure the device you'll carry, either tablet or laptop, and compare it with the internal pocket. For a simple e-reader and wallet, a smaller model is sufficient. For a work laptop, check the width.

Style

A simple bag, without a flashy logo, pairs well with both a leather jacket and a wool coat. In technical fabric, it fits an urban style; in natural tones, a more workwear look.

The bag and coat

Worn over a long coat or parka, a flat bag remains discreet and doesn't deform the silhouette, unlike a rucksack. It can also be slipped under the coat for added security.

Giving a bag as a gift

A dark canvas bag makes a practical gift for a birthday, Father's Day, or a new job. Its simplicity matches most styles.

The shoulder strap

A wide and adjustable strap distributes the weight on the shoulder. Adjusted short, the bag rises to the chest; adjusted long, it descends to the hip. Find the position where it doesn’t hinder walking.

A recycled fabric

The recycled polyester from Elliker comes from recovered plastics. It remains lightweight, strong, and easy to clean, while reducing the use of new materials.

Taking care of your bag

Turn it inside out from time to time to shake out the dust, then wipe it with a damp sponge and a bit of soap on the stains. Leave it to air dry, flap open. A well-maintained bag lasts for years.

Also see

For a deeper format, check out the men’s crossbody bags; for essentials, the bum bags; for more volume, the rucksacks. The entire range is in the men’s bags.