ergonomic question on handbags - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

ergonomic question on handbags

Mochi

Veteran

I hope everyone (Angie especially) weighs in!

As backstory, one of the few things I really need for right now is an everyday handbag, and I saw one in a chi-chi consignment shop that I really fell for. Pic is below, but doesn't do it justice. It's a Via Spiga bag, priced at $50, and it's so cool--like rock and roll meets Italian Euro Chic. So me, in other words. The bag is about a foot long; that's shorter than I would like in an aesthetic sense, but big enough to hold what it needs to. I was with it in the store for a good while pondering it, but ultimately put it back on the shelf.

The problem (or perceived problem) was that the handles are too short for me to use it as a shoulder bag. I would have to tote it by hand, and that has never been my ideal way of carrying a bag. It just seems to put so much strain on the wrist.

But then some time after I'd left the store with my current go-to bag, I realized that this bag's handles are barely longer, and while I can get it to reach my shoulder, I have to keep it up there by hitching my thumb on the base of the handles while I'm wearing it (I hope you get the imagery). I often unconsciously end up carrying it in the crook of my elbow anyway!

I'm curious to know how everyone carries their handbags, and from an ergonomic standpoint which is their most or least desirable type of bag (or does that not factor in?) I would prefer a crossbody or a shoulder bag. Which type (or which method of carrying, because some bags offer options) is most comfortable? Which method causes the most strain?

Should I go back and give the Via Spiga another look? It doesn't have any other straps, or apparent or easy way to discreetly lengthen the handles. I'd have to take it as is.

I really loved that bag otherwise....I went to three other consignment stores afterwards and nothing else came close <sob>

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from marianna

Diana

Veteran

For everyday use, I carry a big shoulder bag (a tote or hobo style usually, or possibly a satchel). It has to be pretty big since I carry a lot (including my lunch which takes up a surprising amount of room!) although not as big as it used to be because I no longer tote a laptop around with me every day. Like you, I absolutely CANNOT carry a bag of that weight in my hand, primarily since I have bad hyperextending elbows that like to ache. I do often hold it in place with one hand. I think this actually has to do with the fact that I have sloping shoulders/bad posture more than the length of the strap since I have to do it with longer straps too. For whatever reason, double straps that are not super wide tend to stay on my shoulder better. My personal rule of thumb is that I have to be able to fit a bag over my shoulder easily while wearing a big winter coat unless it is a summer only bag.

I find really long straps kind of bothersome, actually, especially when the bag is heavy because then it bumps against my butt and hips! (I don't know, maybe this a short-waisted pear specific problem though...) Similarly, most cross body styles don't work for me because the ones that hold enough are too big and bulky for me to comfortably carry across my narrow-ish back and shoulders. Although I did use to have a fab black nylon messenger that was the perfect size (it was a Kenneth cole copy of the iconic prada black nylon messenger) - I've been trying for ages to find another one like it.

I do get shoulder pain though from all the heavy bags... to be honest, the only thing that is ergonomically friendly is going to be a backpack, which are in generally not very stylish. I've been looking for ages for a convertible leather backpack, actually, but have yet to find a nice one.

ETA: Forgot to mention that I have a walking/bus commute and do not drive, so that definitely influences my choice of bag and desire to have hands free. I have a LOT of handbag requirements...

shipskitty

Veteran

Hands-down I prefer a cross-body bag BUT it has to be a smallish one - say half the size of your average shoulder bag to be practical. Otherwise they just feel too big.

Now I'm a MOTG though that doesn't work for me unless I'm on a rare trip out without my little guy because I can't fit in the bonus MOTG extras (nappies, wipes, toys, snacks, drinks) into a bag that size.

For MOTG I use a nappy bag that can be a large slouchy shoulder bag or put on the pram with a strap and now he's a little older and I don't have to carry so many things I'm thinking of replacing it with a shoulder bag (need two hands free with a little one) of some kind - maybe with a longer strap. But I'm kind of undecided.

For work though I've recently moved to a more structured hand-carried tote-style where before I'd always had a shoulder bag or a satchel with a shoulder strap and that is really working for me much better for some reason I haven't yet identified.

Mochi

Veteran

I have sloping shoulders too! Thanks--I suspect everyone will have quite a different experience. For the record, if I didn't care about style I would be sporting a backpack all the time (I can hear Ines in the background chiding me on how much a style failure I am). I've never owned a crossbody bag yet (am interested) but apart from that possibly being problem-free, any other type of bag besides a backpack is going to create some sort of inbalance in my alignment--I think I'm really sensitive there. So it's a case of the lesser evil, I guess.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Right there with you, Mochi, in the bag challenged department.

Ines is rolling her eyes at me, too.

I cannot manage wrist bags, either. Cross bodies seem to be too small (and I have the hip bumping thing going on, too.) Urgh....

Mochi

Veteran

Yeah, with the crossbodies it seems either way it's a bad deal--can't handle your stuff, or they're too big and bulky to comfortably wear across your middle. Of course I haven't personally tried one yet.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

The bag I had for the loooongest time was Nine West convertible from shoulder bag to backpack by unzipping the twinned strap. Genius. I still have it and will likely use it again when working back in restaurants. The smell of food and grease permeated everything, including your coats and bags, so the fact that it is nylon and washable makes it perfect for that environment. And traveling. I have also gotten a leather backpack/purse convertible before, but it was too small for everyday use.
Right now I'm thrilled with my Fossil Sutter small crossbody. I would find it annoying to have to hold my bag in my hand or crook of my arm.

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

I have neck/back problems so I had to give up heavy shoulder bags instead looking for something very lightweight and preferably crossbody. I have several bags that are satchels BUT has a strap that is long enough to wear crossbody. so far that has been my favorite style of handbag because I walk to work so I can wear it across my body when I am walking and carry it in my hand if I'm going to lunch or something. Unfortunately, it has to be medium sized at the most because large handbags worn this way just looks ridiculous not to mention too heavy.
Mochi, unfortunately, no matter how much you love the bag, if you don't like bags that you have to carry in your hand, it will just ends up collecting dust in the closet. I have been there:(
My current favorite bags are Calvin Klein shoulder leather bag that has crossbody strap and Longchamp tote which by far gets the most wear-its lightweight(weighs nothing empty)and looks good with most outfits

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Mochi, my Sutter carries quite a bit! I've got pics down thread here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....n-your-bag

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Um...it doesn't really matter that much to me. I see a handbag i like, i buy the handbag (within reason) no matter what the straps do. I don't have a problem holding it in my hand, my arm, shoulder what have you. I DID enjoy my cross body bag a lot this past summer though.

ETA: i think you could find a crossbody that could still handle all your stuff. I tend to carry a lot with me but i didn't have any trouble fitting it all into mine.

Mochi

Veteran

Nice bag, Mo!

I was being a bit hyperbolic--I know there are reasonable crossbody bags out there. I think I need to find one. And like Victoria said, I would like a bag with handles AND the long strap. I see them all the time now....it's just frustrating that I felt such a visceral attraction to this bag, which likely will not make me happy in the end. (The Bad Boy of handbags?)

Louise

Veteran

I prefer a shoulder or cross body bag. I just can't get on with hand held bags or ones carried in the crook of my arm. I am currently sporting a 'healthy back bag' in the most wonderful shade of red, it goes over my shoulder or cross body resting on my back x

krishnidoux

Veteran

Any bag HAS to be wearable hands free.

Mochi, it is an interesting topic.

I once inherited a coat from my grandmother, it was a coat made in the old days and it had this strange particularity: a little hook (very small, barely noticeable, but solid) had been placed on the shoulder to keep your purse from slouching down the shoulder. It was the most useful feature, what a difference it made. Because I didn't need to squeeze my purse under my arm with my elbow, I had free use of my arm and also less tension in that shoulder.

I wish they would make them like that today.

I need the handles to be wide enough for my arm and its coverage (i.e. winter coat sleeve) to fit through it easily. I tend to squeeze my purse under my arm, towards the front of me, a habit from living in places where you should watch out for your bag. I am trying to loose this attitude. I find cross-shoulder purses a bit more comfortable but mostly because they tend to be smaller and lighter.

I am trying very hard to carry the least weight possible as I enjoy walking so much, but not when one side of my body is pulled down under uncomfortable weight. Being petite, I have had my share of ill fitting bags that were too big, hanging too low on my hips and bouncing against my bottom, or, in some cases, against my thigh (yikes). It is much better for me at the waist or higher. Both in how it looks and how it feels. If my arm cannot fall back down comfortably with the purse at that height, then the purse is too big. And if the bag feels somewhat heavy when empty, then it is also a problem. That is why I must try the bags before buying them.

Last winter (I am talking heavy duty layers and coats required) I resorted to carrying a super lightweight small backpack like this one:
http://www.directluggage.co.uk.....-0050.html
I found this method more useful when I had to walk distances and carry odd items.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I, too, had to pass up a handbag a really like because it can't be carried as a crossbody. I feel your pain!

Jewell

Veteran

I have about five handbags in rotation at the moment (summer bags are riding the bench), and I have to say that my shoulder bag is the least comfortable of them all. It is the only one I find myself growing tired of carrying when out and about, but due to its size there's really no other practical way to carry it. I also hate that the particular one I have is so big and deep that I have to take it off whenever I want to take something out of it.

I have two satchels so small that they must be carried in hand or the crook of my elbow, but I manage by carrying fewer things on those days. My absolute favorites are the ones that have straps long enough to throw over my shoulder if I want to but short enough to carry in hand or in the crook of my elbow. These are also the easiest bags for me to get in and out of without a lot of shuffling. I don't have a crossbody, but I am currently on the prowl for the perfect one in navy.

Mochi

Veteran

Shamelessly bumping so Angie will see this

Diana

Veteran

Ooh, Krish, your grandmother's coat reminded me that my leather moto jacket has a sort of epaulette type thing on the shoulder that snaps onto itself to form a loop. It's always annoyed me that my heavy bag will pull the snap open when I carry it on my shoulder, but maybe I should just snap the bag INTO the loop!

Mochi, I'm sure my shoulder/back alignment is terrible ... I can ONLY carry my bag on my right shoulder because whenever I put it on the left shoulder, I feel like I'm going to tip over! And of course the fact that I always carry the bag on the right shoulder only makes the alignment worse, I'm sure.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm here!

Mochi, I haven't read the comments, but how you carry a handbag is a totally personal thing. My clients prefer different methods for sure.

Personally, I can't bear shoulder bags and find them uncomfy - that being said, I have one LAMB shoulder bag that I can carry relatively comfortably (see Xmas post). And I have a clutch with a very short strap that works (see Holiday outfit post). I prefer to carry my bags by their short handles or on the crook of my arm. I have a few crossbodys too.

My bags are light and I don't keep a lot in them either. I cannot handle having a weight on my shoulders.

Soooooo, yes I do what's comfy for me and all my wrist problems, but people differ in their preferences.

Does that help?

Mochi

Veteran

Of course it helps, Angie! Thank you. But it's amazing (maybe it shouldn't be) to see how even with a comfort issue you'd think would be universal, the opinion varies so much.

Anonymous

After years of favoring shoulder bags (not large or very heavy) I found my shoulders dented and aching. Now a crossbody is the most comfortable hands-free option. I get a medium size and adjust it high enough to not be bumping the hip as I stride but low enough to reach into easily. A short-handled bag at the crook of the elbow is also quite easy to use if kept light.

marianna

Veteran

Shoulder bags never stay on my shoulders... they slide right off. I occasionally carry a handbag by its small handles or in the crook of my arm, but this gets tiresome after a few hours as I tend to carry a lot of stuff. A cross-body is most comfortable for me these days, even though it looks more casual. It's hard to find one that strikes the right note of stylish yet functional, but they are out there!