We all know that bags are one of the most essential items everyone should own, especially for women. They are not only fashionable accessories but also a necessity because dresses and women’s pants can barely hold things. And generally, women carry more items than a man.
Most are unhappy with owning just a single bag – we need variety. But there are sometimes budget or storage constraints that cause them to limit their bag purchases. Also, some are minimalists or against consumerism. These people will benefit most from a convertible bag.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a bag that’s professional enough for work, casual enough for everyday wear, matches with most of your outfits, and is comfortable to bring anywhere? Whether you’re going to work, commuting, shopping, traveling, or just going around town, a convertible bag is needed to prepare you for any scenario.
Get to know convertible bags and why people choose them.
What is a Convertible Purse?
In today’s technology-obsessed, busy world, multi-functional items save your time, energy, and money. We prefer a phone that does not just call, but also doubles as a browser, a GPS, and a camera. A touchscreen laptop that doubles as a tablet. And in this case, a purse that turns into a backpack.
A convertible purse is a multi-style bag that can function as a shoulder bag, a tote bag, a backpack, or a crossbody bag with a few simple adjustments. Say you’re carrying a backpack one day but want a handbag to take with you when you meet your friends for a drink that night. All you need to do is remove a couple of straps and have a handbag.
Benefits of a Convertible Bag
A purse that converts itself to another form or way of wearing is a great bag. Here are the ways it can benefit you:
1. It transforms itself into another form of a bag
Convertible bags are almost everywhere for a good reason – it transforms. Here are the types of bags that it can transform into:
Traditional handbag: The base of a perfect convertible bag is a classic handbag style. A traditional handbag is carried by the hand or tucked in the crease of your elbow. It doesn’t matter if there are one or two handles – it will depend on the style of the bag.
Crossbody bag: if you want hands-free carrying, most convertible bags come with a long strap that crosses from shoulder to hips. Crossbody bags are convenient for commuting and everyday functions.
Shoulder bag: Adjust the crossbody strap to make it a little shorter, and you’ve got a shoulder bag wherein the bag sits on the hips. But you can also find convertible bags that come with two dedicated shoulder straps.
Backpack: Some convertible bags come with two straps to transform the bag into a load that you can carry on your shoulders.
Fanny pack: Some small convertible bags can be worn as fanny packs if it has hardware for straps on both sides of the bag. You need to shorten the adjustable strap so you can wear it over one shoulder and make the bag sit on your tummy area. Some small bags’ configurations can make it suitable for wearing as a belt bag, too.
Wristlet clutch: Small convertible bags can come with a wrist strap or allow all the straps to be detached so they can be used as clutch bags.
Note that not all convertible bags can transform into the bags mentioned above. Some convertible bags are 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 bags.
2. It’s practical and versatile
If you’re busy moving from one thing to another, you may not have time to change bags. You can benefit from a convertible bag that can get you covered when you go to work, go to lunch meetings, gym workouts, a date night, or have happy hour with friends.
You can find stylish, versatile options that can be used in different ways. Generally, convertible bags come with extra straps so that you can wear them differently. Some can be expanded or shrunk on demand. Some come with flaps that can change. With a convertible bag, you don’t have to own several bags to get you through your days.
3. It offers value for money
If you’re a frugal and minimalistic person, this is the bag for you! A high-quality convertible bag with a practical design will guarantee a bag that will last longer and age well. Choosing a convertible bag means you won’t need to buy separate packs for different purposes. After all, it’s wasteful to have different bags that would only collect dust in your closet anyway.
4. It saves you time
various pockets, zippers, and compartments. This way, you have a specific place to look for a certain item you need to use instead of rummaging through your whole bag to find a single thing. It saves you time when you need it.
Having a bag serving multiple functions can also save time getting ready before you leave the house. Imagine this scenario: you’re commuting to work when you realize you left your wallet in the bag you were carrying yesterday. You’ve got two options: turn around and go back home to get the wallet or head into the office, risking having to borrow cash from your colleague so you can buy lunch. If you use a convertible purse, you don’t have to worry about forgetting your wallet in another bag since your purse can double your work bag.
5. It’s sustainable
With the rise of eco-friendly fashion, the focus is less on how expansive your wardrobe is and more on creating great looks with limited pieces. It allows you to be more creative and get more use out of the clothes, bags, and shoes you already own. A convertible bag can fit into this idea nicely.
Most people own stuff that is slightly used or don’t use anymore – it just sits in storage until it deteriorates, and they tend to toss it in the trash. It often happens with bags and shoes that remain unused until the faux leather material gives away. Things like these will only end up filling our landfills.
However, if you use a convertible bag made of genuine leather, you can make the most out of it. Besides the fact that you can use it differently, leather is a natural material that biodegrades, making it a better option for the environment than synthetic materials. But even if you use faux leather with synthetic materials, a convertible bag allows you to use it more often than your other bags, so you can maximize its worth before it becomes unusable due to wear and tear.
6. It has plenty of compartments and expandable areas
Designers of convertible bags know that you’ll use their bags for more than one occasion. Therefore, they tend to make designs that offer more room in the bag or make several compartments for your belongings.
7. It allows hands-free movement
While using a convertible bag, you’re allowed hands-free movement, which you need for commuting, travel, errands, and shopping. When you wear your bag as a backpack, crossbody bag, or fanny pack, your hands are free to do something else.
8. It helps you to travel light
Do you travel for vacation or a work function, like conferences? On these occasions, you may pack different bags to suit your outfits, depending on what you plan to do there. But packing for every scenario will weigh you down and take your precious energy away from having fun. Convertible purses are a perfect travel companion because it’s versatile enough to transform and fit your bag needs wherever the adventure leads you.
When you get on the plane, you can use a convertible bag as a convenient carry-on purse. And when you touch down your destination, you can turn it into a backpack as you see visit some sights. Later that day, you can reconfigure the straps to make it a shoulder bag for heading to dinner at a downtown café.
How to Choose a Suitable Convertible Bag
When looking for this type of bag, you must first consider your needs. What is your purpose for using the bag?
If your answer includes bringing to school, work, business, or travel, be mindful of the size, compartments, organizational options, and pockets so that you can carry a laptop, books, documents, and electronics with the utmost comfort. Also, look for one with adjustable functionality to transform how you prefer to wear it.
Do you carry light or heavy valuables? This will help you decide on the quality of material you should pick, and the size and functionality of the bag. For example, if you plan to carry light and small things with it, you can go for a small, leather convertible bag that can be carried as a shoulder bag, crossbody purse, a wristlet clutch, or as a small backpack with the additional extra leather strap. The leather material can make it dressy enough to use as a clutch.
What design do you prefer? Is it modern, minimalist, classy, or sporty? This will depend on your lifestyle. If you’re sporty and you’re also planning to bring the bag into the gym or any workout areas, make sure you will still be comfortable wearing it, even if you’re sweaty.