Fuck You. It’s not a purse. It’s not a murse. It’s necessary.
Traveling? Going about the city? Ditch the backpack, you’re not Kanye West. Ditch the messenger bag, you’re not on a bike weaving through traffic delivering packages.
The Weekender Bag, or known as a Holdall in the UK or more commonly referred to as the Duffle Bag.
No… not those big ugly canvas military bags or giant bags you see tourists carrying. A nice simple canvas or leather one will do.
Perfect for those getaway trips, travelling about, going to the gym or heading to your 4:30 to Paris…in style.
They can carry your two favorite pairs of shoes, flip flops, dopp kit, colognes, spare change of clothes, your passport and your loose pence/euros.
There’s many types, but what should you look for in the right one?
1) It’s got to have handles. A shoulder strap would be a plus!
2) Durable. Make sure it’s made of a hardy material or at least a material that can age well. This bags going to be thrown everywhere. You’re going to be abusing this thing.
3) Lined. Make sure your bag is properly lined, it needs to be just as durable on the inside as it is outside. A patterned print lining adds extra flare and contrast!
4) Taps. Its a bonus if your bag has plastic or metal taps/studs on its bottom; that way theres less friction/damage to the bag itself.
5) Color. This all depends on your style. I reccomend a natural leather color such as tan or beige. Black does well. Avoid white if you like your apparel looking pristine.
6) Weight. Get a light bag, you’ll be carrying this thing around everywhere. Don’t get a heavy one.
6) Size. Make sure the size is right to your body/height. Don’t get a tiny one that ends up looking like a purse, and don’t get a big one that makes you look like you’re ready to clear out a bodega.
7) Pockets. It’s nice to have pockets/compartments in your bag to organize your clutter and place smaller objects in. don’t over do it, one to two zipper pockets along the inside walls should do, and a pocket or two on the outside would be nice as well.
Where do you find one?
Department stores have name brand ones, carrying a hefty price. Normally they’re branded with logos, have emblems and trademark prints all over. Whatever floats your boat; I prefer a simple/classic approach. It’s all about versatility, how many outfits can you wear with a bag with rainbow-colored LV’s plastered all over it?
Flea markets, street fairs and second-hand shops. Decent priced, most of the time they’re already worn and aged. Saves you 10 years of traveling, walk out that store looking like you’re on break for your layover to LAX.
Family, alot of people luck out finding a nice one in the attic or a relative that has one. Once again, goes to age. These bags the older they get, the classier they look.
Here’s a few:
Urban Outfitters Deerfield Weekender – $42 US
Cutter & Buck® Amer. Classic Weekender Duffel – $179.80 US
Graham & Green Leather Holdall – £137.50 (~$275 US)
Graham & Green Moroccan Leather Holdall – £189.00 (~$378 US)
