If you're a woman who commutes to work, there are some things that we all need in common.

That's my commuter bag.

A commuter bag is an important item used to carry valuables such as a smartphone, wallet, and IC cards, as well as work-related items, so it's no wonder that choosing the right bag is important when purchasing a new one.

So, this time I will be talking about how to choose a commuting bag for women, so please use it as a reference.

How to choose a commuter bag? 

Although they are all called "commuting bags," there are many different types available on the market.

 There is a wide range of bags, from those specifically for commuting to those that can be used casually on holidays, so it can be very difficult to choose. 

Shop by size

 Choosing the right size bag for your commute is very important.

 This is because some people may need to carry necessary items such as work clothes and documents.

Of course, it depends on the company, but the more documents you have, the larger a bag ( A4 size or larger) you will need, but if not, a smaller bag that you can use on an everyday basis will be fine.

However, if you use public transportation, be aware that depending on the area, there may be rush hour traffic and large bags may get in the way. 

Shop by Design

Even though it's a commuting bag, you want it to be as stylish as possible.

It depends on the person, but if the bag has an obviously cheap design, as if it was purchased solely for work use, it may affect your motivation to commute to work.

However, it is very difficult to draw the line, as blatantly branded bags can look vulgar.

When it's difficult to judge, such as when you first joined the company, it might be a good idea to look at the commuting bags used by your colleagues or senior employees to see what is and is not OK.

You'll want to choose a bag with a stylish design as long as it doesn't cause any unnecessary inconvenience to your work.

Choose by material

Commuting bags are available in a variety of materials.

For example, there are a wide variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and leather.

Naturally, the feel, appearance, and feel are all completely different, so the material you choose will vary greatly depending on what type of work bag you want to have and how you want to use it.

However, you should avoid nylon-based bags, like eco-bags, or obviously luxurious-looking all-leather materials as much as possible.

Be sure to choose a commuter bag made from materials that suit the company's atmosphere, position, and quality.

Choose by price

When it comes to commuter bags, the design and size are important, but the price is also very important.

Because anything too expensive just isn't suitable for a commuter bag.

However, I don't recommend anything that looks too cheap.

There is no set price for a commuting bag, but try to keep it within a reasonable budget, between a few thousand yen and a few tens of thousands of yen.

What should you avoid when choosing a commuter bag?

 Not just any commuter bag will do.

As with any company, you should also be aware of the characteristics that are inappropriate for a commuting bag.

A bag with a flashy design

It may seem obvious, but it's definitely not a good idea to be too conscious of fashion and choose a flashy work bag.

This is true for any company.

Work is not the place to show off your fashion sense, and more importantly, it could make other coworkers feel uncomfortable. 

You might also bump into a client on your commute.

If you work for an apparel or design company, it may be acceptable to a certain extent, but you should choose a commuter bag that doesn't stand out too much.

A bag that is clearly not suitable for working adults

There are many different types of bags available from many different brands.

However, you should never choose a sports bag like the ones students carry or an eco-bag like the ones you use to go shopping.

After all, as a working adult you should have a certain amount of common sense, so you should avoid unexpected bags that no one would choose.

Especially if you work in a suit, you should choose a neat commuting bag that matches your suit. 

Overpriced designer bags

Some people have a desire to wear famous luxury brands.

This also applies to commuting bags.

For example, it's of course great to use a coveted bag from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc. to commute to work.

However, a bag that is too expensive may not be well received by people at work, and above all, expensive items run the risk of being stolen or vandalized.

This is especially true if you work in a workplace with a large number of employees.

It would be a waste to try to show off and end up getting your precious bag dirty or lost.

What type of commuter bag should I choose?

There are several types of commuter bags, including totes, backpacks, and shoulder bags.

Each has its own characteristics, and some are more suitable for commuting than others, so be sure to know about them.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are a popular choice for commuting bags.

Tote bags come in two types: one that can be carried over one shoulder and one that can be carried by hand, and they have the advantage of making it easy to put things in and take them out.

Many tote bags are lightweight and have fewer unnecessary features, making them easy to carry.

If you want a simple, casual commuter style, we recommend a tote bag. 

Backpack

If you want to carry a lot of luggage and also want to prevent theft, we recommend a backpack.

Many backpacks can be opened and closed with a zipper, which makes them excellent for preventing theft of wallets and valuables.

Of course, a larger backpack is more convenient because you can put larger items such as a laptop or various documents in it.

However, if the backpack is too large, it will be a pain to carry on crowded public transport, and it will be too heavy, making your commute tiring.

Also, when negotiating with clients, it may be better to avoid wearing formal attire as it can come across as too casual.

Shoulder bags

Shoulder bags are just as popular as tote bags when it comes to commuter bags.

 Shoulder bags can be worn over the shoulder like a tote bag, or across the body, allowing for more fashion freedom than a tote bag.

 If you want a stylish bag for commuting, but also want something that is highly functional, a shoulder bag will solve your problem.

Is it okay to carry two bags for work?

If you have a lot of luggage to carry when commuting or want to separate things, you may consider carrying two bags.

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with carrying two bags for work.

For example, you can put your laptop in a backpack to prevent it from being damaged by vibration, and put things you need to use immediately, such as your wallet and IC cards, in a small tote bag.

If you put everything in a backpack, you will have to take it off every time you want to get your wallet or IC card out. 

Therefore, if you have a second bag that is a small tote bag that doesn't get in the way, it will be much more convenient. 

>>For tote bags for commuting, go to "iream"

summary

A commuter bag is something every working woman needs and needs.

However, there are so many types of commuting bags available that it can be hard to choose. 

First, think about what kind of work you do and what you need to carry in your commuter bag before making your selection.

 Then, compare the designs, sizes, and prices to choose a bag that will make your commute more enjoyable.