Our Leather Messenger Bags
Functional and fashionable, messenger bags are a highly popular accessory, used by executives, cyclists, commuters, and students, as well fashionistas wanting to make a personal statement. They’ve been around since ancient times, when they served to carry messages and goods by foot couriers. Here in the U.S., they were first used in the 1800’s by the Pony Express to deliver mail.
Designed with a shoulder strap that is worn across the body while riding a horse or bicycle, messenger bags were designed for utility and comfort. In the modern world, they often have a padded laptop compartment. Their many convenient features include an adjustable or removable shoulder strap, quick-release buckles, pocket, and lots of room for accessories.
At Parker Clay, in addition to our collection of shoulder bags, laptop sleeves, totes and overnight bags, we have designed the most beautiful, functional and durable leather messenger bags and crossbody bags for men and women.
The messenger is the perfect bag for your commute, easy to carry and with compartments for your laptop, wallet, mobile phone, and business cards. Like the crossbody bag, the messenger bag is worn across the body, allowing you to keep your possessions close at hand, with easy access. It is often a larger size than a crossbody, with enough room for practically everything you need.
Our Parker Clay collection offers stunning crossbody and messenger bags in different sizes, colors, and styles. Uniting them all is superb craftsmanship, full grain Ethiopian leather, and adjustable straps that allow you to customize their fit for ultimate comfort.
The Austin Messenger Bag
The Austin Messenger Bag, one of our most popular leather bags, is the perfect size for the professional or student who likes to travel light. It fits up to a 16” laptop in its main compartment, with an additional front pocket and slip pockets to hold items such as a cell phone or wallet. Its adjustable crossbody strap allows for hands-free carrying, and an easy button closure for extra security ensures your items stay safe and protected.
This large leather messenger bag also features a front flap with closure button, a back exterior pocket, and 2 front pockets. It is available in brown, dark brown and black.
The Parker Briefcase
Our Parker Briefcase is a blend of sophistication and function, made with premium bull hide leather for strength and structure, and Ethiopian highland sheepskin for a softness that can't be matched.
The Parker bag features a sleek design and a surprising amount of interior space. With a front flap with clasp closure, an adjustable crossbody strap, a back exterior pocket, front zippered pocket storage and interior pockets with enough room for a phone, charger, and cards, this quintessential messenger bag proves that we thought of everything when we designed it. It is available in brown, dark brown and black.
The Ultimate Leather Bag for Versatility and Functionality
Today’s messenger bags are modeled on a sturdy shoulder bag designed in the 1950’s by the De Martini Globe Canvas company for telephone linemen to have easy access their tools while hanging off telephone poles. They were made from heavy duty cotton canvas, had a waterproof lining, and featured two closure straps and a small inside pocket.
Design changes were made over the years, including the use of nylon instead of canvas, and adding binding, buckles and reflective stripes. This version is still produced today.
The modern messenger bag has the same basic design: a rectangular bag with a long strap to be worn either across the body or over the shoulder. It is made from a wide variety of materials, with leather being the most popular, as well as the most durable and water resistant. It is prized for its versatility and functionality. More casual than a traditional briefcase, but more professional and formal than a backpack, this chic leather accessory is perfect for any environment.
The Convenience of Messenger Bags
Our messenger bags offer a padded compartment that is made from foam thick enough to absorb shock if the bag gets bumped or dropped. They feature an adjustable shoulder strap for comfort and a zipper closure for security.
Leather messenger bags are more professional-looking than laptop bags and backpacks, but more casual than a briefcase. Unlike backpacks, these leather bags are designed for easy access because you don't have to take it off your back to get to your belongings. They are also more secure, because you can keep your items close to your body.
The Advantages of Full Grain Leather
The best leather messenger bags are made from full grain leather, an excellent choice because of its durability, elegance and timeless appeal. Genuine leather messenger bags last for years, develop a patina and become more beautiful over time, making a strong fashion statement with their timeless beauty and appealing look and feel.
At Parker Clay, we use only the finest full grain, aniline-dyed leather for our leather bags, ethically sourced at local ranches. They are produced at our own factory in Addis Ababa, expertly crafted in the time-honored tradition of Ethiopian leather-making.