What is a Hobo Bag? Discover the bag that has become a classic

The Hobo bag has become a "must-have" in recent years. Thanks to its design and size, it is often the perfect bag to complement a casual and practical look, while still being stylish and elegant. So today, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this bag that has become the favorite of the year that's just ended and is already expected to remain number one in this new year starting.

What is a Hobo Bag?

The Hobo bag is a crescent-shaped bag held by a strap at each end, which may or may not be adjustable. It is typically a large bag made of soft and flexible materials such as leather or suede, which, when worn hanging from the shoulder, tends to slump and fold over itself. This makes it the perfect accessory to add a laid-back touch to your look, making it a very popular bag for everyday use.

This style of bag is called Hobo: which means "vagabond" in English, because it resembles the bags carried by vagabonds in cartoons, where they have a crescent shape tied at both ends to the end of a stick.

Where and When Did the Hobo Bag Originate?

The word "vagabond" originated in American English and was first coined around 1890 from the term "hoe-boy," meaning 'farmhand,' or as a greeting like "Ho, boy!" The lack of work during the Great Depression of the 1930s led to a significant increase in the number of people wandering around during the day with nothing to do. Many decided to travel for free by hopping freight trains and trying their luck elsewhere. They carried their belongings in a piece of cloth that was used as a bag or sack, which inspired the shape of the modern-day hobo bag.

As the years went by, bags soon became a symbol of status and luxury, leaving behind the "vagabond" bag that was forgotten in the history of handbags. Instead, people opted for embroidered bags and ones adorned with stones that flaunted sewing skills and wealth. It wasn't until the 1960s, during the hippie movement, that hobo bags made their way back into fashion and were widely used by gypsies during the counterculture period.

The Hobo Bag, the Favorite of Recent Years

It had been a while since the hobo bag was in the spotlight. In recent decades, a sudden wave hit the fashion industry, where large bags became trendy. This marked the resurrection of the laid-back Hobo bag.

In the Spring/Summer 2017 runway show, Chanel's creative director Karl Lagerfeld introduced the Gabrielle Hobo bag. Gabrielle was not just another bag, but the launch of an entire line from Chanel. It was a design sensation, combining the looseness of a hobo-style bag with a structural bottom, resulting in a contrasting silhouette that felt fresh and exciting. To achieve this elegant contrast, the bag was fitted to a rigid thermoformed base, and the body of the bag was handcrafted from light, flexible quilted leather.

Other brands quickly jumped on the new trend. Madewell, Rebecca Minkoff, Bottega Veneta, and Marc Jacobs introduced their versions of the hobo bag. It wasn't long before celebrities around the world incorporated the new hobo bags, which were setting trends on the runways, into their looks. And that's how, by 2018, it became the favorite bag of many. After all, how many bags can make you look both casual and stylish at the same time?

Buy Hobo Bag Online at Monpiel

Hobo bags have evolved elegantly, going from a piece of cloth tied to a stick to a bag that is set to lead sales in 2024 and become the undisputed favorite. The shapes, materials, and sizes of the hobo have transcended from a basic large bag used by wanderers to carry the essentials, to sophisticated bags made from all types of fabrics, textures, and colors. Still, the black hobo bag remains number one. At Monpiel, we have designed the Life model for you, a classic leather hobo bag with a fun twist so you can wear it every day and add a sophisticated and modern touch to your look. As always, it is made from the highest quality leather to last you a lifetime.

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