I don’t know about you, but I liked not carrying a purse around for the past few years. Since I didn’t have that many places to go, I didn’t need to carry that many things with me. I got used to my husband’s pockets, a fanny pack for my puppy’s treats, or just slipping my phone in the side pocket of my leggings and heading out the door. But now that I actually want to carry a purse around (purely for accessorizing purposes, of course), all these horrible memories of tight shoulders and awkward posture to keep a shoulder bag up are flooding back to me. All the times I had to readjust a fallen strap while trying not to fall into someone on the 4,5 or getting pinched nerves from loading too much into a chain strap crossbody. So now that oversized hobo bags just asking to be overfilled are back in and micro bags that literally can’t fit anything are still going strong, I wanted to do a little research on what makes the perfectly ergonomic handbag, and which ones to buy this season.

A few tips to keep in mind when finding a comfortable handbag:

1. It’s best not to carry more than 10% of your bodyweight

Anything more and you should really use a backpack. That means no tote bags for carrying your laptop, your water bottle, training shoes, wallet and whatever else we take with us to commute.

2. Crossbody bags and shoulder bags are best for everyday use 

For shoulder bags, there are three ways to best carry them: over your shoulder and tucked under your arm, on your forearm or in the crook of your elbow, or held in your hand. When worn over the shoulder, your bag should fall as close to your center of gravity as possible, meaning at your navel, and should automatically find the sweet spot between your side and arm. If your bag is on your forearm, it should sit right at your waist. 

3. The shape that fits your body naturally is a flat, kidney-shaped bag

A wide purse, like a bucket or hobo bag, will force your arm to stick out over it vs. staying comfortably at your side to maintain good posture. Keeping the weight towards the back of your purse and in the front pockets will prevent you from leaning forward, which can also throw off your posture. Yes, I just said getting a Dior Saddle Bag is good for your health.

4. Lighter, flatter fabrics are best, like buttery soft leather or nylon 

Fabric choice will help keep the weight that you’re carrying down and make it easier to hold your arm comfortably by your side compared to a bulky or poofy fabric, like stiff leather or quilting. One more reason to justify my disdain for the MZ Wallace tote.

5. Opt for lots of small compartments over one large compartment

You want your stuff to be easily accessible so you aren’t twisting your torso to dig for something. Lots of small compartments will help keep things from shifting around and keep the weight evenly distributed. This is, in part, why my Saint Laurent Sunset in pebble gray is the third love of my life.

6. Shorter and wider straps are always better than thin or chain straps

Otherwise they can slip and fall, causing you to shrug your shoulders to keep it up or will dig into your skin and muscles causing tightness and pinched nerves.

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