What Is A Hobo Bag?
Some time after the Civil War and peaking during the Great Depression, migrant workers began hopping freight trains to travel for free in search of work elsewhere. Called "hobos", these individuals often bundled their belongings in a sack tied around a stick. In 1936, the first marketed hobo bag was called the Gilda and retailed for thirty-five cents. The style of a pliable material bag that has an expandable body became popular again with the hippie movement. As is typical, useful items move up or down in styling and price to fit varying lifestyles and budget. Today, leather hobo bags from most brands tend to be large, shoulder bags shaped like a crescent.
Why Do You Need A Hobo Bag?
If you want a bag that can be worn over the shoulder, has a long strap, fits everything except the kitchen sink, but has a slouchier form than the more rectangular tote, then the hobo is a great option. The crescent shape vibes well with either a casual or formal setting. Based on the volume of items being carried, the silhouette flexes up or down. Our smallest hobo is the medium-sized Gia which has an outside zipper pocket, an inside back zippered wall pocket and 2 front-wall inside pockets. Go up in size with the Luna fringe hobo bag. The main closure has a hook, and this bag comes with a removable crossbody strap.
Given its humble beginnings, there's something in-congruent with the most famous brands pricing their hobos north of $1,000. Notwithstanding the controversy, so much of the fashion style we see today stems from work necessities from years ago. Jeans were invented by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis to supply gold rush workers with durable pants that could withstand the rigors of hard labor during the Gold Rush. One of the earliest commercial totes was used to lug around ice for boaters.
In her hit single "Bag Lady", Erykah Badu quips "you can't hurry up, because you've got too much stuff." She later advises "so...pack light." The great thing about the hobo handbag is its versatility. If you need to stuff in a change of clothes, it can expand. When you want to travel lighter, its formlessness collapses on itself.
Either way, for the fullest range of hobos offered by Bolsa Nova, use the search function to be wowed by the array of sizes, styles, colors, and embellishments. For more potential combinations, add a removable strap (or two) to your order. Remember, to have your bag last for years, apply leather conditioner once a year. For the girl that already has everything, consider gifting a hook to keep her bag off the floor next time she's in a restaurant. We offer free shipping on orders over $50. Money back guaranteed on any item returned within 30 days and items in original condition.
