22 Bags That Prove The Hobo Bag’s Comeback is Real

The Row may not be the largest or most powerful handbag brand in the world, but when the Olsen Twin-helmed company sets its sites on a particular type of bag, it’s worth taking notice, even if you don’t think it has any chance of becoming a full-blown trend. People scoffed when The Row chose a backpack to be the most expensive and highly publicized piece in its debut collection, but within a few seasons, every brand was making a fancy backpack. The brand was also early on the saddle bag trend and now its designers have proved prescient again, this time with the return of the hobo.

I posited that the hobo might be making a (welcome, to me) comeback several months ago, and as more pre-fall and fall bags arrive at online retailers great and small, it looks like the hobo may indeed be how the industry moves on from the bucket and saddle bags we’ve seen for the past several seasons.

Although some people think of hobo bags as bottomless pits, picking the right one will get you a roomy, functional, casual bag that’s comfortable to carry and easy to access. Because hobos are slouchy and collapse in on themselves a bit, it’s less necessary to fumble with flaps, ties or zippers than it is on most bags, and they’re generally lightweight and easy to keep on your arm. This time around, the designs are generally minimalist and neutral, which can make them a great office option if you don’t have to carry a laptop or simple prefer a discreet option. Check out some of the best below.