Many people choose side bags based on color or style first, and usually, size is an afterthought. But this can usually be a big mistake. A bag that looks awesome but will not hold your daily items will become useless fast!
Picking the right size will guarantee that you will have a good experience with it, and you will not have to buy another bag, so how do you know the right size for your side bag?
Start With Your Essentials
Before starting your search, take everything you carry with you every day (cell phone, wallet, and keys) and put it on your table or desk. That doesn’t require much room. However, when you add in a pair of headphones, a battery for your battery-operated devices, and your notebook, you will see that you now have a lot more room to carry your stuff.
Small Side Bags: The Bare Basics
Now that you can see how you carry each category of your daily items, you need to see if any items will fit into the category “small side bag”, which has the following items:
A “small side bag” will fit your essential items like your cell phone, slim wallet or card case, keys, and maybe a lip balm. They sit close to the body and are lightweight. So they do not get in the way.
- Best for: Short trips, quick errands, dog walks, or nights out.
- The Verdict: If you only need to carry your cell phone and wallet and nothing else during the day, a small compact side bag is all that you need.
An example of a small compact side bag for men and women is the Aoking Utility Sling Bag (XK3049-11), which is lightweight and compact for everyday use.
Medium Side Bags: The Everyday Sweet Spot
Most people make a permanent partner in life or in business here. The medium bag has enough room for your phone and wallet, as well as keys, a power bank, sunglasses case, hand sanitizer, and tissues.
- Best for: A full workday, a casual Saturday, or a day of traveling.
- Design Details: Most ladies’ side bags of this size include an internal zip pocket for makeup and another for coins, separate from the electronic section. Men’s styles typically have a cleaner appearance and are usually made with one or two large compartments.
- The Verdict: When in doubt about what size to purchase, choose medium. This will accommodate 90% of what you do each day without appearing too heavy.
The Aoking SY4003 Messenger bag is great because it has the same proportions as a side bag. Therefore, you can use it for coffee or for an entire day of activities.
Large Side Bags: Tablets and Commutes
It bridges the gap between a standard sling bag and a full backpack. You can carry all your daily items, such as a small tablet or an A5 notepad, compact coupons, or a light book, while still being able to fit everything else that goes with you each day.
- Best for: Commuting to work, university lectures, or day trips where you need extra utility.
- The Verdict: Great option for anyone needing to travel with data & documents, while not being weighed down by a traditional backpack.
The Aoking XK3045 Messenger bag is made to accommodate just that, as it has ample room and is designed in a tote style so you can fit either a tablet or compact and not have your daily items affect the overall size.
Curious how this size compares to a full-sized shoulder bag? Check out our detailed comparison of the “Smart Packing Guide for Backpack and cross body bags” article here.
Scale the Bag to Your Needs
A bag must fit your body as well as your items. If a large bag is on a small frame, it can make you look awkwardly tall when you wear it. On the other hand, a very small bag being carried by a large person will appear out of proportion. If you want to carry a side bag, make sure to adjust the straps so that it fits comfortably on your hip or lower back. Adjust the size of the side bag based on how you carry it. For more details, see the manual for messenger bags for men and women in Sri Lanka.
Ready to Find Your Match?
Choosing the correct size is the secret to a comfortable commute.
Explore the complete collection of Aoking side bags in Sri Lanka to find the small, medium, or large option that fits your lifestyle.
Apart from cross-body bags, you can also see the original Aoking backpacks, duffel bags, casual series, and school bags from the official website for Aoking products in Sri Lanka from here