Is it rude for a woman to wear a backpack with a suit? Here are some cases where it is not a breach of etiquette.

When you look at people on the street, you often see women wearing backpacks with their suits. However, you may be concerned about whether this is a breach of etiquette in a business setting.

In conclusion, it is not necessarily bad manners for a woman to wear a backpack with a suit. Backpacks are originally a casual tool, but with the increase in remote work, there are more opportunities to carry a computer, and backpacks have become acceptable.

However, there are also negative opinions, so it is important to know how to avoid violating etiquette. Here, we will explain the etiquette that women should be aware of when matching a backpack with a suit.

Is it rude for a woman to wear a backpack with a suit?

There are both proponents and opponents of women wearing backpacks with suits. Let's start by looking at each of these opinions to see what the issues are.

Opinions of the naysayers

Backpacks were originally developed as tools for mountain climbing. Since they were meant to be used only when climbing mountains, they were not meant to be worn with a suit. For this reason, some people believe that backpacks are inappropriate for business settings, where time, place, and occasion are important.

In companies that value tradition and formality, there are probably some that do not allow backpacks. Even if the company is OK with it, some superiors and business partners may not be happy with it because they consider it to be "rude."

Positive opinions

Those in favor of backpacks point out that they are convenient because they leave both hands free. In fact, most people now use smartphones, so "business" backpacks that leave both hands free and can neatly store computers and documents are highly valued.

Also, while in the past most backpacks were casual ones used for mountain climbing, recently many backpacks for business use have appeared, and some say that as long as you choose an appropriate backpack, it is not bad manners.

Women can also wear backpacks with suits!

Most women who work in suits use formal-looking bags, such as tote bags that can hold A4 documents or leather bags.

However, especially among the younger generation, the idea that wearing a backpack with a suit is not bad manners is spreading, and backpacks are becoming recognized as a common business item. This is not just for men, but for women as well.

However, if you choose the wrong backpack or use it incorrectly, it may be considered bad manners even in cases where it would be acceptable. When wearing a suit and carrying a backpack, be mindful of the time, place, and occasion.

Etiquette when using a backpack at work

Although times have changed and it has become acceptable to wear a backpack with a suit, the important thing is how you use it. This is true regardless of gender. Here we will introduce the manners you should be aware of when using a backpack at work.

Use it so as not to disturb others around you

Since a backpack is something you carry on your back, it is important to use it in a way that does not get in the way of those around you.

For example, when commuting or traveling by train, backpacks take up space and may hit other people. If there are many passengers on the train, be considerate of those around you by taking your backpack off your back and bringing it to the front.

Refrain from using the service depending on the destination

When visiting another company, it is important to choose a bag that suits the person's situation and values.
If you have built a relationship of trust with a business partner, it is often not considered rude to show up to a meeting with a backpack.

However, depending on the person, carrying a backpack may give the impression of being "too casual," so if you are visiting a company for the first time, we recommend choosing a hand-held business bag.

Make sure your luggage can be easily removed

When using a backpack for business purposes, you will be putting in documents and a computer that you need for work, but since a backpack is carried on your back, the contents tend to be bulky.

It's a good idea to organize the contents so that you can easily take out what you need in an emergency, or to use a bag designed to make it easy to take out your belongings for business purposes.

Be careful not to wrinkle your suit

Backpacks are worn on the back, so if not used properly, they can cause wrinkles in your suit. In business, a clean appearance is very important.

To avoid making a bad first impression, when using a backpack with a suit, be sure to take good care of your suit by using a wrinkle removal spray or hanging it on a hanger for a while to prevent wrinkles.

For women: How to choose a backpack that matches your suit

In fact, what type of backpack should a woman choose when wearing a suit? Here are some tips to help you choose a backpack for women to wear with a suit.

Choose synthetic leather or leather material

Backpacks are originally casual tools, so many of them are made from polyester or vinyl. However, when using them for business, it is not good to have one that is too casual.

When it comes to materials, choose ones that use synthetic leather or leather. Synthetic leather and leather give a formal impression, so they are recommended for women's business backpacks.

Choose a square shape

In addition to the material, the shape of the backpack is also important. If you use a hand-held bag or tote bag, your documents will not get scattered, but if you use a backpack, the contents may get disorganized depending on the shape.

For this reason, we recommend a square form, which allows documents to be neatly stored. Another attractive feature of the square form is that it stands upright when placed on the floor.

Choose a size that will allow you to fit your luggage comfortably.

When choosing a backpack for business use, it is important to check the size carefully.
For example, if you choose a bag based solely on its design without carefully checking its capacity, you may find that when you actually use it, it is too small to fit your documents or computer, and you end up carrying more luggage than you need.

It is important to choose a size that can hold the minimum tools you need for work and that you can feel at ease even if you end up with more documents or small items while you're out and about.

For women | Coordination examples of suits and backpacks

When choosing a bag for business use, functionality and size are important, but the impression it gives when paired with a suit is also important. Here, we will introduce business backpacks that go well with suits and give a good impression as a working professional, along with some actual coordination examples.

Suit and backpack coordination example 1

Dulles Bag, Size S, Y9S [LIGHT]

A stylish camel colored backpack coordinated with a white suit.
If you choose a bright color for your suit, choosing darker colors for your bag and accessories will give the whole look a more refined impression. Brown or camel colors are especially recommended for white or beige suits.

Black also creates a calm atmosphere, but since the tone is a little different from beige, it may look out of place. On the other hand, brown colors are closer to the color family, so they can create a tightening effect, a sense of unity, and a stylish look.

Suit and backpack coordination example 2

Dulles Bag S size Y9S [LIGHT]

This outfit combines a dark brown backpack with a beige suit. Another key point is that the backpack is not too big compared to the body.

Beige is a color that blends well with Japanese skin tones, and brown and beige are also similar in color, so when combined, they create a sense of unity in your fashion. In this case, a dark color backpack like the one in the photo will give a calm impression, while a light color like camel will make you look more fashionable and stylish.

Make sure to coordinate the colors of your backpack and suit to match the atmosphere of the company you work for or the places you will be visiting for work.

Suit and backpack coordination example 3

Dulles Bag Embossed Medium Size Lacquered Wooden Handle SET Y3MLC [CROCO]

This is a business backpack with a crocodile pattern made of synthetic leather. Since suits are often chosen in low-intensity colors such as black or navy, pairing them with a black bag can make the bag look heavy.

On the other hand, a backpack with a slight reddish hue, such as wine red, will reduce the weight while still creating a feminine and stylish look.
For those who like crocodile patterns but think that black is a bit too heavy, we recommend this crocodile pattern backpack in a feminine color. The color and design will make you stand out from the crowd.

Suit and backpack coordination example 4

Dulles Bag [LIGHT] M size Y3M

This backpack has a classic design that gives it an elegant impression. Its beautiful form has a soft feel that is unique to women, so it looks great from behind too.
It is made of lightweight and soft synthetic leather, so you can use it easily even in the rain, and it requires no maintenance so you can use it as much as you like.

Another point is that the frame opens wide, so you can easily take out your computer or documents. It can be carried in three ways: as a handbag, backpack, or shoulder bag, so it is also suitable for business situations because you can change the way you carry it depending on the situation.

Suit and backpack coordination example 5

Mini Dulles Bag XS Size Y59 [LIGHT]

This backpack comes in a calm navy color and can store your belongings compactly. In this outfit, pairing it with a light-colored suit creates a sophisticated look.

Navy is a very versatile color that can create a calm impression when combined with a black or gray suit. If you want a business bag that is not black, you can't go wrong with this color.

There are also business backpacks that are small in size, like this one. This Dulles bag is designed to securely store items you want to carry around, such as a B5-sized tablet, wallet, and plastic bottle, making it a recommended item for those who want to keep their belongings compact.

Suit and backpack coordination example 6

Embossed Dulles Bag, Limited to 10 pieces, Medium size, Y7CL [CROCO]

A black horizontal business backpack is coordinated with a gray suit. Most business backpacks are vertical, but if you want to easily put things in and take them out, it's best to choose one with as wide a gusset as possible.

If you want to be able to take out your belongings smoothly, we recommend a wide type like the one in the photo. If it is a 3-way bag that can be carried by hand, as a backpack, or on the shoulder, another feature of this type is that it does not feel like a backpack when carried by hand.
Wide-width frames can sometimes look more casual than vertical frames, but by combining them with the right color, pattern, and a suit, you can make them look more formal, as shown here.

summary

Bags used for business are becoming more diverse every day. In today's information-based world where people are increasingly carrying tablets and laptops, a backpack is worth considering for its convenience.

When using a backpack in a business setting, it is most important to pay attention to etiquette.
Be sure to find your favorite backpack while keeping in mind things like size, material, and color.