School bag: more than a century of history!

‍The schoolbag is the main accessory of the schoolboy. It makes it easy to transport school supplies from home to school and vice versa. Practical, it has become aesthetic over the years. Today, more than a functional bag, it reflects the tastes of children and participates in their look. But, do you know the history of this essential baggage of playgrounds? Discover in this article its origin, its evolution and some tips to choose the one that will faithfully accompany your child on the benches of the school!

The history of the schoolbag

What is a school bag?

In the 1900s, the dictionary gave the following definition of the word school bag: "leather bag for schoolchildren". This luggage is then used to store and transport school materials. It usually has several compartments to organize textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other supplies. It is usually made of a strong material, such as canvas or nylon, and has straps to carry it on the shoulder or by the handles. School luggage is often decorated with the logo or colors of a license.

School bags come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes to suit different ages and needs. They range from simple drawstring bags to more structured backpacks.

Where does the word schoolbag come from?

The word satchel is used for the first time in the early 20th century.^e century. Etymologically, it comes from the Latin "charta" which means "paper". This schoolboy baggage is therefore defined as a paper container. Its function: to carry leaves, a slate, a kit or a pen tray and any other school accessory essential to young learners.

How has schoolboy baggage evolved over time?

The schoolbag has been accompanying schoolchildren around the world for more than a century. Initially made of wood, it is used to transport school materials and children's meals. Thanks to its rigid structure, the briefcase acts as a desk (and sometimes a sled!). For girls, the schoolbag looks like wicker baskets.

The first school bags adopted a musette shape. They are often made by parents or by a village craftsman. Worn slung over their shoulders, they leave their hands free to children.

The interwar period saw the development of the boiled cardboard schoolbag. A durable and inexpensive bag that waxes and cleans easily. Then the school accessory is lighter by adopting a textile material. In canvas or leather, it comes in different shapes. The rectangular jacket also called messenger bag and the backpack are essential. The latter is then enriched by two passers-by who allow to hang the luggage on the shoulders.

In a century, the schoolbag has evolved a lot. In the past, school bags were bulky, made of heavy and unprotective materials, and had few pockets. Today, school luggage is designed with lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester, and often has many compartments to organize supplies.

In addition, school bags have become more trendy. From simple designs to bold prints, there are now school bags to suit all styles and personalities.

The functionality and aesthetics of the school bag

The different types of binders

Today there are many types of school bags. All solicited, they carry out their primary function which is to transport school materials from home to school while participating in the children's style of dress. Here are some popular forms of today's schoolbag...

The backpack

Unavoidable, it appeals to all ages. From kindergarten to college, he clings to the backs of learners. They offer, thanks to their vertical shape, a beautiful storage space for school supplies.

The messenger bag, also called shoulder bag

Rectangular in shape wider than it is high, it offers one or two compartments perfect for carrying textbooks and other supplies. Many models are equipped with an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit on the child's shoulder.

The school bag with wheels

Inspired by the suitcase with wheels, the trolley is the latest school bag. Equipped with two (or four) wheels and a telescopic handle, it is towed lightly. This mode of travel preserves children's backs by avoiding carrying school supplies by hand or on their shoulders.

The tote bag

Probably the favorite of high school girls! Higher than wide, it has established itself as a school bag in recent years. Good size, it can carry sorters, binders or notebooks of A4 format and a kit. Made of canvas or polyester, it has one or two compartments to organize supplies.

The laptop bag

The school of the future is gradually taking hold. Tablets and other digital devices are slowly taking their place in school bags. These new supplies are fragile, it is necessary to choose the luggage that will ensure their protection. The bag, made of waterproof polyester, has perfect padded compartments.

Ever more attractive school bag designs

The very first school bags were functional. From the interwar period, they became real advertising media. The major brands of biscuits or chocolate (such as Petit Lu or Poulain to name a few...) expose their image. This phenomenon increased towards the end of the 70s to experience a boom in the 80s. From now on, the schoolbag is a branded object, a real fashion object. More and more colorful, it displays a choice of logo, a movie character, a cartoon hero, etc. The license binder, as practical as it is aesthetic, invades playgrounds.

Memories, memories...

The Tann's satchel has made its revolution in the 70s. With his famous advertising slogan "t'as ton tann's", the school porter hits hard. The rectangular leather crust bag is recognizable among thousands. On his flap, he has an ideal name tag to identify the owner of the school bag in the blink of an eye! Every child dreams of a Tann's strap bag!

The first license binders

Next to it, there are school bags with the effigy of Goldorak, Maya the bee, Captain Flame, not to mention Casimir, Heidi or Rémi without family! Very colorful, they display children's favorite fictional characters on their flap.

Questions about the choice of educational background...

How to choose the right school bag?

This is the question that all parents ask themselves! Indeed Find the perfect binder For your schoolchild can be a daunting task. We present four criteria to take into account so that you do not make a mistake when buying your child's next school bag.

Size

It is mainly defined according to the age and morphology of your child. Recommendation: The width of the schoolbag should not exceed the width of the student's shoulders. Of course, you will also have to take into account the list of school supplies requested by teachers. Do not choose a 30 cm schoolbag if your kindergarten child has to carry a notebook of dimensions 24 cm x 32 cm!

Comfort

Since the school bag is worn daily, it is preferable that it is comfortable to wear. Regardless of the model chosen, make sure of the functionality of the storage space and the care taken in the development of the shoulder straps, handles and back panel: reinforcement and padding.

Sustainability

Opt for a school bag made of strong materials. Polyester is one of the most effective materials for making school bags. This textile is lightweight, robust and waterproof. It is undoubtedly the most suitable material to suffer the daily abuse of young children towards their schoolbag. Its resistance to daily wear and tear is without appeal.

Style

In the past, the schoolbag was unique. No choice, all the children had the same. Today, these luggage enjoy many models. Each schoolchild benefits from a wide choice... For girls or boys, with the effigy of a Disney princess or a fictional hero, with the logo of a brand or a sports club: the schoolbag imposes its style!

Why use a schoolbag?

The schoolbag has become an indispensable accessory in the school world. Students and teachers can no longer do without it. Thanks to him, school supplies travel seamlessly from home to the classroom. The use of this faithful companion has many advantages.

• Convenience: The school bag is a convenient way to carry school equipment between home and school. It also helps keep supplies organized and easily accessible.
• Comfortable: Thanks to its thoughtful shape, the binder distributes the weight of your supplies evenly. By hand or on the shoulders, it is pleasant to carry.
• Versatile: The school bag comes in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes to meet different needs. From kindergarten to the professional world, he accompanies everyone in their daily activities.

The schoolbag has evolved a lot over the course of the century. Originally rigid, it is now more flexible, but oh so resistant. It carries notebooks, binders and kits as well as digital tablets for modern students. It has imposed itself on all the actors of the school world, students and teachers. A large population even continues to support it after their apprenticeships. There is no doubt that he still has a bright future ahead of him!

If you are looking for a bag with a classic design or a bold piece, the schoolbag is probably the ideal accessory. It's time to consult the different models available on our online store! 

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