70s Style and 70s Luggage | 1970s Retro Backpacks & 70s Bags

1970s Luggage Fashion | What was 70s Fashion like?

70s Fashion:
1970s Backpacks
1970s Style Bags
1970s Duffle Bags

&

1970s Messenger Bags
1970s School Bags

Why should you buy 1970s Retro Backpacks & 1970s Style Bags.
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70s Style and 70s Luggage | 1970s Retro Backpacks & 70s Bags

70s can be considered as a golden era of fashion and we can see most fashionable styles if we peek into that particular era. Generally, when it comes to fashion it is not just clothing, shoes, and accessories, which are discussed often.

Among them, men's fashion comes into the spotlight with the sophisticated items that were there at that time. Besides, 70s style bags, and 70s luggage, hold significant places in the fashion world for centuries. So at Gentcreate, we wanted to dedicated an entire series of blogs to 1970s, especially 70s Men's Fashion when it comes to luggage.

We have focused this read on these special aspects. In this blog you'll see examples of 70s style bags, read about how 1970s luggage was used, and how wearing a 70s style bag or backpack can help improve your modern style!

VINTAGE 1960S BACKPACKS & 1950S STYLE BAGS MEN'S FASHION

How the 70s Luggage Fashion Affected Modern Style

Luggage was very popular among the male society back then in the 20th century, men didn't have the luxury of riding an e-scooter slash luggage in one.

In the 1970s gentlemen relied on the comfort of having a soft handle so that when you hold a bulky 70s style bag you wouldn't have issues with your palms.

In general, luggage attained a special position in the fashion field in the 1960s. When it comes to the 1970s, they have come to quite an improved status when compared to 1960-1969 luggage. Since the classic rectangular luggage was one of the pioneering styles in the men's bag portfolio, we can still witness the vintage appearance it, and utility it still has, no matter how developed the technology of equipping yourself with luggage is in the modern world.

Luggage, the name itself suggests an image of a boxed bag with a handle which is to hold by the fingers. And yes, it will always have the look of a typical 70s vintage briefcase.

Back then men carried such luggage on very formal occasions unlike now, where it's mostly used to store camera equipment, used as computer briefcase or else.

A 70s briefcase will always have considerable space, these bags were best fit for traveling and professional work, such as photoshoots, storing filming equipment, or anything bulky as well.

These were not only pioneering 70s style bags but also in the present 70s briefcases are known as one of the hardest and most durable luggage that one can ever find.

Mainly, these were an amendment of pure leather or some hard fabric blended with canvas (waxed canvas, oiled canvas or hard-wood).

Some well-known and best types of leather that contributed to luggage making are Full Grain Leather, Buffalo Leather, Saffiano Leather, and Napa Leather.

On of the most durable leather ever made was used for 70s luggage. Thus, the longevity and the strength of 70s luggage are certain for many more decades as well.

- However, luggage has come a long way until today, evolving from time to time and still positions among the favorites of men’s styles. Since varieties of leather contribute to manufacturing, especially men’s bags, let’s have a look into each of them separately within the following topics.

VINTAGE CANVAS BACKPACK "OG" 1970s Retro Canvas Backpack by - GENTCREATE.

What is Buffalo Leather? How Buffalo Leather is produced?

Buffalo leather is one of the frontline flagship leather materials when leather is concerned stemming from Buffalo Hide.

This leather is also popular as "English Saddle Leather" Usually called by that name, these Buffalo tanned hides are utterly resistant to the elements, are usually water-resistant and very strong.

Besides, this is one of the strongest leathers in the leather family with a striking luxurious appearance. The rich and deep tones of this leather increases the demand and the varieties of colors to meet the expectations of the industry.

To produce buffalo leather, a specific chemical process takes place as well as a natural process which gives it it's premium leather look.

The time it takes to produce finished Buffalo Leather from the raw Buffalo hide depends which process is being used.

The toxic chemical method is the fastest among the two and takes a few days whereas the natural and chemical-free way takes around 28-30 days.

The outcome of this process, the high-quality Buffalo Leather fits well to bags as a lifelong material. The best part of this leather is that it gives the best color as it gets old.

- Most importantly, this leather type is a top-quality variety that is flexible yet durable, highly waterproof, and beautiful in appearance. Also, the mat appearance along with the vast color rage attracts the eye of the beholder to potentially shop for a high-quality Buffalo Leather bag which can last for a long-long time!

RETRO VINTAGE LEATHER BACKPACK "BONA FIDE" made from full grain leather - by Gentcreate.

What is Saffiano Leather? Why is Saffiano Leather popular?

Though it seems like Saffiano leather belongs to the present fashion world, it comes from decades back with a reputed position.

However, it is true that even today top-class designers prefer Saffiano leather over any other, due to the appearance and the effect it gives out. Besides, this is essentially a resource of Italy, one of the top countries in the world of fashion.

Saffiano leather is a product of high-quality calf leather made using Prada’s proprietary stamping method. It means that it is originally made by waxing the original.

Hence, it has that shiny texture. It has a cross-hatches-coated outer layer in order to make the material more resistant to sources like water, and strains.

However, in most European countries, there are Saffiano leather factories that separately make Saffiano leather items. In fact, the demand for Saffiano leather is very high.

If in any case your Saffiano leather product got stains, dyes, or inked, the first thing you can do is to follow the instructions given in the care tag of the bag. If it does not work, a gentle cleaning method such as using soap and water with a rub would clean the bag. Even if that method also does not work, take your product to an expert for an intensive cleaning method.

How to clean Leather Bags?

To maintain Saffiano leather make sure to clean in from any dirt using a wet cloth, then air out the Saffiano Leather item to make sure it doesn't soak up dampness.

How to Maintain Saffiano Leather?

In order to properly clean a leather bag, use a clean wet cloth, remove any surface debris through mild scrubbing, then take any leather wax and apply in circular motion.

VINTAGE LEATHER BACKPACK "FORTUITA" - by Gentcreate.

What is a Waxed Canvas? Is Waxed Canvas Vegan or Waterproof?

Waxed canvas is a commonly used material in the textile field in any of the products, especially for hard items like bags and jackets.

This is a material that bears a long history of application of several hundreds of years with a rising popularity since mid-1900s, especially to 20th Century Bags and 20th Century Backpacks.

Waxed canvas has been an essential part of the hard textile field because it is a highly resistant material that is natural, eco-friendly and waterproof material. These are a sort of irreplaceable material due to the fabric quality, relative inexpensiveness and characteristics the waxed canvas material possesses.

Along with the above reasons, waxed canvas is 100% vegan, and one of the most sustainable materials, created from cotton, in its raw form its called cotton canvas, later processed into waxed cotton canvas and waxed canvas.

That is another reason why people tend to buy waxed canvas products, and indeed, the elegant looks they give out are simply impressive beyond words. This fabric is easy to use, thus its being incorporated by leather manufacturers as a sewing material, it can easily be sewn into thread and bonded with recycled polyester thread & any other strong thread.

Thus, the strength and the durability of the waxed canvas are considerably high owing to their very heavy and strong surfaces as mentioned above. Also, waxed canvas hardly gets torn and patched. Yet, they easily get dirty, but are easily cleaned.

When it comes to cleaning the waxed canvas, there is no need for special requirements, but a soft rub by a cloth or a sponge or a brush would be enough.

It is highly cautionary to use dry cleaning or chemical detergents since they can damage the originality of the material. Regular cleaning and washing also fade away the glow of the material along with its texture, which in some cases looks even better!

RETRO TACTICAL MESSENGER BAG "VISIO" retro 1970s messenger bag - by Gentcreate.

What is Nappa Leather? Is Napa Leather Vegan Leather?

Nappa leather or Napa leather ( both correct ) originates from Napa Valley in California and has taken the name after the Napa valley situated in the sunshine state which birthed this pristine luxury leather.

This is quite a different type of leather that is in the fiber world since it is softer and pliable than other full-grain leather materials. There is no softer leather type than Napa leather, and it stands very much equal, and in some cases even more durable and long-lived than other full grain leathers used to manufacture bags and backpacks.

This leather has a very unique tanning process, which becomes the major reason to be softer. Besides, the creation of the Napa leather uses a sulfate to make it smooth, then water-soluble dye is added to make it more resistant to fading.

Also, this originally comes from the hide of cows, which is comparably milder in comparison with calves, lambs or goats as well. This top-quality leather is usually used for seat covers, sofa covers, generally furniture, some durable clothes, bags, and fancy shoes.

Napa leather or Nappa leather is not as usual and as available as other types of leather and can be seen in only premium quality genuine leather products.

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1970s Duffle Bags | When was the Duffle Bag invented?

Retro duffle bags have been around for a long time, per historic information, the duffle bag was created sometime during the 17th century in a small town in Belgium.

1970s Briefcases | When was the Briefcase Invented?

Followed by the classic retro duffel bag, the first prototype of the classic rectangular briefcase was created sometime during the 1850s-1860s.

1970s Backpack | When was the Backpack invented?

The classic retro backpack was first created in the year 1938 by an American inventor by the name of Gerry Cunningham in a small town of Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.

1970s Briefcases | What was 70s Fashion like for Men?

Along with the briefcase, backpacks and duffel bags are considered to be the standard trending 70s style bags for all men.

These exclusive three styles are the best styles that came into the trend of men’s fashion at the time. If we peek through the history and the newspapers of that time, we can see photographs commonly of clean suited men with, mainly briefcases and luggage.

70s style vintage briefcases look so alike 1970s luggage yet different in size and appearance. When luggage takes position in the USA, briefcases positions mostly in Asian countries.

This is like the same bag used in two structures for two different regions. More or less, there is a connection with the culture, transition, and most importantly the fashion trends in both regions. However, the briefcases are more professional looking than the luggage, and still mostly accompanied with professionalism.

Also, there is a vast contrast between the materials used to make these both types. The briefcases always come in plastics or hard fiber material. Perhaps we can see leather and canvas briefcases as well. Yet, they are quite stronger and harder than luggage materials. When it comes to this top- quality bag, there are different types of 1970s briefcases.

They are vintage leather briefcases, vintage briefcases, and brown leather vintage briefcases all can add color to the one who uses them.

BROWN LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG "NUNTIUS" 1970s Style Bag - by Gentcreate.

1970s Backpacks | 70s Rucksacks & 70s Haversacks Gentcreate

Backpacks always serve differently than luggage and briefcases and are more convenient even though not spacious as such.

Besides, backpacks have made a turning point in men’s fashion in bag styling as well. That is due to the different structure that is accompanied with it. If one says backpacks are handier and smarter in style for men, there is nothing wrong with that statement.

As you might already know, backpacks usually are two-shoulder strapped and they fit the back. All look alike at one glance, yet we can see varieties of vintage styles different in structure and material mainly.

Such a few varieties are old military backpacks, waterproof leather backpacks, waterproof retro backpacks, vintage canvas backpacks, and old navy backpacks.

WATERPROOF RETRO BACKPACK Gentcreate 1970s Backpack

WATERPROOF RETRO BACKPACK 1970s Retro Backpack - Gentcreate.

Old Military Backpacks | Army Vintage Backpacks

Vintage military backpacks are a result of an experiment of the Romanian army. When the Romanian army once checked the quality of their rucksacks back in 1970, they found this particular type more durable and resistant than others.

Since this is a result of an experiment that took place to find the strength and resistance for hardships, this is such a reliable backpack for all time. Since this serves for military purposes, they are green in color fitting to the camouflage purposes.

These are a combination of calf leather, metal pieces, and green canvas where the strength, durability, resistance for any kind of liquid and space are at a top-level. Being very thoughtful about the comfortability, the straps are adjustable as much as possible.

Even now, these 70s old military backpacks serve as a companion to military members all around the world.

WATERPROOF LEATHER BACKPACK 1970s Waterproof Leather Backpack - Gentcreate.

Waterproof Leather Backpacks | Waterproof Canvas Backpacks

Waterproof leather backpacks are a creation of waxed canvas, perhaps full grain leather combined with cotton lining.

They give the vintage feeling at any time, with the brown, army green, and dark grey shades used in there.

These backpacks fit as school bags, hiking backs, and traveling backs due to their high durability and comfortability. In the present context, they serve as laptop backpacks and daily backpacks as well.

These have compartments for ease and convenience for any person to use for any purpose. Waterproof retro backpacks are similar to these.

70s Style Bags | 1970s Gentlemens Fashion & Luggage

Except for luggage, briefcases, and backpacks, the 70s is a well-known period for other men’s style bags as well. The 1960s pioneered all these styles and the 1970s was the era that evidenced the success and improvement of those innovations.

Predictions of trending bag styling in men’s fashion happened in the 1970s. Hence, the 1970s play a vital role in men’s fashion. Few such 70s style bags are Vintage messenger bags and Vintage shoulder bags. Let us now see the specialty of these iconic 70s style bags!

Vintage Messenger Bags | Why should you buy a messenger bag?

When it comes to 70s style bags, vintage messenger bags play a significant role in men’s fashion. This is one such style bag that came into action for the first time in the world on behalf of men.

Messenger bags are small in size, not spacious as backpacks, but very convenient for day-to-day errands and essential work. Style bags have another style apart from all the vintage bags we discussed. They do neither have a handle to hold nor double straps to fit on the back, but one shoulder strap. Vintage messenger bags have got their attractions through metal zippers, multiple pockets and most of the time snap to open and close.

The smartness and the trendiness come in with these items and thus, they look smart on youth even today. These bags serve well for work, traveling, school, dating, shopping, and outdoor activities.

This is one of the most convenient types of style bags that give enough space to most essentials. The durability and comfortability are at a higher level due to the material they have used. Mostly it comes with canvas, but recently they have used cotton and fabric as well. That makes the bag lightweight and easy to carry.

When was the Messenger Bag Invented?

The first modern design of the retro messenger bag was created in the year 1947.

The 1970s messenger bag wasn't too much different from the modern messenger bag, expect for the inside compartments being a bit different.

Within the modern messenger bags you'll find a laptop compartment, whereas in the classic retro 1970s messenger bag, this place was reserved either for papers or books.

Vintage Shoulder Bags & Why you should buy a Shoulder Bag

This is a must mention when considering the 70s style bags! The structure of vintage shoulder bags is more or less similar to messenger bags and both come under the shoulder bag category.

Shoulder bags have a unique stitching system and a choice of material which serve well for glamorous youth. Mostly, they come in leather, or else leather blended with canvas or some rugby material. There are rare chances for them to be torn easily or break.

Thus, it is convenient. The hard binding stitching system gives an assurance of long-lasting durability and comparability. Hence, this is the best match for any day-to-day circumstance you meet with your life. Also, it is not hard to carry, hence you can take everything you want in this at any time. At the same time, this incredible innovation serves with the good interior organization along with the minimalistic design.

Being typically a vintage bag, it makes a perfect match for a casual bag, daily commuter bag, and a crossbody satchel as well. With zero time, it goes from the casual mode to work mode or vice versa with the unique structure and the flexible colors they use.

Vintage Duffle Bags | Retro Duffel Bags | 70s Style

Even though duffle bags belong into the style bag category, they serve well with luggage, and backpacks when it comes to space. These bags are a good match for needy purposes, where you need to carry a few more essentials to work or a short journey.

Being very true, in the present context people see them as traveling bags and we can see them mostly on that note. When considering the 70s bags, duffle bags were one of the main items in the casual lifestyle of men.

Thus, it marks a pioneering point in the bag styling of men’s fashion. Also, those bags are waterproof, durable, and comfortable enough for any kind of professional and casual journey.

Hence, it was used and still used as a personal item in air travel. The space is more than enough for essentials and a few more items.

Why was 1970s Fashion so unique?

Fashion or style is a continuously changing aspect of the world. Irrespective of region, country, and time, fashion tends to change and develop on a daily basis. Perhaps vintage fashions come into the world with a new appearance from time to time.

An decade between the years 1970-79 was so unique it birth many modern styles, hairstyles, fashion styles and especially the luggage styles of the 70s were so retro and classic its definitely worth taking a retrospective look back into the past and exploring them further.

- And yes, the timeless vintage fashion trends from the 70s are still proven to be impactful when considering men's luggage fashion, 70s style bags, and any retro backpacks Indeed, these 70s designs are a step up from the rise in comfort started in the 1950s and these 1970s luggage styles are perfect in every way.

- So, are you also looking forward to coloring your everyday life in a better way? Believe us! 70s style bags and the luggage are the way!

70S STYLE AND 70S LUGGAGE | 1970S RETRO BACKPACKS & 70S BAGS