Carrying your handbag on the left or right: Tips for comfort and health

What matters when carrying bags

Maybe you’re like many other people and have your own habit: the handbag always sits on the same shoulder. But whether you carry your bag on the left or right is more than just a matter of routine. It affects your everyday life, your freedom of movement, and even your health. In this guide, you’ll learn what really matters when carrying handbags and shoulder bags, the role of your dominant hand, and which bags offer you the greatest comfort.

Carrying your handbag on the left or right: Which is better?

Right-handed people tend to carry their handbags on the left so the right hand stays free – for the smartphone, the child, the dog leash, or simply to shake hands. Left-handed people, on the other hand, more often choose the right shoulder. This habit is practical, but in the long run it can lead to one-sided strain. It’s therefore recommended to regularly switch sides when carrying your bag to avoid tension and back problems.

Carrying a shoulder bag correctly: Habit vs. ergonomics

Constantly carrying a bag on only one side can throw the body off balance. This is especially noticeable with large shoppers and heavy, fully packed shoulder bags, as it quickly affects the neck and back. If you want to avoid back pain, you should:

• - regularly switch the bag to the other shoulder,
• - pay attention to adjustable and wide straps,
• - or opt for crossbody bags that distribute the weight more evenly.

This way, the strain can be significantly reduced and the bag becomes a comfortable everyday companion.

Wearing crossbody bags correctly: More flexibility in everyday life

Crossbody bags are not only modern, but also offer an ergonomic advantage because they are worn diagonally across the body and rest at the hip or slightly at the back. This way, they distribute the weight more evenly and relieve the shoulders. At the same time, they’re practical in everyday life because both hands remain free – when shopping, cycling, or strolling through the city. Depending on the situation, you can wear your bag in front or at the back, which also adds extra security. That’s why many of our shoulder bags come not only with comfortable handles but also with an additional long crossbody strap, so you can always switch between carrying it as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody bag.

What to look for when buying: Strap length matters too

Besides the question “carry left or right?”, strap length is also crucial for how comfortable a bag can be to carry. A strap that’s too short can be restrictive and make the bag sit too high, while a strap that’s too long can cause the bag to hang impractically low and get in the way when walking. Flexible straps offer a clear advantage here, as they allow you to adjust the bag optimally depending on the situation and your body size. Especially practical are adjustable shoulder straps that can be individually adapted – whether you prefer to carry your bag close to the body or loosely over the shoulder.