The clear bag trend is everywhere, from totes to handbags, clutches, and crossbody bags.
At first, the idea of using a clear bag seems counterintuitive. The concept of storing every essential on a show for all to see may make you feel perplexed. After all, we don’t want everyone to see our stash of tampons or that scrunched-up collection of receipts. However, the idea isn’t strange anymore, as more and more bag designers create see-through masterpieces.
Also, clear bags have become increasingly mandatory in multiple stadiums, music festivals, and concerts. So, it’s essential to know what to pack in it and how to use them without losing out on the style factor. If you want to know more about clear handbags, their benefits, and how to use them, here’s a guide to help you.
Different Kinds of Clear Handbags
If you need or want to bring a clear bag, the good thing is you have a lot of choices. Transparent bags can take on different bag forms, including:
1. Transparent tote bag
If you need a bag to lug around or carry by your shoulders, there are transparent tote bags to choose from. Tote bags offer a lot more space than other kinds of bags, so if you need to pack all your essentials and more, a tote bag is a solid choice. Clear tote bags are sold with matching pouches for storing your valuables and whatnot, plus more space for packing an umbrella, a jacket or scarf, a water bottle, or some snacks.
2. Crossbody stadium bag
For sporting events, festivals, and concerts, a stadium-approved transparent bag is your safest bet to ensure you can comply with security measures. There are many clear crossbody bags with zippered pockets and interior mesh pockets. It also comes in colors that represent teams to show your support.
3. Transparent backpack
Sometimes, you may want a bag that’s water-resistant, dirt-proof, and roomy enough to fit all your stuff. A clear backpack might be something you need – but remember not to overpack them, as you can do with a traditional backpack.
You can also find clear drawstring backpacks for packing just the right stuff. These kinds of bags come with a wide imprint area in case you want to personalize them with a custom design or logo, making them an ideal promotional item.
4. Transparent fanny pack
A clear fanny pack is a go-to bag for many festival goers as it can hold the bare essentials while being extra secure. These fanny packs are often made of heavy-duty, clear vinyl with an adjustable belt strap with color and zippered pockets.
5. Transparent clutch bags
Clear bags can be classy, too. There are clear clutch bags with metal chain straps for bringing when you’re all dressed up. Some are adorned with pearls or shiny rhinestones to make them classy.
6. Clear travel pouches and cosmetic bags
Transparent travel kits can get you past airport security easier and can be ideal storage for your hygiene and skincare products than a fabric pouch.
Benefits of a Clear Handbag
If you’re hesitant to jump on board with this fashion, don’t stress. A clear handbag can benefit you in many ways, which include:
1. Instant visibility
Let’s start with the obvious – with a clear handbag, you’ve got constant visibility to everything you’re carrying, so you don’t have to worry about losing your keys or your favorite pair of sunglasses. This is helpful if you tend to pack an oversized bag as your go-to daily bag. These kinds of bags can quickly become cluttered – with hygiene products and old receipts scattered beside wallets, gadgets, and more. When you get a clear plastic tote bag, you’re forced to organize things and keep them in the right pouches and organizers because it’s instantly visible.
2. Stadium-approved
Anytime you attend a sporting event, concert, or large-scale gathering, you’re usually met at the entrance with an intimidating security team that will go through your belongings. These inspections are necessary for everyone’s security, but if you carry a big bag with lots of stuff plus the large number of people queuing at the entrance can make the inspection process time-consuming.
On the other hand, if you walk up with a clear bag, you can save a lot of time. When the security team can instantly see everything you’re carrying, they will move you along quicker.
This is the reason why many leagues, stadiums, and concert venues now require patrons to use stadium-approved transparent bags or buy them at the gate when they arrive. The best part about it is that many clear bags can showcase your adoration for your favorite team or artist while staying security-ready.
3. Easier airport check-ins
The airport is another area in which bag-related security is heightened. The journey to get to the gate isn’t complete until all your bags, and even yourself, have passed through a security check.
It pays to plan ahead when packing toiletries to bring on the plane. Ensure you follow guidelines for liquids if you don’t want to leave your expensive bottle of lotion or perfume behind. If you have travel-friendly toiletry bottles, pack them into a clear pouch, so when it’s time to put everything on the conveyor bag for inspection, your items will be easier to discern, check, and pass.
4. Easier office security
Some businesses and buildings require employees to carry clear bags because of the rise of security concerns. From suitcases, briefcases, and handbags to lunch totes – you can find transparent bags to replace your traditional solid bags.
5. Ease of mind
Once kids reach the age of packing their bags by themselves, parents can’t help but wonder about their contents. If you have any doubts about the safety and the kind of stuff your kid is bringing to school, a clear bag is an ideal solution. If you don’t want them stashing junk food, a clear bag filled with healthy choices is a good idea for packing their lunches and snacks.
6. Hands-free checking of your belongings
Planning a vacation? Whether you’re headed to a campsite, an amusement park, or the city, it’s always helpful to have your hands free. Clear bags can quickly reveal the contents of a bag, so you don’t have to inspect every bag to find what you need. It can also quickly show you if something has been taken out of the bag without your consent.
7. Maintenance-free
Did you spill coffee in your clear bag? Did the top of your pen lose and splatter ink all over? Mishaps like these would cause stains on a traditional solid bag, and it can even ruin it. But a clear plastic bag can be wiped clean.
How to Pack a Clear Bag
Many people think you’re sacrificing your privacy and risking your essentials being stolen if you use a clear bag. Well, this is true if you don’t pack correctly.
The first rule of packing using a clear bag is to keep your valuables (phone, wallet, IDs, credit cards, cash) as invisible as possible. Either pack them in a non-transparent pouch or stuff them in your pockets. For security reasons, don’t pack your house keys with your ID. You don’t want to tempt potential burglars to know your address if they happen to find your house keys with it
Keep your potentially embarrassing items like feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, medicines, and other things you wouldn’t usually allow people to look at in your pockets or a smaller pouch.
Remember that liquids don’t have a way out in a transparent bag. Spilling something inside can turn it into a disaster, especially if the pouches you put with it are made of absorbent fabric. So, if you need to pack a water bottle or any bottle to put liquid in, make sure it’s stored far from your phone and other items that might get damaged if they come into contact with liquids. It’s best not to keep leak-prone containers inside the bag.
Also, do not overpack your transparent bag. Clear bags are not as reliable as fabric bags. The materials it is made of, usually clear vinyl, are not meant for heavy-duty use. The stitching may also give in; the last thing you want to have when you’re out is a wrecked transparent bag.
Ideas for Wearing and Styling a Clear Handbag
If you don’t know how to wear a clear handbag, here’s how to make it stylish, useful, and practical.
1. Wear it to the stadium to show your team spirit
Show off your support to teams by choosing a clear bag with sports-inspired stripes. Pair it with your sweatshirt and hoodies for a fun, casual, and sporty vibe.
2. Dress it up with a scarf’
You may think that clear bags are only suitable for casual settings, but you can always find a clear bag with a more formal style. You can transform your usual clear bag into suitable gear for when you’re dressed up by adding a pretty scarf on it as an accessory.
3. Use it to show off your beautiful pouch or small bag
If you have a pouch or small bag that you really like, why not put it in a clear tote bag to make it noticeable? There’s no reason to leave those babies inside an opaque bag or your closet – give them a chance to shine with a transparent pouch.
4. Use it to complement your outfit
Clear bags are not all-plastic and PVC. Designers add some character to it by adding opaque material for more color and style, especially at the handles and the zipper areas. You can use a clear bag to pair with a bring outfit to make your color pop!
5. Use it to dress up your casual outfit
Going to the mall in jeans and a simple shirt? Dress it up by using a clear bag with a matching pouch to elevate your look. A simple strap sandal can also make you look simply elegant.