Is a Leather Bag Too Heavy To Carry?

AOTA’s ergonomic advice says to avoid purses made of heavy materials such as leather, which adds extra weight, and to choose lighter materials such as microfibre and fabric. It gives the same advice for briefcases, suggesting microfibre and nylon.

What the sources say

• AOTA’s purse advice: avoid selecting purses made of heavy material such as leather, which adds extra weight; choose handbags made of lighter materials such as microfibre and fabric.
• AOTA’s briefcase advice: avoid briefcases made of heavy material such as leather; select lighter materials such as microfibre and nylon.
• AOTA also says to choose a bag proportionate to your body size and no larger than needed.
• The advice is about weight, and does not comment on durability, looks or cost.

How to apply it

1. Weigh the empty bag you are considering.
2. Compare it with a similar-sized bag in a lighter material.
3. Add the weight of what you carry.
4. Decide whether the difference matters for the way you use it.
5. Choose a leather bag with a good strap, if you want one, and carry less in it.

What the advice does not say

It does not say that a leather bag is a poor choice for everyone. A small, well-made leather bag may weigh less than a large fabric one. The material is one factor, and size and strap often matter as much.

A fair comparison

When comparing a leather bag with a fabric bag, the empty weight is only part of the picture. Look at the strap, at how much you plan to carry, and at how long you will wear it. A lighter bag that is overfilled is no better than a heavier bag carried with care. The aim of the advice is to keep the total load modest.

Where this answer stops

This is ergonomic advice about weight only. The article makes no claim about which material lasts longer or looks better, and it is not medical advice.