It might have had a bad rap – being the go-to style for a generation of schoolboys in the time before streetwise backpacks caught on – but don’t shoot the messenger bag just yet. As the recent boom of belt bags demonstrates (a veritable lesson in rebranding, by the way, considering they used to be known as fanny packs and bum bags), designers are catching on to the fact that, yeah, actually you do want to carry stuff around with you and look as put-together as possible while doing so.

Nothing achieves that measure of well-heeled practicality quite like the messenger bag. It is the lighter, snappier cousin of the backpack, the more practical brother of the belt bag and is smarter than both relatives put together. The right messenger bag has the rare power of looking at home worn cross-body over a suit, and in this sense is the natural successor to the briefcase. At the other end of the spectrum (and usually crafted from mesh or nylon), it’s one of the most streetwise accessories you can own. But which one to get?

Everyone from Mulberry to Bottega Veneta and 1017 ALYX 9SM is making brilliant leather iterations, and A.P.C., Paul Smith and Montblanc are good on the casual and contemporary front. If streetwear appeals, Cav Empt, Pop Trading Company and 99%IS- all offer solid choices.

For something you know you’ll still be using 10 years from now, go to Porter-Yoshida & Co. The Japanese accessories brand makes brilliant-looking, sturdy nylon messenger bags, and has been doing so for a very long time now (it was established in 1962). After first gaining popularity among the fashion crowd in the 1980s, this bag’s charm has endured. One of these on your shoulder is as cool now as it was then, and we wager it will be in 2030, too. A fascinating detail: the brand’s Tanker messenger bag is inspired by the interior of an MA-1 bomber jacket and has the same recognisable bright orange lining.

The new wave of messenger bags is also a good opportunity to add a little colour or eccentricity to an outfit, and Mr Jonathan Anderson’s work at the Spanish leather house LOEWE is worth taking note of, if colour is your thing. As you might expect, bags are a big part of the offering here and for his Eye/LOEWE/Nature collection – a technically minded line of menswear inspired by the great outdoors – the fleece canvas messenger bag is a psychedelic treat of tie-dye blues, yellows and pinks.

For something that hits the trifecta of being affordable, stylish and practical, look to Tokyo brand Indispensable, a well-kept secret whose Zuta messenger bag is utilitarian in both look and feel. It’s made from tough-wearing faux suede and has external as well as internal pockets to keep things organised.