Backpacks Have Changed... Adorable School Children Have Not: The Evolution Of The Backpack

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Since schools today require heavy textbooks (and laptops), stylish schleppers prefer double-strapped bags to the smart-looking satchels of yore, as backpacks can bear more weight and are better for your back. But how did we get from these small carryalls to the patterned nylon (sometimes wheeled, even) monstrosities today? Let's take a spine-friendly walk down memory lane, all the way from the neat streets of the 1930s to 1990s.

1930s:
Schoolkids didn't even have bags yet -- just leather straps that held their books together.


1940s:
In this decade, we start to see rad plaids and the modern backpack silhouette.



1950s:
One-strap styles become popular, as do leather backpacks and patterned lunchboxes (because even sandwiches need style help sometimes).








1960s:
Many modern purses take cues from this era, during which we see more leather bags with short handles.





1970s:
The satchel reigns supreme.




1980s:
Graphic novelty bags gain traction. Royals pledge their allegiance to Thomas the Tank Engine.


Prince William, 1986

Prince Harry, 1987

Prince William and Prince Harry, 1989