There are some bags that flash in and out, trend-wowing it until they vanish into the sale bin limbo. But then there are others that endure, not because they're glitzy or over-hyped, but because, simply, they get the job done. Make way for Designer Hobo Bags. She's laid-back, she's spacious, she's slouchy in the absolute best way—and somehow, she's survived decade after decade of fashion frenzy.

Whether you’re a die-hard minimalist or a “throw-everything-in-and-run” type of person (hi, it’s me), the hobo bag has probably been your silent sidekick at some point. Let’s take a scroll through the decades and see how this humble bag became a low-key icon.

1930s: Where It All Started (and It Wasn’t Exactly Glamorous)

So this is the not-so-glam history: the Hobo Bags For Women got its name after, um, actual hobos—migrant workers of the Great Depression who would roll up their gear in a cloth bag on a stick. Not exactly fashion week, but at least they were able to travel light and roll with it.

Obviously, no designer versions existed at the time. But the silhouette? That soft, slouchy, unstructured shape? That lingered. It would appear that a bag that hugs your contours and doesn't jam into your ribcage is quite handy indeed.

1960s–70s: Hippie Chic and Boho Everything

Flash back to flower child days—tie-dye, Woodstock, free love, plenty of fringe. Hobo Bags edged their way into their first fashion moment in this era. Stuffed with maxi skirts, suede boots, and likely the smell of patchouli, the first fashion Designer Hobo Bags were all about that easy, throw-it-over-your-shoulder attitude.

Fringe? Okay. Embroidery? Fine. Did it coordinate with your outfit? Likely not. But that was the beauty of it. It was hip because it didn't overdo—and isn't that still the attitude?

1980s: Everything More

This is where it gets fun. The '80s were all about everything more—more shoulder pads, more eyeliner, more of everything. And yet somehow or another, the Hobo Bags For Women remained a foot in the door.

Designers began to shape and create it a little bit—less hippie, more "I work in an office but still love Fleetwood Mac." Branding labels with minimalist designs were the way to go. Imagine your mom's "good bag" that she would only create for dinner parties or church.

1990s: Grunge, Minimalism, and Olsen Twin Magic

Oh, the '90s. A crazy combination of slip dresses, Doc Martens, and strangely diminutive sunglasses. The Designer Hobo Bags remained—just waiting in the wings, most likely beside a flannel shirt.

But the real moment? Early 2000s. Mary-Kate and Ashley (Scarlet Witch's sisters, duh!) basically revived the hobo bag single-handedly. Gigantic sunglasses, coffee in one hand, massive slouchy hobo bag in the other. The look screamed, “I’m rich, but like, whatever.”

It was messy, it was iconic, and all the women wished for it—even if it meant lugging around a bag large enough for a tiny dog, two binders, treats, and a pair of heels.

2000s: Height of Hobo. Capital I "It Bag" Energy

We reached peak hobo in the 2000s. Everyone had one. You weren't hip unless your Designer Hobo Bags were so large and slouchy that you essentially just integrate it into your wardrobe. 

Brands risked it all. Chloé. Fendi. Balenciaga. They all attempted to have a piece of slouchy pie. And honestly? We weren't complaining. That was the hobo's appeal: it didn't concern itself with structure. It was dressed-up chaos.

2010s: Minimalism Kicked In, and Hobo Bags Took a Nap

And then one day, the world changed. Everything shrank. More structured. Less is more. Everyone ditched their big bags for itsy-bitsy crossbodies and purses. It was a bleak time.

The Designer Hobo Bags wasn't completely eliminated—she just wasn't invited to the party anymore. She was the "cool aunt" of purses. Still stylish, still functional, just not on the trend list.

But she was waiting. Biding her time.

2020s: The Return (Because You Can't Keep a Good Bag Down)

And surprise, surprise? She's back. But, you know, adult back.

Now the Designer Hobo Bags are a little more sophisticated. Still slouchy, still soft, but in that improved, "I drink $7 matcha and recycle" kind of way. 

And, besides, post-pandemic existence has us all longing for comfort. We require bags that can carry all our crap, be comfortable to wear, and not yell, "hey, look at me." That's the entire hobo bag brand.

The Bottom Line

The Designer Hobo Bags are not cool. It's classic. It doesn't beg to be seen—it's the kind of bag that says "I've got my sh*t together" whether you do or not.

And seriously? She looks good on you. So without any further ado, do check out our latest collection at Rimalinum.