A4 Tote Bag: Should You Choose a Vertical or Horizontal? A Thorough Comparison of the Benefits of Each

This A4 size tote bag is a great everyday companion. For those who often carry documents and laptops, it's an essential item.

But when you actually consider buying one, you might be wondering, "Which is better, vertical or horizontal?" In this article, we'll take a closer look at the features of each and help you choose the one that's perfect for you.

①The appeal of A4 vertical tote bags

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The vertical silhouette adds a stylish touch to any outfit , making the wearer look clean and stylish. It's especially great with casual outfits! You can enjoy it as part of your fashion when you go cafe-hopping with friends on your day off or just going out for a quick outing. A simple outfit of jeans and a T-shirt can be elevated with just one vertical bag.

Many of these bags have long handles that make them easy to carry on your shoulder, so they fit comfortably around your body when worn over the shoulder. Even if you're carrying a lot of groceries, it's convenient to be able to use your smartphone with one hand while walking. They also offer stability when walking hand in hand with a child or carrying a water bottle.

Even with the same capacity, it takes up less space than a horizontal type, so it's less likely to bother people around you, even on a crowded train. It's great for not having to worry about the morning rush hour or days when you're out with friends and traveling by train.

Disadvantages

The bottom is narrow, so you have to be creative in arranging your belongings . Because it's long, the area at the bottom is limited. When you put in a bento box bought at a convenience store, a plastic bottle, and a folding umbrella, it becomes a bit like a puzzle game (lol). Especially when you want to carry a homemade bento without tilting it, it might be safer to use a separate lunch bag. By the way, the KARL&C bag has a triangular gusset and a large bottom area, so it fits a Thermos bento box neatly and is very easy to use.

Small items at the bottom tend to get lost Because the bag is deep, lip balm or earphones stored at the bottom can easily go missing... "Huh? Where did my charger go?" You'll end up rummaging around in your bag searching for it. If you're not good at organizing, using a pouch or a bag-in-bag will make things a lot easier. By the way, I personally find it easier to just throw things in one by one.

→ Check out the recommended vertical tote bags shown in the photos

The appeal of A4 horizontal tote bags

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Its excellent storage capacity makes it ideal for work. Thanks to its width, it can neatly store important A4-sized documents and contracts, and it's wrinkle-resistant, which is great. Even when handing over documents to clients, you can easily take them out in a neat condition, creating a professional impression. It's large enough to easily fit a 13-inch laptop, making it perfect for teleworking or working in a cafe.

The wide base provides excellent stability , allowing you to safely store a variety of items, including homemade lunch boxes, highly insulated water bottles, makeup pouches, notebooks, and paperback books. You won't have to worry about your lunch tipping over when you bring it to a lunch gathering with mom friends! It's also easy to organize your belongings, so you won't have to panic and wonder, "Where's that pen?" during a meeting.

The versatile horizontal design makes it perfect for both work and play, and it complements any outfit. From weekday office wear to taking your kids to and from lessons on the weekend, to shopping with friends, this one bag can cover it all. It's especially great with a smart casual look, and pairs perfectly with jeans and a blouse.

→ Check out our recommendations for horizontal tote bags with excellent storage capacity

Disadvantages

The problem is that it takes up a lot of space . Because it's so wide, it can be quite tricky to navigate on crowded trains during the morning rush hour. I often hold it in front of me to avoid bumping into the person next to me. Another problem is that it takes up a fair amount of space, even in a closet at home or a locker at work. It's really awkward when you bump into the person sitting next to you...

Even if you have limited ways of holding the bag , some handle lengths can make it difficult to carry over the shoulder. This is especially important for those with narrow shoulders or small builds! We recommend carefully checking the length of the handle and how comfortable it is to hold before purchasing. Instead of trying it on, try holding it to see if it fits your body type.

Which one to choose? Based on your lifestyle

The vertical type is recommended for those who value a stylish look and casual ease of use. It is especially perfect for those who want to enjoy fashion and go out on the weekends.

On the other hand, horizontal bags are definitely recommended for those who are looking for practicality and storage capacity, especially those who handle a lot of documents for work.

Choose one that takes into consideration the amount of luggage you usually carry, the occasions in which you will use it, and your preferred fashion style. There is no right answer, as each has its own merits. The best thing to do is choose the one that best suits your intuition and lifestyle.

So, which tote bag is best for you?

summary

When choosing an A4 tote bag, it's important to consider not only the appearance but also how practical it will be. The stylish look of a vertical bag and the practicality of a horizontal bag are both great features.

Please come to the store and try them out to find the perfect bag for you. Because it's a bag you'll be spending every day with, we hope you'll choose one that you truly think is perfect.