IF you're soaking wet, it's likely that your bag is too and we don't want to think what's happened to its contents. Finding a good bag for the rains is not only a must, but also a challenge. We make your job easier take your pick:Cloth bags
From the traditional jholas to trendy hobos, cloth bags come in various types, fabrics, colours and designs
Advantage: Cloth bags can be easily cleaned and dried
Tip: Avoid excessive embellishments like beads, sequins etc, as their colour might run. Plain jute bags may get crumpled when exposed to the rain, so shield them
Price: Rs 3,295
Available at: Tommy Hilfiger stores
Also check out: Globus, The Bombay Store
Backpacks
They are the best bet for the monsoons. Not only do they provide enough space to store all your goodies, but the tough lining shields the contents nicely as well
Advantage: You don't need to clean them often. They are sturdy and give freedom of movement
Tip: Stick to a plain black one as it doesn't look dirty even after a month's use
Price: Prices start at Rs 1,200
Available at: Nike outlets
Also check out: Diesel, Esprit, Adidas stores
Canvas bags
"Treated canvas bags are a great option for the rains. Normal canvas bags would get wet", says Malini Agarwala, owner, Malaga. You can try bags made from tarpaulin material if you want added protection.
Advantage: They are cheaper than leather bags and come in large sizes
Tip: Don't keep electronic goods in your bag as they can soak moisture that's harmful for your gadgets
Price: Rs 19,500
Available at: Versace New Delhi
Also check out: Esprit and Kipling outlets
Rexene bags
Rexene or false leather is great for the monsoons. And a reasonably expensive one looks pretty neat and classy.
Advantage: Rexene is a waterproof material, which protects your belongings. Though Rexene bags can look shabby after weathering, even as less as a fortnight in the rains, they are easily replaceable. You can easily get bags to match your office wear
Tip: Please don't carry bags in colours like shocking pink or copper gold to office
Price: Prices start at Rs 800
Available at: Baggit stores
Also check out: Roadside markets
Plastic bags
"Oversized transparent plastic bags are great for the monsoons. They come in trendy shapes and colours like green, blue, purple, lemon yellow, etc. A bag made from raincoat plastic and false leather can look really stylish," says Malini.
Advantage: They are easy on your pocket and are totally waterproof. It is easy to store a lot of stuff in a big plastic bag.
Tip: If you work in a formal environment, stick to a plain transparent white plastic bag but keep your valuables in a smaller bag inside it
Price: Prices start at Rs 1,500
Available at: Cheemo outlets
Also check out: Roadside markets
5 reasons TO give your leather bag a break
* Excessive moisture in the air is harmful for the colour and texture of a leather bag. And buying a new one is quite an investment and a foolish one in the rain
* Leather is not waterproof and the contents of your bag can get damaged. So, please stack all your cash, documents, cell, etc in a more protective bag
* It's not unusual for fungus to accumulate on leather in monsoons. Cleaning it up can be cumbersome
* The beautiful buckles and clasps on your leather bag will get rusted in the rains
* It's little difficult to dump stuff into leather handbags on account of their structure and stitching. Since you will be carrying umbrella, raincoat and other emergency goodies for the rains, a large oversized bag is a better option
