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BookTok Is Obsessed with These Academic-Looking Messenger Bags for Fall—and They Fit Even My Biggest Hardcovers

They'll go with all your autumn outfits

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ecosusi bags tiktok booktok dark academia
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It's *that* time of year again: All the bookish girlies are lining up their spooky season TBR list and scouring Pinterest for the best dark academia-inspired outfits. I'm totally on board with all of it, especially since I discovered the Ecosusi satchel bags that have been taking over TikTok—particularly this Jane messenger style (from $65, $50). BookTok creators have been obsessing over the brand's styles, not only for their Ivy League look, but for the fact that it can fit their lip glosses, Kindles and even their heftiest hardcovers. Given that I also always have a good read in tow, I knew I had to put the book-ready bags to the test.

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If you get any kind of bookish content on your TikTok feed, you've likely come across Ecosusi's Jane messenger bag. Creators rave that it not only fits their Kindles, but also large physical books, despite clocking in at a wearable 11 inches long and 7.5 inches high. Being a fantasy reader myself, I wanted to know just *how* big of a book it could accommodate, since reads in this genre can easily surpass 500 pages for just one book in a series—and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint.

If you (understandably) need proof, check my video below, which shows that I was able to fit House of Flame and Shadow, the third book in the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas, which comes in at a whopping 838 pages (not counting the bonus chapter), along with my Summer Fridays lip gloss, keys and a small hand sanitizer. You could also fit a more standard-sized book and your Kindle if you're headed on a trip and want to have *options* (any fellow mood readers out there?). The bag's design is truly impressive either way, especially considering its smooth faux leather material and adjustable strap that adds to its functionality. It's no wonder the Jane messenger has racked up nearly 2,500 sales on TikTok shop alone.

I also had a chance to test out this slightly smaller, though still amazingly roomy, vintage-inspired style that comes with a detachable bow detail. It's made of a similar faux leather material to the Jane style above, and can be carried by either the adjustable crossbody strap or top handle.

The interior of this one is separated by a zip-closed pouch, which I love for keeping my wallet and keys secure, though it also means you won't be stuffing those heftier reads inside. To me, the added organization is totally worth it, though. I love keeping a paperback on one side, my Kindle in the other compartment and small necessities safe in the middle. There's also an exterior slip pocket just under the flap closure, which is a convenient spot to keep my phone for quick access.  

The Bottom Line?

Honestly, I have no complaints about these bags other than that they could have been packaged with a bit less wrapping, which had a strong plastic smell to it (that completely disappeared from the bags after airing them out for a few hours). But I'd definitely say it's worth snagging either one (or both) to hold all your daily supplies, bookish or otherwise, especially considering you can grab them now at totally budget-friendly prices.


natalie bio photo e1692204716113

Assistant Commerce Editor

  • Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
  • Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School

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