Backpacks as a form of expression
A backpack is a bag with two shoulder straps used to carry items on one’s back.[1] Backpacks are not only used for convenience, but have also been used for fashion since the 1980s.[2] Backpacks are most commonly used by students.[1] In recent years, social media has influenced many to customize their backpacks.[3] Having a unique, personal backpack allows people to express themselves. [4]
History
The first modern backpack, which was used for military purposes in 1875, has been credited to Major General Henry Clay Merriam. [5]Although they have been in use for a while, it was after World War II that the baby-boomers gained an appreciation for backpacks in the modern age.[6] In the 1980s, backpacks started becoming fashion accessories.[2] During this time, people began seeing mini backpacks made by luxury brands on major fashion city runways.[6] Also during the 1980s, backpacks became a necessity for students attending school. The first backpack popularized by students during this time was created by Gerry Outdoors, followed soon after by the well-known brand JanSport. These student backpacks are used to carry books and other educational materials at school daily.[5] Today, backpacks have become a staple for back-to-school supplies.[1]
Social and Cultural Impact
When buying a backpack, students are not only looking for functionality. Some students believe that your backpack can define who you are. Laura Jabczenski, a high school freshman at the time, says, "My pack is something that defines me." Some say that they are able to recognize each other from their backpacks.
Backpack Style
Since the 2000s, choosing the best backpack has been said to be similar to wearing the trendiest clothes.[2] Social media is a major influence on back-to-school lists for children and their parents. In a recent article, 43% of parents say their children's interest in branded items has increased in the past year. Labubu backpacks, K-Pop Demon Hunters backpacks, Wicked backpacks, and Jellycat bag charms have climbed majorly in searches in 2026.[3]
Bag Accessories
Along with the backpack itself, bag accessories have also been seen as identity markers. Young people around the world are using bag charms to amplify their interests and create a visual way to share their interests. Bag charms can be conversation starters for people with similar interests.[7] Students can become emotionally attached to their backpacks and bag charms.[2] Psychologists have aligned bag accessories with “comfort-seeking behavior”. People often buy small bag charms and accessories to relieve their consuming needs.[7]
References
This article "Backpacks as a form of expression" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Backpacks as a form of expression. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Backpack", Wikipedia, 2026-10-25, retrieved 2026-10-28
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Horovitz, Bruce (20 Aug. 2007). [link.gale.com/apps/doc/A167835307/STND?u=sshe_sru&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=50f1b242 "New 'badge' of cool: High-tech, high-fashion backpacks"] Check
|url=value (help). Gale OneFile: News. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2026-10-28. Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Behind the Backpack: How Kids Are Signaling Identity at Back-to-School in 2026". 2026-07-21. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ "There are many facts about backpacks". Newspapers.com. The Galveston Daily News. July 30, 1997. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kennedy, Lesley (2025-09-04). "A Brief History of the Backpack: From Survival to Study Hall". HISTORY. Retrieved 2026-10-28.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Parnes, Francine. "Today's Living". Newspapers.com. The Index Journal. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Backpack Charms Take Over 2026: Why Gen Z Is Obsessed With Decorating Their Bags". LMDBAG. Retrieved 2026-11-06.
