[2025] Quick Guide to Choosing Functional Bags x A Look into Functional Fabrics
3 Points x 3 Details: Design & Material Structure Insights
Functional textiles often possess characteristics that are not visible or tangible, but become apparent through use. The following content will help you quickly understand the properties of textile items used in daily life.
"Function" refers to the properties added to or processed into yarns and fabrics beyond their inherent physical characteristics. These include waterproofing, water repellency, wind resistance, tensile and tear strength, moisture absorption and quick drying, moisture permeability and breathability, antibacterial effects, and more.
"Multi-function” refers not only to the functional properties mentioned above, but also to specially designed features such as embedded steel wires or reinforced zippers for theft prevention, RFID-blocking technology, reflective markings (or coatings), and more.
Does a functional bag mean it has waterproof function?
Not necessarily! The additional features or treatments mentioned above can be considered functional effects when applied to bag products.
How waterproof should a functional bag be? It depends on the intended usage scenario. In general, the level of water repellency is rated on a scale from 0 to 5. This represents basic water repellent — meaning that when water splashes onto the surface of the fabric, it won’t immediately penetrate the fibers or soak the contents inside the bag. However, the water droplets on the surface should be wiped off promptly to prevent them from seeping through the fabric over time.
The waterproof level is determined by measuring the waterproof rating (or hydrostatic head) of textile fabrics—for example: 600mm, 1500mm, 3000mm, 10,000mm, or higher.
Waterproof coatings or laminations are typically applied to fabrics that require a specific level of waterproof performance, meaning water will not penetrate into the bag. This is often referred to as PRT (Pass Rain Test) level, which indicates that the fabric meets the waterproof standards commonly used for outdoor equipment.
Are bags made from waterproof fabrics truly waterproof?
At this stage, we can say that the bag possesses a certain level of water resistance. However, the overall waterproof performance also depends on the bag’s construction method. In addition to fully handcrafted sewing, manufacturing techniques may include manual work combined with semi-automated processes, or fully automated seamless hot-pressing (high-frequency) technology, which can significantly enhance waterproof strength.
Therefore, the sewing process plays a crucial role in integrating functional fabrics with the bag’s structure. The strength and density of the stitching directly affect the bag’s durability and help maximize its waterproof capabilities.
Is the fabric composition of functional bags important?
Absolutely. The overall structure of a bag typically includes at least 10 different materials, with the fabric—covering the largest surface area—being the primary component. Fabric composition can be defined by several factors: the type of source yarn, yarn thickness (measured in tex or denier), yarn density (weave or knit structure), and the final dyeing and finishing processes.
After testing the fabric’s physical strength, designers can determine the appropriate size and structural design of the functional bag to ensure performance and durability.
Taiwan excels in the research, development, and production of high-tech fibers and eco-friendly recycled materials, making it an indispensable force in the advancement of functional bags and textile apparel.
Even though Taiwan lacks large-scale production of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool, it is still able to import these materials and optimize their use through innovative processing.
The fabrics chosen by each brand are based on the intended function, design, and pricing of the textile product. As a result, the composition and structural specifications of the fabric are critically important and represent a primary focus in textile product development.
The trend of functional bags
As mentioned above, the current trend in functional bags places increasing emphasis on fabric fibers, specialized functional treatments, and the final selection of fabric colors. Fabric continues to play a central role in bag design.
Textile materials are typically developed one year or one to two seasons in advance. While bags and apparel follow different development timelines, for example, during the Summer '25 season, the industry is already exploring material trends for FW '26 and SS '27.
Fabric innovation can occur at the fiber level—for instance, technological fibers made from recycled PET bottles offer a soft, cotton-like feel, while recycled fishing nets can be transformed into nylon yarns. Innovation can also happen during processing, such as the application of durable waterproof process or the use of advanced dyeing techniques that enhance brightness and colorfastness.
YNA guides you to choose the most suitable functional bag
🎒Style matters, but the "fabric" matters more—choose your backpack wisely
Have you ever been drawn to the appearance of a bag, only to overlook the material science behind it?
In reality, it’s every piece of fabric that quietly bears the weight of your life—and from this foundation, a truly exceptional bag is born.
The outer fabric and lining are at the heart of a bag’s durability and functionality. Beyond strength and performance, the fabric’s manufacturing process—especially when it aligns with environmental sustainability and minimizes harm to both people and the planet—is increasingly valued by both companies and consumers.
YNA chooses #bluesign certified fabric process + #FAIRWEAR audited factories to manufacture products
🎒The devil is in the details—especially when it comes to backpacks
Take the YNA Everyday Carry backpack as an example: its bill of materials (BOM) includes more than 20 components, ranging from the main fabric and lining to the gold reflective logo, YKK double-zip with reflective yarn, thick top webbing handle, and a three-layer back panel with multi-layered and adjustable shoulder straps.
Every detail is carefully designed to ensure the backpack is both lightweight and durable, while also balancing aesthetics and carrying comfort.
🎒Functional Bags: What Truly Matters Is the “Function”
We've already discussed the difference between water-repellent and waterproof layers. However, what exactly distinguishes water-repellent from waterproof processes?
Water-repellent is a treatment process—it can be applied to the yarn fibers or directly to the fabric. It’s not visually noticeable and its effectiveness is time-limited.
Waterproofness, on the other hand, is a manufacturing process that involves adding a visible waterproof layer. The waterproof level can be measured through standardized testing, and its performance is generally more long-lasting than water-repellent treatments. However, the durability of waterproofing also depends on the bag’s construction and how it is used.
The outer fabric and lining of YNA products feature both water-repellent and water resistant functions, with multiple layers of water resistant treatment reaching the standards of outdoor-grade equipment.
What is the correlation between water repellency and waterproof processing and the weight of a bag? Should I choose a lightweight bag or a heavy one? Will a heavier bag be more durable?
Bags are made of a large area of fabric, so the weight of the functional fabric is closely related to the finished product. Therefore, choosing suitable functional fabrics can control the weight of the final product.
How to choose the YNA functional bag that suits you best?
Each product has its design origin and target audience. YNA recommends choosing a bag based on your needs, because different bags are suitable for different usage scenarios, different body shapes, and different usage preferences.
The key is to choose a bag made of functional fabrics with good physical properties, which can effectively enhance the experience and increase the frequency of use.
The characteristics of YNA's full product development are that it combines professional textile background, properly utilizes the original physical properties of functional fabrics, and takes water-resistant function, light weight, durability, and lifestyle as the design orientation.
l Everyday Carry backpack – A lightweight backpack suitable for daily commuting, with a simple look design, minimalist design sense and functionality, confidently showing style and taste. It is not only waterproof and durable, but also has multifunctional storage to meet the daily commuting needs of engineers, designers and urban office workers.
l Sleek Business backpack – Between daily commuting and short trips, a business backpack that can easily pack equipment, a perfect combination of sleek appearance, larger capacity, multi-layer storage and a comfortable carrying system, to meet the situational needs of "daily × business trip × travel", is a functional business backpack designed for engineers, business people and minimalist style enthusiasts.
l Barrel Bag – A functional travel bag designed for light travel and short-distance activities, it maximizes capacity while maintaining light weight. The simple and neutral design can be easily matched with the dressing style of unisex. It is easy to store and suitable for a variety of occasions such as boarding carrier, fitness, extra space of handbag and etc.
Before buying a new bag, ask yourself a few key questions:
- When will I use this bag? (work? business trip? travel? daily outings ?)
- Will I need waterproof protection? How often will I be outdoors?
- Will I be carrying heavy items most of the time? Is the fabric durable enough to support the load?
- Are the materials, components, and cleaning guidelines clearly stated by the bag brand?
Friendly tip: When you spot a bag you like, first check what type of fabric it’s made of.
This way, you’ll better understand the materials behind the product—and make smarter choices too. :)