Everyday Carry: Choosing a Bag for Men

From backpacks to briefcases, men finally seem to be facing up to the fact that a good bag can be a stylish and functional accessory.

The variety of bag styles worn by men today is larger than it ever has been, and designers have been happy to accommodate this growing market. Here’s how you can choose something that meets your needs and reflects your personal style. 

Why carry a bag?

Bags have several benefits which might explain their recent adoption by men. Here are some of the reasons you should carry one too:

1. More space to carry essentials - Even the minimal wallet, keys and phone combination often leads to bulky pockets. A bag can carry all these and more and still keep you looking stylish. 
2. It’s trendy: Gucci and many other high-end fashion houses are now designing bags for men. For example, Louis Vuitton has become a men’s crossbody bag designer, and so have others like Burberry.
3. It’s an investment: In 2021, some designer bags were shown to have resold for as much as 68% higher than their original price. A well-chosen bag could earn you a handsome return in years to come. 

Types of Bags for Men

There are several different types of men’s bags, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. Here are the main ones. 

1. Briefcases: Often paired with a classic tailored suit, these are the traditional choice for professionals operating in formal settings. They are elegant and keep their contents safe, but must be carried by hand. 
2. Crossbody bags: These are smaller, but generally considered to be more stylish, and they keep your hands free. They are a very convenient place to keep your essentials. 
3. Backpacks: These are more spacious than a crossbody bag but they still keep your hands free. However, they are less secure because you cannot see your belongings while wearing one, and if they are too big or small they can look juvenile. 

How to choose a bag as a man

A good place to start is with the material. Quality is very important because it means that your bag will not only look nicer but it will also last longer. Good-quality materials should be able to withstand harsh weather and wear and tear over time. They also tend to look characterful as they become more well-worn, unlike poor-quality items which begin to look damaged and scruffy.

Designer names tend to be higher quality but beware of counterfeit items which can command a high price but will not be as durable. High-quality materials can also have specific cleaning and care requirements.  

You should also consider your situation and how the bag can help with that. If you are buying a bag for work, you need one that can fit your laptop and other items and keep them secure. However, in your leisure time, you might only need something small to carry your essentials, but it should be robust and strong.

Conclusion

Selecting a good men’s bag means thinking carefully about the function and material of the bag as much as how it looks. The right bag can be a stylish way to carry useful items as well as a valuable investment.