For years, men have treated bags the way they treat skincare or therapy—useful in theory, deeply suspicious in practice. They admire from afar, they acknowledge the utility, but the commitment? That’s where things get dicey. Enter the man bag: forever on the brink of mainstream acceptance yet somehow still stuck in a limbo of group chat debates.
Which is ridiculous, because man bags—whether a tote, sling, or crossbody—are objectively superior to backpacks. Need something? No dramatic unzipping required—just reach in like a civilised adult. Need to bolt? Ten seconds, and you’re out the door.
Every few years, the fashion gods decree, “Man bags are back!”—only for them to disappear once again into the realm of celebrity sightings and haute couture lookbooks. But let’s be real: if men are confidently rocking pearl necklaces and mesh tops, surely carrying a well-made leather tote shouldn’t require a full-blown existential crisis? The alternatives—cramming your life into your pockets or schlepping a bulky backpack—are hardly the peak of sophistication.
Historically, bags have been a women’s game. The 20th century turned handbags into status symbols, while men clung to their pockets like a security blanket. But times have changed. The high street is catching up, with designers making bags that are less “borrowed from your girlfriend” and more “this was made for you, mate”.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade from the pocket-bulging chaos of yesteryear, here are the most stylish man bags worth carrying right now.
Hermès Pursangle Tote Bag
Price: $4,325.00 (approx ₹3.76 lakh)
Image Credits - Hermès
Think of it as the tote equivalent of a leading man—effortlessly stylish, polished, impossible to ignore. Made from Clémence leather, canvas, and wool, it nails that elusive balance between luxury and ease. The signature “H” stripe isn’t just for show—it doubles as a pocket because Hermès refuses to do anything that isn’t both chic and practical. Workday essentials? Weekend errands? This tote handles both with quiet, expensive confidence.
Louis Vuitton Speedy P9 Bandoulière 50
Price: ₹10.90 lakh
Image Credits - Louis Vuitton
Pharrell Williams takes an LV classic and injects it with fresh energy. Crafted from calfskin with a hand-painted silk-screen effect, the Speedy P9 nods to vintage LV travel trunks but lands firmly in 2024. Spacious but not excessive, luxurious yet effortless—this is how you do a flex without looking like you tried too hard.
Gucci Medium Briefcase With Web
Price: $3,300 (approx ₹2.85 lakh)
Image Credits - Gucci
A briefcase, but with Gucci’s signature strut. Supple grainy leather, a sleek magnetic metal closure, and a discreet Web loop detail make this bag equal parts business and pleasure. The padded laptop compartment ensures you’re carrying more than just attitude.
Versace Medusa Biggie Messenger Bag
Price: ₹1.30 lakh
Image Credits - Versace
Nothing says power move like a bag with a giant Medusa head. Grained leather, statement hardware, and a structured design make this messenger as practical as it is bold. Adjustable strap? Check. Front slip pocket for your essentials? Of course. If Versace ever did subtle, this would be it.
Valentino Garavani Antibes Tote Bag
Price: ₹2.65 lakh
Image Credits - Valentino
For those who like their luxury with a side of actually useful, the Antibes Tote delivers. Durable canvas, leather patches, and VLogo metal detailing make it a standout. Adjustable side buckles let you tweak its size—perfect for when one more thing inevitably sneaks into your bag.
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Swing Messenger Bag
Price: $4,800 (approx ₹4.15 lakh)
Image Credits - Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta’s signature woven leather meets a streamlined, fuss-free silhouette. With no obnoxious logos or loud branding, this messenger is a masterclass in understated luxury. Just pure, handcrafted perfection for the guy who wants to look like he has his life together (even if he doesn’t).
Tod’s Timeless Medium Briefcase
Price: ₹1.50 lakh
Image Credits - Tod's
For men who still believe in dressing like a CEO—even when working from home. Premium leather, a signature T Timeless turn-lock buckle, and enough space for work essentials (and a snack stash) make this briefcase a quiet flex. Minimalist? Yes. Forgettable? Never.
Dior Hit The Road Messenger Bag With Flap
Price: ₹3.40 lakh
Image Credits - Dior
If James Bond carried a messenger bag, this would be it. Technical fabric, grained calfskin, and Dior’s signature jacquard straps give it just the right mix of rugged and refined. Spacious, stylish, and adventure-ready—minus the high-speed car chases.
