For men, the conversation around bags has three constants—gym bags, backpacks, and, well, douchebags. Enter the man bag, always on the verge of becoming a "thing," but somehow never quite making it. A fashion equivalent of therapy for men—talked about endlessly, maybe even considered, but rarely committed to. Every few years, fashion magazines whisper, “Man bags are trending again!” or “This time, they’re here to stay”, but, like man skirts, they never really do.
Which is odd, because man bags—whether a tote, sling, or crossbody—are, by all laws of physics, far more practical than a backpack or briefcase. Need something? Just peek in from the side. Need to throw your life together in a hurry? Ten seconds and you’re out the door. It’s like gaming on a console versus assembling a PC—easy, efficient, and, let’s be honest, far less geeky. “The first thing people notice about bags is their functionality,” says Anaita Shroff Adajania, celebrity stylist to the stars. “For those constantly on the move—whether on a flight, a train, or just navigating their day—a man bag is often a smart, stylish choice.”
It doesn’t take much critical thinking to figure out why man bags are often the punchline of a bad joke in the manosphere—they’re considered ‘too feminine’. But let’s not place all the blame on the bros. The fashion industry hasn’t exactly helped, either. For centuries, bags have been marketed almost exclusively to women. A 1937 article in The Guardian noted how, “pockets went out of dresses, bags flew into the shop window and thence into use and have gone on, growing in importance—and size—ever since.” Christian Dior's ‘New Look’ in 1947 further cemented handbags as key accessories in the return to post-war femininity, with structured, elegant bags complementing the cinched waists and full skirts of the era.
Handbags became the ultimate symbol of post-war glam and feminine sophistication. As women embraced Dior’s ‘New Look,’ bags evolved into functional yet fashionable status symbols. Meanwhile, men stuck with pockets. But as menswear increasingly leans toward gender neutrality, things are starting to change. This time, the high street seems to have taken notice. In 2021, Virgil Abloh introduced Louis Vuitton's Handle Soft Trunk Bag, now a permanent fixture in the brand’s collection. Kim Jones’s Dior Homme Pillow Bag, according to one report, lets men “channel their inner Carrie Bradshaw”. Alessandro Michele’s 2020 reimagining of Gucci’s Jackie Bag offers a more unisex appeal. “Fanny packs have also gained popularity among men. What’s shifted in recent years is that bags are no longer confined to traditional, muted colours like brown or black. Today, they can be vibrant, feature bold patterns, or embrace colour clashes that express individuality and personal style,” adds Adajania.
And let’s face it: apart from the aesthetics, the practical need for bags has never been greater. Like emotional baggage, there’s just more to carry around as a man these days. Could it all be stuffed into jeans or cargo shorts? Maybe. But wouldn’t a bulging pocket look far more questionable than simply carrying a bag? “Honestly, when it comes to bags, there really aren’t any rules. You should carry whatever works for you. The rise of gender-neutral bags has opened up so many possibilities, and they truly work for anyone,” Adajania remarks. “I sometimes feel a bit envious of my male friends and their incredible bag collections! Even women appreciate a more structured bag—often seen as traditionally masculine—but there's no reason that should be an issue. Bags should be about what you're drawn to, whether it’s a pop of colour, a way to tone down an outfit, or even a bold clash of colours and textures. It’s all up to you, and the choice should be yours.”
Then there’s the fact that men today are far more willing to experiment with accessories, thanks to the likes of Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, and the jockiest of jocks to ever grace a screen—Jacob Elordi. It’s not just acceptable now; it’s somehow even manly to throw in a few feminine touches. After all, if you’re man enough, why should a piece of fabric make you feel any less? In this era, the lines between men’s and women’s fashion are constantly blurring, making a man bag feel less like a bold statement and more like just another great accessory.
Image courtesy - Getty
Jacob Elordi with a Bottega Veneta bag.
Adajania encourages men to embrace this accessory. “A bag is one of the few men’s accessories that gets its fair share of the spotlight, so it’s definitely worth putting some thought into. Let your personality and lifestyle lead the way. If you’re the sporty type who loves athleisure, a canvas bag could be your best teammate. Into muted tones? Think mustard or olive to keep things low-key yet stylish. Love contrast and aren’t afraid to experiment? Go bold with unique textures and patterns. And if you’re ready to embrace your inner rockstar, why not opt for some studs or embellishments? Ultimately, it’s all about finding what feels right for you and making your bag a statement piece in your style game.”
The man bag might just be the fashion equivalent of therapy after all—once you embrace it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. And who knows, maybe the next time you hear “Man bags are trending again”, you’ll actually believe it. Until then, please don’t over-stuff your cargo.
