Man bags: how and when to wear

The man bag was once a taboo subject for many men. It was seen as feminine and unnecessary, as men didn’t need to carry as many things around as women. However, now men often have just as much to take with them. Especially if you consider laptops, tablets and any other gadgets you may have.

At Mainline Menswear, we believe the man bag has finally been accepted into society. Its needs have been recognised and more and more men are willing to leave the house equipped with their trusty man bag – even if many are still sceptical to call it that. 

The man bag comes in many different styles: briefcase, holdall/duffel bag, messenger bag, backpack and satchel. Therefore, there’s almost certainly a style to suit you, and to cater to your needs.

We’ve tried and tested a number of man bags and developed a guide to help you know what style of man bag to wear, and when.

The Briefcase

The briefcase is the most formal of the man bags. Briefcases now have a much slimmer and sleeker look, ideal for carrying around your work essentials. They look less boxy than in previous years and can be the perfect accessory to add to your business suit. Another great thing about briefcases is that they often have several compartments. There’s an area for your laptop, one for your notebook, pens, wallet, and phone – each item has its own special place. You’ll always know where everything is in your briefcase, and its practical size means it’s easy to carry around on a day to day basis.

Holdall/Duffel bag

The holdall, or duffel bag is the most versatile man bag available. Their medium size makes them convenient for a weekend away, a trip to the gym, or just carrying around a few extra things. This makes them ideal for unpredictable weather days. You can throw in an extra jumper, a mac or a short-sleeved shirt. Allowing you to change your outfit depending on whether the sun decides to come out, or you get caught in a downpour. Duffel bags often come with both short handles, and a longer strap, so you can either carry it in your hand, or over the shoulder.

Messenger Bag

Messenger bags are one of the most stylish man bags around. They come in a number of colours and designs, and their compact, sleek look means they go with almost any outfit. The medium-sized bag is generally worn over the shoulder, or across the body, keeping your hands free. Comparing the messenger bag to other options; it’s smart like the briefcase, but practical and spacious like the backpack. Therefore it combines the best of both worlds. For a comfortable, everyday bag, the messenger bag is definitely the way forward.

Backpack

Backpacks have been a staple bag for people of all ages for many years. The main issue with a backpack is to avoid looking like a schoolboy. Choose a subtly designed backpack, in a neutral colour like black, grey or navy, and always carry it using both straps. Backpacks are great for fitting everything you need in, a laptop, spare jumper, tablet, wallet etc. But be careful not to overfill them, as then you could end up looking like a turtle carrying a shell.

Satchels

Satchels are very similar to messenger bags but are often made with canvas, so have a softer design than most messenger bags. They have a long strap so can be worn over the shoulder or across the body, making them easy to carry around wherever you go. Unfortunately, satchels don’t normally have a lot of room, just enough to fit in your laptop and a notebook or two. But if you want to take much more with you, you’re better off choosing a slightly larger messenger bag.

Whichever man bag you choose, the greatest trick to pull it off is confidence. If you can wear the bag with pride and feel good about it, that’s how everyone else will see it too. Whatever you do, don’t carry it like a woman, so avoid cradling the handle in the bend of your arm, and just buy one. Choose a man bag you know you can pull off with many outfits, and pretty soon you won’t be able to leave the house without it. Plus, only having one means you always know where everything is, and there’s no danger of leaving your notes in your other bag.

Mainline Menswear stocks are large selection of man bags, in many different styles. So head over to our website to have a browse and find your perfect man bag.