When you think of men’s bags, what comes to mind? It’s probably a clunky travel backpack, or perhaps it’s a vintage canvas messenger bag. Satchels, briefcases, and sling bags are also usual staples in a man’s wardrobe. Other types – such as handbags, shoulder bags, and beach bags – are seen as too ‘feminine’ for the average man.
But it’s 2019, and the arbitrary gender lines in fashion are becoming more and more blurred every day. First, there was the ‘murse’ or male purse, as seen on celebs like Terry Crews and John Mayer. Now, there’s the ‘mote’ or male tote bag, the man’s accessory trend that’s taking the world by storm.
RELATED: Are Men In Short Shorts Fashionable? Everything You Need To Know
The Men’s Tote Bag
Tote bags are large, durable bags with handles. Similar to carry bags or shopping bags, there are usually no clasps or fasteners to close the bag. Tote bags can be made out of a variety of materials, such as heavy canvas, leather, nylon, or even recycled/organic fabrics.
A couple of decades ago, men who carried bags were made fun of – there’s even an entire episode of Friends dedicated to that story arc, and it’s also a punchline in The Hangover. According to pop culture and society at the time, men carried very few things that could fit in their pocket, and only women (with their brushes and makeup and other items) needed large bags to carry stuff around.
But ‘cool man bags’ are now on the rise, largely thanks to celebrity influencers such as David Beckham, Kanye West, and Ryan Gosling sporting the trend in recent years. They’re fashionable and functional, especially since most people today are lugging around laptops, iPads, and other clunky items. The trick is to find a masculine design, colour, and style – and there are plenty of them, if you know where to look.
The Best Male Tote Bags On The Market
Bazar Graffiti M Shopper Tote
Brand: Balenciaga
Price: $AUD 3,125
Buy the Balenciaga Bazar Graffiti M Shopper Tote from Far Fetch here.
Classic Tote
Brand: Bellroy
Price: $AUD 109
Buy the Bellroy Classic Tote from David Jones here.
Contrast Logo Tote Bag
Brand: Gucci
Price: $AUD 1,000
Buy the Gucci Contrast Logo Tote Bag from Far Fetch here.
Shopper Tote
Brand: Rick Owens
Price: $AUD 670
Buy the Rick Owens Shopper Tote from Far Fetch here.
Newport Tote
Brand: Louis Vuitton
Price: $AUD 2,890
Buy the Louis Vuitton Newport Tote here.
Leather-Trim Denim Tote
Brand: Polo Ralph Lauren
Price: $USD 345 ($AUD 510)
Buy the Polo Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Denim Tote here.
Collins Tote Bag
Brand: Herschel
Price: $AUD 84
Buy the Herschel Collins Tote Bag from David Jones here.
Thunderbolt Tote Bag
Brand: Neil Barrett
Price: $AUD 875
Buy the Neil Barrett Thunderbolt Tote Bag from Far Fetch here.
Large Quilted Tote Bag
Brand: Alexander McQueen
Price: $AUD 1,060
Buy the Alexander McQueen Large Quilted Tote Bag from Far Fetch here.
Lucent Tote Bag
Brand: Bao Bao Issey Miyake
Price: $AUD 823
Buy the Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Tote Bag from Far Fetch here.
The Perfect Men’s Accessory For 2019
We understand if you have hesitations about rocking a man-bag, but there’s no better time than now to hop on this trend. Put away your backpacks, fold up your messenger bags, and spring for a stylish man tote. And if anyone makes fun of you, pay them no mind – they’re just jealous they don’t look as good as you do!
RELATED: Men’s Fashion in the 90s – The Highlights
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
