"The male kangaroo doesn’t have a pouch; only the female has it. So the male has pouch envy. Why should she have this huge pouch, and I have nothing? I have things to carry, too. At least give me a pocket." - from Seinfeld
Oh the hilarity of Seinfeld, yes we miss it. And so true. We get a lot of emails from men asking about man bags - not computer bags, backpacks or Jack Bauer type messenger bags. They want real bags, the kind that stand up to the fashion rigour of women's bags, like Terrence Howard at last year's Oscars with an alligator clutch any girl would envy. I mean, it totally makes sense and completely acceptable for men to carry bags. Again referencing Seinfeld, remember George's over stuffed wallet? He clearly needed a bag because his back became misaligned from sitting on his 8 inch thick wallet. Men carry lots of things around with them, like an iPod, PSP, Treo, camera and maybe some snacks. Where do they put all that? What if it's warm out and they don't need a jacket with 10 pockets? Fret no more. Here are our picks for our male snobs.
John Varvatos Folio Messenger
This bag is very masculine. It is basic and simple so he won't get grief from his buddies for carrying his girlfriend's bag. This is an all around functional bag, it is just the right size for the everyday as well as for sightseeing when on vacation. Neiman Marcus for $695.
Ferragamo Bleeker Messenger
I love this adventurer's bag! Doesn't it look like something an archaeologist would carry? A cool archaeologist like Indiana Jones. This is perfect for those with a 10.1 megapixel Canon Digital Rebel. This bag screams manly and is ultra stylish. Neiman Marcus for $1400.
Martin Margiela Travel Bag
Every man needs a carry-on that looks like this. Don't use a raggedy old duffel bag when you travel, please. You're not going to the gym. The flight attendant will be so much nicer to you if you look respectable and she'll even help you find a nice big spot overhead for this beautiful bag. At Aloha Rag for $1500 (currently sold out).
Bottega Woven Messenger Moro-Nero
Now we get into the fuzzy area of the "He-She" bags. But of course, this is Bottega Veneta so it is going to appeal to the super polished custom tailored suits, special designer washed jeans on the weekends, funky shoes that would be totally girlie if it weren't in a size 13, kind of men so on him this bag would not stand out as odd. At Bottega Veneta online for $2650.
Bottega Veneta Pepe
If the woven leather Bottega Veneta looks like something your girlfriend or wife will steal from you, this alternative is just as stylish without the risk. The woven detailing is on the gusset so you still get the fab BV look with a little more testosterone. At Bottega Veneta online for $1350.
Prada Travel Tote
I'll admit this bag is iffy for a guy but if you're a DJ, imagine how cool you would be showing up with this? Just make sure you are prepared to impress the crowd because if all you have up your sleeve is Fergie, you would be a total poser. I do love this bag though, it would be perfect for lawyers or anyone who needs to transport documents. The leather is so yummy! At Saks for $1910.
I like the Prada one, it will hold all my cds. Congrats on all the success.
I love love love the john varvatos messenger and the travel bag and could even see my super fussy bf carrying them! And the ferragmo messenger is so awesome, even I want one :)
weee! we have similar tastes in manbags!
My god - I l-l-love the Prada!!! I think some of the more adventurous chaps amongst us could probably even get away with the YSL Rive Gauche ostrich...
Loving your work Bagsnob!!!
I am sorry, but I am against men carrying bags such as this. Messenger bags and briefcases are obviously acceptable, but clutches?!? Absolutely not! Call me old fashioned, but it looks way too feminine to me... no matter how fabulous the bag.
i really love the tote prada travel bag!
fantastic!
It's probably feminine because it's so fabulous...
LOVE THE BLEEKER BAG. JUST PURCHASED IT.FINALLY A BAG WITH A LITTLE MORE STYLE.TIRED OF THE BASIC FLAP OVER MESSENGERS ALL THE DESIGNERS DO FOR MEN . WE NEED MORE LIKE THIS !!!