Bags for Men: A Style Guide to Choosing the Right One

A guide to deciphering bags for men...

A Guide to Men's Bags
Listen, I'm tired of seeing grown ass men carrying the same tired book bag they have had since high school or college! I am tired! And if see one more flimsy nylon, faded logo drawstring knapsack straining across another guy's back I will scream... Now I know as a woman that handbags have been marketed to me and there has been the stigma of a man carrying a bag, or a murse, but times are changing and y'all need something to carry your stuff in just like we do. Step it up! I have come up with the ultimate guide to several different styles  of men's bags with several shoppable options below:

*click the photos to shop

The Messenger Bag
Flat or vertical in construction- a messenger bag slings across the shoulder for easy travel and it fits a laptop, iPad, folders and whatever else you have to carry around. Stick to clean lines and avoid bright colors to keep it laid back and classic. 

The Gym Bag
Perfect for men commuting from the gym to the office who want to work out before their business day starts. Look for a sleek design with compartments that will keep your shoes seperate from your lunch!

The Backpack
Now, I never said no to book bags and backpacks- but why not upgrade to more sophisticated, sturdier options? Depending on what you will use the bag for, go with breathable, wipeable fabrics, leather or suede finishes and outside compartments to up the style factor. 

The Briefcase
The modern version of the briefcase is not all sharp rectangular corners and hard shells like the ones from back in the day. The newer ones are fresher takes and made of soft leather or canvas and has interior pockets for organizing your things.

The Duffle Bag/Weekender
Travel in style with a duffle bag/weekender: business trips, a weekend get away, your girl's house... this bag is large enough for at least three outfits, toiletries and a pair of shoes. Swing over your shoulder or carry in your hands- this bag is perfect for travel!

The Dopp Kit
Equivalent to a woman's makeup bag and just as important, a dopp kit holds a man's grooming essentials and is compact enough to keep everything organized. It doesn't matter if you shave, have a Rick Ross beard, rockin' a baldy or a fro, braids or dreadlocs- whatever- this bag is the perfect addition to any man's sink.

The Garment Bag
Groom, best man, job interview, court date... whatever you use a suit for doesn't matter as long as it is in a garment bag! Keep it in the back of your closet for your expensive suits and other formal attire and pull it out when it is time to travel for business. This keeps everything from becoming a wrinkled mess in transition.

The Waist Bag
I know this is a little risque', but the waist bag/pouch is perfect for hands free traveling whether you are a tourist or just strolling through your own city.  It allows easy access to cell phone, wallet, documents and anything else you may need on the go. You can go as simple or as trendy as you want with this one!

The Camera Bag
Last, but not least this bag is for all my photographer friends out there. You no longer have to carry a bulky awkward camera bag with you to shoots. Purchase a modern compact camera bag that includes padding for your camera, compartments for the battery, memory cards, lenses and any other extras. Have fun with a print or pattern or go with an inconspicuous black or gray model.

Ladies if you are over seeing the man in your life with that same TIRED bag that he has been carrying since high school- look out for him and purchase a new bag that fits his style, needs and lifestyle. But men don't hesitate to upgrade yourself! And if  you need further help, don't hesitate to reach out and receive styling advice by emailing me.

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