The Power Of The Purse: Menswear’s New Love For Handbags

Whether you work from home or head to an office every day, there’s a good chance you’re carrying around quite a few items that simply won’t fit in your jeans or sport coat. Instead of opting for a bulky briefcase or outdated backpack, more men are raiding their girlfriends’ closets or shopping in the women’s section to find the right handbag for them.

Yes, you read that right: the purse is one of the top accessories for menswear this year. From Hollywood stars like Jacob Elordi to male models gliding down the catwalk, there has been a renewed interest in guys adopting the ease and functionality of a handbag.

While this is new territory for many men, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out the top styles of purse for gents to try, with a few recommendations for a starting point on finding the right bag for you.

The Gendered History Of The Handbag

What we consider now as a purse often has gendered undertones, denoting what is only a women’s accessory. Many of us may think of a purse as a dainty clutch your highschool sweetheart may have carried around, or perhaps your grandmother’s oversized bag that seemed as bottomless as Mary Poppins’. Historically speaking, though, this is a fairly new gender distinction that didn’t exist until around the 19th century.

In fact, the purse was traditionally used by and designed for men. Given the economic power men have historically held within a household, men’s purses were a way to keep hold—and thereby control — of the family’s finances. It was only secondarily used by women. This began to change in the late 1800s for a variety of reasons, in part due to coins being replaced with paper money and held within financial institutions, but also as women began to become more independent from the home.

In response to this, the 20th century saw a newfound interest in catering to this untapped market: the working woman. A greater independence among women who were working outside the house created a necessity for those women to easily transport their lunch, makeup, keys and wallet more conveniently. This uptick in market interest coincided with more efficient manufacturing practices and a growing interest in fashion after the boom of economic growth post-World War II. The end result? A burgeoning purse market that no longer catered to men.

And what about men? Well, carrying a bag began to be seen as a comment on professionalism and success. Other than a briefcase to carry important documents, anything superfluous could be tucked into a nice, roomy suit; or, better yet, given to one’s secretary to handle. This appears to be the nail in the proverbial coffin that ultimately led purses—and the men who carried them—to be seen as “less than”, both in a professional sense, as well as a gendered one.

Today, these gendered stereotypes are fading. With an almost ambivalence towards gender stereotypes, younger generations aren’t anchored to the stringent mores which may have affected their parents or grandparents. In fact, one could almost see men using purses as a protest against the conventional thinking on what defines men’s and women’s accessories. And still for others, the simple ease of throwing everything in one bag and heading out the door makes up for any anxiety of being seen walking down the street with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull hitched on their shoulder.

Picking The Purse

For guys who have not previously experimented with a handbag, it may be hard to know where to start. Do you opt for a bucket bag? Stick to a messenger bag? Or go all-in with a hobo or baguette? Well, to answer that question, it all depends on your personal style, budget, and needs.

One of the most common bag types out there is the tote bag. You have undoubtedly received one from your work or got one in the mail after re-upping your New Yorker subscription and these are perfectly fine if you’re happy with the bare minimum in terms of style. But if you’d like to elevate your selection, start by finding a leather version within your budget. British brand Ettinger’s Chelsea Tote is a masterclass in refinement while still remaining highly functional and WP Standard’s oversized tote is a more budget-friendly option with plenty of room for all of those pesky chargers, headphones and notebooks that take up so much space.

Of course, leather isn’t the only option out there for those who like the simplicity of a tote bag. One interesting alternative is the Quentin tote by RUSKIN, which uses tweed for a rugged, English feel to it. And if you’re worried about being too precious with your tote, Alex Mill has released what they’ve dubbed the “Perfect Weekday Tote”, made of washed canvas for a durable option to pack up before you dash out the door.

Unfortunately, sometimes a tote just isn’t enough, and one may want to graduate to something a bit more substantial. A carry-all or duffle may be the right fit for your individual needs. Louis Vuitton has long set the standard for well-designed luxury bags, with the Speedy being one of the most well-known designs from the French fashion house. In fact, you may have seen Jacob Elordi or Pharrell carrying one around in recent months. And while Louis Vuitton may have set the standard, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand, The Row, has perfected it with their suite of spacious luxury bags, including their George, India, and Margeaux styles.

Smaller makers, too, are designing some of the top options for men to test out this season. The Rhodes Duffel by Lindquist is reminiscent of a vintage doctor’s bag with small details, like the leather piping and brass hardware, that put it in league with anything The Row is putting out. Similarly, Métier’s Nomad is made of a softer leather and slouchier design that can pull double-duty as an overnight bag.

And if you’re not ready to commit to anything too big a crossbody is the perfect compromise. Small and portable, these bags have already transitioned to the mainstream, making them an easy style of bag to adopt. Both Prada and Bottega Veneta have options that show, even with minimal real estate, a luxury brand can still show off their craftsmanship. As these bags can run upwards of $2,000, a more economical option may be this one from GRAMS28.

Styling With Confidence

While it may feel awkward at first due to our preconceptions about purses, there is nothing emasculating about convenience. While a handbag may have gendered connotations, the ease of being able to pack up and go offers a stress-free and stylish way to commute. As stereotypes continue to break down and gender boundaries blur, there is a level of freedom in being able to wear what makes sense for you and your style.

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