Credit: Instagram @jordantupak2

The “man bag” is often trivialised by many as unnecessary and silly, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the same old duffle bag you’ve carried since 16 will not suffice. At the very least, men of style should have a handful of bags on rotation, to cover a number of occasions and elevate any look.

From the office to the gym and weekend drinks, it’s time to take a leaf from the world of women and start a collection. If you’ve found yourself in the market for a new bag – or five – keep scrolling below for the essential bags every man should own.

The Backpack

Starting off with an obvious one, the backpack is probably the most multi-purpose style you can own. When we suggest this style we don’t mean the one you carried in high-school, and although the backpacks were once considered daggy and old-school, it has become a practical and stylish kit addition for the masses.

To bring the backpack into 2018, look for something more refined and innovative, made from good-quality material and lacking excessive pockets and zips.

Rains Flap Backpack / $128 AUD SHOP NOW
Thom Browne Backpack With White Contrast 4-bar Stripe / $3,750 AUD SHOP NOW
Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Backpack / $60 USD SHOP NOW

The Cross-body Bag

Love ’em or hate ’em the rise of ’80s streetwear has also seen the infamous return of the bum-bag – better known as the cross-body. Unless you’re carrying something bulky, the hands-free design of the cross-body is hard to pass up. Unless its an everyday/all-day bag for you, due to the nature of the style it’s easy to have fun with and go for bolder colour-ways and patterns.

Givenchy Logo Belt Bag / $1,150 AUD SHOP NOW
Lacoste Men’s 85th Anniversary Limited Edition Bum Bag / $129 AUD SHOP NOW
Kenzo Tiger Embroidered Belt Bag / $340 AUD SHOP NOW

The Tote Bag

Not normally one most guys reach for, the tote bag is the most multi-purpose style for men. Dependent on the fabric/version you opt for, the tote bag can double as a gym bag, briefcase and carry-all, whilst still looking good. Pay attention to the fabric of your bag as to how you intend to use it – leather for work and canvas for the beach – and look for something more masculine and edgy.

Opening Ceremony OC Logo Tote Bag / $67 AUD SHOP NOW
Want Les Essentiels O’Hare Leather-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag / $398 AUD SHOP NOW
Burberry Embossed Leather Tote / $1,820 AUD SHOP NOW 

The Gym Bag

We can all agree that new activewear is enough motivation to hit the gym and if you’re up to replace your old battered duffle, we’ve got you sorted. While the tote bag you’ve just purchased is a great alternative when you’re in a rush, gym junkies will surely appreciate an exclusive gym bag.

Dependent on your needs, opt for something with several compartments to keep things sorted and also keep in mind whether it will double as your office carry-all, as to whether aesthetics play an important part.

Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag / $119 AUD SHOP NOW
Nike Club Team Football Duffle Bag / $55 AUD SHOP NOW
Tommy Jeans Logo Tape Duffle Bag / $179 AUD SHOP NOW

The Weekend Carry-all

And when the weekend rolls back around, light luggage is an essential for any short trips away. Quality and luxury should be at the forefront when choosing a weekend carry-all bag and if you invest now, you’ll have the piece forever. For something truly classic, look to a brown leather duffle or heavy canvas style for long-lasting use.

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 45 / $2,420 AUD SHOP NOW
Country Road Leather Logo Tote / $499 AUD SHOP NOW
Boss Meridian Cross-Grain Leather-Trimmed Canvas Suit Carrier And Holdall / $748 AUD SHOP NOW