The Best Bags for Men to Buy Right Now

Menswear Has Finally Befriended the Shoulder Bag & the Range on Show Says So

By Louis Almond in Editor's Picks

The idea of the IT bag is both a blessing and a curse. Worshipping one accessory for a season means better appreciating the craftsmanship and design of the world’s biggest fashion houses. But IT bags don’t stay IT for very long. Just as soon as they’re thrown into the spotlight and tucked under arms are they pulled from shoulders and replaced by something fresher.

But the years of the one-bag-wonder are gone, and we’re not too sad about it. Over recent seasons, the bag game has been blown wide open. Messengers, shoppers, crossbody, and even “cassette” bags, are all on display. All at the same time. And for everyone. Menswear has finally started to accept bags, of all kinds, with outstretched arms.

Scroll on for a brief guide to the best bags around right now.

1017 ALYX 9SM Crossbody

Leather Crossbody Bag

$589

1017 ALYX 9SM

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

ALYX is a brand with functionality at its core, and that’s something it has in common with this accessory category. This black leather crossbody bag is a smart, concealable piece with multiple zippered compartments and adjustable shoulder strap. A signature ALYX buckle seals everything up nicely.

Loewe Crossbody

Pocket Grained-Leather Cross-body Bag

$510

Loewe

Buy at Matchesfashion

Loewe’s crossbody offer almost looks fit for the side of someone on a medieval battlefield. Also good for putting your iPhone in.

Acne Studios Mini Purse

Mini Purse Bag

from $275

Acne Studios

(Available at 2 Merchants)

The mention of a “mini purse” in menswear would have been met with confusion a few years back. With us now in thankfully more open-minded times, this green one by Acne Studios is an ideal choice if you’re seeking convenience when carrying essentials.

Jil Sander Crossbody

Flat Crossbody Bag

$371

Jil Sander

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

Fresh from the Luke- and Lucy Meier-designed Jil Sander SS20 collection, this crossbody is vegetable-tanned leather piece that’ll match up nicely with that monochrome wardrobe.

Innerraum Smartphone Bag

I14 Smartphone Bag

from $431

Innerraum

(Available at 2 Merchants)

The shoulder-ready bag your $1,000+ phone deserves.

Martine Ali Messenger

Gunmetal Desi Messenger Bag

$488

Martine Ali

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

Ah — a visual representation of the caged existence us bag-fans used to live. Use it as a reminder to ensure we never go back to those dark days. Or use to show off that book you’re never going to read. As you wish.

Bottega Veneta Cassette Bag

Large Intrecciato Messenger Bag

$2955

Bottega Veneta

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

Another IT-crown-worthy bag — last time we mention those two letters, promise — this Intrecciato-woven calfskin wonder comes courtesy of Bottega Veneta. A brand that can pretty much do no wrong.

Acne Studios Crossbody

Abbey Logo-Embroidered Cross-body Bag

from $126

Acne Studios

(Available at 2 Merchants)

With the option of carrying this via its handy handle, or wearing across your torso, Acne Studios’ option, which comes boasting the Swedish brand’s content face logo, is a versatile one.

Burberry Freddie Messenger

Freddie Messenger Bag

$805

Burberry

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

The Freddie messenger bag pays tribute to Burberry’s icon status, coming dressed in the British brand’s signature check pattern. You’ve no doubt have seen something similar if you’ve ever been to a UK festival.

Off-White™ SSENSE Exclusive Crossbody

SSENSE Exclusive Crossbody Bag

$438

Off-White™

Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300

Buy at ssense

If you’re not a Burberry check kinda guy, then this blacked-out option from Virgil and co, available exclusively at SSENSE, may the one for your shoulder.

A-COLD-WALL* Crossbody

Utility Padded Cross-Body Bag

from $284

A-COLD-WALL*

(Available at 2 Merchants)

OK, not quite the full-on foray into womenswear bags for men that some of the other options above offer. A gateway bag perhaps.

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