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.
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Homme
Le Chiquito Homme
Jacquemus
Jacquemus' Le Chiquito Bag verges on 'it' bag, but its timeless build runs contrary to the definition. Sure, it's tiny and bold, but it's perfect for your AirPods and it's easy to style.
Acne Studios Mini Tote Bag
Mini Tote Bag
Acne Studios
Totes are certainly in the conversation for most useful bags and this mini tote from Acne Studios is a refreshingly small take on the style.
MCM x Sambypen Crossbody Bag
Sambypen Crossbody Bag
MCM
MCM is an expert when it comes to bags. We're talking everything from suitcases to little messenger bags like this one. Made in collaboration with artist Sambypen, the signature monogrammed leather build features a playful artistic embellishment to the bottom corner.
JW Anderson Cap Crossbody Bag
Cap Crossbody Bag
JW Anderson
JW Anderson's Cap Bag is a returning fixture to our wardrobes as well as the label's collections. The high-quality leather piece is as playful as it is genuinely useful.
Bonastre Tadao Shoulder Bag
Tadao Shoulder Bag
Bonastre
While we were all in love with the more technical side to shoulder bags not too long ago, lately we've been more taken with the elevated leather versions.
1017 ALYX 9SM Ludo Leather Messenger Bag
Ludo Leather Messenger Bag
1017 ALYX 9SM
1017 ALYX 9SM is an expert in luxury style with a streetwear edge. This black leather messenger bag is given signature flair by the rollercoaster-buckle fastening.
Heron Preston x Calvin Klein Holdall Bag
Calvin Klein Holdall Bag
Heron Preston
Heron Preston reworked a portion of Calvin Klein's iconic archive last season. Of course, many of the designer's takes on the classics are resplendent in bold orange.
Marni Hackney Messenger Bag
Marni always puts its name to the season's best bags. From woven shoppers to canvas messenger bags, the Italian house has an affinity for utilitarian yet elegant accessories.
Bottega Veneta Tech Casette Bag
Is there anything that Bottega Veneta can't weave? This Cassette Bag features the brand's go-to Intrecciato-woven padding as its shell.
Dries Van Noten x Len Lye Edition Leather Print Tote
Len Lye Edition Leather Print Tote
Dries Van Noten
15% off sitewide FW2021
15% off sitewide FW2021
Dries Van Noten is no stranger to bold prints but his recent-season offering with artist Len Lye was extreme. This leather tote bag bears the psychedelic evidence.
côte&ciel Isarau S Bag
Isarau S Bag
côte&ciel
côte&ciel just released its ICON range, a collection of its best-loved designs stripped back to their basic form with all-black palettes. The Isarau S Bag is a perfectly compact crossbody carry defined by its sleek design.
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