The man bag has associations with the metro-sexual man, but many men are now using a messenger bag or tote instead of a briefcase. Is the man bag for all men, or for the more daring and experimental.
Up to fifteen years ago everyday bags for men mainly consisted of stiff and structured briefcases for work. Most men wore suits to work, and this best suited the look. For casual use the only option was a backpack which does not offer a fashionable look. As we have entered the 21st century, mens designer bags have exploded in popularity with new choices such as the messenger bag, and tote. In this article I will analyse whether these new style designer bags are accessible for all men, or just the Metro Sexual man.
Society is constantly changing and fashion is very quick at reflecting this. With the bag, it has traditionally been considered a fashion item for women but a purely functional one for men. The classic briefcase was intended to look smart with a tailored suit, and suitable to fit some papers and very little else. As we have moved into the 21st century there have been some interesting social, technological and cultural changes.
A change in the workplace has been the switch from suit and tie to business-casual attire, which has allowed more self expression for the man. In addition, the traditional roles accepted by men and women have been challenged and broken down. With the common use of a laptop computer and other accessories such as an ipod, men simply have more to carry than just a few papers.
Modern society has therefore created a demand for a fashionable and more casual bag for men. Mens bags have become more relaxed (made from softer materials), more spacious, more comfortable to wear and much more individual and fashionable. Because these ideas have been associated with the handbag, some may consider the man bag a bit too feminine.
The truth is though that the man bag has become a hugely popular item, adopted by all types of men. Designers have made every effort to design fashionable bags that retain a masculine identity (e.g. more chunky) so as not to put the general population off. There are some very trendy specialist bag brands for the urban consumer such as Knomo.
Up to fifteen years ago everyday bags for men mainly consisted of stiff and structured briefcases for work. Most men wore suits to work, and this best suited the look. For casual use the only option was a backpack which does not offer a fashionable look. As we have entered the 21st century, mens designer bags have exploded in popularity with new choices such as the messenger bag, and tote. In this article I will analyse whether these new style designer bags are accessible for all men, or just the Metro Sexual man.
Society is constantly changing and fashion is very quick at reflecting this. With the bag, it has traditionally been considered a fashion item for women but a purely functional one for men. The classic briefcase was intended to look smart with a tailored suit, and suitable to fit some papers and very little else. As we have moved into the 21st century there have been some interesting social, technological and cultural changes.
A change in the workplace has been the switch from suit and tie to business-casual attire, which has allowed more self expression for the man. In addition, the traditional roles accepted by men and women have been challenged and broken down. With the common use of a laptop computer and other accessories such as an ipod, men simply have more to carry than just a few papers.
Modern society has therefore created a demand for a fashionable and more casual bag for men. Mens bags have become more relaxed (made from softer materials), more spacious, more comfortable to wear and much more individual and fashionable. Because these ideas have been associated with the handbag, some may consider the man bag a bit too feminine.
The truth is though that the man bag has become a hugely popular item, adopted by all types of men. Designers have made every effort to design fashionable bags that retain a masculine identity (e.g. more chunky) so as not to put the general population off. There are some very trendy specialist bag brands for the urban consumer such as Knomo.
About the Author:
David Cole is a trained designer, and has worked in the mens fashion industry for 4 years since graduating. He has a particular interest in mens accessories, and runs a website called Herbert Jones Mens Accessories that offers mens bags, mens belts, and more from the top designer brands.
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