Summary
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Introduction: An accessory long shunned by men's fashion
- A gendered perception of the bag
- A revolution in progress
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A historically masculine accessory
- The bag in Antiquity and the Middle Ages
- The appearance of pockets and the disappearance of the bag in men
- The rise of the women's bag and the dissociation of genders
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A strong comeback thanks to new trends
- The impact of streetwear and new influences
- The rise of men's bags in luxury
- The influence of designers and fashion icons
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A change in mentalities and practices
- A practical necessity in the face of new lifestyles
- A generation more open to fluidity in clothing
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Which bags for which styles?
- The shoulder bag: a streetwear essential
- The tote bag: a trendy and creative accessory
- The structured leather bag: masculine elegance revisited
- The premium backpack: the compromise between luxury and functionality
- The mini bag: a bold statement inspired by the feminine wardrobe
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A booming market
- Strong growth in the men's bag sector
- A craze driven by the Asian market
- The Integration of Men's Bags into Mainstream Fashion
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Conclusion: a taboo finally lifted?
- The bag, an accessory now accepted
- A lasting transformation of men's dress codes
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Introduction: An accessory long shunned by men's fashion
The bag has always been a utilitarian and symbolic object, spanning eras and cultures. Yet, in the world of men's fashion, it has long been relegated to the background, perceived as an unmanly or superfluous accessory.
For decades, the idea that a man could carry a bag on a daily basis—other than a backpack or a business briefcase—seemed inconceivable. The few existing models were limited to specific uses: the leather briefcase for businessmen, the sports bag for the gym, and the backpack for students.
But in recent years, a true revolution has been underway. The men's bag is no longer hidden; it's making a name for itself. Driven by changing attitudes, the rise of major luxury brands, and the influence of fashion icons, it is now seen as a style accessory in its own right. Does the "men's" bag signal the end of a taboo?
1. A historically masculine accessory
Contrary to popular belief, the bag has not always been an exclusively feminine symbol. In ancient times, men already used leather or fabric purses to carry their personal belongings. In medieval times, knights and merchants carried practical satchels for their gold coins and scrolls.
In the 19th century, the advent of more structured clothing and the appearance of pockets gradually reduced the need for men to carry a bag. Women, deprived of pockets in their voluminous dresses, saw the rise of the handbag, which quickly became a symbol of femininity.
This is how a gendered dissociation between the bag and its wearer was established. For more than a century, men were content to stuff their keys and wallet into their pockets, relegating the bag to the status of a feminine accessory.
2. A strong comeback thanks to new trends
With the evolution of dress codes and the rise of more fluid fashion, the men's bag is making a comeback. Several factors have contributed to this change.
The rise of streetwear
Streetwear has shaken up the codes of men's fashion, incorporating accessories once considered "feminine." The long-derided fanny pack has become a must-have, popularized by brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Balenciaga .
Crossbody bags, messenger bags, and clutches are now essential men's wardrobe staples. They're embraced by rappers, influencers, and designers, and come in minimalist and ultra-luxurious versions.
The influence of the big luxury houses
Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior… The major fashion houses have clearly understood that men's bags represent a booming market. They are investing heavily in dedicated collections, not hesitating to revisit iconic models.
Kim Jones at Dior notably helped popularize men's bags that straddled the line between a handbag and a utility bag. At Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh played a key role in establishing bags with a resolutely modern and uninhibited look.
3. A change in mentalities and practices
If the men's bag is so popular today, it is also because society is moving towards a deconstruction of gender norms.
A practical accessory for a modern lifestyle
With the rise of teleworking and digital nomadism, people increasingly need practical accessories to carry their belongings: laptop, headphones, chargers, notebooks, etc.
Jeans and jacket pockets are no longer sufficient to meet these new needs. Bags therefore respond to a functional as well as aesthetic demand.
A new generation more open to fashion accessories
Millennials and Gen Z have a more fluid approach to fashion. For them, bags are no longer exclusively feminine objects but rather a statement of style. This new generation is influenced by daring male icons, such as Harry Styles, A$AP Rocky, and Timothée Chalamet , who are not afraid to wear luxury handbags in public.
4. Which bags for which styles?
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of bags suitable for different men's styles.
- The shoulder bag : Ideal for an urban and casual look. It's popular with streetwear enthusiasts and is often worn across the chest.
- The tote bag : Once reserved for artists and students, it is now a trendy accessory adopted by trendy men, particularly in creative circles.
- The structured leather bag : Inspired by the briefcase, it has been revisited by brands like Bottega Veneta and Berluti to offer an elegant and contemporary alternative.
- The premium backpack : More sophisticated than the traditional sports backpack, it has become an essential part of the men's wardrobe, particularly in professional environments where the dress code is more relaxed.
- The mini bag : Inspired by the women's handbag, it is starting to become more popular among the more daring, particularly thanks to collections from brands like Jacquemus and Balenciaga.
5. A booming market
Faced with this new demand, brands are multiplying their collections of men's bags. According to market studies, the men's accessories segment, and bags in particular, is experiencing annual growth of 5 to 10% , much higher than that of men's ready-to-wear.
The Asian market, particularly in China and South Korea, is particularly fond of this new trend. Young men there are unashamedly adopting bags as a fashion accessory, influenced by pop culture and major luxury brands.
Even mainstream brands are getting in on the act: Zara, Uniqlo and H&M now offer bags specifically designed for men, proof that the trend is well established.
Conclusion: a taboo finally lifted?
It seems like a long time ago that bags were an exclusively feminine accessory. Today, they have become a staple in men's wardrobes, both practical and stylish.
While some styles remain the preserve of a fashion elite, the general acceptance of men's bags is growing rapidly. With the influence of new generations and fashion icons, the once taboo accessory is becoming a symbol of stylistic assertion and changing attitudes.
The men's bag is therefore much more than a simple fashion phenomenon: it embodies a profound transformation of dress codes and masculine identities. A revolution that, without a doubt, is only just beginning.