The designer bag has been quickly assimilated into the menswearverse. A$AP Rocky loves them. Jacob Elordi loves them. Kit Connor loves them. And, funnily enough, so do legions of fashion die-hards that are prepared to drop big cash on a big designer bag. “Where I grew up, we had a culture where you wore bum bags, fanny packs,” said Elordi in a 2023 interview with GQ. “When I leave home, I need to have a certain thing from every category with me in case I get bored – a book, a notepad, rolls of film, a camera, a pen.”
According to data from market research website Circana, interest in men’s handbags has been increasing by seven per cent year on year. Lyst also recently revealed that there’s been a rise in searches for different men’s handbag styles. Men’s belt bags, for example, have shot up 71 per cent, while men’s shoulder bags and totes have soared by 61 per cent and 54 per cent, respectively
So, what exactly are dudes buying? Jacquemus’ Chiquitos and Lemaire’s ultra-viral Croissants are becoming more and more popular with guys. And resale platform StockX, which is usually known more for its sneaker and streetwear offerings, told Vogue that Louis Vuitton bags have also become hot-ticket items, with sales skyrocketing almost 90 per cent in the past three years.
If you’re reading this, chances are you haven’t jumped on the designer bag trend just yet. But you’re seriously considering it – and with huge prices, there’s a lot to consider. So, we sat down with some menswear buyers, stylists, and designers to come up with 10 things that you should definitely be looking out for when securing the bag.
10 things to considering before buying a designer bag
#1: Aesthetics
You need to get a designer bag that actually looks good to you, rather than what other people might think. These things can be expensive. So, you want to make sure that it’ll fit your personal vibe and all the big grails it’ll be worn with.
“While usability is important, the modern male of today is now looking for something that looks more visually appealing,” says Matthew Harvison, senior menswear buyer at THG. “This can range from embellished hardware, a branded monogram, mad patterns, or even vibrant pops of colour.”
#2: Budget
Know that you might need to save a little. While some pieces can set you back hundreds, others, like Pharrell Williams’ infamous Speedy Bag, can cost up to seven figures.
“Budget is another crucial consideration,” says Amy Thomas, accessories buyer at THG. “Are you looking to invest in a high-end, timeless piece? Or are you more interested in a trendy, seasonal bag? Luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton aren’t cheap, so spend wisely.”
#3: Colours
Colour is another key factor to look into. The most popular men’s bags come in versatile tones like black, grey, green, and red. These colours work with absolutely everything, but if you’re searching for something that’s a little more poppy and a little more out there, while they definitely do exist, you’re going to have to look harder.
“But it’s not just the colour of the bag itself either,” says Thomas. “Your choice of metals – whether you prefer silver, gold, rose gold, or a mix – should also influence your bag selection. Many luxury bags come with different metal hardware options, allowing you to match your accessories seamlessly.”
