Joey Tribbiani was ahead of his time when he sported his iconic ‘man’s bag’ on ‘FRIENDS’. While Chandler and Ross poked fun at Joey’s bold fashion choice, today’s style landscape has embraced men’s handbags as a go-to accessory. Gone are the days of boring fanny packs and briefcases, today’s men’s bags are stylish and trendy.
Director and producer Karan Johar often showcases his love for luxury handbags, making them the centrepiece of his ensembles. Actor Aparshakti Khurana, too, has been opting for stylish sling bags, proving that handbags have transcended traditional gender norms.
A raging trend
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Designer Ujjawal Dubey, creative director of the brand Antar-Agni, tells India Today that it’s exciting to see an accessory addition to men’s outfits. However, he mentions that in India, traditional jholas and potlis have always been part of men’s clothing.
“Handbags are a great addition as they are functional and also enhance the look one is going for,” he adds.
Further, designer Pooja Choudhary, founder of the brand Lavanya The Label, states, “The fact that men now have handbags is a great development as it shows that fashion can be more inclusive and expressive.”
She adds, “Whether it’s a chic cross-body bag for casual days or a structured tote to add class, handbags are great look enhancers, even for men.”
Designer Sameer Madan is also of the same opinion. While he points out that this trend has been around for a while, he is impressed by the fact that many more Indian men are now carrying handbags.
He says, “It’s exactly how it works for a woman: the whole outfit gets tied together with the handbag. The same goes for men.”
Does social media deserve all the credit?
Experts feel that while social media certainly played a role in popularising this trend, the appeal of handbags goes beyond that. It creates good visibility that helps one communicate their individuality.
This trend also reflects a genuine shift in how men perceive personal style and practicality. Men now have a broader range of accessories that enhance their looks, enabling authentic self-expression.
Full marks for practicality
“The practicality and versatility of handbags for men are key factors in their rising popularity. For men, it’s always functionality plus style that make any accessory an important part of the look. Bags fit the bill perfectly,” says Ujjawal Dubey.
Adding to this, Pooja Choudhary states that handbags offer convenient storage without compromising style, making them ideal for a variety of settings—from work and travel to casual outings.
“A well-chosen handbag can carry essentials in a way that backpacks or traditional briefcases might not,” she mentions.
Meanwhile, sharing his experience, Sameer Madan points out, “It’s the most practical thing that has ever happened to me personally. I always carry a bag on a day-to-day basis. I don’t like to stuff my pockets with chunky wallets and phones, considering the size of phones these days. So, for me, it’s a practical thing to have. You don’t ruin your clothing’s shape, and you can pull the look together—just throw in your essentials and go.”
Good investment
According to industry insiders, handbags from luxury brands can be a good investment for men. Madan believes that investing in a bag is worthwhile because its value can increase over time. Plus, the beauty of today’s fashion is that everything is unisex—if a man no longer wants the bag, his partner can enjoy it instead.
“High-quality materials improve with age and stay in style for years; hence, you can invest in a few good pieces,” adds Choudhary.
Cultural shift
The trend of men elevating their outfits with handbags reflects a shift toward inclusivity and self-expression. “Men have started experimenting with clothing and accessories. The thought has become more inclusive as they embrace a more gender-neutral outlook,” says Ujjawal Dubey.
This is a step in the right direction for increasing acceptance. Choudhary feels, “The fashion industry is growing up; it’s moving forward in many ways. Men using handbags is an example of style aligning with acceptance, allowing people to express themselves more freely through their clothing choices.”
Before you bag it…
When selecting a handbag, consider your outfit’s colour and style. For beginners, start with neutral colours or classic designs.
Always try to match the occasion with the formality of the bag, and as you gain confidence, explore more daring options to express your style.
Remember to choose a handbag that truly reflects your style.
Here are some options to consider:
- For work, choose a messenger bag, briefcase, or laptop bag: A classic option that conveys professionalism. Look for one with a modern design and enough compartments for organisation.
- For casual outings, pick a tote bag, backpack, or cross-body bag: A trendy choice that balances style and practicality, and a minimalistic design creates a modern aesthetic.
- For travel, go for a duffel bag, weekender, or travel backpack: Spacious yet stylish, and often more refined than traditional travel bags.
Don’t make these mistakes
- Avoid handbags that don’t fit the style and colours of your outfit, as they can disrupt the overall look.
- Steer clear of loud prints or designs unless they reflect your style.
- Always remember that your outfit and handbag should complement each other, not compete with.
- And if you want to make a statement, let the handbag stand out without matching every detail of your outfit—this creates a balanced, polished look.
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