Men's bags: messenger bags, backpacks and bum bags

Which man’s bag to choose based on your use?

Before considering the colour or brand, ask yourself one question: what will you carry, and how many times a week? The office bag, with a laptop and files, is nothing like the one for the weekend.

• Man’s briefcase : the essentials on you, phone, keys, and wallet, without weighing down a jacket.
• Backpack for men : the most versatile for commuting, work, and study.
• Bum bag for men : at the waist or across the chest, for hands-free outings.
• Shoulder bag : a step up from the briefcase, big enough for a book or a tablet.
• Sports bag for men : ample space and a wide opening for change of clothes.
• Travel bag : for a weekend away.

To organise the inside, consider pouches and wallets. The tote bag is handy for shopping.

The man’s briefcase, the everyday bag

The shoulder bag is worn on the side or across the chest. It keeps your belongings handy while commuting and can slide under a coat.

The leather man’s briefcase goes well with city or office wear, a style that the French leatherworker Le Tanneur crafts in leather. In canvas or nylon, it becomes lighter and more casual for the weekend.

The backpack for men for work and commuting

The backpack distributes weight across both shoulders, which matters when carrying a laptop for several kilometres. Look for a padded compartment for the laptop and an external pocket for keys and the phone.

For a man’s work bag, stick to a sober colour, black, grey, or navy, and a material without a visible logo. Technical models from The North Face or Patagonia are designed for cycling and the outdoors.

How to choose a bum bag for men?

The bum bag for men is chosen first for its capacity: a small bum bag holds a phone, keys, and a card, while a larger model can fit a water bottle or a compact camera.

Check that the strap adjusts easily, so it can move from the waist to the chest without being removed. A zipped pocket on the back keeps valuables close to you in a crowd.

The man’s sports bag, practical above all

A good sports bag for men opens wide for quick packing and separates clean clothes from dirty ones. Look for a separate pocket for shoes, ideally ventilated.

A water-resistant fabric withstands damp changing rooms, and a removable shoulder strap allows it to be carried over the shoulder or by hand as needed.

Leather, canvas or nylon: which material to choose?

• Leather : the best durability over time, it develops a patina with use. Needs regular conditioning and protection from rain.
• Cotton canvas : sturdy and easy to care for, ideal for everyday bags.
• Nylon and technical fabrics : lightweight, resistant to moisture and abrasion, suitable for sports and commuting.

Regardless of the material, pay attention to the stitching and zippers: that's often where a bag starts to fail first.

How to match your bag with your outfit?

A dark leather bag, black, brown, or cognac, pairs well with a structured jacket. Avoid pairing black leather with brown shoes.

With jeans and sneakers, a canvas bum bag or a technical backpack fits better into the outfit than a very formal leather one. Belts, caps, and small leather goods can be found in the men’s accessories.

How to care for your bag?

For leather, a slightly damp cloth followed by a nourishing product every two or three months prevents cracking. Store it stuffed with paper to maintain its shape.

For canvas and nylon, a dry brushing is usually enough. In case of stains, clean locally with lukewarm water and mild soap, then let air dry.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a briefcase and a shoulder bag?

The briefcase is more compact: phone, wallet, keys. The shoulder bag is larger and can fit a tablet, book, or small laptop.

Is a backpack suitable for the office?

Yes, if it remains understated: neutral colour, leather or coated canvas, no obvious logo. Avoid very sporty models with thick straps with a suit.

How to wear a bum bag for men?

At the waist for sports, or across the chest over a t-shirt or open jacket for city wear. Adjust the strap so it stays close to the body.

How to know if my laptop fits in a backpack?

Compare the stated size of the compartment, in inches, with that of your device, including the case. A compartment that is too tight can damage the corners with each insertion.