The Best Everyday Bags for Men

Words by Tony Wilkes


“Really, a purse?” will be a quote familiar to many millennials. The item in question, if you didn’t know, was a black leather shoulder bag – and a now-notorious punchline of the aptly titled Friends episode ‘The One with Joey’s Bag’.

A lot has changed since 1999. Men’s bags are no laughing matter, with sales increasing (according to
Vogue Business) by 112% year-on-year in 2024, led by shoulder bags and weekender styles, with roomy totes also growing significantly. Better still, in today’s world, the likes of Timothée Chalamet can sport a silver CHANEL cross-body and Harry Styles a Gucci Jackie – both traditionally women’s styles – and reap praise.

Now that men wearing bags is completely the norm, there are more to choose from than ever. But one size doesn’t fit all. To help you make the right investment, we’ve curated the best plus-ones for any scenario – from boardroom-ready
briefcases to practical but pleasing travel bags and the latest Spring/Summer 2025 trends. Joey Tribbiani would be proud.

The Trending Bag

First, there are the ‘It’ bags. The Lemaire Croissant, shaped like the pastry; JW Anderson’s Loafer bag, after the shoe; and don’t forget Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo and the Loewe Puzzle, masterclasses in artisanal leatherworking. Today’s leading proportions are bold and capacious – think an oversized tote or slouchy satchel – while the palette errs towards neutrals like black, brown and beige. Ideal for heavily-laden lives, these pieces are easy to wear with anything from a suit to the timeless pieces in a modern capsule wardrobe.

The Bag for the Coffee Run

There are times when you’ve got stuff – your wallet, keys, headphones, sunglasses – too much for your pockets, but not enough to warrant a full-sized bag. The answer is a trusty cross-body or belt bag. Sandro’s compact leather option is a perfect example. With its clean lines and simple design, it’ll make you look put-together with minimal effort, and can be worn with pretty much anything. Bottega Veneta’s Cassette, woven using the brand’s signature Intrecciato technique, is a fashion-minded alternative. You also won’t go wrong with pieces from Prada, Saint Laurent and Homme Plissé Issey Miyake.

The Bag for the Office

We’re sorry to break it to you: you can’t wear a backpack with a suit. It’ll damage the shoulders and ruin the line – and the line, above all, makes the look. What you need is a briefcase, the go-to men’s work bag since time immemorial. Dunhill’s Harness document case is an immaculate option. Made in Italy from premium grained leather, it includes a padded laptop sleeve, several zipped pockets and back trolley sleeve, making it ideal for work trips. Elsewhere, our newly relaunched Harrods collection delivers quality briefcases in saffiano leather, timeless and classic. With such companions in tow, your tailoring better be up to scratch – don’t miss our edit of the five suits every man should own, plus made-to-measure services with expert tailors in-store.

The On-the-Go Bag

Men have been carrying things on their backs since around 3,000+ BC, and we’ve never really stopped. Not just for university students or the playground, backpacks today are grown-up and adaptable – there’s nothing childish about the Saffiano Leather Backpack from the new Harrods collection. Alternatively, something in casual but hardy canvas like Polo Ralph Lauren’s has an enduringly preppy look, a trend being worn by style-conscious men this season. Either way, when it comes to accessories, a backpack will always score full marks.

The Bag for Travel

Whether you’re travelling for work, a city break, or off to enjoy a long weekend in the sun, having the right bag is crucial. Good news: the ever-practical holdall is now elevated in the form of Louis Vuitton’s Bandoulière, Bottega Veneta’s Leather Loop Weekender and Burberry’s Boston. Alternatively, look to durable options from Rains, Barbour and our redesigned Harrods collection – complete with a separate pouch, the Overnight Tote Bag is conveniently sized for your travel essentials.

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