The Best Everyday Bags for Men in 2026

Words by Tony Wilkes

18th September 2026


“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. To help you make the right investment, we’ve selected the best new styles – from capacious totes to practical yet pleasing travel bags and the latest Autumn/Winter 2026 trends – courtesy of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Lemaire and more.   

The Trending Designer Bag

First, there are the It-bags. Bottega Veneta (a favourite of Jacob Elordi) leads the way with its expertly crafted leather styles such as the Andiamo; there’s Prada’s bestselling Re-Nylon styles; and don’t forget 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 are easy to wear with anything from a suit to the timeless pieces in a modern capsule wardrobe.

Trending Now: Backpacks

You may think backpacks, often worn at school, are too, well, boyish. Not if you’re choosing the right one. We’re seeing a rise in sleek, functional backpacks this season: think refined fabrics, roomy interiors and lots of pockets – smart enough to even be worn with a suit. Officine Creative’s Bostonian style is a case in point. Exclusive to us, it’s handmade in Italy from smooth black suede.

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The Tote Bag

Few pieces blend practicality with aesthetics quite like a tote bag. Unlike a briefcase or a cross-body, a sleek leather tote can hold all you might need in a day, and will seamlessly transition from the gym to the office and after-work drinks. Prada’s new ‘Bonnie’ option is a perfect example. Crafted in Italy, it has a super-soft feel contrasted with a smooth, glossy finish, allowing it to cross effortlessly from formal to casual occasions. 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. 

IN-STORE ONLY

Spotlight On: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton’s bag game is next level. The brand’s founder apprenticed for 17 years before launching his own brand in 1854, quickly becoming known as the final word on elevated luggage. Today, men’s creative director Pharrell Williams continues to blaze ahead with instantly recognisable styles – the most coveted being the Speedy P9, now reimagined in striking primary colours. The Autumn/Winter collection also brings a new range of updated pieces such as the Speedy P9 Bandoulière 30 – reimagined with delicate gold thread embroidery. Available in-store in Menswear on the Second Floor.

The Travel Bag

Whether you’re travelling for work, a city break or 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 Loewe’s Amazonia 180, Colombo’s exclusive style in suede and Brioni’s Via Veneto duffle in cashmere and suede. Alternatively, look to more outdoorsy options from Rains, Barbour and Purdey – you can find the latter’s latest collection at its pop-up in the new Designer Collections room in Menswear on the Second Floor now.

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