Boys Need Bags

part three of the menswear deep dive aka please carry my stuff

I’m taking a stand. Call this a protest. No I will not put your stuff in my bag. Have you even looked at my bag? Does it look like there’s any space left once I’ve got my wallet, keys, umbrella and 3 lipstick options in there?¹ I could probably Tetris-level organise your things into it but that is, shockingly enough, not why I brought a bag. No room at the inn I’m afraid.

I get it. You don’t technically need a bag when your pockets reach down to the earth’s core. (The one element of menswear that I actually envy if you were wondering.) But eventually you do look silly with all that stuff in your pockets. And that’s where your bag comes in. You’re very much aware of a bag’s purpose so you may protest my protest but just hear me out. There is a world in which we can mutually benefit and that world is one where you carry a bag.

I’m not talking about backpacks. I’m never talking about backpacks.² Especially not Timothée Chalamet’s Prada nylon monstrosity at coachella weekend. The only sensible explanation I have for that is there was an emergency tent in it. You know in case the airbnb turned out to be a scam. Hollywood actors, they’re just like us.

Anyway…

I love where menswear and womenswear intersect and the bag connects them with ease because we all have stuff to carry: laptops, books, trauma. And I want to see more boys with bags.³ This is not a new thought from me either. I previously expressed a hope that we’d see a giant Amy Shehab bag on a male A-lister. Anyone will do but Jacob Elordi would be a typical example given his open adoration and use of a good, if expensive, bag. As of right now I cannot find where on earth I posted this thought so you will just have to believe me.

the bag in question, by Amy Shehab

Jacob Elordi with his LV Speedy

It’s rare I see guys with bags without an obvious need for functionality. Bags are naturally functional in and out of fashion so it makes sense. But between work and travel is where I really want to see them. Even in those circumstances, they could definitely be cooler or express more personality. It’s possible you simply don’t want to display and express yourself ever. Especially not through accessories. In which case, I’m not sure how you ended up here reading this. Maybe a visual will help.

This could be you:

I know you know it would be fun to add all the charms, don’t deny yourself the fun

This could be you:

simple, understated, elevated tote, doesn’t necessarily have to be a Loewe puzzle tote or in Paris

This could… probably not be you, sorry:

but you see what i’m saying? boy bags are back baby

But this? This could be YOU:

obviously by “you” I mean your version of these images in your day-to-day

I’m not suggesting you start carrying around a pristine Hermès Kelly or befriend a sales assistant for a brand new Birkin⁴. I don’t think anything pristine is the way to go. One of my favourite features of a bag is when the material softens and learns the patterns of mess that all your things make. A bag should always be grab and go, even if it cost you a pretty penny. That’s how I see it at least but I’m also never shopping with resale intentions so I love to truly love my stuff.

The mass of bags on the market can be overwhelming so I’ve made up some levels to figure out where your courage would categorise you.

Let’s start on beginner mode.

You can start soooo simple. Like a department store bag, a clothes bag, a bookshop paper bag - bags with specific context and action required. Get used to looking busy as you move from point A to B. No one’s taking your photo don’t worry. They don’t know you’re new to this bag thing. It is imperative though, that you steer clear of plastic supermarket bags if you have not just been to the supermarket. That is not up for debate.

The humble tote might be a slight upgrade if you’d like a challenge but nothing too crazy. This is the bag I see the most on men. I get why. It’s never doing too much. It draws little to no attention. It does not scream “I have a bag”. But may I suggest wanting a little more for your shoulder embellishment. If you find yourself at tote tier, please make it worthwhile.

Now for the intermediate mode select.

A crossbody bag is going to be a step up but with the added plus side of two free hands. I don’t often do specific shopping recommendations but if you need an easy winner, Weekday do a staple crossbody aptly named the “Carry Bag” that I’ve never seen look bad on anyone. I regrettably sold mine and miss it every day.

Vintage and secondhand finds will almost always guarantee something unique. I recommend leather for durability and/or colours you already know you like, to make sure it works for you and your style. You could take the camera bag/satchel route or seek out something with texture that elevates your fit. It doesn’t have to be expensive. These examples are more about shape and look.

And finally the advanced mode options for those well-versed in schlepping and lugging.

You’re going to need a bolder bag. Which is likely to be a shoulder bag. Or maybe even a hand bag, by which I mean you hold it in your hand because it does not go up your arm. The ultimate flex of a bag is one where it keeps your hands full and requires no urgency. It takes up your space and your time. The epitome of luxury and likely to cause some muscle ache and joint pain so be prepared. Don’t tell any medical professionals I said this but it’s worth it.

some are borderline comical which is why they require high level swag

This might all be a bit much at once. Scary bags and all. So I’ll spare a moment for the king of utility, the travel bag. Here are some ideas because if you must holdall, at least do it well.

the fred perry duffle is a classic no slander allowed, also special mention to that celine luggage tote - old season womenswear bags can be a great menswear choice

The only downside I can currently think of in all of this is that at any point a formerly trusted man with a bag could run off with all of my favourite cool things and pretend that they’re his, never to be seen again. A risk I’m almost willing to take to see some better bags and carry smaller ones of my own.

boy bag final boss

- -

If you’re reading this wondering why you’ve started with part 3 of my menswear exploration, here are the previous substacks to catch up on. Though truthfully there is no particular order required for reading them.

Stuff I Think My Brother Should Wear

Layers Look Good On You

Thank you for reading!!! I will be back next week with my first piece for paid subscribers. All I can say for now is that I’ll be sharing some things I’ve been personally gatekeeping, hence the subscription upgrade. It costs a little less to sign up than a sweetened iced latte in any major city and you’ll have access to the inner workings of Kind of Cool. Think guides, deeper looks at taste & style, and even nicher lists. I’ve already said too much. Free, public posts will still be published of course. Just consider the monthly subscription as the Kind of Cool bonus features.

See you soon.

you made it this far so you get to see Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton SpongeBob on tv bag

1. Yes these are all necessary items.

2. I may one day talk about backpacks. You may not refer back to this.

3. and obvs men, I just like the alliteration.

4. though many are featured in here. those are more for exemplifying that bags you often see on women can bring something really interesting and pleasantly surprising to a menswear fit.