Men's Style
Men's Style

   
December 1, 2006
Men's Style
It's in the Bag
by Tyler Hurst

A purse it’s most definitely not.

CUSNA DUFFLE BY COLE HAAN
Roomier than a wallet, more convenient than cargo pants and more versatile than a typical briefcase, today’s man bag has evolved from sissy—see manbag.com for more on that—to practical and almost stylish. Popular with Bluetooth earpiece-wearing gadget lovers and technophobes alike, there’s a man bag out there for all types. But before going all out and buying a man bag fit for a tourist, here are a few tips and suggestions we have to get you a little more up to date.

Man bags need not be fanny packs worn around your shoulder. Look for a messenger or saddlebag-style model that will actually hold more than your credit cards. The most suggested size should be able to fit a small laptop; any bigger and your might as well have a briefcase or backpack, any smaller and you might as, well, you know the rest.

Man bags need not look like old, athletic bags. While quite spacious and handy, athletic bags just don’t look that great outside of the gym. There’s sleek black nylon, canvas and old-standby leather choices to pick from. Use the sleek leather for dressy type activities (i.e. work) and canvas or nylon styles for running around (trips to the coffee shop). Choose wisely.

BUCKLE UP BRIEFCASE BY ALTERNATIVE OUTFITTERS
Be creative, but don’t be TOO creative. Sure, croc skin bags look great at the store, but can any normal dude pull one off? You might also want to stay away from satin, patent leather or denim unless you’re damn sure you understand the vibe you’re giving off.

Still confused? Here are some of our recommendations:

Cusna Duffle
The Cusna Duffle from Cole Haan offers guys something most of us might not think a bag could—contribute to both our sense of style and stay practical. Big enough to fit a pair of shoes and a change of clothes plus some, this is the bag you take with you for a long weekend Vegas, or when using your gym bag might hurt the perception that you’re a stylish guy. Available in fine men’s stores and at colehaan.com, it’s perfect for any guy who’d like to just take a backpack but left that style in college.

Buckle Up Briefcase
Sometimes plastic buckles just don’t cut it. Enter alternativeoutfitter.com’s new Buckle Down Retro Seatbelt Buckle Messenger Bag, complete with authentic seatbelt buckles built right in. With dual top zippers, an adjustable strap and your very own mini seatbelt key ring. For those who actually keep your cell phone in your bag, it has a pocket for that, too.

CUSNA UPTOWN BY COLE HAAN
Cusna Uptown
Designed for the traveler and businessman, this Cole Haan offering blends the simplicity of a briefcase with the ease of a backpack with room to spare. Made with supple leather and reinforced canvas strap, the Uptown is truly for all seasons, as it’s big enough to fit small laptop, a book or two and an iPod. It’s rugged construction ensures it will be around to pass down when the time comes. Check out colehaan.com for pricing and availability.

CROC EMBOSSED PORTFOLIO BY KENNETH COLE
Croco Embossed Portfolio
Sometimes the situation needs something in particular. It must be stylish, it must stand out and it must demand respect. The Croco Embossed Portfolio, while not technically a man bag, is the choice when it’s time to seal the deal. Fitted with dividers for papers, folders, small laptops and your black book, this is one versatile men’s accessory. See kennethcole.com for more information.
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