"It's not a Man Purse, It's called a satchel. Indiana Jones has one."

I love this quote from the Hangover. 

I'd like to start with Urban Dictionary's multi definition of 'man-bag.' It's rather funny.

* A bag with one strap worn by metrosexual or homosexual males, especially prevalent in cities and on college campuses. 

* A purse or large duffel bag or any type of bag carried by a man. NOT ALWAYS gay. 

* A stylish small pouch with one strap or a large messenger bag, simply carried by men.The men who wear these aren't all necessarily gay. They are just metrosexual or have a really good sense of style. Just because a man dresses decently doesn't mean he's homesexual. 

I love Urban Dictionary. I find it both strange and funny that reference is made to 'gay' or 'homosexual' in every one of those definitions. I mean, nobody finds men with pierced ears gay or men who spend hours in front of a mirror doing their hair.

Man bag jokes are as old as the hills. Wearing a man bag does not make you gay. Traditionally men would stuff their wallet, cellphone, car keys, condoms, pictures of kids, pens and notebooks all into their front and back pockets of their jeans causing an unsightly bulge. Stuffing your back pocket with your wallet also drew unwanted attention to your ass. Not classy.


I've always used man bags at varsity just out of necessity but when I moved to South Korea 2 years ago I was amazed at how popular man bags are. In fact, they are so popular it may be a fashion crime to be seen without one. Man bags are popular enough to rival females' purses. And with good reason- man bags are extremely convenient and practical.

It's also very common for a man to rock a man bag even when his girlfriend doesn't although in the picture below it's probable that the guy is carrying his girlfriend's purse. We'd hope that that's not his Chanel purse he's sporting.

This brings me to my next point. There's nothing wrong with wearing a Chanel purse IF it was made and designed for men. I'm all for liberation and freedom of expression but there are limits as to what is allowed and what isn't. Usually man bags are quite simple yet very stylish without the feminine frills and trims. But this doesn't stop some men from carrying their girlfriends'.

I can't emphasis enough how practical these bags are.

Here are some types of man bags, hopefully this will help you make a better, more informed decision when buying your bag, especially if you're a first time man bag buyer:

1. Study 

Usually something trendy and fun to carry books, stationery and other study material.

2. Work 

Likely to be sophisticated and in dark 'business' colours like black, brown, grey etc. Work man bags are also more 'box-ey'  Leather is a popular choice. These days, most bags are designed to fit a laptop which makes it even more practical. This is kind of a modern version of the briefcase.

3. Play 

A 'going 'out' bag.  Day trips, night trips, just a really convenient bag for keeping your wallet, phone, keys and other necessities. The modern man may also want to store his iPad and some other personal items. The reporter bag or messenger bag best fits this profile as it's small, sexy and can contain everything you want it to. Reporter bags usually have the same characteristics - rectangular in shape with one big fold over flap in the front and a zip at the back. And of course the signature single strap.

A sexy little Polo reporter bag. 

4. Sport / Sleepovers 

Gym bags, which essentially are duffel bags, are getting more and more stylish.

While a traditional gym bag looks like this...

...your more modern gym bag looks like this.

There isn't much of a major difference between duffel and gym bags. It's a really versatile bag especially for weekend and overnight trips. Obviously you wouldn't use this to the office.

***

It's a fashion, it's a style, it's a trend. And it's convenient. But if you still prefer to carry your phone, wallet and car keys in your hand everywhere you go or if you prefer to stuff everything into your pockets then go right ahead.

"Beauty is about symmetry", says Robert Verdi, host of E! and the Style Networks's Fashion Police. "Unless you're carrying two wallets, you're going to look lopsided (with only one stuffed pocket). Even when you have a vented jacket on, you've still got a bump on your ass. Why would you want a bump on your ass?"

Wearing a man bag takes confidence and of course security. A man needs to be secure enough to know that he is wearing a great bag, highly practical and wearing it does not make him gay.


Here are some celebs proudly rocking their man bags

David Beckham. I'm not sure if the bag works with his look
but great bag nevertheless. 

Jay-Z, Usher and Kanye West rocking their man bags. 

Man bag or Murse? 

Ronaldo - man bag or murse? 

I have nothing against a murse (male purse) but you really have to have the swag to pull it off otherwise it will just look like you're using your girlfriends purse.


There are many benefits and advantages of wearing such an accessory. And it's cool. Use it, don't use it.

Until next time...