When the BBC asks ‘Why is the man bag on the rise?’ it’s my job to highlight the new season’s bag trends for the men who like an accessory to transport their belongings. Autumn/winter 2018’s executive summary of bag trends for men is fairly simple, cross body bags and bags worn over one shoulder; yep just the same as a women’s shoulder bag. But how many men do you know who’ll be rushing to adopt either of these two styles?
Whenever I observe men going about there daily routine, the backpack is the overwhelming bag of choice. And whilst I’d love to invest energy in getting the guys to adopt new bag shapes, my oh my, a lot of the men out there could benefit from a guide to traditional bags and as a starter for ten, how to shop for the bags that will add a stylish touch.
But before I share those popular bag shapes that will catch the eye, here’s your whistlestop tour of the 4 key fashion trends:
- The shade to adopt is brown. Keep it casual though boys as very few men can carry off ‘Brown in town’
- Coats are leather or quilted
- Pinstripes are rocking the suits
- For bolder poses go for a check, even a bold tartan
And whilst the fashion designers are distorting the traditional accessories’ gender gap and sending the guys down the runway with shoulder and cross body bags, below is my guide to the bags that we know men would be comfortable with, but just haven’t found them yet.
Introducing a backpack that has a narrow width but can still pack in a laptop – from Rains. Simple classy lines! From £70.
Still wanting clean lines and minimal fastenings? I love the design of Cote & Ciel’s Sormonne backpack. Available in other colours and fabrics. This is ecoyarn. Prices start from £220.
NOW this is my best buy for the season. It’s in the season’s core colour for men – brown. At first glance it looks like a tote, but has the backpack straps. It’s understated but a design that is quietly confident. Top marks to Sandqvist Tony ground backpack, retails for around £85.
For the man who love straps but doesn’t want the bungee strings of more outdoorsy backpack brands. This green number will catch the eye. This is the Scholar backpack from Douchebags at £90.
For the man that likes a backpack that can work in town and country, Sandqvist delivers again with the side panels and roll down top. This is the Verner in nylon and is around £165.
From Charlie Feist a backpack that will work year round, summer to winter. For the man that is concerned with product sourcing, this backpack is neoprene and vegan leather at £65.
Now, there is nothing wrong with those popular backpack brands such as Osprey and Herschel Supply Co. The above 6 backpacks are inspiration for the men who are looking to stand out from the crowd. In fact, if you want to go all out and rock the key trends for man bags this season, how about these:
From Givenchy – a logo tote bag with urban shoulder strap and brown panel!
Or for the club going raver, a bum bag but with an urban edge from Dsquared2
My executive summary for this season is 7 out of 10 guys will sport a backpack, despite the trends. Above, you have 8 man bags and yes 3/4 of them are the man’s popular and trusted bag about town…and country. Here’s to the men who want that touch of style!
Bagwhispers 