For the past few years, men’s messenger bags have been skulking around the fringes of menswear, playing second fiddle to backpacks (hyper-functional) and totes (hyper fashionable), all the while feeling generally unloved and neglected. The humble messenger bag may not boast the hands-free, even weight distribution of a rucksack but, to its credit, it’s far less likely to piss people off on the commute.
And, for all that rakish charm the tote has up its sleeve, the men’s messenger bag will let you multitask much easier. Ever tried holding a tote, reading a book/your phone and gripping onto public transport for dear life at the same time?
The trouble with the men’s messenger bag is its reputation among men who grew up with tatty versions at school. You know the ones: bursting at the seams with books, files and PE kit. But don’t shoot the men’s messenger. Just as the backpack has been reimagined for the male population who’ve grown out of school uniforms, with a little bit of digging, you’ll find that this style of bag can score highly on practicality and menswear cred.
What To Look For In A Men’s Messenger Bag
When it comes to choosing the perfect men’s messenger bag, size is (almost) everything. Choose one that’s too big and you’re well on your way to looking like a postman at the start of his shift. Too small, on the other hand, and you’re in prime roadman territory (if you’re too old to know what one is, trust us, it’s not a look that you want to emulate). The ideal dimensions? A couple of inches wider than a sheet of A4 paper in all directions.
If you want a men’s messenger bag that’ll last, go for a black, brown or navy leather design with a full lining and swerve classic bag mistakes like bold patterns or slogans, which have the tendency to date faster than milk left in the sun. Oh, and don’t forget to check your bottom: a men’s messenger bag with a reinforced base and studs offers increased durability and therefore longevity.
Convinced that cross-body is the way to go? Then look to the following brands, who make men’s messenger bags the way we like them: quality fabrics, functional design and finishing touches that are way too cool for school.
Mismo
A different splash of color, instead of a navy or black, the dark olive still feels timeless like all of
Closed
Design brand Closed has a unique talent at taking the usual and changing just enough to stand out but not enough to stray from the tried-and-true. A new variation to the classic men’s messenger bag with a canvas finish and a wider (but ever-popular) tote-bag shape. This bag crossed boundaries and will fit in with various situations from boardroom to weekend getaway.
Want Les Essentiels
When it comes to minimal luxury, American (yes, really) brand Want Les Essentiels De La Vie comes up trumps.
Proving that everything stateside isn’t necessarily bigger or brasher, the label swerves in-your-face design for a sleek and timeless approach that will never go out of style.
Sandqvist
Nordic countries have an annoyingly persistent reputation for doing almost everything cooler, simpler and slicker than the rest of us. Lo and behold – Swedish accessories brand Sandqvist is no exception.
Hold the eye-roll though. For those who have the men’s messenger bag down as terminally naff, the label’s collection of staggeringly tasteful designs is the messenger’s mic-drop moment.
Smythson
If you needed any more proof that the men’s messenger bag isn’t just for the captain of the Year 11 debating society, look no further than British brand Smythson whose discreet luxury designs are way beyond the reach of sticky-fingered school kids.
For the man who has money to burn, but isn’t interested in broadcasting it to the world, investing in a Smythson bag is the stealth way to upgrade your arm candy.
Mulberry
Trend enthusiasts and those who love timeless classics are often considered to be of divergent tastes, but Mulberry’s high-end messengers prove that there is some common ground to be found between these warring sides.
Offering precise craftsmanship, premium construction and heritage-meets-modern design, the brand’s bags look stylish, wear well and won’t date while the rest of your wardrobe ebbs and flows.
Herschel
Canadian brand Herschel is less than a decade old, but its technical prowess and stellar reputation give the impression of a much longer history.
Crafted from hardy woven fabrics, the label’s men’s messenger bags are ideal for the man who wants to look presentable but hasn’t got the inclination to be precious about where he dumps his bag. And with most coming in at under £75, it’s hard to get precious about the price too.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker has made its name sitting in that under-occupied sweet spot between high street and high end, managing to be aspirational yet approachable.
The British brand’s men’s leather messenger bag collection is proof: the style is aspirational (check out its luxurious pebbled leather options) while the price is most definitely approachable. The perfect compromise.
J.Crew
Mixing its signature preppy aesthetic with quality construction, J.Crew produces the type of bags you would expect to see carried by the Ivy League elite.
Featuring internal and external pockets, brass hardware and collar stud closures, the American brand’s men’s messenger bags are both stylish and practical, often crafted from durable waxed cotton to ensure your valuables don’t get soaked through in the rain.
River Island
The great thing about River Island is that no matter how many things you add to the basket, your total never seems to add up to anything that would give your bank manager cause for concern. The quality retailer’s men’s messenger bags are no exception to this rule, and pleasingly they also punch well above their weight for the price. Recently taking a turn for the smaller bags, these will hold all your everyday essentials while still looking up-to-date.
Expect a range that flits between classic and trend-led, with most giving you change from $50. That, quite frankly, is an utter steal.
Timberland
Not content with stamping out all competition for the title of ultimate worker boot, purveyor of outdoors apparel Timberland want to help you out with your baggage too.
Built for function first and foremost, the brand’s men’s messenger bags are sturdy pieces of kit designed to last, but crucially they also score highly in the style stakes and are great value for money.
Eastpak
Before you get all incredulous, bear with us. Eastpak may have helped you and your peers lug round your school kit way back when, but (like you, hopefully) the brand has grown up, moved with the times and now produces a wide range of men’s messenger bags that are suitable for adults, too.
Putting practicality front and centre (the majority are crafted from a ‘life-resistant’ fabric), you will find every colour and pattern you could wish for in this wide-ranging collection.
Tommy Hilfiger
An appreciation of nostalgic design meets modern construction at Tommy Hilfiger, a brand whose bags riff on its glory decade (the 1990s) while adding a
Much like the colors red, white and blue, these men’s messenger bags are unapologetically American (often coming in a palette of red, white and blue), but unlike Trump they go heavy on good taste and low on gaudiness.
Luke Sampson
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