Trip style

Men’s bags: rising fashion that facilitates father’s routines

For men with children, the accessory brings even more practicality during outings, allowing them to take responsibility for carrying items that children might need, without giving up style

By Natália Faria G. Viana

For a long time, men’s use of bags was seen only as a functional necessity, but this view is changing. From medieval times, when men carried bags for coins and personal belongings, to the messenger bags of the 19th century, the main function was always practicality. Today, men’s bags are reaching a new level in the fashion world, becoming true style icons and breaking gender barriers.

According to a report published in 2024 by global trend forecasting company WGSN, with 247 hashtags on WGSN Fashion Feed, the #RedefiningMasculinity trend dominated men’s fall/winter runways this year, encouraging the use of accessories like bags and redefining traditional aesthetics. The phenomenon was also a constant presence in the ‘Resort 2024’ collection shows, where men’s bags stood out as an essential fashion touch. In Dior’s summer 2024 show, various bags appeared in different shapes, colors, and textures, completely moving away from the basic.

Global acceptance of the fashionable men’s bags trend

The men’s bags trend has been well accepted for some time in various places around the world. In the West, celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles have popularized the use of bold bags in their daily lives, influencing many men to adopt the accessory. In Asia, it’s been common for some time for men to use bags as a fashion accessory, with famous personalities and characters from K-dramas frequently seen with eye-catching models. This visibility helps normalize the use of bags by men in various cultures.

The transformative role of fashion

Fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it has the power to transform behaviors and challenge established norms. The acceptance of men’s bags is a clear example of how fashion can positively influence society. It promotes gender equality and encourages breaking stereotypes, allowing men to express themselves in ways previously considered unusual.

Fashion’s impact on family dynamics

For men with children, men’s bags offer practicality during trips and weekend outings. They allow fathers to carry essential items for their children, such as snacks, water bottles, toys, hygiene items, medicines, and documents, without giving up style. This is especially useful during leisure moments away from home, where quick accessibility to these items is fundamental.

In heterosexual families, this trend can help reduce maternal overload. Historically, even with the occasional presence of backpacks, fanny packs, or handbags carried by men, the responsibility of having immediate-use items at hand during outings has always fallen on women, since they rarely leave home without a purse. With the growing popularization of men’s bags as an indispensable accessory, men can begin to share this responsibility, promoting a more balanced family dynamic.

Therefore, the adoption of men’s bags has a significant positive impact on many families’ dynamics. With more men using bags, the responsibility of carrying essential items during outings is shared, allowing women to have a bit more relief from the mental load. This promotes a more collaborative and balanced environment, where responsibilities are divided more fairly.

Diversity of men’s bag models serves multiple functions

There are various models of men’s bags that meet different needs and styles:

Fanny Pack: Popular in the 80s and 90s, the fanny pack has returned with new formats and ways of use, able to be worn on the shoulder, waist, or as a strap bag.
Messenger: Inspired by bags used by 19th-century English postmen, it has a long strap and front closure, ideal for daily use.
Briefcase: Traditional in corporate environments, the briefcase has evolved to carry tablets and computers, varying in size and style.
Tote: A large open bag, without dividers or zippers, practical and modern, ideal for carrying clothes and electronic devices.
Shoulder Bag: With retro style, it’s compact and worn across the body, perfect for a casual and sporty look.
Crossbody: Descendant of the fanny pack, it offers practicality with shorter straps, hung around the neck or crossed over the body.
Backpacks: Redesigned for current routine, there are technological models with USB ports and compartments for dry and wet items.
Messenger Bag: Casual style with a long strap, ideal for daily use and versatile for different occasions.
Duffel Bag: Versatile and spacious, ideal for short trips or physical activities, providing style and practicality.
Briefcase: Classic and sophisticated, ideal for formal environments, with space for documents, laptops, and other essential items.
Weekender: Ideal for weekend getaways, spacious and elegant, perfect for carrying everything needed for a short trip.
Clutch: Emerges as a style accessory, ideal for evening events and special occasions. Compact and elegant, it allows carrying essential items with discretion and sophistication.
Bucket Bag: With a relaxed and functional design, the bucket bag offers plenty of space and is ideal for everyday use, combining practicality and style in one accessory.

Indispensable accessory for traveling fathers

Men’s bags are a rising fashion trend that offers practicality and functionality, facilitating fathers’ routines, especially during travel. By adopting this accessory, fathers who have partners can share family responsibilities more equitably, relieving maternal overload and creating a more balanced and healthy dynamic. Thus, men’s bags are not just a style symbol but can also be seen as a tool to promote more active and involved fatherhood, benefiting the entire family.