MammaFiglia Blog

Jack Bauer & the Rise of the ‘Man Bag’

3rd August, 2009 - Posted by Samuel_Goddard - No Comments

Handbags have been a staple in women’s fashion and daily function for hundreds of years. With the rapid paced, busy schedules of today the need for a good sized, durable purse has increased tremendously. While some people may argue that womens’ bags are getting a little too large. Those critics would shut right up once a woman bearing a large bag pulls out some much needed cough medicine out of her Mary Poppins-esque recepticle at exactly the right moment. While they may get a bit cluttered at times, women’s handbags have become increasingly more than a simple fashion accessory, though style is still of the utmost importance.

This need to carry multiple things around all of the time is not merely a woman’s issue. How often is it that women have to put things in their purse for the men in their lives because there is only so much pockets can hold before looking ridiculous? This need mixed together with an open minded approach to fashion has led to the introduction and subsequent growth in popularity of what is commonly known as the “man bag”. Steering very clear of the word “purse” or “handbag”, these bags must be the perfect blend between masculinity, style, and function.

There are certain key qualities to a successful man bag. Firstly, it must have a long strap, preferably one that goes across the chest like a messenger bag. This kind of design moves the bag further away from the “purse” arena since most women do not carry their handbags in that way. Colour is another key element to successfully pulling off a man bag. Neutral, masculine colours like dark blue, black, brown, olive green, grey, and tan are the best options for a bag. More bold souls can try out colors like red but they must prepare themselves for potentially more hassling or criticism by others. Material is another thing that must be considered when deciding upon the correct man bag. Canvas and leather are two of the best materials for making a good man bag. The canvas tends to be a bit more masculine while Italian leather is simply a stylish material that anyone can wear.

The rising trend in the use of man bags has taken off most notably in Europe. This is not terribly surprising since Europe seems to always be one step ahead of the world in style, but also because the puffed up machismo and rigid gender lines that you encounter in places like the United States are a bit more fluid. Men are able to get away with more effeminate styles without a second glance from anyone. Fortunately for men in the more ‘macho’ areas of the UK & United States, this is one fashion trend that has seemingly permeated the nation’s border and is quickly catching on with men across the nation.

The multitude of man bags that are available make it easy for guys to find the right bag for them. Choosing a bag that they are comfortable with and that serves all of the purposes they need are the two biggest criteria guys need to bear in mind when selecting a man bag. It also does not hurt to bring along a female friend or girlfriend to help distinguish the line between what bags qualify as a proper man bag and which ones toe the line too closely to man purse. Women are practically experts when it comes to personal handbag selection so having a female eye along can only help.

One of the important parts of this rising trend is the name that these bags are to be given. Referring to them as purses was never an option and “man bag” seems to be sufficient, but some guys would prefer to call them “man packs”, bringing them closer to the already socially acceptable backpack. The goods that men carry in these man bags also tend to be a little different than what a woman typically keeps in her purse. With his new bag a man can put his wallet, keys, laptop, and cell phone all in a convenient carrier at the back of his hip. Women also bring along their keys, wallet, and cell phone but usually reserve the lap top for a special case and might also throw in some makeup, tissues, and hair accessories into their purse.

Celebrities always have a good amount of influence over fashion trends since their image is sent out to the masses that might not be in touch with what is the rage in Milan. Even fictional characters like 24’s Jack Bauer have helped the progression and acceptance of the man bag trend in the United States. In the every series of the hit show so far, Jack sports a stylish CTU branded tan messenger bag in which he carries all of his high tech goodies that help him save the country from the brink of disaster practically every minute. There is nothing effeminate about Jack Bauer as he escapes explosions and tortures terrorists for vital information, all while having his trusted messenger bag at his side. Images such as these send the message to men that their masculinity does not have to be compromised for the obvious functionality and good look of a man bag.

This trend is mostly catching on with men between the ages of 25 and 34, the stable yet unattached gentlemen of this world. These are the men who have a laptop, PDA, fancy wallet, and paperwork that they need to carry around with them in a stylish new man bag. This age group tends to be a bit more secure than their younger counterparts and have some more disposable income to spend on a high quality, attractive bag. The older men might be a bit too cemented in their ways to openly welcome the idea of a man bag, but hopefully their wives can sell them on the practical points of having a man bag.

While they are not on every guy’s shoulder just yet, the man bag is rapidly growing in popularity all across the globe. Style and function come together in a way that will make men’s lives easier and will free up space in women’s purses that are stuck carrying some of their men’s things. Whatever name the trend finally decides upon, many men can agree that this is one fashion movement worth taking part in.