We’ve all seen you guys do it. You’re ready for a night on the town, when — oh, shit — you can’t remember which pair of yesterday’s jeans holds your wallet their back pocket. And so begins the grown-up version of a sadistic Easter egg hunt. Face it: men need something to hold their junk in too.
For those still intimidated by the ‘murse’ scene, we’ve assembled some tips and picks from the city’s top bag experts. And if they still can’t sell you on a handbag… just think of all the extra Magnums one of these babies can hold.
Zane Aburaneh is the owner of local online and boutique handbag store A2Zane.
Qwstion office bag grey, available at A2Zane. $285.
“Avoid Gold hardware; instead stick with brass/aluminum/mate finishing. Gold hardware is usually associated female bags– you don’t want to look like you’re carrying your girlfriends purse!”
Property Of.. Tommy work bag indigo, available at A2Zane. $299.
“Make sure the strap is nice and wide to distribute the weight of your laptop and stuff you’re carrying.” — Zane Aburaneh, owner, a2zane
Tarek Al-Azbat is the creative director of homegrown handbag line Nella Bella.
NB Man Stockholm bag, available at nella-bella.com. $125.
“If you’re a business man, buy sleek and clean-lined men’s bags, like a messenger or a briefcase that are leather or leather-like. Keep it polished and smart. And don’t buy a canvas sports bags… it will kill your fabulous BOSS suit!”
NB Man Prague bag, available at nella-bella.com. $175.
“If you are a semi-casual type, you can get away with urban traveler-style bags like a messenger or a backpack that are made of clean canvas or materials with a leather-like finish.”
Ed Liston is the merchandise manager of designer brands for Harry Rosen.
Tumi sport duffel, available at Harry Rosen. $395.
“This Tumi bag is made of ballistic nylon, which even sounds manly. The reason why it’s such a cool material for the downtown guy is that it’s both durable and water repellent. This bag is for guys who want a multi-purpose bag they can bring to work and the gym; it looks good and he can throw his workout clothes and lunch in it. It’s not an old Adidas duffel bag– it looks the part.”
BOSS Orange cross body messenger bag, available at Harry Rosen. $395.
“I wouldnt even use the term ‘messenger’ to describe this bag– it’s really a modern briefcase for the cool, young guy. He doesn’t need to store legal file, he just has his iPad and USB flash drive. Menswear silhouettes are getting slimmer, which means there aren’t a lot of pockets. Now guys need an appropriate man purse to store those devices that you always want to have on you.”
Gotstyle is one of Toronto’s best men’s clothing stores.
Sandqvist beige or black leather shoulder bags, available at Gotstyle. $375.
“Definitely stick with classic, traditional shapes in natural leathers with minimal details. A classic bag that’s built well will last for years and you’ll still love using it. Keep it simple!“
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Sabrina Maddeaux is Toronto Standard’s style editor. Follow her on Twitter at @sabrinamaddeaux.
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