What Is a Man Bag Called?

by Albert Varkki updated 10-29-2024

A man bag is a satchel or a small purse, that can take the form of a backpack, messenger bag, or perhaps a briefcase. During the Renaissance period, between the 14th and 17th centuries, bags were essential, as pockets weren't often sewn into clothing. During this period there was also a trend by school children to use a satchel.

Why is it called a Man Bag?

It's called a man bag to differentiate it from a "historically typical" women's bag, which would be a purse or tote bag. It typically has plain features with darker colours.

The most common cultural association with the "man bag" will be the scene from Friends, where Rachel suggests Joey should buy a man bag, but the whole gang believe he has bought a women's purse:

Joe quote from friends about man bag

In the modern era, a man bag can consist of many different styles and materials.

These range from the classic messenger bag, which was used to deliver mail historically, to larger duffel bags that people take to the gym or whilst they are travelling.

There are also modern briefcases to consider, which can come in both structured and unstructured form, but are always best when made from authentic leather.

A leather briefcase tends to be a typical business bag for a man, and you should look for one made from full grain leather to ensure it will last. A laptop bag is also more prevalent in the workplace now, with the introduction of both remote and flexible working.

Whatever the situation is that you need to use your man bag, you should always choose quality materials over price. This ensures that your bag will last for years and not months.

Great Examples of Modern "Man Bags"

No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase

no.1 mens leather briefcase in brown carried by man

Best for impressing at business meetings with its sleek design and spacious compartments - the No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase.

No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches
Interior LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
SecurityLocking feature for unattended safety
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices
EngravingOption to personalize with engravings
Shoulder StrapPadded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable
PersonalizedCustom engraving options available for a unique touch
UsageIdeal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel

Watch the No.1 product video below:

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Our review:

"This exceptional unisex briefcase is extremely popular with women and men alike. The bag is designed to last for several years and is made from premium Italian full-grain leather. Some of the bag's best features include its triple-gusset design, convenient zipped back pocket and YKK zipper. The briefcase is as stylish as it is spacious and is made in Florence with the finest premium Italian leather. It offers enough space for a laptop of up to 15.6 inches to help you achieve more no matter where you are in the world. It also comes with tough cotton lining. Take a closer look today."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Classic and stylish design
Suitable for both professional and casual use

10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials on business trips or daily commutes with the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag.

10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:

Product10X Laptop Travel Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsBackpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width31 cm (12 in)
Height42 cm (17 in)
Depth17 cm (7 in)
Weight2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

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Our review:

"This magnificent item could be perfect for your needs if you require a reliable unisex bag for work. The bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and can be used as a travel bag, a backpack and a messenger bag. This high-selling all-in-one solution boasts a tough cotton lining and has a dependable YKK zipper. You'll also gain access to a sleeve for a 15.6 inch laptop or a 16 inch MacBook Pro. This adaptable bag also has a front-loading design that makes it easy to source your work essentials, whilst the canvas-lined internal compartments will simplify organisation remarkably."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches
Designed for easy travel and convenience
Multiple compartments for organized storage

City Leather Laptop Bag

city leather laptop messenger bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and documents to business meetings, the Business City Leather Laptop Bag exudes professionalism and sophistication.

City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop CompatibilityFits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
DesignProfessional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable StrapAdjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner PocketsStitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

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Our review:

"If you need a classic unisex pack with a wide range of desirable features, this could be the option for you. This work bag is designed to appeal to men and women alike and is constructed from tough and dependable premium Italian full-grade leather. The bag is noted for features such as the reliable YKK zipper and robust cotton lining. This big-selling bag has been built with city life in mind and is as ideal for the office as it is for exploring the city. The bag has a slim profile and is reliable enough to keep your devices and accessories safe and secure, day-in, day-out."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space and compartments Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain

Grand Leather Garment Bag

grand leather garment travel bag in brown

Best for stylishly transporting suits and dresses on business trips or to important events - the Grand Leather Garment Bag.

MaterialCertified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather
Garment Duffel BagCarry your suit in style and without creases
Interior LiningDurable Italian Cotton Lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK Zipper
Carry-On CompliantMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
CapacityCan fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Suit CarrierAttached to the travel bag
PersonalizedIt can be personalized with a custom laser engraving

Watch the Grand product video below:

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Our review:

"Our delightful unisex Italian full-grain leather bag for work appeals to men and women alike. The bag is noted for its generous storage space and will serve you well in the office, at the gym, during business trips and throughout overseas journeys. This popular bag offers gorgeous and reliable cotton lining as well as a strong YKK zipper. This could be the bag for you if you require something as aesthetically pleasing as it is versatile. The bag is made from full-grain vegetable-tanned cow leather by expert Italian craftsmen. If you need to transport a large amount of goods with you, this could be the ideal bag for your needs."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and elegant design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport

Liberty Men's Leather Backpack

liberty mens leather backpack

Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop on daily commute or business trips, Liberty leather backpack is a versatile unisex option.

ProductLiberty Men's Leather Backpack
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size 
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsAdjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height33 cm (13 in)
Depth12 cm (5 in)
Weight1.4 kg (0.6 lbs)
PersonalizedCustom Laser Engraving

Watch the Liberty product video below:

Browse more images of the Liberty:

Our review:

"This magnificent unisex bag for work appeals to men and women alike. It is designed to support you in the office and elsewhere for several years to come and comes with a sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches in width. Other features that have made this bag one of the leading players in its field include the tough cotton lining, the strong YKK zipper and the convenient zipped front pockets for smaller items like phones and notebooks. You can alternate between carrying the bag with the reliable top handle or the adjustable shoulder straps. The bag is made from premium grade Italian full-grain leather."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Designed for men
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design
Comfortable to wear as a backpack

No.2 Leather Messenger Briefcase

no2 leather messenger briefcase with shoulder strap in brown

Best for carrying your laptop and documents in style, the No. 2 Leather Messenger Briefcase is perfect for business meetings and daily commutes.

ProductNo.2 Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height30 cm (12 in)
Depth11 cm (4 in)
Weight1.55 kg (0.7 lbs)
PersonalizedCustom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.2 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.2:

Our review:

"If you've been looking for a unisex briefcase for work that appeals to men and women alike, this Florence-made option made from premium Italian full-grade leather could be ideal. There's enough capacity for a 15.6 inch laptop, and key features include a double lock-and-key closure that you can use to protect sensitive documents as well as other valuable items. Mixing timeless design with modern functionality, the briefcase has tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. There are numerous compartments to take the fuss out of organisation. Choose between adjustable shoulder or cross-body strap. There are also two zipped pockets."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Stylish and professional design
Suitable for both commuting and business use
Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort

Weekender Men's Leather Weekend Bag

leather laptop duffel bag weekender brown

Best for stylish weekend getaways with ample space for clothes and essentials - the perfect companion for any adventure.

Weekender Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
InteriorDurable cotton lining with compartments for organization
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
ComplianceMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional FeaturesAdjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
PersonalizedOption for custom laser engraving
Use CasesTravel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Our review:

"Are you looking for a great-looking and dependable unisex work bag made from outstanding materials? If so, this option will serve you well for years to come. Perfect for the office and the daily commute, this bag is manufactured by expert craftsmen in Florence. The bag comes complete with a sleeve to accommodate laptops up to 16" and enables you to transport a wealth of devices and accessories in style. The bag comes complete with a YKK zipper and robust cotton lining. Carrying this big-selling bag is a breeze due to the leather handles and the adjustable leather shoulder strap."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays

Essential Modern Briefcase

essential modern briefcase laptop bag brown

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and documents to business meetings, the Essential Modern Briefcase exudes professionalism and sophistication.

ProductEssential Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height31 cm (12 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
PersonalizedCustom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Our review:

"Have you been searching for a unisex work bag that appeals to males and females alike? If so, this elegant briefcase could be perfect for your needs. The briefcase offers enough space for a 15.6 inch laptop and is ideal for carrying items like books, toiletries, refreshments and more. Handcrafted by highly skilled Florence craftsmen, the briefcase has an elegant hardware finish and also boasts fine cotton canvas lining as well as a large back pocket. You can either carry the bag by hand or use the detachable shoulder strap. It also has a robust YKK zipper. Take a closer look today."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Modern and stylish design Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Spacious and versatile
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Multiple compartments for organized storage

City Large Leather Laptop Bag

city large leather laptop bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials on business trips or daily commutes with the City Large Leather Laptop Bag.

ProductCity Large Laptop Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 17 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width45 cm (18 in)
Height34 cm (13 in)
Depth8 cm (3 in)
Weight1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
PersonalizedCustom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Our review:

"This option could be perfect for you if you've been searching for a unisex work bag that appeals to men and women alike. The bag has been designed to help you do business in style whether you're in the office or working remotely. It can accommodate a laptop of up to 17 inches in width and is noted for its slim profile. Use the bag to transport goods including toiletries, mobile devices, books, accessories, refreshments and documents. This unisex bag for work is made from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and comes with sturdy zippers and hardware. It also has rounded top handles to make carrying easy and an adjustable shoulder strap."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

You can find out more about our leather bag range on our website, where we sell a range of high quality leather goods imprinted with the Von Baer name.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.

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