What Is a Man Bag Called?
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:
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"
Best for making a bold statement in the boardroom with the sleek and sophisticated No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase.
No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:
| Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
| Design | Spacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches |
| Interior Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
| Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
| Security | Locking feature for unattended safety |
| Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
| Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
| Engraving | Option to personalize with engravings |
| Shoulder Strap | Padded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable |
| Personalized | Custom engraving options available for a unique touch |
| Usage | Ideal 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 men's briefcase for work is as timeless as it is practical. The bag offers sufficient space for a laptop up to 15.6 and is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. Noted for its spacious triple-gusset design, the briefcase is designed to serve you well for many years before you need to replace it. Key features of this big-selling men's work briefcase include the robust cotton lining and the YKK zipper, which makes opening and closing it a breeze. The bag offers the perfect balance of style and luxury and is made in Florence using the finest premium Italian leather. It also has a convenient zipped back pocket."
| 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 |
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Best for the stylish professional on the go - the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag exudes sophistication and functionality for work travel and daily commutes.
10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:
| Product | 10X Laptop Travel Bag |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 31 cm (12 in) |
| Height | 42 cm (17 in) |
| Depth | 17 cm (7 in) |
| Weight | 2 kg (0.9 lbs) |
| Personalization? | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the 10X product video below:
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Our Review:
"Have you been searching for a reliable leather men's bag for work? If so, this could be just the thing. This bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and can work as a travel bag, a messenger bag and a backpack. It boasts durable cotton lining alongside a YKK zipper and has a sleeve for a 15.6 inch laptop or a 16inch MacBook Pro. This fantastic all-in-one bag is renowned for its adaptability and has a front-loading design that enables you to access your goods quickly and easily. It also has internal compartments lined with strong and dependable cotton canvas."
| 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 |
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Best for impressing clients at business meetings with its sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptop and documents - Business City Leather Laptop Bag.
City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:
| Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
| Color Options | Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red |
| Laptop Compatibility | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop |
| Inner Lining | Durable Italian cotton lining |
| Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
| Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
| Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
| Design | Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials |
| Adjustable Strap | Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap |
| Inner Pockets | Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining |
| Compartments & Pockets | 1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket |
| Personalized | Option to personalize with initials or a special message. |
Watch the City product video below:
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Our Review:
"This men's work briefcase is manufactured from premium Italian full-grade leather and will fit a laptop with a screen size of up to 15.6 inches. Handmade in Italy, this elegant bag is noted for its spacious design as well as its durable cotton lining and YKK zipper. The bag has been designed with city life in mind and is elegant enough for business meetings whilst sufficiently casual for time away from the office. The bag has a slim profile and has been built to keep your devices and accessories both organised and safely secure. It also boasts a robust cotton canvas lining alongside sturdy zippers and rounded top handles which make carrying a breeze."
| 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 |
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Best for impressing clients with a sleek, professional appearance while carrying suits and dress shirts - the Grand Leather Garment Bag.
| Material | Certified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather |
| Garment Duffel Bag | Carry your suit in style and without creases |
| Interior Lining | Durable Italian Cotton Lining |
| Zipper Quality | Japanese YKK Zipper |
| Carry-On Compliant | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
| Origin | Made in Florence, Italy |
| Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly |
| Capacity | Can fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop |
| Suit Carrier | Attached to the travel bag |
| Personalized | It can be personalized with a custom laser engraving |
Watch the Grand product video below:
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Our Review:
"This beautiful premium Italian full-grain leather bag is ideal for those seeking a men's bag for work. The bag is noted for its durable cotton lining as well as its dependable YKK zipper and it enables you to carry your suit in style. Compliant with carry-on rules, the multifunctional bag will allows you to transport a generous amount of goods. The bag is noted for its incredible build quality and is ideal not only for the office but for business trips and journeys abroad too. The bag is made from full-grain vegetable-tanned cow leather and is designed to last for years to come. What's more is that the bag is made by expert Italian craftsmen."
| 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 |
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Effortlessly stylish and practical for the modern businessman on-the-go - the Liberty Leather Backpack is the ultimate work companion.
| Product | Liberty Men's Leather Backpack |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 14 inches |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Adjustable Straps |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Height | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Depth | 12 cm (5 in) |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (0.6 lbs) |
| Personalized | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Liberty product video below:
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Our Review:
"This marvellous men's bag for work is made from premium Italian full-grain leather. It comes complete with a sleeve for an up to 14" laptop and is noted for its spacious design and the way it enables you to safely carry all your work essentials. The bag also comes complete with a tough YKK zipper and tough cotton lining. It has two convenient zipped front pockets and is designed to withstand everything daily use can throw at it. It also has a robust top handle and adjustable shoulder straps. Why not take a closer look at this exceptional men's travel bag 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 |
| Designed for men | |
| Multiple compartments for organized storage | |
| Stylish design | |
| Comfortable to wear as a backpack |
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Best for the modern professional who wants to make a statement. The No. 2 Leather Messenger Briefcase exudes confidence and sophistication in any business setting.
| Product | No.2 Briefcase |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Height | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Depth | 11 cm (4 in) |
| Weight | 1.55 kg (0.7 lbs) |
| Personalized | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the No.2 product video below:
Browse more images of the No.2:
Our Review:
"This excellent men's briefcase for work is made from materials including premium Italian full-grain leather. There's enough capacity for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, and the item also comes complete with a tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. You'll also see a double lock-and-key closure to keep your sensitive work documents safe. The briefcase is designed to support you wherever you do business, fusing timeless design and modern functionality. The product is manufactured in Florence, Italy and comes with a range of convenient compartments to make organisation a breeze. The briefcase also comes with two zipped pockets and you can opt for an adjustable shoulder or cross-body 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 |
| Stylish and professional design | |
| Suitable for both commuting and business use | |
| Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort |
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Effortlessly stylish and spacious, the Weekender leather bag is perfect for business trips and weekend getaways.
Weekender Product Highlights:
| Material | Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather |
| Design | Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop |
| Interior | Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization |
| Zipper | Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access |
| Compliance | Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage |
| Craftsmanship | Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen |
| Additional Features | Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware |
| Personalized | Option for custom laser engraving |
| Use Cases | Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways |
| Sustainability | Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices |
Watch the Weekender product video below:
Browse more images of the Weekender:
Our Review:
"This beautiful men's work bag is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. The bag comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16" and is not only fantastic for the office but the gym and travel too. This carry-on compliant bag oozes professionalism and comes with a durable YKK zipper alongside robust cotton lining. The bag is as practical as it is spacious and has been designed to last for years before it needs to be replaced. This popular bag is handcrafted in Florence by experienced Italian craftsmen. It also has leather handles and an adjustable leather shoulder strap to make transportation easy."
| 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 |
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Best for the modern professional who needs to carry their laptop and documents in style and comfort.
| Product | Essential Briefcase |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 15.6 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Height | 31 cm (12 in) |
| Depth | 10 cm (4 in) |
| Weight | 1.3 kg (0.6 lbs) |
| Personalized | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the Essential product video below:
Browse more images of the Essential:
Our Review:
"This briefcase could be the ideal option for you if you're looking for a reliable men's bag for work. Made from premium-grade Italian full-grain leather, the bag is sizeable enough to fit a laptop with a screen size up to 15.6 inches and boasts spacious two-compartment design. The bag is noted for its durable cotton lining and YKK zipper. The bag is ideal for carrying everything from laptops and books to refreshments and toiletries and is handcrafted in Florence by skilled craftsmen. It also has a solid brass hardware finish and is fully lined with fine cotton canvas. There's also a large back pocket. You can carry the bag or use the detachable 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 |
| 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 |
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Best for the stylish professional who needs to carry a laptop and documents to business meetings in a sleek and sophisticated way.
| Product | City Large Laptop Bag |
| Material | Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned |
| Laptop Size | up to 17 inch |
| Lining | Durable Cotton Canvas |
| Zippers | YKK Zippers - Italian-Made |
| Handmade? | Handmade in Florence, Italy |
| Straps | Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap |
| Carry-on Compliant? | Yes |
| Width | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Height | 34 cm (13 in) |
| Depth | 8 cm (3 in) |
| Weight | 1.6 kg (0.7 lbs) |
| Personalized | Custom Laser Engraving |
Watch the City Large product video below:
Browse more images of the City Large:
Our Review:
"This spacious men's bag for work is handmade in Italy by skilled craftsmen. It comes with durable cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag can accommodate a laptop of up to 17 inches in width and is ideal for business meetings as well as leisure activities. This popular bag is noted for its slim profile and is ideal for carrying books, documents, refreshments, laptops and mobile devices. The bag has been manufactured from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and comes with sturdy zippers and hardware. It also boasts zipped pockets and rounded top handles that make it easy to carry. An adjustable shoulder strap is also available."
| 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 |
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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 strive for the highest editorial standards, and to only publish accurate information on our website.
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