Joey Tribbiani was ahead of his time when he wore his iconic ‘man’s bag’ on ‘Friends’. While Chandler and Ross poked fun at Joey’s bold fashion choices, today’s style landscape has embraced men’s handbags as an accessory. Gone are the days of boring fanny packs and briefcases, today’s men’s bags are stylish and trendy.

Director and producer Karan Johar often shows his love for luxury handbags, making them the centerpiece of his ensemble. Actor Aparshakti Khurana is also opting for stylish sling bags, proving that handbags have transcended traditional gender norms.

a fierce attitude

Designer Ujjwal Dubey, creative director of Antar-Agni brand, tells India Today It’s exciting to see an additional accessory in men’s clothing. However, he mentioned that in India, the traditional bag And Potlis Have always been a part of men’s clothing.

She adds, “Handbags are a great addition because they are functional and also enhance one’s look.”

Additionally, designer Pooja Chaudhary, founder of the brand Lavanya The Label, says, “The fact that men now have handbags is a great development because it shows that fashion can be more inclusive and expressive.”

She adds, “Whether it’s a sleek cross-body bag for casual days or a structured tote to add class, handbags are great look enhancers, even for men.”

Designer Sameer Madan also has the same opinion. Although he says the trend has been around for a while, he is impressed by the fact that many more Indian men are now carrying handbags.

He says, “It’s exactly how it works for a woman: the whole outfit is tied together with the handbag. The same goes for men.”

Does social media deserve all the credit?

Experts agree that social media has certainly played a role in popularizing the trend, but the allure of the handbag goes far beyond that. It creates good visibility which helps the person to communicate his personality.

This trend also reflects a real change in the way men understand personal style and practicality. Men now have a wide range of accessories that enhance their look, enabling authentic self-expression.

Full marks for practicality

Ujjwal Dubey says, “The practicality and versatility of handbags for men are the major factors in their growing popularity. For men, it is always the functionality and style that makes any accessory an important part of the look. The bag is completely Fits from.”

Adding to this, Pooja Chaudhary says that handbags offer convenient storage without compromising on style, making them ideal for a variety of settings – from work and travel to casual outings.

She mentions, “A well-chosen handbag can carry essentials in a way that a backpack or traditional briefcase cannot.”

Meanwhile, sharing his experience, Sameer Madan explains, “This is the most practical thing that has ever happened to me personally. I always carry a bag on a day-to-day basis. Don’t like to be filled with bags.” Considering the size of phones these days, wallet and phone, for me, it’s a practical thing. You don’t ruin the shape of your clothes, and you can pull the look together—just put on your essentials and go.”

good investment

According to industry insiders, handbags from luxury brands can be a good investment for men. Madan believes that investing in a bag is beneficial as its value can increase over time. Plus, the beauty of today’s fashion is that everything is unisex – if a man no longer wants the bag, his partner can enjoy it.

“High-quality materials get better over time and stay in style for years; hence, you can invest in a few good pieces,” says Chaudhary.

cultural change

The trend of men elevating their outfits with handbags reflects a shift towards inclusivity and self-expression. “Men have started experimenting with clothing and accessories. The mindset has become more inclusive as they adopt a more gender-neutral approach,” says Ujjwal Dubey.

This is a right step towards increasing acceptance. Chaudhary believes, “The fashion industry is growing; it is moving forward in many ways. Men using handbags is an example of style aligning with acceptability, allowing people to express themselves through their clothing choices.” “allows one to express oneself more freely.”

Before you put it in the bag…

Consider the color and style of your outfit when choosing a handbag. For beginners, start with neutral colors or classic designs.

Always try to match the occasion with the formality of the bag, and as you gain confidence, explore more daring options to express your style.

Remember to choose a handbag that really reflects your style.

Here are some options to consider:

• for workChoose a messenger bag, briefcase, or laptop bag: a classic option that reflects professionalism. Look for one with a modern design and enough compartments for organization.
• for a casual outingChoose a tote bag, backpack, or cross-body bag: a trendy option that balances style and practicality, and a minimalist design creates a modern aesthetic.
• to travelGo for a duffel bag, weekender, or travel backpack: roomy yet stylish, and often more sophisticated than traditional travel bags.

don’t make these mistakes

• Avoid handbags that do not match the style and colors of your outfit, as they can spoil the overall look.
• Stay away from loud prints or designs unless they reflect your style.
• Always remember that your outfit and handbag should complement each other, not compete.
• And if you want to make a statement, let the handbag stand out without matching every detail of your outfit – this creates a balanced, polished look.