No longer the provence of female consumers, totes and handbags as a fashion accessory for men is seeing an increase in market sales. According to market research firm NPD, typical men’s carryalls like briefcases, laptop bags and duffels have seen a decline in overall sales while men’s handbags and totes have seen sales rise three percent to $957 million through midyear 2013. This seems to be a trend that will stick around for the long haul.
There are many variables as to why men’s totes have seen a surge in their mainstream presence. NPD’s chief industry analyst Marshal Cohen states “the prevalence of more and more gadgets like iPhones, iPads, and Kindles most likely contributes to men’s increased need for more storage space.” Cohen also thinks that the growing trend in skinny jeans among men also may be a factor, “Men’s clothing has gotten tighter again, so now where do men put those car keys or phone? With this change in fashion and lifestyle, men now do need to carry a bag.”
According to fashion stylist Raymond Gee, “Tote bags for men have become such a big deal based purely off of necessity and convenience. Totes have become more popular because the idea of what a man is has a gray area, that area is style and utility. Utility has always been important to men, it just caught up with style finally.” Gee also said, “Being able to have a bag that can be multi-purposed is perfect for the average man. Men still hold onto their firm beliefs of quality over quantity, opting for items that tend to last longer.”
With the tote bag providing more space, style options, and the ease of use, it’s not surprising that totes have become a staple accessory for the average male consumer. To help you stay on trend, Fashion Reverie has compiled a list of some great tote options for you!
Pier Tote
With camouflage print making its way back onto the runway for the past couple of seasons, this tote bag from Herschel Supply Co. would be the perfect choice for any stylish man who is looking to get their day to day use out of a great quality bag while staying effortlessly on trend.
Canvas Leather Week (ender)
The perfect bag to carry everyday in the city or away for the weekend, this carryall is a great bag for almost any occasion. The vegetable-tanned tote features adjustable leather straps and side post rivets that make the bag expandable. The tote also showcases hand-stitched strap details, giving way to that distinctive artisan look of Caputo & Co. accessories.
$418.00, image courtesy of Lividini
Sandqvist Leather Tote
This cognac brown leather tote by Sandqvist provides the best in quality and price! If you’re looking for a tote bag that will fit an ample amount of your personal belongings while offering a simplistic but classic design, this is the perfect bag for you!
$285.00, image courtesy of Opening Ceremony
Outdoor Products’ Double-Handed Large Tote
You can always count on Opening Ceremony to put a cool tongue and cheek spin on what they carry in their stores. Outdoor Products, which is one of the many brands they carry, mixes LA cool and Tokyo freshness. This is the perfect tote for any guy who wants to bring a pop of color to their look while being ironic in the choice of bag style.
$649.60, image courtesy of far fetch.com
Givenchy Floral Print Tote
For the guy who doesn’t mind being a bit flashy yet wants a tote bag that is simplistic in design, this floral printed Givenchy tote is just what the doctor ordered. Able to handle the everyday task of holding all of your personal belongings and then some, Givenchy perfectly understands that when it comes to accessorizing, each piece adds to your individual “style story.
$740.00, image courtesy of Lividini
Lotuff Leather Tote
Designed as an everyday bag, the medium tote holds anything needed for the day, whether at work or out and about in the city. Coming in a number of different colors (like this awesome vegetable green), Lotuff flawlessly marries luxury and style.
Ghurka Field Bag
This classic styled tote from Ghurka will stand the test of time. The finely polished black leather tote features adjustable shoulder straps and plenty of exterior and interior pockets to marginalize all that you need. The perfect tote to be styled with an array of looks, this bag will always be the perfect accessory.
Nelson Cow Hair Tote Bag (limited edition)
Robert Graham, who is known to provide his loyal customers the best in quality clothing or accessories, wants to polish off your sophisticated look with this stunning tote bag. Beautifully constructed in cow hair and genuine leather, this tote is definitely a conversation starter.
$ 1,575.00, image courtesy of mr.porter.com
Maison Martin Margiela Leather Tote Bag
This eye-catching leather tote bag by Margiela will have anyone style struck! With its sleek design and cobalt blue coloring, this tote provides the perfect way to incorporate color into your accessory lineup.
—John Woody
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