While some of us seem able to make do without a bag, there is no denying that on most days, you do need one to lug all your crap around. Instead of falling back on your regular boring backpack or worse, your “manly-smelling” gym duffle – and no, they do not match every outfit, especially not your date-night ensembles – try a style upgrade with tote bags, carryalls that usually come with a large opening at the top and two parallel straps on the side. Here are 10 fashionable pickings for you to pack up and go like a real man about town.
Printed nylon tote bag, $92 (£50), Maison Kitsuné
Even when not in the City of Lights, you can pretend to be a romantic with this durable nylon hand-carry tote. The Breton stripes, the Eiffel Tower silhouette illustration, the word “Parisien” and even the brand itself make this unmistakably Parisian in taste and design. Use this to buy some le pain for a “totel” French look.
Available at Mr Porter
Weapon 2Way cotton-canvas tote bag, $365 (USD $275), Porter-Yoshida & Co
Reasons why you should cop this from one of Japan’s most popular bag makers: It’s designed with durable fabric inspired by the military in the 1940s; has two large front pockets and three slip pockets for lots of storage options; and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so you can sling it across your body. Perfect for casual Fridays if and when you need to return to the office.
Available at MatchesFashion
Typo Difference tote bag (in athleisure club co), $2, Cotton On
Wanna look bomb without spending a bomb? This is how: Get a two-dollar cotton-polyester blend Typo tote with a retro tennis-club inspired design from Cotton On. And, even if you aren’t a racket player, you can still be a good sport, since proceeds from the sale of this product goes to supporting the brand’s educational projects in Uganda.
Available at all Cotton On outlets, multiple locations, cottonon.com/SG
Logo-print cotton-canvas laundry bag, $339 (£183.33), retaW
Dropping by your neighbourhood laundromat? Might as well make the aunties jelly with this navy heavy-duty cotton-canvas bag (that helpfully spells “Laundry Bag” on the front so everyone knows what’s in it – your dirty laundry). It also makes a sturdy multi-tasker for when you need to port around lotsa stuff, like say, food, mats and utensils for a picnic.
Available at Mr Porter
DECK x Artists Limited Edition Totebags, $45, DECK
Support local by buying this limited-edition item to donate to the Building Fund of the photography organisation, DECK. Choose from 15 artist editions (limited to 30 pieces per artist) with contributions from the likes of John Clang, Theseus Chan and Liana Yang. Pick SG artist Robert Zhao’s (seen here) if you want to bug (geddit?) people.
Available at deck.sg
Haribo Graphic Print Tote Bag, $24, Pomelo
This is for the sweet-toothed dudes. Take this “Haribo Goldbears” printed white tote to the candy store to see how many packets of gummies you can stuff in it.
Available at all Pomelo stores, multiple locations, pomelofashion.com/sg
Oil medium padded cotton-blend canvas tote, $475 (USD $356), KASSL Editions
Is it a pillow? Is it a Manila envelope? No, it’s just a padded bag that looks super enough to save your casual out-in-town getup with its glossy, luxe look.
Available at MatchesFashion
Heavyweight tote bag in black canvas with hand-drawn print, $14.99, ASOS DESIGN
Noticed the trend in women’s fashion where illustrated faces are a thing? Here’s one for the guys, rendered with minimalist miens’ outlines on a black canvas bag.
Available from ASOS
Mini D-Dior tote bag, POA, Dior
Make a large impression with a small shopper, courtesy of this Shawn Stussy and Dior collab. This is what happens when streetwear meets luxury – a new bag style for the House, with a white “DIOR AND SHAWN” signature embroidered on smooth black calfskin. As to what you can carry in this 21cm by 25cm by 10cm top handle + crossbody covetable piece: phone, keys, wireless earbuds, TraceTogether Token and a whole lot of pride.
Enquire at Dior Men’s boutiques for availability and price, multiple locations, dior.com
END. Everyday Bag, $65, END.
Missed out on the Comme des Garçons plastic covered paper totes that were all the rage with fashion folk a few years ago? Then, snap up this version by END. Its re-imagined take on the old school departmental store carrier is made of brown Kraft paper wrapped with high-shine PVC, and comes with a lined interior and straps wide and long enough for you to swing this off your shoulder.
Available at END.
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and is based on current exchange rates.
