How to Choose a Men's Bag: A Guide to Style and Functionality

Anna Němcová October 10, 2025 7 min read

In today's world, where technology and personal style are constantly intertwined, it's long been untrue that men can get by with just their pockets. Whether you're heading to the office, a lecture, or into town, a men's bag is a practical accessory that also stylishly complements your outfit. We'll advise you on how to choose a men's bag that will be comfortable for everyday wear, protect your laptop, and fit your wardrobe.

Start with Purpose and Content: What do you need a men's bag for?

The choice of a men's bag depends on where you'll be taking it and what you'll be carrying in it.

For work / with suits: The best choice is a briefcase or a men's bag with a solid structure, ideally with a laptop pocket and a document organizer. Black or brown bags, or faux leather bags, work great with a formal suit; their minimalist design won't overpower the jacket and will stylishly complement your shoes and belt.
For school and everyday use: A casual shoulder bag (messenger) made of polyester or nylon will offer more pockets for a tablet, laptop, chargers, and wallet. Synthetic materials are usually lightweight and durable.
Leisure / city: Smaller shoulder bags with a secure pocket for documents keep everything at hand and out of the way. The bag should be compact and comfortable for all-day wear.

Tip: When choosing a bag, ask yourself three questions: what will its purpose be, what will you carry in it, and what should it match with.

Functionality and Organization: The Details That Make a Difference

Even the best men's bag will be useless if you can't quickly find your keys in it. The internal layout, strap, and closure are key factors for your daily comfort.

Internal Layout and Pockets

Padded laptop compartment: A must for protecting your electronics. It should be sturdy, padded, and separate from the main space.
Pockets for small items: Pockets for a mobile phone, pens, business cards, USB drives.
Security pocket: A zippered pocket (ideally hidden) for documents and a wallet.
Key clip: A small detail that saves a lot of time searching.

Strap and Closure Quality

The strap is responsible for carrying comfort. Pay attention to:

Padding: For heavier bags, a padded, wide shoulder strap is essential. Some bags have a strap with a movable pad that prevents pressure marks.
Adjustability: The strap should be easily adjustable to your height and preferred way of carrying (over the shoulder or across the body – crossbody).
Hardware and Zippers: Quality metal hardware and sturdy zippers (e.g., YKK) are a sign of longevity. Plastic components wear out faster and tend to break.

Closure system:

Classic buckles: Stylish, but often slower access to the contents.
Magnetic snaps: Quick and convenient, can be hidden under classic buckles.
Zipper: The most secure solution.

Many men's shoulder bags are equipped with, for example, a combination of a buckle and a zipper. Always consider which style and design suit you best.

Material: Durability, Appearance, and Care

The material is what defines a bag in terms of durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Every material has its pros and cons. With modern synthetic materials, you can count on high durability and easy maintenance.

Faux Leather Bags (Polyurethane - PU)

Faux leather (PU leather, polyurethane) is a modern, ethical, and affordable alternative that can very faithfully imitate the look of real leather. It is an excellent choice for both formal and casual styles.

Appearance and Style: Very elegant, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture. It is used for business briefcases and stylish messenger bags.
Advantages: Low weight, high resistance to water and stains, simple maintenance, affordability.
Disadvantages: Lower breathability compared to natural leather, can crack over time with poor care.

Caring for a Faux Leather Bag: Regular wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient. Avoid aggressive chemical cleaners and do not leave the bag in direct sunlight or near a heat source for long periods.

Textile Materials (Nylon and Polyester)

Nylon and polyester are the most commonly used materials for bags focused on functionality, durability, and lightness. They are ideal for everyday wear, school, commuting, or for sports shoulder bags.

Nylon (Polyamide): It is extremely strong, lightweight, and very resistant to abrasion and tearing. It often has a water-resistant treatment, making it an ideal choice for those who travel frequently in all weather.
Polyester: It is affordable, dries quickly, and is resistant to wrinkling. It allows for stable and vibrant colors. It is great for leisure and sports bags where lightness and easy maintenance are a priority.

Advantages of Textile Bags:

Extremely lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
High resistance to mechanical abrasion, tearing, and weather conditions.
Affordability and a great price-to-utility ratio.
Simple and quick maintenance and cleaning.
Often offered with water-resistant coatings or treatments.

Disadvantages of Textile Bags:

Generally a less formal look compared to PU leather bags.
Soft models have a lower ability to hold a firm shape when less full.
Without treatment, they can be prone to absorbing moisture and require impregnation.

Maintaining Nylon and Polyester Bags: Most dirt can be removed with soapy water and a sponge. To increase protection and extend the life of the bag, we recommend regular impregnation.

Also pay attention to the lining material – a densely woven lining tears less and better protects the edges of documents and your laptop.

An Overview of the Most Popular Types of Men's Bags

The term men's bag is general and covers several types of bags. Let's look at the difference between the most common styles so you know exactly what you're looking for.

Bag Type	Main Characteristic	Typical Use	Who It's For
Messenger Bag	Usually softer, with one long strap, a flap over the entire body. More casual than a briefcase.	For school, leisure, the office, and the city.	Students, creatives, men who prefer a more relaxed style.
Briefcase	Solid structure, holds its shape. Often with two handles and a detachable shoulder strap.	Formal, business meetings, with a suit.	Managers, lawyers, businessmen.
Crossbody (small bag)	Compact, worn across the body. Just for a few essentials.	Travel, trips, for documents and a mobile phone.	Men who need their hands free, security for their documents, and find a backpack too large.
Laptop Bag	Main focus on a padded pocket to protect electronics. Can be in the form of a briefcase or a messenger-style bag.	Work, school, business trips, daily commuting with tech.	Anyone who regularly carries a laptop or tablet.

Tip: Don't forget about business backpacks! An elegant laptop backpack is acceptable today even in most semi-formal offices. For more tips on how to choose a professional-looking backpack or bag, check out our separate article.

How to Choose a Men's Bag – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a men's bag for everyday use?
When choosing a men's bag for everyday use, it is important to consider its size, material, and design. It is recommended to choose a quality bag that is durable and easy to maintain. Furthermore, it should have enough space for all your essentials, such as a laptop, wallet, keys, and other personal items.
What are the advantages of a leather bag?
Leather bags are very popular due to their durability and stylish appearance. A quality leather bag maintains its design for a long time and is resistant to wear and tear. Moreover, leather bags add a touch of elegance to any outfit and can be easily combined with both jeans and formal attire.
How do I choose a men's bag for work purposes?
For work purposes, it is advisable to choose a men's bag with enough space for a laptop and other work tools. Look for a bag with sufficiently strong straps and a handle for comfortable carrying. The bag should also have several pockets for organizing your gear.
I'm looking for a women's shoulder bag, can I follow the same rules as for men's bags?
Yes, definitely! Just as with men's bags, for a women's bag you should consider the purpose, capacity, and material. We recommend reading the related article on how to choose a women's handbag and advice and tips for choosing a shoulder bag.

A Selection of Men's Bags Tailored to Your Style

Whether you are looking for a men's bag to go with a suit, a shoulder bag for everyday wear, or a spacious laptop bag, be guided by purpose, content, and comfort. Consider the material, shoulder strap, linings, and zippers. In the Bagalio.eu offer, you will find a range of types from elegant bags to lightweight men's shoulder bags – you just need to choose the one that is high-quality, fits your style, and can handle both a laptop and the daily routine. If you really want a quality men's bag, start with the material and construction; the result will be a choice that will accompany you for years and stylishly enhance your outfit.