The concept of men with handbags is becoming more and more normalized, and no, we are not only referring to those small handbags that look like toiletry bags manufactured by brands such as Boss or Emporio Armani. But to silhouettes that, traditionally, have been considered "more feminine". Shoulder bags, handbags, clutches or shopper bags, among others, are just some of the types of bags that are beginning to be seen in men's outfits on the catwalks and streets.
The bag and masculinity
The term fragile masculinity has become popular due to the lack of normalization of men with behaviors considered as feminine. feminine. It seems that carrying a bag is going to make them less of a man, unless it is a bag specifically for men, otherwise not.
In recent years there has been a widespread trend for men to carry handbags similar to a toiletry bag , whether nylon, leather or synthetic leather. However, it seems that it is not yet normalized to see men with other types of bags that are more "feminine" and not in neutral colors such as black or navy blue.
Brands are betting on men with bags
It is not a novelty to see men parading with handbags in the fashion shows of prestigious brands. Versace, Valentino, Balenciaga or Louis Vuitton are just some of the brands that make this visible.
What's more, at the recent Milan Fashion Week, where the men's collections for the Fall/Winter 2023 season were presented, the Fendi fashion show stood out with almost all the models carrying a handbag as an accessory. Briefcases, shoulder bags, and handbags were the brand's masculine bets, but all of them being perfectly unisex. In addition, this rupture of the division between genders in the textile field was also carried out by the brand in the "feminine" silhouettes of the garments, not only in the appearance of bags.
In addition, the bag complements the whole outfit. It is an element that breaks with normality and monotony, so it provides that surprise factor to the outfit. It also helps us to keep all those objects that we carry with us without having to resort to pockets or a handbag or a fanny pack that, at present, are too much seen.
Is the bag gendered?
Here's the rub of the matter: the distinction between men's handbags and women's handbags. That is, a gender is given to the accessory and it seems that a bag is masculine when it is designed and labeled as such. A garment has no gender and a handbag, whatever brand it is, should be carried by those who like it.
We are witnessing a social change in which men are able to wear necklaces, handbags or dresses. This freedom must be maintained and evolve to normality. More and more celebrities are becoming spokesmen for this change: Jared Leto, Harry Styles or Jason Momoa, have shown that men can dress in bright colors, with glamor and carrying a bag, and that this does not mean they are less men.
