Don't some small messenger bags look like large purses?

I see that many men (straphangers) like messenger bags, as they like being able to hang something over their shoulders instead of having to grasp a handle. But when does a messenger bag start looking like a purse?

What's a messenger bag? Pic?

http://www.bagsbuy.com/s.jsp/r_ss/p0_3000/...46/sbstl_364790

Hard to say, there are styles made for wear by both men and women.

I think the color and particular details of the bags are key to whether or not they look like a purse.

That said, as someone who rides the subway, I would much prefer that men (and women) wear a messenger bag rather than a knapsack, because I'm really tired of having people bang into me with them on subways and buses every time they move.

Some look more feminine styled (the one above) than others. That being said there are some nice and masculine.

When the female paraphernalia falls out.

I agree with Tova that there are more masculine bags and less masculine bags but what you linked to, Bezalel, while not being the height of masculinity, doesn't look anything like a women's purse, either.

I guess you never saw the Friends episode about the "man-bag."

I thought they were quite weird when I first saw them, I guess I'm just used to the look by now.

I just started working this week, and only have a hard-sided briefcase, and I want to buy something with a soft side so that people won't be injured if the bag hits them. But I don't want to look gay (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Congrats on the new job. Just curious based on your earlier thread, did you manage to find something at a patent firm after all?

You might want to look for a leather briefcase that is soft sided, I have one in black that is for women, but I'm sure you can find a masculine one. And no, I don't think a masculine messenger bag would look gay at all, but you might want to try for the briefcase first, as it would probably look more professional for a lawyer. My dad is also a lawyer and usually takes the subway to work in Toronto, and he carries a soft sided briefcase, so they do exist.

messenger bags are very modern and (some might say) sexy (and also kinda 1990s, if you ask me), but there's something very classy and profesh about a briefcase, and I think I favor it for a professional man.

I agree a briefcase looks more professional, while messenger bags tend to be either "hip" or "sadly trying to be hip, but doesn't quite make it". The bags tova linked to are aweful....stay away from those. My husband just bought this last weekend and I find it very stylish, practical and masculine. It doesn't davka have padding for a computer but you could get a sleeve if you want to tote yours along.

Really?

(i think he was just being PC)

Baruch HaShem, I'm working as a patent agent for an intellectual property boutique. They have about 30 lawyers. When I'm admitted to the state bar, they'll promote me to patent attorney. Hopefully I'll get good news from the bar examiners in mid-November. The people are very nice, and I hope that I can quickly learn the job, so they won't fire me.


Thanks. I probably don't have the best style sense, which may be while I'm unmarried. If I had a wife, she could help me.
So you'd recommend against this look?

Shopping meet!


It's cute and kitschy, but the color's not very nice and it hardly prevents a professional image. Stick with Spiderman. The bold colors and hard lines of animation will speak of vitality and success and the fact that you're wearing a cartoon character on your bag will tell your coworkers and clients "I'm bold and confident".

I liked some of the bags that Tova linked and I love the Hello Kitty bag! If I were still in college I'd totally buy it.

I don't think that bag would cut it for a first year associate in a law firm or any other corporate professional, but that's simply my opinion.

I agree, it's neither professional nor practical. Lawyers need these big bags to shlep around a million files in them.

Someone watched Rules of Engagement the other night. http://www.tvrage.com/Rules_of_Engagement/...des/613992/2x05

How about something like this? I think this looks very professional and might meet your requirements. And it's on sale for half price too!

I saw this bag there; IIRC it was very nice, solidly constructed and practical. It's decent-looking, though clearly a briefcase first and a messenger bag as an afterthought (and should probably be used as a briefcase except in dire emergencies).

mazal tov!!!

nu, what did you end up getting?

Okay, I ordered this one.

http://www.luggage.com/David-King-199X-XB1022.html

I hope that I'll like it.