Ah yes, the Man Bag. It’s funny how something so utilitarian and masculin can be misconstrued as something, how should we say, not so macho.
The truth is men have worn bags for centuries for, both style and utility, proving that hand-bags aren’t just for women.
During the renaissance (before pockets) men wore girdle pouches. Girdle pouches were very handy for transporting things like spices, flowers, and herbs.
The satchel, arguably the manliest of the man bags was used primarily by school children to transport books (think modern day backpack).
The briefcase came into existence during the Industrial Revolution and was used by powerful men to transport important documents, papers, books, and small valuables.
During the World Wars military men fastened bread bags to their belts and used them as an all purpose carrying bag.
The messenger bag has made a strong resurggence. Historically they were used by bike messengers and postal carriers before they evolved into a fashionable item.
So next time friends give you a hard time over that so called “Man Bag” of yours, tell them it’s just the opposite of femininity; it’s historically masculine.
