Today, I will discuss crossbody bags and bags in general, including backpacks and wallets. These are items that can distinguish boys from men.
We talk a lot about style and personal presentation, and how you carry your crap is one of those factors that often gets overlooked. We use these bags daily, so you need to pay attention and invest in what you’re using. How you carry your stuff matters because people notice, so one of the quickest ways to elevate your aesthetic is to elevate the way you carry your crap.
What you should not (and should!) carry
- Wallet. If your wallet is big and fat, it looks ridiculous. It also jacks up the clean lines of your clothing. If your wallet has velcro or graphic designs, you’ll look like an immature little boy. I recommend a simple and clean minimal wallet, which I got from Thursday Boots. It’s simple and fits nicely in the front pocket of your pants. It won’t jack up your posture.
- Suitcases. Nice luggage is a game-changer. Whether you’re going on a vacation or a weekend getaway, how you pack your crap says a lot about you. Invest in a luggage set with a roller carry-on and a suitcase; a must for every adult man.
- Dopp kit. Invest in a high-quality dopp kit because it’s worth your money. You’ll have it for years. Again, I got mine from Thursday Boots. The different pockets can carry different grooming products.
- Oversized duffel bags. I fell for this and got myself a couple, but I never use them. Once you pack these, they are heavy as hell. They also don’t have wheels, so you must lug it around. They are super impractical, even though they look awesome. They’re a waste of money because you can invest in higher-quality luggage. Now, a duffle bag for the gym is practical.
- Gym bag. The string bags that are popular suck, and you don’t look like an adult man. Conversely, a gym bag shouldn’t be gigantic, toting your protein, pre-workout, supplements, wraps, several clothing changes, shoes, etc. You need a smaller, manageable gym bag that’s darker because it will be sitting on the ground. Your gym bag will get beat up and get nasty and smell, so keep that in mind.
- Backpacks. I have a love-hate relationship with backpacks. They are not stylish or sexy. They are functional, especially if you’re going to hike somewhere and want to pack it full of supplies. They’re also great for picnics. There are better options for backpacks, such as the matte-black leather backpack with different bells and whistles. You can find one at Thursday Boots with a rugged and masculine aesthetic. This type of backpack will upgrade your aesthetic simply and easily.
- Computer bag. Opt for a rugged and stylish computer bag rather than a boring nylon pedestrian style. Carrying a more stylish bag automatically conveys that you’re reliable, responsible, and appreciate quality. You’ll get more opportunities.
- Man-bags. If you’re heading out for the afternoon, you may have a few things you want to carry. Perhaps you’re going on a nice outing or a festival and don’t want to carry all your stuff in your pockets, and a backpack seems overkill. A man-bag is what you should be looking for — it’s a small bag that’s minimal. There are a lot of great brands out there, from Tumi to NutSac to Diesel. You can find them at discount stores like Nordstrom Rack. They’re the perfect size to carry around.
- Fanny pack. The fanny pack is not stylish. Most of the guys I see wearing these fanny packs are younger.
- Crossbody bag. If you’re a mature man, this is not the style that you should be going for. I recommend a man-bag with a longer strap. You can look incredibly cool and super rugged.
