I’ll admit that carrying a mini bag around, regardless of your gender identity, social standing, or daily requirement was unfathomable. Of course, some people can rock clutches and/or document pouches with gusto, serving effortless elegant looks that scream, “I travel everywhere by a car that I don’t drive myself.” But for those of us that, well, need to carry things around (where said “things” in their totality equate to more than just your phone and/or platinum cards), or choose to run about town (à la myself), the concept of carrying anything smaller than what would normally be termed gigantic seems rather absurd. And it is with great (and perhaps, slightly misplaced) pride I haul around my (overflowing) PS1 to college every day now.
Since I’m at the confession stand, though, I might as well also own up to my general ignorance towards mini purses. Until recently, I was pretty much unaware that they could refer to anything aside from certain anxiety-inducing pieces from the likes of Jacquemus and Valentino. Yes, camera bags and smaller flaps have been in existence for quite some time. But in my utopia of oversized handbags, they were lesser-borns that rarely got acknowledged.
However, I’m happy to report that I couldn’t be further from the truth on both counts. Thanks to the ebbing in the hype around irrationally microscopic purses (although it isn’t, by any means, gone), we see an insurgence of smaller bags that still manage to be practical. From the Bottega Veneta Pouch and its puffy equivalents by virtually every designer under the sun to the general trend of compact half-moon hobos and the growing affinity towards tiny totes, the current direction of the handbag is the handbag world seems to be “small but spacious.”
Like it or not, the credit for this might just go to our pandemic-era purse-carrying tendencies. We have now swapped our boxy satchels and sprawling totes for convenient crossbodies, and functionality remains a top priority, especially the purses’ abilities to carry essentials like sanitizers, phones, cash, and keys. And that is what brings us to today’s question. Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable that women can look “adorable and feminine” with their cute little handbags. But can men carry mini bags too? Do the pockets that traditionally held the aforementioned essentials not suffice any longer? Let’s investigate!
How it Started
Like many big trends in fashion, the man-purse, sometimes derisively called the “murse,” began on TV. But the world wasn’t ready for Jerry Seinfeld’s “European Carry-all” and Joey Tribbiani’s compact, casual briefcase. Coming under a lot of fire and controversy on the internet, it is, in fact, likely that the storylines the two shows’ creators tried to develop revolving around the man-bag actually made men of subsequent generations more averse to the idea of carrying purses. So much, in fact, that many are uncomfortable with the idea of being seen holding their significant others’ ones too!
*Insert cringing emoji*
However, the first step towards developing the men’s bag category came with the stylization of the backpack – from ultra-blingy Chanels to tux-appropriate Tom Ford ones, there was a rucksack for everybody. And perhaps because of its apparent ubiquity, or maybe since it was more a revolution in the number of backpack options catered specifically to females, the trend didn’t elicit a noteworthy response from the men.
In the late 2010s, however, an interesting phenomenon that we noticed was the rise of the fanny pack. Traditionally, it had always been a “men’s” thing, even though Sarah Jessica Parker had donned a Gucci number boldly with a crop-top in Sex and the City. So, when it suddenly became fashionable, men with bumbags, who previously felt self-righteous for being “not fashion-conscious,” suddenly found themselves at its forefront, without materializing into haughty European aristocrats in pinstripe suits balancing ultra-slim cigarettes between two fingers. And as it turns out, when an extremely casual menswear staple evolves into a très chic wardrobe staple, maybe it isn’t so bad!
Since then, the man-bag exploded upon the fashion scene with such prominence that its trajectory has become a force to be reckoned with. Thus, we enter the phase when male celebrities like Pharrell Williams, Marc Jacobs, and Kanye West were seen hauling giant Hermès HACs and Goyard briefcases/backpacks/crossbodies across New York. Coincidentally, it was also the time men’s versions of popular female purses like the Prada Galleria and the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour began to be released.
Soon, designers realized that men weren’t always looking for a large purse to schlep around their work and gym miscellany. After all, if women could be coerced into believing that “bite-sized” purses were the thing to have, why not men? And just like that, nylon messengers by Prada, the masculine (and utilitarian) Baguette by Fendi, and the Dior Saddle Belt-bag suddenly started appearing on the arms, shoulders, and torsos of various male street-style influencers and fashion editors, ushering us into the current era of androgynous fashion.
But why has the interest towards smaller man-purses grown so monumentally in the last few years?
Well, They Can Be Pretty Functional
Deep pockets are an attractive thing to possess, no doubt. But just because you have pockets doesn’t mean you need to use them, right? Having grown up watching my dad’s trousers resembling Mary Poppins’ carpet-bag (you can guess that he isn’t very open to the man-purse), I’d always wondered if pants were meant to look like that. However, the mini men’s purse essentially circumnavigates this destruction of form and silhouette by housing your pile of keys, wallet, phone, and other knick-knacks. And the best part about them is that they are often more organized too. Imagine blindly digging into your hind pocket in a crowded setting to find that one key amidst a veritable mosh-pit of keys. Or having something of value get pickpocketed because you didn’t even realize something is missing from your pockets’ black hole. Yeah, I rest my case.
But They Are Also Chic!
This part is pretty subjective, after all. Everyone has different tastes – some women feel entirely comfortable using their pockets solely. Some men love to drag everything but the kitchen sink in humongous Spidermen backpacks (can you guess whom I’m referencing here?). But it’s obvious that if a mini bag saves you from appearing sloppy, you look more put-together and, as a result, feel much better too! They might not go with everything – a super formal tuxedo at a black-tie event isn’t exactly ideal grounds for taking your bright yellow Fendi Baguette Messenger out for a spin (unless, of course, you’re into it. We’re not judging.) But with the right summer outfit, it has the potential to make you look like the most dapper person in the building! And if logos are your thing, a Dior logo Saddle or a Louis Vuitton Petite Malle can add some much-needed oomph to any formal, casual, or normcore aesthetic that you’re looking to serve.
Fashion Isn’t So Gendered Anymore
What do Gucci, Hermès, Chanel, and Telfar have in common? They’re all taking handbags towards a very androgynous (not to mention, very stylish) future. Actively taking steps to overcome gender barriers, these designers dress men in bold colors, prints, and purses that traditionally have been limited to the women’s department. Harry Styles’ casting as the masculine face of the Gucci Jackie and Korean popstar G-Dragon’s role as the ambassador for the Chanel Gabrielle strongly attest to that. And even when it comes to “conservative” heritage houses like Hermès, their bigger sizes like the HAC and the Birkin 45s and 50s aren’t the only ones that are of interest to gentlemen. In fact, The Wall Street Journal reports that the Birkins in the smaller sizes are increasingly gaining male attention, so women now have a new competitor to face in their quests to obtain their “holy grails.” And who could forget Telfar’s mini tote on Ashton Sanders for the 2019 Met Gala – a clear sign of how a purse dresses up anyone and everyone regardless of their gender.
Thanks to celebrities, influencers, and fashion editors, the man-bag has become more popular and less stigmatized now than it was ever before. But the mini purse as an accessory is still largely limited to the female gender. The pandemic era (which, let’s hope, is on its way to being behind us) has shown us that loads of things matter in life and need to be taken seriously. But fashion, perhaps, isn’t quite one of them, or at least, not always. And that’s why flaunting a mini purse is a whimsical nod to carrying an accessory just for the fun of it. Experimenting with one’s style and changing up your aesthetic once in a while couldn’t hurt. And the joy of having settled into a look that suits you well…is honestly amazing.
Is this all an excuse to convince me to get a mini purse? Maybe. But at least I’ll feel more fashionably progressive if I end up with one now that I’ve found men’s minis are actually a thing. And a very major thing at that, as HighSnobiety says, “Looking to flex? A hard-to-get pair of kicks will impress a lot more than an off-the-rack Alexander Wang bag. It’s not crazy to think the opposite could soon become true for men.”
I think people should wear whatever they want – the main picture with the blue scarf and bag looks fantastic 💙
Agree completely!
Indeed! Blue is something that so rarely gets the appreciation it deserves, even though the Jacquemus looks at best like a fancy Airpods case (sorry, I just find them so whimsical!)
I read the title of this post and rolled my eyes so hard. Everyone should wear whatever they want. I don’t see what someone’s sex or gender identity has to do with whether or not they can wear a small-sized bag. Ridiculous.
It is, in fact, quite ridiculous. But then so many of our arbitrary social standards are, aren’t they?
I primarily asked the question to spur discussion and hear your thoughts on the issue… And maybe also hear what kind of mini bags do guys carry? Any conversation purse-related, I’m up for it!
Sure but I wouldn’t carry it in Texas! Lol
Think you better think about where you are and situation. Hahaha
Of course, no one should literally place themselves in a situation that could result in harm. But I lived in Oklahoma for years and carried all sorts of bags… it was never an issue. And you quickly realize that the best way to fight discrimination and prejudice is not assimilation, but self-realization.
Agreed! Is this really a question that needs to be asked? I second your eyeball roll!
i dont think it is ridiculous or offensive – valid question and good for discussion
we have gay men and straight men who use bags so nothing wrong with that
But honey ‘ SIZE” is matter for especially straight men!! 😝
Great column as usual, Sajid. You never seem to run out of interesting things to write about regarding our relationships with our bags, and their significance within different aspects of our lives and culture.
Thank you so much Olivia, I really appreciate your encouragement!!
I find the title offensive. I know you do not mean it…
Totally agree, Zoe. Feels like a click-bait from 2000.
Keep in mind he’s not from America. He’s from South Asia and in those countries, they aren’t as open about topics like this. So stop being offended at everything. It’s just a question.
Why are you telling this individual to “stop being offended by everything”? He/she is participating in the dialogue & voicing their opinion, as you are. No-one is suggesting that you “stop” because they disagree with you. That would be stupid, right?
i dont find it an offensive question – its a valid question this young blogger has
No doubt! Also, I don’t know where everyone else is from, but I don’t think a lot of the U.S. is that terribly open-minded about men wearing bags that aren’t very clearly coded as male (messenger, backpack, fannypack), unfortunately. A man wearing a micropurse would def get stares outside of major city centers.
Yes you are absolutely right – even in NYC people who dress beyond their gender get stares
First off, my apologies if the question came across in any offensive way, I absolutely did not mean it as such.
Secondly, I love that you are all voicing your opinions about the issue. Yes, a lot of places (my country included) still have harsh standards regarding what men should carry and how women should dress and so on and so forth, so I appreciate you understanding where my question comes from.
Of course, we all have the liberty to choose what we wear, I personally rarely have that in mind unless I end up looking particularly awkward.
Something that I have noticed, however, is that you generally tend to stand out less even if you’re carrying mini bag as a guy if the purse itself is in a neutral/semi-neutral colorway. Not implying that you shouldn’t try and stand out, but maybe that’s a start for purse-loving men in allegedly more “conservative” places.
Your question was in no way offensive and you do not need to apologise for anything,
Because you don’t find something offensive doesn’t mean others weren’t offended by it. Your experience is not the only experience that exists in the world.
Ahh yes. The perpetually offended..
You get me everytime Sajid. Love your articles. But I need Every man to read this comment for some positivity: WEAR WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES. You can be straight gay tall short skinny and not so skinny. The purse was primarily worn by men, it’s not a feminine product. Love it, revel in it, wear it ❤️
Thank you so much Julia, it is this kind of positivity that we all need right now!!!
I don’t think a man should be wearing a woman’s handbag. I wouldn’t go on a date with a man who was wearing a bag similar to mine.
Wouldn’t want to be with a man who’s going to pull off your bag better than you 🥲
with your attitude, they probably won’t want to go on a date with you either
Exactly, I wouldn’t want my boyfriend to be wearing the same bag as me so no love loss. A messenger bag is one thing a mini bag as pictured in the article. NO THANKS
Sorry to your boyfriend who has to deal with your horrible attitude 🙏
I suppose the threshold for someone’s freedom to wear what they love goes beyond whether Rose would want to go out on a date with them. 🙄
Listen, if you have no problem with your husband/boyfriend wearing the same bag as you, knock yourself out!
My boyfriend and I wear different bags. Seems like you’re using this “same bag” line as a mask for some rigid frameworks for gender presentation. Setting limitations like these does not serve you.
If a heterosexual man went on a dinner date wearing a women’s pocket book, most hetorosexual women would be turned off. I said what I said and I won’t be bullied into thinking otherwise.
Imagine going on a tirade against men wearing women’s bags and then victimizing yourself once people call you out on your backwards views. Karen moment
You hit the nail on the head!
While I love listening to all of your opinions, I guess ultimately it all really boils down to personal preferences. I personally would be absolutely thrilled if I were to date a girl and both of us carried the same purse (*bag buddies forever*), but I can also understand why it might be a turn off. It goes both ways.
Thanks Sajid! You conveyed that to both sides very eloquently.
Its a shame you have no ability to convey yourself eloquently
Exactly! I appreciate your open attitude re: being able to see all sides. While I may not agree with “ROSE” she has the right to state her opinion re: what she does/does not like without being chastised or belittled. If someone expresses an opinion, outside of the norm, they are personally attacked. It’s fine to disagree, but taking it to a personal level is too much. I feel adults should have outgrown this behavior, but with every post it continues.
Anyway, I’ll continue to read your posts because it gives me insight into your perspective which is both stimulating & thought provoking. 👛
I tend to disagree with you. People who foster a binary view of gender consequently contribute to harmful gender stereotypes that have real life consequences for LGBTQ+ youth and women. Thus those people should be “chastised” just as we “chastise” people who promote other violent and harmful ideologies. One’s right to express an opinion doesn’t mean they should live free of consequences.
I hear you and understand you. A dialogue about differences between individuals is healthy and can lead to better understanding and possibly acceptance, but to personally insult the individual is nonproductive. As you stated “One’s right to express an opinion doesn’t mean they should live free of consequences”; however, a personal character attack should not be one of the consequences, because it slams the door on further productive communication, and creates increasing hostility.
Love your articles, Sajid!
The answer to your question is YES! At least 2 mini bags please, so that I can borrow them! =)
My husband was so tired to having his wallet, keys, personal & work phones misplaced all over the house or car in different spots that he bought himself a cheap black fanny pack from Amazon that I hate. I would love for him to buy an LV mini soft trunk, Keepall xs or any cool crossbody camera bag. I wish I could buy one for him but he won’t use it & insist that I use the money to buy one for myself. I mean could, but this way I won’t feel so guilty splurging only on myself. LOL!
My 18 yr old son just started driving & I’m trying to convince him that he should use one as well cause there’s a very good chance he’s going to lose this wallet/keys/phone someday. Again, I could buy one for him but it’ll collect dust in his room.
I’m sure they’ll get there soon! In related news, my mom has been eyeing some of my bags!
I work with many men that carry simple, nylon crossbody bags, that they call their “man bag”. It holds their things and some can be slung over their back. No-one cares or thinks about it. It’s really not a big deal.
Bags started getting smaller because phones have become do-it-alls. It replaced a lot of items we used to carry: cash, notebooks/organizers, pens, music player, etc.
But then phones are also becoming bigger hence not convenient to carry in pants’ pockets. AirPods and the likes have started becoming a must as well as a powerbank. Hence the rise of the mini bags for men.
Indeed, very aptly put!
Of course people should wear whatever they choose. Yes, in general, I think that tiny little bags look slightly off balance on large people (of any gender) but that’s just my own private and personal opinion and even then it’s just a passing trivial thought; I would never judge or criticize someone over the size of their bag.
That’s true but I guess certain shapes are more flattering to all (like the Birkin-esque ones) than others. What do you think?
I think you should wear whatever you want. More power to you!
Indeed! Thank you so much!
You should take a peek at the mini bag collection of BTS’ J-Hope, he’s known amongst k-pop fans as being a fan of mini bags.
Thank you! Now I can’t stop looking!
I’ve been using medium size purses (think MM or 30CM) but lately I find myself going for small bags (as small as 20CM)!
Kudos to you! I’m still warming up to the idea of not being able to carry everything I generally do in a smaller purse, so would you mind sharing how you pare down? Or do you perhaps only carry the smaller ones on very specific occasions?
I think that people should wear what makes then feel good. I’m male and I carry women’s handbags freely! My work bag is a Birkin 35 in black ostrich with gold hardware. And I have been judged for carrying a handbag everywhere. Especially that time I was carrying a Chanel Classic while in Dubai with my Boyfriend (now ex-boyfriend)
Your work bag sounds absolutely divine! Would love to hear more about your collection!
Why shouldn’t they, if that is what they want?
Indeed!