no, it isn’t a purse..

I’m gonna say it once, and hopefully we can leave this one here. It’s not a purse. It’s a bag. And if you’re still questioning whether men can carry one, I’m afraid you might be a little behind the times. The macho-macho era of “I only need my phone and wallet” is slowly dying, and honestly, good riddance.

Because let’s not act like this is some brand-new fashion phenomenon. Pharrell was carrying Goyard and Birkin bags before most of us were even thinking about what we were wearing to sixth form. Kanye was doing the same. These men weren’t asking for permission either — they were just wearing the damn bags. And somehow, twenty years later, we’re still having the conversation.

What’s changed is the bag itself. We’ve gone from the tiny crossbody being the gateway drug, to oversized totes, leather shoppers, vintage luggage, Birkin-style top handles and bags that look like they belong in somebody’s wardrobe rather than their girlfriend’s. The accessory has officially become part of the fit. Not an afterthought. Not something you carry because you “have to”. A piece.

And I think this is where the whole “men’s fashion” conversation gets interesting. Because for years, masculinity has been built around making things as boring as possible. Black watch. Black wallet. Black backpack. Don’t wear anything too fitted, too colourful or too delicate because apparently looking like you care is a criminal offence. But fashion doesn’t really work like that anymore. The old rulebook is getting binned.

And dare I say it — old money has entered the chat. There’s something about a man casually carrying a beautiful leather bag with a pair of loafers, relaxed trousers and a knit that screams I’ve got somewhere to be without screaming LOOK AT MY OUTFIT. It’s less about flexing and more about taste. Less “look how much this cost” and more “I know exactly why I bought it.”

The funniest part? I already know some of you are going to read this and say, “Yeah, but I’m not carrying a purse.” Brother. Nobody asked you to. Call it a tote. Call it a shopper. Call it luggage. Call it your little emotional support bag if you want. I genuinely don’t care. Just understand that the people who are comfortable enough to wear what they actually like are already ten steps ahead.

So this is your warning. The bag isn’t coming — the bag is already here. And whilst everyone else is still debating whether it’s masculine enough, the rest of us are figuring out what goes with it. You can either jump on the wave now, or wait another three years until everybody’s doing it and pretend you were there first. Your choice.