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The only thing better than a good head on your shoulders is a good bag. Leather Crossbody Bag
Messenger bags have historically been the carrying accessory of choice for teachers, artists, and aspiring actors. Or guys who prefer a less casual carrying essential than a backpack.
In a world where pockets are no longer enough and crossbody bags serve a specific carrying purpose and vibe, messenger bags are the most functional of the bunch. Yet they're rarely ugly and in fact are often quite expensive-looking and chic. They're large enough to hold most laptops and have pockets galore, as well as a strap that can be worn across the chest in a very cool and urban way, or on the shoulder for more nonchalant toting. The beauty of messenger bags is that most will easily hold all of your belongings and actually fit your aesthetic, too. Whether for work or play, these are the best messenger bags to shoulder the weight of the world for you—at least for a bit.
With burnished hardware to give it a rugged feel, this waxed cotton messenger bag is everything a messenger should be: sturdy, functional, roomy, and, of course, a little bit used-looking, as if you're an academic who's been shoving paper in there for years.
Consider this the Ferrari of messenger bags. It's sleek, it's sexy, it's cool. It has a removable crossbody strap and buckle closure, and we love how this bag has two main compartments, one that's zippered and one that's not. We're also very impressed with how well the interior design protected all of our belongings—through rain, shine, spilled drinks, you name it.
For casual use, a messenger bag that can face the chaotic elements of daily life and handle everything you throw at it (or in it, really) is necessary. Carhartt's is tough enough for a construction site or the office, with a laptop sleeve and durable fabric.
Without frills (but with a lot of really great pockets), this messenger bag has everything you need: storage, comfort, and durability. The best part? We noticed that you can pack this bag to the brim and it still feels lightweight and easy to carry.
Evoking that old-school, professory feel, this waxed canvas bag with real leather trimmings is the one you put your essentials in, alongside a few paperbacks you tell yourself you'll get around to reading eventually.
This bag has a classic, timeless design that never goes out of style. With durable leather, plenty of pockets, and a padded laptop compartment, it's got all the modern features while offering a vintage look.
Everlane's durable messenger is as simple as it is functional. The no-hassle design is roomy enough to store everything you need and then some, and with a padded shoulder strap, it'll make your commute as easy as can be. And speaking of commutes, our staff at Esquire especially appreciates how easily accessible the laptop compartment is, so you're able to jump right into work anytime, anywhere.
Simple yet luxurious, Loewe's minimalist leather messenger bag is the epitome of understated elegance. Whether you're bringing this to the office or on a trip, you're in good hands.
A solid monochrome bag never goes out of style and is perfect for any occasion, from business to casual. With a folding flap, pen slots, hidden pockets, and an adjustable strap, this messenger is ready to be your personal assistant.
Bring this on vacation or a business trip, to the office or on your errands. It's suitable for all occasions and features a laptop pocket, water-resistant fabric, interior and exterior pockets, and a sleeve to attach to the handle of your suitcase.
For traveling and commuting, this messenger bag has enough space for everything you'll need—and then some. We love how timeless and elegant it looks with just about any fit, and we especially appreciated how the thought-out design allowed us to carry it multiple different ways.
Distressed leather and a smooth face are the cornerstones of vintage luxury. Within, it has interior pockets, pen and card holders, and a zipper.
For a timeless, elegant bag that's not too expensive, faux leather is the way to go. This one has a pebbled leather look on the outside and a streamlined interior for your laptop and more.
Swedish brand Acne Studios knows a thing or two about functional and sleek design. This nylon bag has carrying handles as well as a removable strap, along with pockets, a zip closure, and a laptop sleeve inside.
For a truly luxe messenger bag, this suede option is designed to last you years—whether you're taking it to the office or on your travels. For those frequent fliers, our reviewers noted how easily this option was to tote around even the busiest airport (yes, we're looking at you, LAX) and thought the dimensions were perfect for stowing it under your seat.
For a modern messenger bag that still gets the job done, Tom Ford put a layered twist on the style. The smaller silhouette with a front pocket has an adjustable strap and zip lining. It's spacious yet compact, making it perfect for when you don't need to carry an entire full-sized bag around.
Just because messenger bags are for people who have their shit together doesn't mean they can't still look cool and fun. Splattered with the MCM logo all over, this best-selling bag is a chic spin on a classic design.
When you want a messenger bag that doesn't take itself too seriously, turn to this one. It's great for everyday use and has a casual vibe that just begs for it to be paired with a cool pair of sneakers.
While we loved every single one of the above options, there were a few close calls that didn't make the cut for specific reasons—but we don't want to rule them out. These two additional options had great features that might not be good for everyone but could still work for some. Berluti Messenger Bag, $4,300 at Mr. Porter: Built to last and age beautifully, this Berluti messenger bag will stop your fellow commuters in their tracks. Made with full-grain leather that will resist wear and tear, it also has a suede underside to protect your essentials. While we loved this one-of-a-kind piece, we recognize that the steep price may be a deal-breaker for some. Dagne Dover Laptop Bag, $155 at Dagne Dover: This bag is great for a lot of things—commuting, lugging around all of your essentials (remember, it's phone, wallet, keys), and even shoving it under your flight seat in one fell swoop. The sleek design is ideal for a quick trip, but when compared to the other options, the interior space was lacking.
When putting together a list of the best messenger bags for men in 2024, our experts knew that our choices had to be diverse enough to fit a wide variety of needs.
We not only looked at things like comfort, fit, quality, and capacity, but we also took into consideration where these bags would be used in real life. We recruited our talented colleagues to shape this guide, but we also took into account user reviews, Internet forums, and people just like you to come up with a list of the 18 best options out there.
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