While purses and handbags are essential for ladies, a ‘man bag’ has become a must-have for today’s gentleman. Your man can don bespoke and off-the-rack men’s suits. He can even rock that spiffy pompadour hairdo. But if he’s caught carrying the wrong bag, there goes some of his cool points. To avoid such a fashion tragedy, it’s time to get acquainted with several stores in Singapore, offline or online, that houses the contemporary fashion trend we’re proud to call a ‘man bag’.
Gnome & Bow
Gnome & Bow’s bags have classic designs but without having their functionality compromised. They offer an array of bags, from briefcases and messengers to backpacks and duffels. Not sure what to get? Check out the bags under the Jekyll’s Hyde’s collection – very tasteful and uber posh!
Gnome & Bow, shop online or at various stockists.
Obbi Good Label
Nestled at Bali Lane, Obbi Good Label is the store to go for thoughtfully crafted artisanal bags. Our top picks are definitely the OGL 9981 aviator bag in cream and the OGL 9981 hobo bag in bamboo green. Here, you can also find exquisite leather wallets to complement your new bag.
Obbi Good Label, 29 Bali Lane, Singapore 189865, p. 8181 2090. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm; Sat 12pm-6pm. Closed on Sundays.
The Assembly Store
Aside from serving a good cuppa Joe and offering a delicious crabcake benedict, The Assembly also has a store at The Cathay, which offers various stylish bags for men – from big names like Fjallraven, and independent brands like Brown Breath and Rawrow.
The Assembly Store, #01-22/23 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, p.6733 3143. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm.
Rockstar
Yes, it sells mainly women’s clothes and accessories, but Rockstar also has a men’s section, bags included. Rockstar stocks colourful Poler’s bagpacks, a personal fave of ours. Not only do they scream fun, they are very rugged and practical – especially if you’re planning to hit the gym after work and not wanting to lug your stuff around.
Rockstar, Orchard Cineleisure, #03-08, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695, p. 6836 8201. Open Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm; Fri & Sat 12pm-12am.
Herschel
Herschel has taken the man bag’s arena by storm. This trendy brand goes above and beyond fashion statements and places great emphasis on functionality. Its modish bagpacks are popular as they are super sturdy and have big compartments. Need a cool laptop case? Check out their awesome collection of sleeves.
Herschel, shop online.
Porter
Porter definitely caters to all sorts of guys, suited for various needs. For the office-kind-of-guy, they provide briefcases (but with more contemporary slick designs, mind you!). For workplaces that advocate greater creative expressions, Porter also offers cool-looking shoulder bags and tote bags. Our recommendation? Anything from their NEW HEAT collection will surely score you some plus points with your colleagues.
Porter, various locations. #03-06 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877, p. 6333 8258. Open daily 10.30am-10pm.
TIPS ON MAN BAGS
Like all other things, there’s a time and place for man bags. Here’s a useful tip to note: your bag should never ‘cost’ more than all of the things you put inside. What’s the point of carrying an expensive Burberry bag if it’s just for a wallet, handphone and a pen? Another tip is to know where you’re heading; you wouldn’t want to be holding a gym duffel bag for a job interview or a haversack to a party. With that out of the way, time to complete the look and werk those man bags!