[HushTug] I heard that men's tote bags are lame, so I asked a bag designer for his opinion!

"Tote bags are for women, right?"

"Isn't it a little uncool for a man to wear it over his shoulder?"

Have you ever seen such comments on social media or in search results and felt uneasy?

My name is Nakajima and I am in charge of product planning at the domestic leather brand HushTug.

This time, we will answer the question, "Is it okay for men to carry tote bags?" and discuss the key points to consider when choosing a bag to avoid making a mistake .


Is it true that tote bags are uncool for men?

HushTug leather tote bag (black)

The bottom line is that this is not the case at all. It is perfectly acceptable for men to carry tote bags.

In fact, I use them myself, and many male customers at HushTug showrooms purchase tote bags.

HushTug leather tote bag (black)

However, it is true that some people of different ages have the impression that it is something that women own.

I often get questions, especially from men in their 60s and 70s, such as, "Is it okay for a man to carry a tote bag?"

Because some people are concerned about the impression they make, simply paying a little attention to how you hold and choose your accessories can make you look much more sophisticated .


Three tips for men to carry tote bags stylishly

1. The basic principle is a simple appearance

HushTug leather tote bag (black)

Choose a bag with a simple design rather than one that is overly decorated.

As a general rule of thumb, limiting the number of colors used in your entire outfit, including your bag, to three or less will create a unified and sophisticated impression.

HushTug leather tote bag (brown)

For example, if your whole outfit is monochrome, it's okay to add a slightly different color, such as brown, to your bag.

However, you should be careful not to use too many different colors in the bag, as this can make the overall look look disjointed.

2. The impression can change dramatically depending on the material

Himeji Leather

The choice of material is also very important.

For example, if you are going to use it in a business setting, leather is definitely recommended.

Leather has a more luxurious feel than nylon and other materials, and it makes it easier for people to sense that you are "reputable" and "trustworthy."

On the other hand, for days off or casual wear, bags made of canvas or nylon go well with the bag and create a soft impression.

3. If you are using it for business purposes, consider the color

HushTug leather tote bag (navy)

When carrying a bag for business purposes, not only the material but also the color is important.

Colors that are too bright or flashy may stand out in a bad way, so it is safer to choose subdued colors such as black, dark brown, or navy.

HushTug leather tote bag (dark grey)

I can understand the feeling of "I don't really want to go out on a sales call wearing a hot pink tote bag."

Of course, there are some people who make it a part of their personality, but if you're unsure, start with basic colors.

Summary: The impression of a tote bag changes depending on how you choose it

HushTug leather tote bag (brown)

Finally, here are some points that men should keep in mind when carrying a tote bag.

  • Tip 1: Choose a simple design → Use no more than three colors and keep decorations to a minimum

  • Point 2: Use different materials depending on the occasion → Leather for business, nylon or canvas for off-duty

  • Tip 3: Choose calm colors for business → Black, navy, brown, etc. are safe choices

HushTug leather tote bag (navy)

"I'm not confident in my fashion sense, but I don't want to look unfashionable."

If you are one of those people, then use the points we have introduced here to find the tote bag that suits you.

At HushTug, we offer a selection of simple and understated leather tote bags.

If you are interested, please feel free to refer to it.

Leather Tote Black

HushTug Leather Tote Black

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Information about our physical stores
HushTug Ikebukuro store

In addition to their online store, HushTug also operates physical stores .

You can actually see and touch the tote bags introduced in this article. You can also purchase new bags on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.

*Payment is cashless only. Please note that cash payments are not accepted.