Different Types of Men's Bags: Cool, Trendy, and Modern Designs for the Modern Man

Terrence Howard at the 2006 Oscars wearing a murse (Photo taken from The Mysterious Messy Blogspot)

Photo of Bow Wow with his murse, from DrJay.com's 'Trend Alert: The "Murse".

Photo of Snoop Dogg with his murse, from DrJay.com's 'Trend Alert: The "Murse".

Briefcases have always been the choice of men to match their formal or work outfit. In the past, these bags were made to resemble boxes. They had square edges, and they did not have a lot of compartments. Today, however, bag designers have given briefcases a "curvier" look. Also, if you look at a modern briefcase, there are more rooms or compartments to keep your things organized. Briefcases are much more functional now.

A briefcase is set apart from the rest of the men's bags with its handle. It doesn't come with a strap unlike the messenger bag, and the handle is usually a rigid strap. Materials that are used in making briefcases are usually leather or faux leather, but there are also some briefcases that are made from fabric and other materials.

Based on the description above, a messenger bag is an oversized satchel that is worn over one shoulder. Others would call this a "courier bag" because it comes with a strap that can be fastened to stabilize the bag on the wearer's bag - just like a courier. This bag is usually bought by college students and cyclists to make it easier for them to carry their things, but many people use a messenger bag for style or fashion.

When people travel, they usually get a luggage to store their things in. But if you're a light traveler or on a trip only for a day or two, you might want to ditch a luggage for a carryall. Also called a holdall, a carryall is used to carry the things you need when traveling.

If you look at the picture, a holdall has two rigid handles that's a little bit oversized. It's meant that way so that you can carry the bag over one shoulder.

A camera bag is a small bag created to carry anything that doesn't have too much weight such as a camera, cellphone, and keys. It looks and is used like a shoulder bag, but it's smaller than a shoulder bag.

A tote bag is the rectangular or slimmer version of the carryall. It extends in a vertical direction, and can be worn on one shoulder or carried with one hand. Male fashionistas carry this bag to match their casual look.

A newsboy bag is a simpler version of the messenger bag. According to some sources, this is one of the oldest form of bags. It was used first by newspaper carriers to store their newspapers in, but throughout the years, it has been worn by boys and girls to make a fashion statement -- to complement or complete their casual look.

Some newspaper bags are made from canvas, but just like with the other types of bags, designers have experimented with different materials to re-invent of perhaps improve newspaper bags.

Since backpacks are one of the most popular bags in the world, I think they don't need any introduction. However, because we now live in a world of gadgets and computers, it's worth mentioning that the backpack has evolved into something that's more functional. These days, there are backpacks that have a compartment intended for e-book readers, laptops, and other gadgets.

As its name implies, a laptop bag is a bag for your laptop. It is well-cushioned to make sure that your laptop and all its parts are intact even with vigorous movements or vibrations. Also, it has different compartments to store your laptop and its accessories (battery, cord, charger).

A duffel bag is a bag that takes the form of a cylinder. Duffel bags are usually associated with men of uniform and army camps. But in recent years, these bags were given a makeover. For instance, popular sports brands have introduced a duffel bag that can store sports equipment and clothes. And instead of using cloth, other water-proof and more durable materials are used.

A sling bag is a smaller version of the messenger bag. And just like messenger bags, a sling bag can be worn around the chest, and it's often adjusted to make sure that it rests on the wearer's back.

A satchel is often mistaken as a briefcase, but the main difference between the two is that the satchel has a strap while the other doesn't. Satchels are worn on one shoulder, much like a shoulder bag. But unlike a shoulder bag which hangs on your side, a satchel is worn on the back side of the hip.

A clutch is a bag carried on one hand. This is popular among the ladies, but these days, fashionable men seem to make it cool to carry a clutch. And just like ladies' clutch bags, men's clutch bags are rectangular in shape with a few compartments.

Shoulder bags are bags that are worn on one shoulder. They are smaller than messenger bags, and they are used mainly to hold small valuables on a casual day.

Toiletry bags are small, yet spacious bags to contain common toiletries, grooming materials, and other essentials during traveling. Some men slip all their toilteries anywhere in their bags. But if you want to be organized during a vacation or business trip, get yourself a toiletry bag.

Waist bags are very functional especially when you're abroad on a vacation. They hold all your important documents and things in place such as passport, wallet, and money. With a waist bag, you don't have to worry about getting lost or losing your valuables.