For so long during the Great Lockdown(s) due to the coronavirus pandemic, our commute to work has been from the bed to the kitchen table and back. If we left our beds at all . . . But now we seem to be approaching a New Normal, in which even hybrid working arrangements require a commute to the office. Under such circumstances, whither the Man Bag? Our new correspondent Andrew Villagomez has curated a list of 8 bags for men that are on trend for fall, classic and durable – making them among the best for the New Normal office work commute. Whatever that may look like, and for as long as it lasts.
what are the best bags for men for the new office work commute right now?
As New York offices began to reopen this summer, the question of what to wear loomed over everyone returning to the office after working from home for over a year. It felt as anxiety-provoking as deciding on what to wear for the first day of school again.
The best bags for men that are on trend for fall, classic and durable – making them among the best for the New Normal office work commute.
The New York Times ran a photo essay on the state of the new office attire on Wall Street recently. And the results were unsurprising.
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With a more casual and relaxed approach to work life, polos and chinos are replacing men’s suits. The big banks and hedge funds may be insisting that people return to the office – but the dress code is decidedly more relaxed than the pre-pandemic power suit.
Even accessories have shifted to the casual end of the spectrum, with men swapping Old School polished wingtips for driving shoes, loafers and leather sneakers.
But what about the Man Bag? Well, that’s all over the place. On the streets of NYC, you’ll see men with backpacks carrying laptops and wearing off-duty footwear. Slim messenger bags and briefcases. And even duffel bags for that pre- or post-work workout. Which means there are lots of ways to play this – and no clear uniform to adopt.
The best bags for men that are on trend for fall, classic and durable – making them among the best for the New Normal office work commute.
If you’re looking for some guidance in this wide new world, we’re sharing 8 men’s bags that are on trend for fall 2021, classic and durable – making them among the best for the New Normal 2021 office work commute.
8 classic new style men’s bags for the back to work commute
1. Shinola Slim Messenger.
Made from Shinola’s signature leather, this messenger bag features a cotton-lined interior that can fit a 15” laptop. It also features various interior and exterior pockets. The magnetic closure will come in handy when you’re in a rush to retrieve something quickly.
BUY NOW: $695.
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2. Tumi Alpha Expandable Laptop Briefcase.
If you need extra space or prefer a lighter material, check out Tumi’s line of ballistic nylon bags. This laptop briefcase can expand if you need extra room. And it has a slip compartment in the back so it can slide right on top of your carry-on luggage when you’re on the road.
BUY NOW: $339.
3. Smythson Panama Cross-Grain Leather Briefcase.
Sleek and spacious, this Smythson leather briefcase comes in navy cross-grain leather and features a detachable shoulder strap.
BUY NOW: $1,345.
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4. Tod’s Shopping Bag in Felt and Leather.
If you’re in the market for a versatile tote bag, Tod’s newest medium shopper is one of the best commute bags for men. It comes in a wool blend fabric and features smooth leather handles and an external pocket.
BUY NOW: $1,245.
5. Lululemon Command the Day Large Duffle Bag 37L
This spacious duffle bag is designed to be on the go while keeping your laptop away from your gym clothes. An interior padded pocket fits a 13” laptop, there’s a shoe compartment on the lower side of the bag, and the water-repellent fabric is easy to clean.
BUY NOW: $158.
6. Away The Daypack
For the minimalist, the popular luggage brand’s Daypack is perfect. This slim nylon backpack features a padded sleeve that can fit a 13” laptop. A hidden side pocket in the front and a trolley sleeve on the back make it incredibly functional for road warriors of all stripes.
BUY NOW: $125.
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7. Hershel Tech Backpack.
With three main compartments, this is the commute bag for men who want more space in a backpack. This Herschel Tech Backpack can fit a 15” laptop in its padded and fleece-lined inner compartment. An extra compartment on the bottom of the bag can be used to store shoes or gym clothes.
BUY NOW: $159.
8. Coach Gotham Backpack.
Available in Amazon Green and Black, Coach’s Gotham backpack is made from pebbled leather and refined calf leather. Sleek and streamlined, the bag features multiple interior pockets and the laptop sleeve can fit a 15” device. Has a mesh back for breathability.
BUY NOW: $450.
best bags for men for the new office work commute right now
Those are our picks of this season’s bags for men that are on trend for fall, classic and durable – making them among the best for the New Normal office work commute 2021. What do you think, dear reader? What’s your commuter go-to bag going to be this season?
join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Andrew Villagomez is a writer and blogger who has covered men’s fashion, grooming/skincare, travel, and entertainment the past eight years. He’s contributed to Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Essential Homme, AskMen.com, ThePointsGuy.com, Out, Details, and more. He also runs his own style and travel blog, VeeTravels.com. Andrew lives in Connecticut, and loves photography, mural art, hiking, and finding the best pizza when visiting a new city.
