Protest all you like, but the “man purse” has been slowly increasing in popularity over the past decade and this year the options are truly vast – some might say even rivaling the options available for women’s bags. So I suggest broadening your horizon and begin considering the bag options that will work best for you.

The Messenger Bag

This is the most current “pc” descriptor the “murse”. It is intended for casual wear with a long strap to be worn across the chest. It should be spacious enough to accommodate your personal belongings as well as those dvds or library books you need to return. Most work best with jeans and a cool vintage tee but some designers are bringing forth more formal designs that can work in a corporate environment as well.

The price points on these bags are all over the map. Retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, The Gap and Banana Republic have cool, hip casual versions while more upscale, formal looks can be seen from S.T. Dupont and Louis Vuitton.

The Briefcase

Oh yes, the briefcase (aka the “Man Bag” that been acceptable for decades). But if you live in the professional lane, the briefcase is a must. Hard surfaced briefcases are not as common any longer but remain stylish in sleek designs. However, semi-soft-sided briefcases are generally preferred as they tend to be less formal looking and are generally lightweight. By definition, a briefcase is a lawyer’s bag designed to carry legal briefs but the label no longer applies strictly to those members of the oldest profession. Terrific thing too, because by removing this domain from these traditionally stoic folks, we have great variations and options in briefcases now. To be considered a briefcase, it normally will have handles as opposed to straps and will be compartmentalized to encourage organization. Other than that, anything goes.

Kenneth Cole, J. Crew, Calvin Klein and Samsonite all offer briefcases at very respectable prices.

The Travel Bag

Remember the tote your mom would take to the beach? Well, these are making an appearance in men’s fashion circles now too, albeit in slightly more refined designs. For the man on the go, a proper travel is a must. Whether for a day trip or overnight, don’t underestimate the practicality of the travel bag and discard your matching carry-on. It should be large enough to accommodate a days’ worth of toiletries, a book or magazine and a strategic change of clothes (or at least a clean shirt and undergarments).

Paul Smith, Burberry and Louis Vuitton have gorgeous options in the high-end arena but check out The Gap and Lacoste for less expensive alternatives.

So, rather than stuffing your pockets with those things you will need throughout the day, take some time and check out the stylish alternatives available in men’s bags. Be a man, deal with the occasional taunt and be a style leader.