When it comes to men’s style, bags are often an afterthought—but they shouldn’t be.

A good bag does more than carry your stuff. It’s a finishing touch, a reflection of your personality, and an extension of your style. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just out and about, the right bag can elevate your entire look.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the best bags for men—from briefcases to backpacks—and help you figure out what works best for your lifestyle, wardrobe, and needs.

Work Bags: Make the Right First Impression

Your work bag is typically the first thing people notice when you walk into a meeting or the office. It should match your environment, suit your style, and ideally, make you feel a little more put-together.

Here are your top choices:

1. The Briefcase: Timeless and Sharp

If you’re working in a formal or corporate setting, a leather briefcase still sets the standard. It says, “I mean business,” in the best possible way.

If you go for a high-quality briefcase, ideally made from full-grain or vegetable-tanned leather, it’s one of the best bags for men —it ages beautifully and holds up well over time. Stay away from cheap polyester or flimsy faux leather versions; they tend to look dated fast.

One of my favorites is the Palissy briefcase from Carl Friedrik – a beautiful, minimal bag that feels incredibly well-made (because it is). It works great for meetings and still feels contemporary.

Pros:

• Professional and clean
• Great for meetings and formal offices
• Durable (if you invest in quality)

Cons:

• Limited space
• Too formal for casual outfits

2. The Messenger Bag: Smart-Casual and Easy to Wear

Perfect for creative workplaces or casual office environments, a messenger bag gives you flexibility and quick access on the go.

They usually come in leather or canvas. Leather adds polish, while canvas feels more relaxed. I’ve used one from Bleu de chauffe on a trip to Berlin, and it handled everything—camera, water bottle, notebook—while still looking sharp.

Keep in mind:

• Long-term wear on one shoulder can affect posture
• Not ideal for pairing with tailored jackets

3. The Portfolio or Clutch: Sleek and Minimal

If you only need to carry a few documents, a small tablet, or business cards, a portfolio (or clutch bag) is a sleek alternative. No straps, no bulk. Just grab and go.

Best used for short walks between meetings or when you don’t need much. Think of it as your “accessory bag” rather than an everyday carry.

Travel Bags: Function Meets Style

Weekend trips, work travel, or gym runs call for something roomy yet stylish. Here’s what’s worth considering:

1. The Weekender: Stylish Getaway Essential

The weekender is your go-to for overnight trips. It’s spacious, often made from leather or canvas, and adds a grown-up vibe to your travel kit.

Want to pair it with a blazer or coat? Choose something minimal in smooth leather. Going more casual? A canvas version works well. I’ve been loving the Grain Leather Weekender from Bleu de chauffe —versatile, sleek, and surprisingly roomy.

Watch out for:

• They can get heavy fast
• No wheels means carrying it the whole way

2. The Duffle: Rugged and Practical

The gym bag’s cooler cousin. Usually made from canvas or nylon, duffle bags are made to be tossed around and still look decent.

They’re ideal when you don’t want to risk scuffing up an expensive leather bag. Herschel makes great affordable options that are durable and stylish enough for daily use.

3. The Backpack: Smart if You Pick the Right One

Backpacks are practical but tricky to style. Many look too sporty or student-like to wear with a nice outfit. But if you find the right one—like a leather backpack from Frank Clegg—it can work.

They’re also great if you’re walking a lot or carrying heavier gear. Your back will thank you.

Everyday Bags: Keep It Effortless

Sometimes you just need something to toss your keys, book, and water bottle into without overthinking it. Enter the tote.

Tote Bags: Casual to Polished, Depending on the Material

Tote bags are one of the best casual bags for men. Canvas totes (like the iconic L.L. Bean) scream weekend vibes, while leather or suede ones can look refined enough for a casual office setting.

I’ve got a secondhand tote from Japan in a muted green that I wear constantly. It’s roomy, easy to carry, and looks great with jeans or linen pants.

Tips:

• Look for internal compartments if you like staying organized
• Adjustable or longer handles make a difference, especially if you’re on the shorter side

What to Look for in a Great Bag

• Material Matters: Leather ages better and is more elegant, canvas is lighter and more casual, synthetics are cheaper but don’t last as long and look cheap.
• Match Your Setting: Formal office? Choose leather. Weekend trip? Grab your duffle bag.
• Comfort Counts: Don’t sacrifice your back for style—backpacks and padded straps can help.
• Size and Storage: Only carry what you need. A bulky bag full of junk kills the vibe.
• Double Duty: Bags with both handles and shoulder straps offer flexibility.

Brands to Check Out

If you’re in the market for a new bag, these brands hit a nice balance of style, quality, and variety:

• Bleu de chauffe – Rugged, quality bags crafted in France – ideal for casual styles
• Carl Friedrik – Sleek, modern leather pieces, perfect for professionals
• Frank Clegg – Premium leather backpacks and totes, made in the USA
• Herschel – Affordable, durable everyday bags
• Beckett Simonon – Timeless leather goods without the designer markup
• Nordform – Affordable, minimal leather bags
• Filson – Rugged, classic bags for men

Final Thoughts

A good bag isn’t just something you carry—it’s part of your look. Whether you’re suited up for the boardroom or heading out for a coffee run, the right bag pulls everything together.

Invest in quality where it counts, pick something that fits your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to let your personal taste guide you. After all, style is in the details.

What do you think are the best bags for men?

I’d love to hear what works for you.

Carry on (stylishly).

If you’re unsure about what shoes to wear for a business casual dress code, you’re not alone. If you struggle with figuring out the best business casual shoes for men, you’re not alone. The term itself is ambiguous and can mean a range of things depending on your industry, workplace, or even geographic region. Some companies are fine with jeans and sneakers; others expect slacks and leather shoes. So today, let’s shed some light on this often-confusing category and help you step into your workplace with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll rank six types of shoes from the most formal to the most casual business casual options. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your office wardrobe or simply trying to figure out what actually counts as “business casual” footwear, this post will have you covered.

But first, let’s define what we mean by “business casual.”

What Is Business Casual, Really?

Business casual is a dress code that sits somewhere between traditional corporate attire and casual streetwear. It generally means dressing professionally without wearing a full suit and tie. In some industries, that might mean wearing a button-down shirt and chinos instead of a suit. In others, it might be as casual as a T-shirt and jeans, provided they’re well-fitted and paired with the right shoes.

The key is to understand your office culture and adjust accordingly. If you’re unsure, err on the side of dressing up slightly more than you think you need to. A well-chosen pair of shoes can elevate even the most casual outfit.

Oxfords and Derbies: The Most Formal Business Casual Shoe Options

Oxfords and Derbies are foundational to a smart wardrobe. They’re classic dress shoes that still hold a place in many business casual settings, particularly the more formal ones. Between the two, Oxfords are more formal due to their closed lacing system, while Derbies are slightly more relaxed with open lacing.

When to wear them: Save black Oxfords for your most formal business casual outfits—for example, when dressing down a full suit by removing the tie or wearing a pair of charcoal wool trousers with a navy sport coat.

Pro tip: To bring them more in line with a business casual aesthetic, opt for versions in suede or with broguing. These design elements soften the shoe’s formality and help bridge the gap between dressy and casual.

Best color choices: Dark brown and burgundy are your most versatile choices. They work well with navy, grey, olive, and tan clothing. Tan shoes, while stylish, often appear too light and attention-grabbing for a versatile business casual shoe.

Consider this: Good shoes are an investment. Unlike shirts or trousers, where you can sometimes get away with fast fashion, shoes reveal their quality very quickly. A well-made pair will serve you for years. Expect to spend at least $180 on quality leather shoes. Some great value-for-money brands include:

Beckett & Simonon

Meermin 

Bridlen 

If you’re working with a limited budget, the second-hand market is an excellent option. I’ve personally found high-end shoes in great condition for a fraction of the retail price.

Monk Straps: Adding a Unique Touch to Your Business Casual Look

If you’re looking for something a bit different while still maintaining a professional look, monk straps are a great choice. They’re less common than Oxfords or Derbies, which adds an element of individuality to your outfit.

Monk straps come in two varieties: single-monk and double-monk. The choice between the two really comes down to personal style. Double-monks tend to have a bolder look, while single-monks are a bit more understated.

What to wear them with: Wool trousers, chinos, or even dark, minimal jeans. Avoid overly distressed denim or casual fabrics.

Material matters: As with Oxfords and Derbies, suede monk straps lower the formality and work well for most business casual settings.

Color choices: Stick with dark brown or burgundy. Since monk straps already draw attention due to their unique design, choosing a bright or light color can make them stand out too much for a business setting.

A quick style note: Always wear socks with monk straps. A sockless look with this type of shoe tends to look mismatched, even in relaxed settings. No-show socks can work in warmer climates, but visible socks are generally a safer and more professional choice.

Loafers: The Penny Loafer – A Business Casual Classic

Loafers are arguably the most versatile shoe on this list. They’re easy to slip on, comfortable, and stylish without being flashy. Within the loafer category, penny loafers are the most business casual-friendly.

Why penny loafers work: They strike a great balance between polish and ease. They’re less rigid than Oxfords but still look sharp enough for the office.

What to avoid: Stay away from horse-bit loafers, kilt loafers, or chunky fashion loafers. These lean too far into the casual or trend-focused side of the spectrum. Thick-soled loafers in particular don’t fit the clean lines of business casual attire.

Styling tip: Dark brown or burgundy leather is again your best bet. Penny loafers pair well with everything from tailored trousers to chinos and even slim, dark denim. They’re a great choice if you want one pair of shoes that can handle most business casual environments.

Dress Boots and Chelsea Boots: Cold-Weather Essentials

When fall and winter roll around, boots become not only practical but necessary. However, not all boots are created equal when it comes to business casual.

Best choices: Stick with Chelsea boots or refined dress boots. Both offer a sleek silhouette that pairs well with business casual clothing.

Design details to look for: A slightly elongated toe and slim profile generally look more formal. Compare that to a bulkier, round-toe boot with heavy soles, which leans too rugged for most office settings.

Material and sole: Thin rubber or leather soles keep the look clean and professional. Avoid thick treaded soles—they read too casual.

Other good options:

Chukka boots: Slightly more casual, but in suede or leather, they work great with jeans and chinos.

Jodhpur boots: Sleek and unique, these can work well in a more style-conscious office.

Sneakers: Minimalist Sneakers for Very Casual Work Environments 

Sneakers are the most relaxed option on this list and should only be considered if your workplace has a very casual dress code. That said, not all sneakers are created equal.

What qualifies as business casual sneakers?

• Low-profile
• Leather, suede, or canvas material
• Neutral colors (white, black, grey, navy)
• Minimal branding

Avoid high tops, running shoes, basketball sneakers, or anything overly sporty. Think Common Projects or Beckett Simonon Rivera—not your gym shoes.

What to wear them with: Sneakers pair best with chinos, slim jeans, or casual wool trousers. Avoid wearing them with suits or overly formal pieces.

A traditionalist’s view: Call me old-fashioned, but I believe sneakers and suits don’t mix. If you’re going to wear a suit, elevate your shoes to match.

Final Thoughts: Invest Wisely, Dress Confidently

Gentlemen, those were six types of business casual shoes, ranked from formal to casual. The key to getting business casual right is understanding where your office falls on the spectrum and choosing footwear that aligns with that tone.

Let’s recap:

1. Oxfords & Derbies – Traditional and polished.
2. Monk Straps – Stylish with a twist.
3. Penny Loafers – Versatile and classic.
4. Chelsea & Dress Boots – Perfect for colder months.
5. Chukka & Jodhpur Boots – Slightly more relaxed.
6. Minimal Sneakers – Only for the most casual workplaces.

Which of these styles is your go-to for work? Let me know in the comments below.

And if you want to avoid the most common business casual mistakes, make sure to check out my follow-up guide coming soon!

Business casual is a pretty ambiguous term, especially in today’s workplace. It’s typically defined as a step-down from classic formal attire, but it can mean a range of things to different companies. However, there are some very common mistakes that guys make – and quite frankly, I made myself in the past, as well.

Let’s address them today, so you can stand out positively at your workplace and impress your future boss.

Mistake 1 – Untucked Shirts

The first mistake is walking around the office with your shirt untucked. This is super common, but it can create a sloppy and unprofessional appearance. Especially when you’re wearing a sport coat or a sweater, always tuck in your shirts.

You don’t want to see your shirt sticking out from underneath your sport coat. Of course, you can wear casual shirts untucked outside the office, but when you’re at work, try to always tuck in your shirts.

Make sure the shirt placket aligns with the fly of your trousers, otherwise it can create a disorganized appearance. When you’re going to the bathroom, just remember to take a quick look in the mirror and check if everything is in order and if not, quickly adjust your shirt, and you will make a great impression at work.

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Mistake 2 – Going Sockless

Wearing no show socks may not seem like an obvious mistake, but in conservative firms and industries, it likely is. Especially older gentlemen typically don’t approve of this look, and your boss is probably going to be significantly older than you.

To illustrate this point, here’s a little story. A friend of mine worked in B2B sales, and he told me a story about a manager who would refuse to hire anyone who showed up to the interview without socks (yes, that includes no-show socks, as well). His reasoning was that once hired, they have to meet with C-level managers from respected firms, and those managers won’t approve of this look, and it’s going to make their firm look unprofessional.

Now, you might think that’s a bit harsh, but it’s a good reminder that these small details can really make a difference. Especially in more conservative and competitive industries and firms. So when in doubt, always wear socks and make sure that they have no holes and look clean and professional.

Mistake 3 – The Wrong Fit

The next mistake is wearing clothes that don’t fit you properly. You might have pants that are too long or too tight, or an ill-fitting sport coat.

Now, I get that if you’re applying for your first job after graduation, you probably don’t have a lot of extra money to spend on clothes. But one of the best things you can do is to bring your clothes to an alterations tailor. It’s fairly cheap to shorten trousers or jacket sleeves, but it makes a major difference.

Because wearing clothes that are too tight or too big just look unprofessional. And speaking of the right trouser length, you might have seen a lot of guys wearing shorter trousers in recent years. If you like this look, then I would suggest keeping it for your private wardrobe, but not for the office.

In the office, it’s usually a good idea to stick to a more conservative length, just for good measure. So that means that your trousers should either touch the top of your shoes, which is called no break, or even have a little bit of extra fabric, which would be either a quarter break, a half break or a full break.

Mistake 4 – Dress Sneakers

Another mistake you want to avoid is to wear dress sneakers. These are hybrid shoes between sneakers and dress shoes, and they are pretty common nowadays. But just because something is common, doesn’t make it right.

The truth is that they look a little bit off and are not the professional choice for the office environment. Now full disclosure, I bought these myself before because I did not learn about the right shoes yet, but again I learned my lesson.

Instead of dress sneakers, just go for some leather dress shoes – either oxfords or derbies – and ideally you want to own one pair in dark brown and one in black. Those two shoes are super versatile, and you’re going to look much more professional than your colleagues in their dress sneakers.

If you don’t feel comfortable in leather shoes, you might want to purchase ones with a rubber sole and maybe add a comfortable insole, as well.

Recommended brands:

• Meermin
• Bridlen
• BLKBRD
• Beckett & Simonon (US-only)

Mistake 5 – Too Casual

Another common mistake is wearing clothes that are too casual or too inconsistent. This highly depends on the company, but it could mean wearing sneakers, a t-shirt, jeans or too much jewelry.

Especially if you are starting a new job, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed and to stick to the more formal end of business casual, just to be safe. So that means instead of jeans, you might want to consider wool trousers or chinos.

In my opinion, wool trousers would be the better choice because they are more comfortable, wrinkle resistant and more formal. For shirts, I would stick with either dress shirts or oxford cloth button down shirts. Polo shirts might also be acceptable at some companies, but I would rather stick to the more formal options first.

Mistake 6 – Wrong Belt

The next mistake can ruin an otherwise excellent outfit – wearing the wrong belt.

• Don’t wear a thick jeans belt for chinos and dress pants.
• Avoid belts that are too casual (as in the picture above)
• Go for minimal buckles and avoid those with logos.
• Make sure the leather of your shoes and your belt are somewhat matching. They don’t have to be the exact same shade, but wearing a black belt with brown shoes for example just looks off and unprofessional.

Mistake 7 – Low Quality Items

The next mistake is wearing low quality items. Now, I get that you may not have a big budget, but hear me out. Especially with items like a sport coat or shoes, you can really tell the difference between high quality ones and cheap ones.

If you can, I highly recommend you to invest a bit more into a decent pair of shoes and a nice sport coat. But if you’re on a budget, I would look out for sales or, even better, buy some items second hand and then simply bring them to a tailor.

A high quality second hand sport coat for just $30 can look a lot better than a cheaply made one that’s new for $150. You can buy them either online at a local thrift store or in person. The benefit of the first option is that you can try everything, but typically you can find better items online, and they tend to be cheaper as well.

Just take your measurements first and compare them to the item, and in most cases it should be fine.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common business casual mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to making a great impression at work. Remember, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, especially when starting a new job.