In fact, I used to be like you, finding it unnecessary, even ridiculous. But trying it at least once helps understand its utility. Now I know that a shoulder bag is a staple in men’s wardrobes, remarkably efficient, practical, and easy to use. With this accessory, gentlemen, your pockets are practically empty, and it changes everything. Almost every brand offers a range of shoulder bags designed for both frequent and occasional travelers. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and are incredibly versatile. Featuring long straps meant to cross the chest, they free our hands for other tasks like hailing taxis, holding coffee cups, seeking directions, or pulling rolling luggage through airports. And we never have to worry about the bag slipping off our shoulders. Here’s our selection of the top 15 shoulder bags for men.
L.L. Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote with Strap
What’s great about this tote bag is how seamlessly it will become part of your daily life thanks to its easy-to-use features. For example, the adjustable strap has a padded section that offers more comfort on your shoulders. There’s also a top handle, in case you prefer to carry it by hand. The medium size is also ideal for personal items when flying, as it fits well under the seat in front of you. And the exterior slip pocket is the perfect place to stash your passport or phone. Bonus: The bag is lined with durable, water-resistant thermoplastic, so you never have to worry about getting your belongings wet.
Coach Crossbody in Pebbled Leather
This hassle-free leather bag from Coach takes the guesswork out of jumping on the crossbody trend. The structured shape of the mini tote is super chic, while the branded strap adds a bit more visual interest. It’s a stylish day bag for when all you need is your phone, keys, and a few cards.
Marni Jacquard Shoulder Bag
For a more eye-catching designer option, this plaid choice (with an adjustable strap) from Marni is a fun and colorful choice. It’s small and made of jacquard fabric, so it won’t be as pricey as a larger leather bag, and the bold pattern makes it a great hero piece for your outfit. It’s a fantastic bag to bring on a city getaway, as it will make your capsule wardrobe all the more interesting.
Bandolier Phone Case Shoulder Bag
When you only need a few things on you, opt for this leather phone case with a shoulder strap. As small as it may seem, it’s actually designed to be very efficient: the main compartment can fit almost any phone model, there’s a zippered pocket for items you want to secure, and the back slot where you can slip your metro card and a few bills.
Micro Tote Running Bags
This nylon ripstop bag is so lightweight that when it’s empty, it feels like you’re not carrying anything at all. Two interior pockets and an adjustable strap are all it needs to become your next go-to. It’s available in a few colors (we’re also into khaki), but we love the electric jolt of silver. It’ll brighten up any outfit.
Brevite Everyday Crossbody Waist Pack
If you want your crossbody to look more like a fanny pack, the minimalism of this canvas bag from Brevite is perfect. It has that classic shape, is lined with protective nylon, there’s an interior pocket for a bit of organization, and a zippered back pocket, too. The adjustable strap means you can wear it across your chest or around your waist.
Arc’teryx Mantis 1 Waist Pack
You could surely find a cheaper polyester crossbody bag than this one, but we love the fantastic organizational features of the Arc’teryx Mantis 1. For a fairly compact bag, it has so many pockets: there’s the front zippered pocket, two more pockets in the main compartment, and then a slip pocket at the back, which can hold your phone. You can also adjust the strap so that the bag can be worn either as a crossbody or as a backpack. And let’s not forget that it’s made from durable and lightweight recycled textile.
Bellroy Lite Bag
Made from recycled plastic bottles, this durable ripstop bag is the one you want on every trip. It’s flat, meaning it will take up hardly any space in your carry-on luggage. You could probably even fit it in the pocket of your jacket before heading to the airport. It’s designed to carry a lot of stuff – inside, you’ll find some clever pockets that can accommodate everything from your passport and phone to charging cables, lip balm, and a small laptop. And there’s always the zippered back pocket for any lingering items.
Calpak Water Bottle Holder
The best thing about this water bottle holder from Calpak is its versatility. It can carry more than just a bottle, thanks to multiple other pockets for storing other essentials. While you can fit your water, tea, or wine bottle in the main compartment, there’s extra storage space for other small necessities you need to bring along. Plus, when you’re not using the largest pocket for a bottle, you can use the drawstring closure to protect whatever else you have inside.
A.P.C. Nino Camera Bag
Named for its boxy silhouette (originally designed to store professional-grade photography and video equipment), today’s camera bags are perfect for everyday use—whether you’re taking pictures or not. A.P.C.’s “leather-like” Nino bag is a low-maintenance crossbody that radiates chic minimalism. With an interior pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap with silver hardware, this bag is as stylish as it is practical.
Baggu Duck Bag
We all love a canvas tote. They’re sturdy, spacious, they go with everything. But sometimes, especially in winter when you’re wearing bulkier clothing, the straps aren’t always long enough to comfortably carry them on your shoulders. And that’s why you need Baggu’s crossbody option. It’s available in a ton of colors and whimsical patterns.
Barbour Tartan Duffle Bag
When investing in a classic duffle (complete with a shoulder strap, of course), you don’t want to go too big. We love this one from Barbour because it’s really only large enough to hold a well-organized weekend’s worth of belongings. Overpacking a much larger gym bag will make the bag bulkier to carry. Plus, a smaller carry-all like this is much more versatile: use it as a weekend bag, carry-on, or gym bag. The eye-catching tartan will stand out, yet it still has all the practical features of a convenient gym bag: plenty of pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap.
Rains Waterproof Bag
We love this waterproof bag for a day in a tropical locale, like hiking to the beach or island hopping in Thailand. It’s spacious enough to carry sunscreen along with your everyday essentials, and there’s plenty of room inside to stuff in a bucket hat, snacks, and a pair of trunks. And if you happen to fall in the water or get splashed, well, you don’t have to worry about what’s inside the bag.
Shinola Traveler Crossbody
This sturdy canvas bag is called a traveler’s crossbody, but its shape is actually better suited for work. The main compartment can hold notebooks, folders, and a laptop. And the spacious exterior pockets can easily accommodate essentials like your phone, charging accessories, and more. But the more modern and casual vibe means you can use it for just about anything else, including travel (for work or leisure).