The Complete Guide to Buying Handbags for Men

With all of the new technology and accessories of today's world it is becoming necessary to find ways to carry everything in an organized way. Cell phones, wallets, MP3 players, and laptops can be difficult to haul around without something to keep them in. For this reason, modern men need more than just their pockets to get their stuff from one place to the other. This has lead to the rise in the use of handbags for men.

This guide will go over the history of handbags to create a foundation of understanding and then it will discuss all the aspects of finding, selecting, and purchasing handbags for men..

The Beginnings of Handbags for Men
Purses, or handbags,, had their beginnings as a purely utilitarian item for carrying things like seeds and medicine. Both men and women used them whenever needed. In the 15th century their use began to develop from utilitarian to a fashionable accessory as lavishly decorated handbags became a traditional gift for men to give their new wives. The purse that was given was considered to be a symbol of the womb which would soon be filled. It was this tradition that led the purse to become associated with femininity and womanhood for many centuries.

In the cities at this time, men and women would carry their money in either their pockets or in pouches that hung around their neck or was tied to their belt. However, by the late 18th century the clothing styles for women became more form fitting, therefore, not allowing room for the pouch. It then became fashionable for women to carry a small reticule, or handbag, with them everywhere they went. Since men's clothing still had pockets and room for pouches, the reticule stayed a feminine accessory.

Handbags were still carried by men throughout history, though. Egyptian hieroglyphs depict images of men with purses around their waists and other men in ancient writings have been described as carrying a purse. In the 21st century purses and handbags started becoming more popular with men for utility purposes as well as for fashion statements. They are now often referred to as a "merse," meaning "man purse.."

What Type of Handbag to Buy?
The first step in the process of buying handbags for men is determining the function and size of handbag that is needed. Large bags are great for holding a lot of items but can be heavy and cumbersome to carry around for a longer period of time. Medium and smaller bags are easier to hold for a long time, but they are limited in how much they can hold. Ultimately, it is best to decide how many things need to go into the handbag and then get a bag that is no larger than that.

Another way to determine which type of handbag is the best fit is to decide what kind of strap or handle is the most desirable. A shoulder strap is the most comfortable and is hands-free, but it is also bulky. Handles are less bulky but they are also less comfortable. Handles are not hands free because they always have to be held onto. These are all things to consider when looking for a handbag.

Types of Men's Handbags
Similar to shoes, handbags come in all varieties of sizes, styles, shapes, and designs. However, these variations all fall under several categories. There are about fifteen different categories of handbags to choose from that each have their own benefits and look.

Conclusion
Handbags provide an easy and convenient way to keep accessories and necessities close by. The best handbag to purchase will depend on the needed function and taste of the buyer. Some handbags, such as the camera bag or the laptop bag, have very specific uses. No matter what combination of options are chosen, Nordstrom will have a large selection to browse through.

Whether looking for a small and stylish handbag, or a large, utilitarian bag, there are so many options available that it is easy to find the perfect men's handbag.