The Minimalist
Workhorse
A structured, heavy-canvas tote in neutral tones that goes with everything. It'll age beautifully and only look better with time.
In Defense of the Tote
Forget the memes, these bags are stylish, useful and built for real life
If you’ve been paying attention to what's being talked about online lately, you've seen the warnings about the so-called “performative male”. He's a little smug, a little self-aware, and absolutely never leaves the house without his carefully chosen logo tote. Perhaps it's a limited-run art gallery bag, maybe it's a vintage band merch tote that just happens to photograph well. At the very least, it's the defacto NPR or Trader's Joe tote—either way, it's become part of the caricature. Why? As GQ put it, they carry Labubus and green-flag feminist literature in said totes “because it's a material signal to the female gaze, a horny homing beacon blinking out into the Hinge-era dating universe.”
But here's the thing: the tote bag isn't the problem. In fact, it's one of the smartest, most practical bags a guy can carry. A good tote is lightweight, easy to sling over your shoulder, and has enough room for your laptop, gym kit and whatever snacks or gear you end up hauling around for the day. Unlike a backpack, it won't cramp your style or clash with a blazer. And when you pick the right one, it can be as subtle or statement-making as you want. Put another way: Don't let a trending stereotype ruin a good thing.
Our team dug through dozens of options—canvas, leather, patterned and plain—to find the best of the best. Whether you're looking for something clean and minimalist or a bag that says you know things, here are our top picks for 2025.
The Best
Tote Bags for Men
in 2025
The Minimalist
Weapon twill tote, $340 by Porter-Yoshida
The Elevated
Everyday Bag
A leather-trimmed number that feels more briefcase than grocery bag, but still holds your weekend farmers market haul.
Rugged twill zipper tote, $299 by Filson
The
Graphic Flex
For when you do want people to notice. Bold prints, artist collaborations or clever typography that sparks conversation.
Duck canvas tote,
$47 by Kiriko
Eagle tote,
$20 by Steel City
Polo Bear tote, $85 by Ralph Lauren
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The
Technical Upgrade
Water-resistant nylon, hidden compartments and a padded laptop sleeve. It's like a backpack in disguise.
Cordura leather-trimmed tote, $250 by Master-Piece
The
Luxe Statement
Full grain leather, oversized proportions and the kind of craftsmanship that makes strangers ask where you got it.
Italian carry-all tote,
$598 by Buck Mason
Cargo leather tote,
$278 by WP Standard
Leather-trimmed suede tote, $1,000 by Mr P.
Keep Your Tote
in Tip-Top Shape
A good looking bag is one thing, but just like in life, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. And in the limited space of a man’s bag, the less he has to tote around the better. Keep a mindful eye on your carryall’s contents. Don’t let it get overstuffed with nonessential items. There’s nothing cool about rooting through a dirty, cluttered bag when you’re trying to locate a pen or your business card. Once a week, edit your bag’s contents by taking everything out, flipping it upside down to shake out any dust, dirt and inexplicable debris that has accumulated.
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