Gentlemen’s Quarterly (GQ) is a monthly magazine that covers a broad range of issues for men, from style, fitness, sex, tech, and celebrities.
Their style advice is on point – cover photos of celebs like Ryan Gosling make it clear that they know what they’re doing. When buying a messenger bag, it’s natural to want to copy this kind of high-class, professional style with your purchases.
In this post, we’ve collected a group of ultra-stylish and top quality bags from some of the best brands.
If you don’t want to read all of our reviews, you can head over now to check out the Coach Metropolitan Briefcase (our top choice) on Amazon now.
So you want a great messenger bag?
Today, the messenger bag has become one of many trends in urban fashion and is used by both men and women.
Unlike a backpack, they are not made to be carried on your back. Instead, they are designed with one strap so you can carry it on one of your shoulders or across your body.
Messenger bags come in all shapes and sizes, plus they are made by different manufacturers so you can get them in many different brands. Figuring out which ones are best may not be a very easy task, especially if you have no idea what to look for. No matter why you are looking for a messenger bag though, there is a bag out there that can meet your needs.
Choosing the best men’s Messenger Bag for that GQ style
There are a few things to look for if you want to make sure that the messenger bag you purchase is stylish, durable, and of high-quality.
Ignoring these things may cause you to purchase a sub-standard bag. No man wants that. If you’re going to be spending your hard-earned money, it only makes sense that you would want to get the best value for what you spend.
Consider these things the next time you purchase a messenger bag:
Material
Many messenger bags are made from high-quality materials, but they are some out there that are not. Leather is one of the best materials to look for. It is very durable.
Stitching
Stitching is very important. The quality of the stitching will determine how likely it is for the bag to rip or threads to pull apart. Look for even and straight stitching. It will help to keep the sewn parts together better.
Type of closure
While some messenger bags will have zipper closures, some only have flaps that are closed by a buckle or snap. Determine which type of closure is important to you. Zippers offer more security for your items inside, but it also means that your items will have to fit perfectly in the bag for it to close.
Compartments
It is always good to have a lot of storage areas in your bag. Things will be easier to organize and that may make it much easier for you to find them. Exterior pockets can be very convenient to access too.
Our GQ-style messenger bag picks
The messenger bags below are super stylish and of high quality, exactly what you’d look for in a GQ-style recommendation, while still staying in a mid-range budget level. They’re perfect for a young professional, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to dress to impress.
If you’re ready to step up from a lower-cost messenger bag, you can’t go wrong with these choices.
The Coach Metropolitan Briefcase
This is the kind of bag that you can keep forever. The leather it’s made of will actually look better the longer you own it. It’s the kind of piece you invest in – it will never go out of style.
Features
- Made of high quality, imported sport calf leather
- Interior sleeve can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, along with documents, tablet, and your other essentials
- Carry it by the shoulder strap or the handle
- Special interior pocket for cell phone
- Beautiful fabric lining
The “dark saddle” color this particular one comes in is a great contrast to your outfit, where a black or dark brown one will probably blend into your outfit. Plus, it’s gorgeous.
You really can’t go wrong with a bag like this. It’s top tier, and will serve you well for a long time.
Check out the latest price on Amazon here.
Jack Spade Waxwear Slim Briefcase
They have a look that’s not really the “classic” messenger bag look of the Coach above, but rather a slim and minimalist bag with high-quality materials and constructions. For me, it’s exactly what I’m looking for.
Features
- 100% cotton materials, with high-end leather trim
- Fits a laptop up to 15 inches
- Waterproof waxwear exterior looks better with age
- Dimensions: 12 x 16
For a more minimal and modern look, you can’t beat the Jack Spade Waxwear messenger. Check out the reviews and latest price on Amazon.
Coach Men’s Flight Bag
Coach has introduced an excellent purse-style bag for men that’s both functional and looks great. It should match with any type of outfit, casual or professional.
Features
- PVC-coated with leather trim, featuring the stylish Coach logo
- Large open area inside, with one interior “multifunction” pocket
- Outside open-top pocket
- Made for cross body wearing using the shoulder strap
- Dimensions are 9 x 10.5 x 3
For travel, everyday carry, or even taking to work (if you don’t need your laptop), this men’s flight bag is a great choice to keep that GQ style intact.
Check it out on Amazon for the latest price and availability.
The convenience of a messenger bag
Many men love the idea of carrying a messenger bag because they are convenient.
If you want to carry around large items such as laptops and books, you can easily fit them in a messenger bag. Of course, it means that smaller items will also fit easily in these bags and, unlike a backpack, you don’t have to remove the bag to access the items inside.
In addition to the convenience of a messenger bag, they are also very durable.
Often, they are made from premium materials that can provide many years of service. If you need a bag that can last you for a very long time, a messenger bag is a very good choice. Plus, messenger bags often have a water-resistant or waterproof lining that can prevent water from damaging your items inside.
How Do You Know That You Have the Best Messenger Bag?
It is simple. Once your messenger bag has all the features that you need, it is perfect for you. don’t be fooled into thinking that once your friend has a messenger bag that they think is awesome it will automatically be a great fit for you too. You have to determine the features that are important to you and find a bag to suit all those needs.
Whether you are a student, a professional or you just need a messenger bag to add a fashionable touch to your attire, a messenger bag can be a great choice for you. There are so many styles that you can choose from.
Plus, you can find messenger bags of varying weights. Although it is good to find one that is lightweight so it won’t be too heavy to carry, feel free to choose something that is a bit heavier. As long as you are comfortable with its weight, you should be okay.
At the end of the day, your messenger bag is for you. Make sure you buy a bag that you love and one that gives you good value for money. As long as you do, you should be very happy with your purchase and have your bag for many years to come.
Again – if you want to really up your game, check out our top GQ messenger bag choice, the Coach Metropolitan Briefcase. Its classic style will be turning heads for decades to come.
Looking for more high class style advice for choosing a bag? Check out the video below!
1 thought on “Choosing the best men’s messenger bags for that GQ style”