In 2023, sales of men’s apparel and accessories totaled more than $555 billion. Many people might be tightening their belts, but this is one sector where spending is expected to grow. While the average man in the United States only spends around $210 on clothing each year, male consumers tend to spend significantly more on big-ticket items and accessories. Whether it’s a gym bag for workouts, a messenger bag for the office, or a duffel bag for travel, it’s not uncommon for men to spend more on a single piece than their entire wardrobe annually.
More men than ever are waking up to the appeal of refined fashion and accessible accessories. However, there’s still a little bit of resistance when it comes to tote bags. Many guys have no issue with reaching for a briefcase or slinging a backpack over one shoulder, but the classic tote bag has always been seen as too feminine for the snappy male dresser. Fortunately, an increasing number of the male population are waking up to the benefits of tote bags. Are tote bags for men finally catching on? With more spacious interiors, versatile applications, and user-friendly features, you shouldn't feel embarrassed about schlepping around with a tote at your side.
Importance of Accessories in Men's Fashion
The metrosexual male who embraces the world of designer fashion isn’t a 21st-century phenomenon. Fashion-focused spreads have covered the pages of men’s magazines like Esquire since the 1930s. Even GQ has been going strong since 1957. While designer accessories are certainly more accessible than ever before, those with the funds to indulge their love of haute couture have been doing so for centuries.
They say that clothes make the man. However, it’s the accessories he wears and uses every day that can bring a budget-friendly outfit together. While eco-conscious consumers seem to be moving away from fast fashion and embracing minimalism instead, accessories are one product category where nobody should cut corners. A hard-wearing rolling tote bag or travel duffel can be used for many years if properly cared for. Premium crossbody bags and designer tote designs can elevate any wardrobe, even if everyday outfits are made up of off-the-rail pieces.
Accessories are particularly important for men looking to make an impression with their fashion choices. While there’s ample choice of apparel nowadays, men’s fashion ranges do tend to be far narrower than womenswear collections. Cuts and fits are more uniform, while colors and fabrics tend to be a little limited. Those keen to follow the flock might be okay with this, but those who care about their style credentials turn to accessories to accent and enhance the garments they wear.
Breaking Stereotypes: Tote Bags in Men's Fashion
Men have been using totes and bags as accessories for centuries. In fact, rudimentary bags have been put to use for thousands of years. Despite this, the concept of the man-bag has been raising smirks since as recently as the 21st century. Only recently, the idea of men sporting a minimalist tote or compact travel bag was considered fair game for cheap gags in sitcoms and comedy movies.
While a laptop bag or briefcase was unlikely to raise an eyebrow, any male of the species rocking up to a meeting with a designer leather tote might be eyed with suspicion. Fortunately, mindsets have changed over the past decade or so. Plenty of men still use the quintessential briefcase, but they’ve largely been supplanted by fashion-focused messenger bags, satchels, and totes. Accessory lines geared toward male consumers are typically smaller than those designed for the female market, but even affordable high street stores offer an incredible amount of options for men looking to up their accessory game.
Benefits of the Hulken Tote Bags for Men
Are you looking for a tote bag to replace a second-rate satchel or compact messenger? Perhaps lugging around that go-to shoulder bag is causing posture problems and back pain. If you’re in the market for a stylish and versatile alternative, there’s the Hulken Bag to consider.
Practicality and Functionality
Bags like the Tokyo Totepack are often marketed as a stylish choice for men looking to upgrade their accessory collection. However, they’re far too compact for those who need to carry a substantial amount of stuff. There’s absolutely no reason why men should restrict themselves to condensed backpacks when selecting accessories.
With the Huklen, you have a versatile travel tote bag with wheels that can be used for just about everything. Tired of having to haul a pile of poorly-made grocery bags to the store? The Hulken can be used as a convenient shopping bag with wheels, with the largest model able to transport up to five full bags of ingredients and store cupboard staples.
However, you can also use it as a roomy gym bag if you need to carry additional equipment for your workout. Planning a city break or visiting friends? The Hulken is a stylish choice of overnighter and weekender, offering ample storage for extra clothing, toiletries, and other essentials you’ll need while you’re away from home.
What’s more, the Hulken makes schlepping around easy. With its swivel wheels, you can roll this roomy tote alongside you, no matter where in the world you are. The Hulken glides effortlessly across a concrete sidewalk, making it the perfect accessory for life in the busy city.
Style and Fashion
Some men prefer bold colors and bags that make an instant impression. Others prefer a more unassuming aesthetic that won’t draw attention to itself. However, you don’t need to stick to black duffel bags or a crossbody with a shoulder strap when arming yourself with a new accessory.
The Hulken ticks all the right boxes when it comes to simple details and understated style. A low-key and stripped-back tote, it’ll subtly enhance your look, with a minimalist exterior that’s incredibly contemporary. While you can stick with classic black if you’re a fan of monochromes, you’ll also find more daring silver and rose gold designs. In the market for a more masculine color? Make a solid style statement with a Hulken in midnight blue.
If you’re looking for an underplayed accessory that will stand the test of time, you’ve found it. The Hulken is a truly timeless tote, meaning you won’t have to worry about whether or not it will coordinate with your outfits. Fashion trends might come and go, but the Hulken will also make the perfect pairing with what you’re wearing.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Are you concerned about your carbon footprint? You probably take a cotton canvas tote bag to the store as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and paper ones. They might look rustic and be reusable, but canvas bags aren’t as green as you might think. To produce just a single kilogram of cotton, more than 10,000 liters of water needs to be used. With access to fresh water an increasing concern for many countries, this material isn’t a good choice if you want to shop ethically.
With the Hulken, you get a design that will serve you well for years to come. Made from industrial materials like polypropylene, this robust bag won’t need replacing after only a couple of months of use. What’s more, those stainless steel wheels are incredibly durable, even if you’re putting your tote through its paces daily.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tote Bag
Ready to say goodbye to tote bag anxiety? While women have a broader range of tote choices than men, male consumers still need to think carefully when selecting the right tote for their needs.
Size and Capacity
Many totes designed for men are on the small side. Designers tend to go with smaller dimensions to make male bags more understated. However, any good tote should offer a sizable amount of storage potential.
However, a large tote isn’t always what it first seems. Make sure you’re taking the time to check internal dimensions, not just the external ones. Is the interior compartmentalized? This can help you stay organized, but compartments that are too small or awkwardly shaped might make a bag incompatible with the items you need to have close to hand every day.
Material and Durability
If you’re prepared to spend a little more on your next accessory, it’s definitely worth spending a premium on a bag that’s made from high-quality materials. A budget-friendly tote might take the sting out of splurging on an essential accessory, but these low-cost designs aren’t cost-effective if you need to replace them every year or after a few months of regular use.
Some natural materials like leather boast impressive longevity. However, bear in mind that most types of leather will tarnish and age over time. Nowadays, industrial-grade materials are the way to go. Faux leather is often indistinguishable from the real thing, although it tends to last far longer and retain its appearance. Polypropylene is particularly resilient, ensuring your bag retains its shape and integrity for as long as possible.
Design and Style
Unless you’re completely focused on functionality, you should take time to assess what you need your next bag to look like. You’ll be using it alongside all manner of outfits, ranging from laid-back casuals to business-ready attire. A great tote will make an understated addition to your overall look, without competing for attention.
Ideally, stick with classic colors like black for something that’s going to work for any occasion. If you want to up the ante with more daring shades, metallics are another option. What’s more, stripped-back details and clean lines will mean you have a tote that will outlive passing fashion trends and work with any garment combination.
Price Range
Designer brands like Gucci, Burberry, and Tommy Hilfiger all cater to the men’s accessory market. While these designers certainly offer some stylish choices, they’re not the most affordable of options. What’s more, these high-end bags rarely offer generous dimensions, even if they’re marketed as totes. Ultimately, many people end up spending over the odds for a label, rather than a versatile accessory that will actually do its job.
That being said, avoid overly inexpensive accessories. Brands and manufacturers need to make a profit, so if the price of a men’s bag seems too good to be true, some corners will have been cut. There’s a happy medium when it comes to the pricing of menswear and accessories. Spending a little more on the basics will bring you peace of mind that you have a bag that will serve you well for many seasons to come.
The Hulken Bag: A Tote For Everybody
Ready to welcome a trusty tote to your accessory collection? With the Hulken, you have a timeless piece that can be put to use every day. Use it to take the effort out of morning commutes or reach for it if your current duffel bag has seen better days. With its understated detailing and classic color options, the Hulken makes a cool and contemporary addition to any wardrobe.
Is it time to take the plunge and treat yourself to a tote? Head to the Hulken website to explore the full collection. Alternatively, head to Hulken’s Amazon store to order your next accessory staple.
