Why The Tote Bag Is This Season’s Must-Have Accessory

There was a time when the idea of a man carrying anything other than a briefcase or a backpack was played for laughs — à la Joey Tribbiani in Friends episode. But if he were to walk into a room with a tote in 2025, no one would bat an eye.

Today, the tote bag isn’t just accepted, it’s essential.

It’s the go-to accessory for fashion insiders, off-duty celebrities, and every man who wants to look like he’s got it all together without trying too hard.

Take the Trader Joe’s viral Mini Tote. A simple canvas carryall turned into a TikTok sensation, which sparked long queues and exorbitant resale prices on eBay and Depop. That’s the quiet power of a tote — it just shows up, does its job, and somehow becomes the most talked-about accessory in the room.

Today, the tote bag is less of a style choice and more of a lifestyle hack. You can throw in your laptop, your half-eaten protein bar, and your Stanley cup, and still look like you have got it together. It is the easiest way to signal high-level taste. Or the kind of bag that made Marc Jacobs stamp ‘The Tote Bag’ on it in bold block letters and built an entire collection around it.

Keshav Munjal, founder of luxury leather label Kelby Huston, sums it up: the tote is the ultimate no-nonsense bag. “It’s got space, looks good with anything, and doesn’t ask for extra care. Men today want that balance — carry what you need, look put together, but keep it chill. They no longer see bags as just utility — they see them as an extension of their look, their identity. And the tote, with its open, unstructured form, feels less rigid and more expressive. And that’s exactly why it’s become such a staple — because it fits into your life, not the other way around.”

Think of it as the anti-briefcase — the kind of bag Harry Styles and A$AP Rocky wear like it’s a part of their DNA or when Jacob Elordi arrived at Bottega Veneta in a bright rouge Intreccio tote that clashed with his cardigan, it shouldn’t have worked — but of course, it did.

Totes had their moment on and off the Spring/Summer 2025 runways. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Junya Watanabe, Bottega Veneta and Loewe showcased luxe, functional and structured versions, while musicians Bad Bunny and Role Model, and NFL players Nikko Remigio and JuJu Smith-Schuster made a case for the tote as the modern man’s essential — pairing them with everything from streetwear to sharp tailoring.

Picking the correct tote bag

Before you go all-in, ask yourself: What’s this tote doing for you? Most keep it simple — no loud logos, no unnecessary hardware, just clean, thoughtful design. Think adjustable straps, smart interiors, and silhouettes that quietly do the work.

Sangeet Paryani of Superkicks says a tote should complement your frame, not swallow it whole. “If your outfit leans relaxed, a larger, more casual tote balances things out. But for sharper, more tailored fits, a medium-sized tote keeps your silhouette clean and intentional. Mellow shades like black, tan, or navy work well in office settings, while bolder hues or graphic designs add personality for weekends or off-duty looks”.

Here's what we recommend:

Versace

Zara

Bottega Veneta

Nappa Dori

Kelby Huston

Valentino