What was once the preserve of fashion guys, is now the go-to for top-tier footballers, city boys, and Hollywood actors. But what is behind the huge boom in huge handbags for men? 

Ahead of the Biennale, Jacob Elordi touched down in Venice wielding Bottega Veneta’s roomy Cabat tote. It was tossed over his shoulder like a lumberjack’s axe, and made his white tee and trouser combo feel elevated, considered, and straight-up expensive. And he’s not alone in his love of supersized luggage. In fact, he’s part of a growing number of men who are going big on their bags. 

In the giant man bag stakes, Bottega Veneta is the ultimate stealth flex – no logos or obvious branding, just high-quality Italian leather, woven together with the house’s ‘if you know you know’ Intrecciato weave. And as with most leather goods, the bigger it is, the higher the price (Elordi’s Cabat Tote retails for £7,080.00). So by carrying a capacious man tote from a high-end leather goods brand, carrying the essentials becomes a high-fashion flex, and symbol of your personal style. 

In terms of other high profile wearers, Elordi is joined by A$AP Rocky, who has been down for capacious carry-alls for a while, turning to Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Celine; and Pedro Pascal, who was pictured arriving at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year with a Bottega Veneta Andiamo, and secured his front row essentials in a Chanel bag at the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 show. Top flight footballers have traded their toiletries kits and tech-bro backpacks for huge man bags, too. Instagram menswear pages were quick to point out Lionel Messi’s Cargo Hermès Birkin to training in September, and Arsenal’s Declan Rice and David Beckham are also fans of Hermès’ exclusive bag line. But why?

“For me, the US influence always plays a big part in whatever trends are taking over the football scene, and it’s been that way for a while. The NBA and NFL arrivals are something the majority of fashion-loving football players are desperate to see within our sport. And many of those arrivals feature large duffle bags,” says Footballer Fits founder Jordan Clarke. “I also think rap artists have played a large part too, whether it be Gunna, Lil Baby, Offset or whichever artist is in their style era, these are the personalities athletes look to when it comes to who they want to dress and move like, so I’d definitely say the [trend’s] rise has US influence.”

Footballers, actors, fashion heads, and rappers’ fits vary from the ordinary to the straight-up wacky. But they’re all rocking massive man bags, and there’s a reason for it. They’re super practical, genuinely helping move stuff from A to B. And unlike backpacks, traditional weekenders or duffles, they’re less stuffy and generally cooler. Because throwing your supplies into a less structured, half-full bag looks both slick and effortless at the same time, which means you can look really good while giving off a certain nonchalance to your bag-carrying energy. And if we’re being honest, being fitted-up while (at least looking like) you’re not trying is all guys want. 

But there’s another factor at play here; guys are experimenting more with what they wear and items that were once deemed feminine (i.e. large handbags) now appeal to a fashion-conscious male audience, too. According to pre-owned fashion marketplace The RealReal’s Luxury Resale Report , searches for men’s bags went up by 900% in 2024. And with designer labels like Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Amiri, Acne, and Dolce and Gabbana all showcasing scaled-up man carriers in their Spring/Summer 2026 runway collections, we’re all set for a massive man bag autumn (and spring and summer). 

So, what should you invest in? Look, if you’ve got the cash for a cargo Birkin, go wild soldier. But you don’t need to sell an organ to get yourself a massive bag that ticks the form and practicality boxes. Go for neutral colours and premium materials like leather with a top handle. Steer clear of too much structure, too. The vibe is easy-going and effortless, not boardroom-ready, so it’s good to keep that in mind when shopping. 

So are we headed for a massive man bag autumn? Well, with the seasons changing and temperatures shifting, you’re likely going to need to lug more stuff around, whether that’s extra layers or your gym gear (it is lock-in season after all). And while you could turn to that tired old backpack, you’d look so much better if you pulled out a man bag like a menswear pro. The choice is yours my friend.