Written by Menswear Style in Essentials on the 25th March 2014

Photography by Craig Landale

Men’s bag ranges used to be limited to a bland line-up of briefcases and rucksacks, with the occasional satchel thrown in for good measure. 

Luckily this is no longer the case (pun not intended), as menswear designers are taking full advantage of the range of styles on offer and are working to create truly unique bags for men. 

Big fashion names such as Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry and Marc Jacobs are expanding their ranges of men’s bags and are aiming to create stylish, individual pieces. 

Ted Baker has conquered the territory of messenger and flight bags, while Alexander McQueen is taking rucksacks to a whole new level.

Despite these new advances in design and choice, traditional leather is still popular when it comes to designing bags for men. 

Designer Benjamin Brown has created a collection of bags for Teals Boutique that vary greatly in their style and level of formality, but all retain the simple luxury of quality leather. 

The messenger-style satchel is a key piece for all men’s bag collections. This simple design manages to give a strong nod to the past whilst also maintaining an edge of modernity. 

The original style is revived through the use of a front flap instead of the modern buckle fastening. Over time the nutbuck leather will soften and create a vintage effect, meaning that it will always remain a classic, understated piece.

No bag collection would be complete without the classic vintage satchel. The traditional leather piece is often updated through the addition of a zip pockets, and personalised with initials printed onto fine Italian leathers. 

This personal touch also adds a hint of elegance and luxury to an otherwise rather practical bag. 

A new addition to men’s bag collections is the modern laptop holder, which has combined practicality and effortless style. This often bulky piece has been transformed through the use of soft leather and fine craftsmanship. The daily commute will never be the same again.

In search of the perfect bag looks at men's bags for 2014 including the laptop holder, the satchel bag and the messenger bag.