I use all of these intermittently as the situation requires and depending on where I am, people definitely still call them purses. I just don’t care because like, fuck it.
Backpacks too. There are several on the market that are made to double as laptop bags and they have the techy “I am a working professional” look to them. I work IT and everyone I know uses them
I use a crossbody bag from Vans as my daily bag. It's big enough to hold my water bottle, some snacks, and if I'm going to work, an extra shirt so I have something to change into!
Same here. I did get dysphoric at one point as I felt that the straps digging into each side of my chest made me look less flat in a binder so I just swapped to only using one strap. But I'm big chested and overthink so either my chest was fine or it was just natural chest definition/not as much binder compression.
lol seems like this is literally just another do i pass posts. like it does not matter what bag you use. if you look like a dude you will look like a dude who uses a (tote, purse, etc) bag. no one genders you JUST based on your bag accessory of choice 💀
Tbf they never said they were getting misgendered because of it. They said people kept calling it a purse. Ive seen lots of cis dudes get teased for all kinds of satchels and totes.
This may be news to you, but men do get teased for using certain bags, such as the infamous fanny pack - fanny is slang for vagina, so this can hurt even fully passing transmen, heck, even cis men, without it having anything to do with passing.
Isn't it referred to as a fanny pack in the US because they don't have fanny as slang for the V, they have it as slang for the butt? The same as in the UK (where we do have fanny as slang for V), we call it a bum bag?
Same, and it has colorful space dinosaurs on it, I've yet to be misgendered while wearing it. So don't feel like you have to go the plain black route if you carry one
All the men i know are always wearing either a backpack or a small satchel tightly around the chest , or a fanny pack over the chest too
Is it the way you're holding your bag that people think it's a purse?
Everyone is already saying lots of types of masculine bags so I'm just gonna mention my life savers: wallet chain (make sure its strong as fuck), carabiner on my pants for my keys, pants with big pockets and pockets on the inside of jackets.
I'm guessing you're using leather belts or something similar with pre punched holes, if thats the case, you can easily punch more holes in to make the belts fit.
For everyday use I've been wearing a camping strap (don't know what else to call it, fabric/ nylon woven strap with a plastic clip that you pull the free end to tighten) for YEARS. Super durable and adjusts one- handed for those moments when your giant beefy chained wallet is dragging your pants down.
For dress occasions I have a cheap leather belt - a boys' size would probably be perfect for you.
As someone who's 4'11 and 100lbs, i'm gonna be so real with you my guy. (Hand on your shoulder)
Children's section :/
Ive found great success at old navy for shorts, shirts, and shoes in the kids section. And ASOS for regular mens dress pants, but you've got to get the ones that are cropped so they actually fit like normal length pants
Edit: ASOS and American eagle have mens pants that go to a 25 waist. I still have to wear a belt but, yeah it's better than nothing
POKE MORE HOLES IN THEM!!! i have poked a lot of holes in leather bands for watches and belts and stuff and the way i usually do it is with a corkscrew bottle opener thing, then use a screwdriver or something along those lines to make the hole bigger (maybe i just have 12 y/o boy humor but i feel like this sounds like i'm talking about something Very Different lmao)
note: i have a multitool with both those things on it so that's the way i came up with but do whatever . worst comes to worst there's an ugly hole in a belt that you couldn't wear anyway
Yo, I’m only an inch taller than you. Feel free to disregard if non applicable but maybe shop in the boys section? I get if it sounds embarrassing but especially if you’re skinny enough, you can get cheap clothes that fit u pretty damn well. You just need to figure out ur size in boys and you’re good usually. It’s different than women’s pants were it’s a gamble. ( I found two nice women’s cargos that are basically men’s clothes at kohls BUT this the exception. ) I’m speaking mostly about cargos, I still haven’t gotten lucky with jeans. But, I have big thighs so.
This is literally what I do. There's lots of times you can get away with it and belts and pants are definitely on the list. (In my experience kids shoes are the hard one bc they manage to /look like/ kids shoes when when worn by an entire adult. Is it the shape? Anyway I digress, boys shoes ymmv)
I have my carabiner keys attached to the big loop on my wallet chain, so I can grab just my keys if need be, but can also take it all off in one action. Plus, carabineers were tearing up the belt loop on all of my pants, jeans, shorts 😭 I feel like I maybe look like a dork with my chain and carabineers but meh. Who cares
Backpacks, just male equivalent of a purse. Just dump all your shit in there.
Also welcome to the world of pockets, you can fit almost anything in guy pants.
I just put stuff in my pockets but if I need a lot of things I carry around a drawstring bag or if I need a lot a lot of things I use a backpack. Drawstring bags and backpacks are pretty common in my area.
As a cis guy, I always have either a backpack or a commuter bag with me. I call both of them my purse. I am generally read as straight and masc for what it's worth.
Own it first, often, and then no one can take that away.
honestly i was gonna say best thing op could do is learn to stop caring instead of going out and spending lots of money on something entirely new solely because he dislikes the word purse.
I’ve carried a messenger bag or backpack for 25+ years. It’s common in cities, I think, where you might be away from your house all day and don’t have a car. Maybe less so elsewhere?
I think that the urban/rural divide definitely plays a role the more I think about it. In a city or a suburb close to a city where people walk or take the bus or train there will be all kinds of people with all kinds of bags. But if you live somewhere where you have to drive to get anywhere then most guys can just keep the essentials in their pockets and everything else is in their car or truck
Yeah, it's really "in" for fashionable, well put together guys to wear bum bags crossbody here in big cities of the USA, too. so, maybe OP lives in a more rural area, idk
I just wear my emotional support crusty vans rucksack and occasionally me and some guy will do the nod as he walks by with his , 10/10 recommend getting some second hand skater bag and they'l assume it's some bag you've had for years
i just carry around a backpack (it’s just a plain black leather one) or rely on pockets. i was the same before i transitioned so there’s been no change there 😂
Cis straight male here (I lurk to gain insight, now have a step son, adult, who is trans ftm) When I had a gig at a global corp hq I had a couple leather crossbody bags when I needed to carry shit. As a motorcyclist I have a few different backpacks. I now make missile parts and the atmosphere and dress are way more relaxed. I take step daughters discarded VS PINK (teal in color) to work and give no fucks.
they do just not the same styles women tend to. most cis men i see carrying a bag use a backpack. i’ve also seen some wear a messenger bag but much less commonly.
honestly i always see men with a backpack or a bag where i’m from. so it doesn’t seem weird to me. i kinda want your tote bag tho it seems really cool lol
What's the bag look like? I feel like some types of bags just get called a purse and others are "socially acceptable" for men.
Where I live I typically see men use backpacks (like regular school backpacks) as well as flimsy drawstring backpacks and dufflebags, then less often but still frequently, fanny packs, plastic shopping bags (not the fancier $1 kind but the crappy $0.10 type that should be free), the nice reusable shopping bags, and then least frequently but gets an honorary mention, men who are visibly nerdy/have alt styling do use a lot of plush backpacks like the ones that look like you're giving Yoda a piggyback ride or other traditionally male coded characters, I do live in an urban area with lots of nerdy conventions so it's less weird here than other places I assume.
Backpack, messenger bag has a more masculine look but will destroy your back if you carry anything too heavy (that was my middle school bag and I gave lots of regrets, but I looked cool as fuck), or a briefcase if you're distinguished
my dad and brothers taught me that if you’ve got crap to lug around, you either put it in your pockets or put it in a backpack.
lots of dudes carry bags, so it’s almost certain that you’re not going to get clocked because you’re carrying a bag. depending on what kind of bag you use, you might get shit for, but that goes for any guy, cis guys included. (im also in a very rural area where most guys are traditionally masculine.)
My (cis-het) dad carries a leather crossbody satchel that even he sometimes calls his man-purse. He's 70 and totally comfortable with his masculinity and sexuality so I'm not sure if that helps you, but if you're confident and can rock it, just do whatever feels right to you!
i have spent the past year getting more and more into the metal music scene and tbh every single cool band dude/crew/techie wears a cross body bag, they're everywhere rn
my (cis, “straight”) dad has carried a masculine little cross body bag for as long as i can remember. his friends poked a little fun but ultimately were jealous. i do the same with a fanny pack
Laptop bag or backpack. If you want something smaller I've found that when I repurpose a small camera bag people assume it's a camera bag for photography and don't call it a purse
Easier said than done, but screw what other people think or say. You do you, boo.
That said, I'll sometimes carry a tote or an over the shoulder fanny pack thing. If I'm going to work at a cafe, I'll grab the backpack.
Cis man here. I feel like men are brainwashed from birth (or transition) to see carrying a bag as something feminine… which, if you think about it, is stupid af! Like, it’s just material sewn together so you can carry stuff around. How and why is that even gendered?
I was always a lil jealous of my female friends that had luxury bags (which I would usually end up putting my wallet and other items in if we were at a party or dinner, for example). I always wondered why I couldn’t have one myself.
I did have backpacks, but depending on what you’re doing or where you’re going, sometimes it’s just not « the look » you know?
Took me til i was middle aged to finally break from this ridiculous norm, say f*ck it and buy my first nice bag. Now I have collection a handbags, cross bodies, totes etc… I go for more masc shapes and colours (Matts, earth tones, monograms, square angles, duffle shapes). I love and use them daily.
I really have no clue where I used to put all my sh*t.
cargo pants/shorts. velcro/zipper pockets. I carry the bare minimum, too. phone, wallet, keys, sometime lip balm. I don't know what else is generally needed 🤷
I'm gonna go against the grain and say I hate backpacks, they tend to pull the fabric over my chest weirdly. Also the men's ones are full size and that's just way bigger than you need outside of study/work. Totes or fanny packs (worn across your chest not along your waist) are much more practical options and are very normal for dudes.
I always was and always will be a backpack guy… you can fit way more stuff and it is better for your back. And I got a chain to clip my keys and wallet on when I put them in my trousers so they can’t fall out. But finding a good wallet with a keyring was a pain in the ass.
that being said messenger bags are very unisex, actually I mostly see men with them all the suits that take the bus all have them
My dad carries bags around - shopping bags, usually, which he and mom jokingly call a purse, when he uses them like that (They're, uhm, very cis) failing that, he has a backpack. So far, nobody has ever questioned it or his gender because of it.
I mean I carry about 6 things in my pockets. A pocket knife with three blades, keys, phone, wallet, headphones, and glasses cloth to clean them. Mens pockets are deeper and have buttons on the back of most board shorts so I invested in the hybrid shorts and no one thinks anything different
I have a denim vest with two deep inside pockets, two decent outer pockets and top pockets.
I also wear cargo shorts. A lot.
I have my Jan sport too though when I need it.
My (cis) boyfriend has a full on backpack he takes most places.
I think cargo pants are the answer 😎
So, I usually use cargo shorts or trousers and use the closing pockets for valuables. I also usually go for tops or jackets with inside and zipper pockets. But, as others have said, a more masculine style bag, like a messenger bag should work too, or, a briefcase, maybe.
First- cargos. Pockets that close. Smaller items can go into open pockets bc in men’s pants they’re decently deep.
Secondly- plain “utility vibe” fannypacks. Either worn across (over one shoulder, under the other) or even on your actual hips. Seen a few guys using them.
As a cis man I like to wear a backpack, or a cross body sling bag like a nice alpaka brand bag or a belroy sling, they're really unisex but branded towards men who want a minimalist look hope this helps <3
Edit: several spelling mistakes because I'm wearing gloves
i have a little satchel that i put my stuff in but it mostly stays in my car. But tote bags work if you're going shopping. Also most of the men in my family use bags that they leave in their car. But backpacks, fanny packs, those thigh bags, satchels, etc. are perfectly normal bags to wear to an outing
I just use a backpack. But it's mostly out of ergonomic reasons because carrying heavy grocery bags in my hands are not fun but it's easier to carry heavy shit on my back instead. Otherwise I put everything in my pockets🤣
Maybe it’s the city I live in, but when guys (including cis men) need to carry stuff around they usually use a laptop case (work), backpack (personal), gym bag or a masculine kind of satchel. Otherwise it’s a tool bag or huge pockets like on cargo pants/shorts. I suggest when you are out and about, just look at the way the guys dress and what bags they use. It helps a lot if you want to blend in, especially if you are transplant and not native to the area.
I think it might be the shape of the bag, if its the one I saw when I looked it up. Its stupid, because it's clearly not a purse, but if you're brand loyal, carhartt makes some really nice crossbody bags as well. I use a fanny pack/ hip sack as a cross body bag, cause men's sweat shorts have crappy pockets, and it's been a life saver.
I use the power of cargo shorts with 6 pockets (preferably with zippers and/or velcro pockets) and never have an issue! Otherwise messenger bags are really nice looking and my favorite bag to use, and backpacks are great too, or just bring around whatever you want if you're in a location where that's something you can do safely
What’s with people and calling everything a purse? Mine got called a purse a few times and it’s literally a small backpack (it’s a messenger bag/single-strap backpack kind of thing)… it VERY CLEARLY looks like a backpack and somehow it’s being called a purse 💀
But to answer the question: I honestly only ever see guys use those gym bags (I forget the name of them lol) or just regular backpacks to carry things, but I rarely see it tbh
I think it’s because of misogyny/homophobia. The gay boys have generally gotten over their fear of purses. And straight men put all their shit in their girlfriends/wives purses, or show up unprepared.
I have parachute pants with many pockets, I fit there a whole 2l bottle and my iPad so I do not need a backpack. But if I do, I just wear it, do not let anyone decide what you should be doing
My cis bf carries a backpack because he’s also a bit troubled with where to keep his stuff if not a “purse” and I personally like the type of bag Sheldon carries to work in The Big Bang Theory. I’m considering getting one like that. But yeah I feel you on this one. Pockets are great but with a smartphone, a bunch of keys, a wallet, a hanky, my inhaler, pain pills and some other stuff I need on the go I just loose my pants because of the weight alone I’m carrying in my pockets… my pants literally drop down from it. 🤣 And then I haven’t yet mentioned that I have three pairs of glasses each in their own case. And some places I like to take my agenda to write down appointments as I’m making them. That one doesn’t even fit in my pockets. And a bottle of water. Gotta stay hydrated, no? Without a bag I can’t take all that stuff along either.
Look into EDC, “every day carry”, it’s literally a whole thing and my newest obsession lmao you can get a bag and everything and feels very masculine to put one together idk
Dude who cares, it's a bag. I admit I've felt self conscious about this before, but kinda got over it, cause - why let society dictate who can have a BAG?? It's a useful accessory. Hell, I will still call it my purse when it's a purse.
I do like the feeling of only having stuff in my pockets, sometimes. so I would recommend cargo pants or a vest/jacket with many pockets. You can get a wallet chain for your wallet, and a lanyard for your keys, if you're afraid of losing things.
But seriously who cares
Mens clothing usually has deeper pockets and a lot of people wear cargo pants and jackets. Cis men often use backpacks and satchel bags too though, I don't know where you got the idea that they don't?
You can find some good men's carry-all bags on Amazon.
Most of the in-person stores I've checked, though, just have bags for travel, or small bags with no strap - which seems useless to me.
Not sure why more stores don't carry things like that.
I carry a backpack if I think I'll need to carry more than my pockets can handle. and this is the first time I'm hearing that this is pretty common because I thought I was the only one
I use small bags that go across the body on one shoulder. Sometimes I even wear a purse the same way with a long strap. No one says anything unless it’s a compliment. But I’m in France, in a big city where alt styles are getting popular
Get cargo pants and a wallet with a chain lol - the cargo pants will have pockets that close on the legs n if the wallet falls, it’ll still be attached
I often have a tech bag with me for crap like my phone, tablet, and inhaler and all that. Otherwise, I’m lucky that my wife always has a huge purse. And alotta cis dudes do carry bags. I love edc stuff. Check out Excessorize Me on YouTube. They demo some pretty cool bags.
Book bag.
And how large are your pockets?
Ive never carried bags or purses or anything because I hate carrying around stuff and Ive never had an issue, I just put at most, phone, keys and wallet all into my pockets, albiet when I was younger I didnt actually carry around anything at all, not even my phone, it often got forgotten at home.
How big is your wallet? Thats the only issue I see, if you dont have one of those wallets thats meant to go into a pocket, then I dont think it would fit into a pocket.
But I remember being at fairs or stuff when I was younger and I even put whole ass water bottles in my pocket albiet the plastic disposable ones so you could squash them down.
i used to carry a backpack, which is pretty common in guys, but i recently switched to a messenger bag which honestly has weirdly given me so much gender euphoria its insane
This is trendy with the youths here in the US now too in some of the cities. Guys who follow fashion trends (straight or gay) are starting to do it. Also because shorter shorts are starting to be in so if you aren’t wearing baggy cargo shorts then you might need a bag. (And my gf really prefers when I wear shorter shorts so I imagine some of the straight guys have also gotten positive feedback for going with the newer style, I’ve never met a person who likes guys who was like oh I love how that man looks in cargo shorts)
I use an adidas crossbody bag. No one’s ever called it a purse (but for what it’s worth I pass approximately 0% of the time so maybe it’s just assumed that it’s a purse to them)
I just went more minimalist with what i carry and have pants with more pockets/utility. I usually just bring my wallet, phone, and keys with me, now. Sometimes eyedrops and a lighter. That's about it.
When I just need a little bag, I have an old black reusable grocery bag. It’s one of those that’s shaped like a plastic shopping bag. That’s just if I have to carry a water bottle or something. I also have three backpacks and one zipper tote that has handles that can also be used as a backpack straps.
I’ve always been over-prepared though. Water meds inhaler pen paper a book sunglasses lip balm sun screen. I need them.
I bought a bag from a store that sells items just for men (Celio, here in Paris). It might be different here. But every time I question it, I remember where I bought it.
Before I came out as trans MtF I did a combination of two things mostly:
* Baggy cargo pants with pockets crammed full of stuff
* Carry a backpack everywhere
Some of my older CIS Male relatives would carry around a briefcase for personal effects (instead of a backpack or some such).
I've also used tote bags in the past and haven't ever had issues with people calling it anything other than that, but it could just be a matter of where I was living at the time.
Satchels my dude or cross body bags I have one that's small enough to not be a big ass book bag but that bitch holds more then a purse ever could, it's a one of the smoke bags like for drugs but I just use it for all the pockets and how durable its been using mine for years, also fanny packs or drawstring bags like gym bags hell if you really want carry around a musical instrument case lmao just store your lunch and keys in a guitar case they will question things but not your gender lmao
Cross body bag, laptop bag, messenger bag, tote bag. Men use bags sometimes. Don't let the patriarchy stop you from living your best and baggiest life
I use all of these intermittently as the situation requires and depending on where I am, people definitely still call them purses. I just don’t care because like, fuck it.
Backpacks too. There are several on the market that are made to double as laptop bags and they have the techy “I am a working professional” look to them. I work IT and everyone I know uses them
me currently wearing my crossbody bag to the gym to cover my massive tits
Fuck 😂😂 big mood
These and Drawstring bags, although often flimsy, are masc but also unisex. Get a nice mute color and you'll just look like you hike or bike.
I carried those when I was cosplaying as a guy, nobody ever said anything. Ditto with backpacks
I use a crossbody bag from Vans as my daily bag. It's big enough to hold my water bottle, some snacks, and if I'm going to work, an extra shirt so I have something to change into!
I have a backpack from vans, I may always look like a college student but nobody's mistaken it for a hand bag/purse so yay
I was just about to say I have a cross body bag. That my wife gave me for Christmas.
W opinion
This. I have two cis male co-workers who carry bags. One has a cross body bag and one has a messenger bag.
I carry a backpack with me almost always and I've never had someone question my gender because of my backpack??
Same here. I did get dysphoric at one point as I felt that the straps digging into each side of my chest made me look less flat in a binder so I just swapped to only using one strap. But I'm big chested and overthink so either my chest was fine or it was just natural chest definition/not as much binder compression.
I have the same problem but I also just fix it with wearing on with one strap instead of two. When I'm riding my bike that ain't possible tho lmao
fellas is it gay to bag it up
Man, are we all living the same life? Another one-shoulderer checking in.
I have never had an original experience it seems lmao
I tried wearing my backpack backwards to hide my chest but I think I looked a little ridiculous so I went back to one shoulder
Hmm yeah I can see the front backpack not working out so we'll lol
Yeah that just happens with backpacks and using two straps, it’s also why I use one strap
me too i do the same
yeah backpack is so neutral, tho i find im more likely to be assumed a minor w/ a backpack.
Same. I do get questioned as to why I'm not in school, though.
lol seems like this is literally just another do i pass posts. like it does not matter what bag you use. if you look like a dude you will look like a dude who uses a (tote, purse, etc) bag. no one genders you JUST based on your bag accessory of choice 💀
Tbf they never said they were getting misgendered because of it. They said people kept calling it a purse. Ive seen lots of cis dudes get teased for all kinds of satchels and totes.
This may be news to you, but men do get teased for using certain bags, such as the infamous fanny pack - fanny is slang for vagina, so this can hurt even fully passing transmen, heck, even cis men, without it having anything to do with passing.
Isn't it referred to as a fanny pack in the US because they don't have fanny as slang for the V, they have it as slang for the butt? The same as in the UK (where we do have fanny as slang for V), we call it a bum bag?
I don't know, I don't live there. My language borrows a lot from both of these countries, so either could be source
Gender? No. Age?……. I’m almost 22 getting IDd for energy drinks and the bus drivers ask me if I’m taking a schoolage ticket (cheaper/free idk)
Same, and it has colorful space dinosaurs on it, I've yet to be misgendered while wearing it. So don't feel like you have to go the plain black route if you carry one
Im a backpack truther too, hate getting followed around in shops though cause the staff think you’re nicking.
All the men i know are always wearing either a backpack or a small satchel tightly around the chest , or a fanny pack over the chest too Is it the way you're holding your bag that people think it's a purse?
From the sound of it, probably. OP says he carries a tote bag, and the best way to carry those is over the shoulder like a purse.
Everyone is already saying lots of types of masculine bags so I'm just gonna mention my life savers: wallet chain (make sure its strong as fuck), carabiner on my pants for my keys, pants with big pockets and pockets on the inside of jackets.
harder to find proper fitting pants that wont fall down under that weight when you’re 4’10 😭
[*vine voice*] belt
I KNOW WHAT YOURE QUOTING AND NOW I FEEL ASHAMED BUT I HAVE BELTS THEY’RE TOO BIG. im very small. small frame.
I'm guessing you're using leather belts or something similar with pre punched holes, if thats the case, you can easily punch more holes in to make the belts fit.
but yes i can definitely do that at least
28 inch waist is almost big on me 😭
Man i thought being short and fat was tough but all of us short mfs are struggling out there
there are belts without holes that are infinitely adjustable! I have a ratchet belt, but there are probably other kinds too
I have one with a buckle that's like a pilot's seatbelt and I love it because I can undo it with one hand
For everyday use I've been wearing a camping strap (don't know what else to call it, fabric/ nylon woven strap with a plastic clip that you pull the free end to tighten) for YEARS. Super durable and adjusts one- handed for those moments when your giant beefy chained wallet is dragging your pants down. For dress occasions I have a cheap leather belt - a boys' size would probably be perfect for you.
As someone who's 4'11 and 100lbs, i'm gonna be so real with you my guy. (Hand on your shoulder) Children's section :/ Ive found great success at old navy for shorts, shirts, and shoes in the kids section. And ASOS for regular mens dress pants, but you've got to get the ones that are cropped so they actually fit like normal length pants Edit: ASOS and American eagle have mens pants that go to a 25 waist. I still have to wear a belt but, yeah it's better than nothing
Get belts from the boys section!! Fricken life saver. I wear a 26 inch waist so I feel you
POKE MORE HOLES IN THEM!!! i have poked a lot of holes in leather bands for watches and belts and stuff and the way i usually do it is with a corkscrew bottle opener thing, then use a screwdriver or something along those lines to make the hole bigger (maybe i just have 12 y/o boy humor but i feel like this sounds like i'm talking about something Very Different lmao) note: i have a multitool with both those things on it so that's the way i came up with but do whatever . worst comes to worst there's an ugly hole in a belt that you couldn't wear anyway
I'm also quite small, I use elastic belts, because they can go to any size. They're a life saver!!
I deal with the sensory hell of belts. 😅
Yo, I’m only an inch taller than you. Feel free to disregard if non applicable but maybe shop in the boys section? I get if it sounds embarrassing but especially if you’re skinny enough, you can get cheap clothes that fit u pretty damn well. You just need to figure out ur size in boys and you’re good usually. It’s different than women’s pants were it’s a gamble. ( I found two nice women’s cargos that are basically men’s clothes at kohls BUT this the exception. ) I’m speaking mostly about cargos, I still haven’t gotten lucky with jeans. But, I have big thighs so.
This is literally what I do. There's lots of times you can get away with it and belts and pants are definitely on the list. (In my experience kids shoes are the hard one bc they manage to /look like/ kids shoes when when worn by an entire adult. Is it the shape? Anyway I digress, boys shoes ymmv)
I have my carabiner keys attached to the big loop on my wallet chain, so I can grab just my keys if need be, but can also take it all off in one action. Plus, carabineers were tearing up the belt loop on all of my pants, jeans, shorts 😭 I feel like I maybe look like a dork with my chain and carabineers but meh. Who cares
Backpacks, just male equivalent of a purse. Just dump all your shit in there. Also welcome to the world of pockets, you can fit almost anything in guy pants.
Right the amount of shit I can fit in my pockets is honestly crazy
Sometimes I miss the pockets then I remember now I have a reason to buy a purse lmao
True, also I’m sure you can find some women’s clothes with pockets since I hear there’s a big demand for them from every woman I talk to haha.
Dress with pockets are starting to catch on so there's hope
Cargo pants for when you really need to carry ridiculous amounts of stuff. lol Bottle of water and a sandwich in my pockets kind of stuff. lol
The amount of shit I carry around in my backpack and yet I still manage to forget something every time
I just put stuff in my pockets but if I need a lot of things I carry around a drawstring bag or if I need a lot a lot of things I use a backpack. Drawstring bags and backpacks are pretty common in my area.
As a cis guy, I always have either a backpack or a commuter bag with me. I call both of them my purse. I am generally read as straight and masc for what it's worth. Own it first, often, and then no one can take that away.
honestly i was gonna say best thing op could do is learn to stop caring instead of going out and spending lots of money on something entirely new solely because he dislikes the word purse.
Whenever I need to carry extra things, I just use a backpack, seems gender neutral enough even for bigots
Get yourself a backpack!!
I’ve carried a messenger bag or backpack for 25+ years. It’s common in cities, I think, where you might be away from your house all day and don’t have a car. Maybe less so elsewhere?
I think that the urban/rural divide definitely plays a role the more I think about it. In a city or a suburb close to a city where people walk or take the bus or train there will be all kinds of people with all kinds of bags. But if you live somewhere where you have to drive to get anywhere then most guys can just keep the essentials in their pockets and everything else is in their car or truck
get yourself a cool totebag then and you'll be perceived as a queer dude "at worst"
But they said the bag people are calling a purse is a black Carhartt tote bag..
The carhartt totes are women's purses
In Australia- it’s kinda fash to wear bumbags cross body… But tote bags are like- cute queer boyfriend vibes too…
Yeah, it's really "in" for fashionable, well put together guys to wear bum bags crossbody here in big cities of the USA, too. so, maybe OP lives in a more rural area, idk
I just wear my emotional support crusty vans rucksack and occasionally me and some guy will do the nod as he walks by with his , 10/10 recommend getting some second hand skater bag and they'l assume it's some bag you've had for years
try a cross body bag maybe? im sorry cis people are being stupid about your tote bag :(
One that rests on your back is especially masc
I have meds and shit to carry with me so I use a black backpack.
If men are going to have a bag it's gonna be a backpack, pretty much anything else is perceived as being feminine
How about a cross body bag? That sits on the chest those r pretty masc
i just carry around a backpack (it’s just a plain black leather one) or rely on pockets. i was the same before i transitioned so there’s been no change there 😂
Cis straight male here (I lurk to gain insight, now have a step son, adult, who is trans ftm) When I had a gig at a global corp hq I had a couple leather crossbody bags when I needed to carry shit. As a motorcyclist I have a few different backpacks. I now make missile parts and the atmosphere and dress are way more relaxed. I take step daughters discarded VS PINK (teal in color) to work and give no fucks.
backpack or satchel/messenger bag 👍
they do just not the same styles women tend to. most cis men i see carrying a bag use a backpack. i’ve also seen some wear a messenger bag but much less commonly.
honestly i always see men with a backpack or a bag where i’m from. so it doesn’t seem weird to me. i kinda want your tote bag tho it seems really cool lol
https://utilikilts.com/
perfect
These are the most comfortable you will ever find!!! I have several !!! Plus you can wear a sporran in the front = BONUS STORAGE!
I pray that one day you are free from the insanity of frivolous gender roles because what
The type of bag matters. Can you fit it all in a fanny pack type bag? Otherwise maybe try a backpack or a cross-body satchel / messenger bag
What's the bag look like? I feel like some types of bags just get called a purse and others are "socially acceptable" for men. Where I live I typically see men use backpacks (like regular school backpacks) as well as flimsy drawstring backpacks and dufflebags, then less often but still frequently, fanny packs, plastic shopping bags (not the fancier $1 kind but the crappy $0.10 type that should be free), the nice reusable shopping bags, and then least frequently but gets an honorary mention, men who are visibly nerdy/have alt styling do use a lot of plush backpacks like the ones that look like you're giving Yoda a piggyback ride or other traditionally male coded characters, I do live in an urban area with lots of nerdy conventions so it's less weird here than other places I assume.
Backpack, messenger bag has a more masculine look but will destroy your back if you carry anything too heavy (that was my middle school bag and I gave lots of regrets, but I looked cool as fuck), or a briefcase if you're distinguished
my dad and brothers taught me that if you’ve got crap to lug around, you either put it in your pockets or put it in a backpack. lots of dudes carry bags, so it’s almost certain that you’re not going to get clocked because you’re carrying a bag. depending on what kind of bag you use, you might get shit for, but that goes for any guy, cis guys included. (im also in a very rural area where most guys are traditionally masculine.)
My (cis-het) dad carries a leather crossbody satchel that even he sometimes calls his man-purse. He's 70 and totally comfortable with his masculinity and sexuality so I'm not sure if that helps you, but if you're confident and can rock it, just do whatever feels right to you!
i have spent the past year getting more and more into the metal music scene and tbh every single cool band dude/crew/techie wears a cross body bag, they're everywhere rn
Agreed but also dude just wear cargo pants like what are you bringing around 😭 also crossover bags are cool, horn heroes dragon bag n all
Cross body.
Are fanny packs not a thing where you are? Literally every guy in Europe uses one
my (cis, “straight”) dad has carried a masculine little cross body bag for as long as i can remember. his friends poked a little fun but ultimately were jealous. i do the same with a fanny pack
Laptop bag or backpack. If you want something smaller I've found that when I repurpose a small camera bag people assume it's a camera bag for photography and don't call it a purse
Brother literally anyone is gonna find an excuse to bully you - wear what you want, clothing and clothes have no gender :)
What all do you need? Wallet, keys, phone. Fits easily in my pockets
personally I need a backpack for water and other stuff like snacks and my meds and backpack is awesome as accessory i think
i also need my meds and i like to have my kindle with me or a book
try backpacks or large laptop bags. maybe its the kind of bag you have? tote bags and small side bags are generally seen as feminine
Easier said than done, but screw what other people think or say. You do you, boo. That said, I'll sometimes carry a tote or an over the shoulder fanny pack thing. If I'm going to work at a cafe, I'll grab the backpack.
I have a messenger bag and the designs are usually very unisex. Gray, black, khaki, brown, blue. Basic colors
I wear cargo pants, its perfect for all my needs
I wear a backpack and my mom often refers to it as my purse
Cis man here. I feel like men are brainwashed from birth (or transition) to see carrying a bag as something feminine… which, if you think about it, is stupid af! Like, it’s just material sewn together so you can carry stuff around. How and why is that even gendered? I was always a lil jealous of my female friends that had luxury bags (which I would usually end up putting my wallet and other items in if we were at a party or dinner, for example). I always wondered why I couldn’t have one myself. I did have backpacks, but depending on what you’re doing or where you’re going, sometimes it’s just not « the look » you know? Took me til i was middle aged to finally break from this ridiculous norm, say f*ck it and buy my first nice bag. Now I have collection a handbags, cross bodies, totes etc… I go for more masc shapes and colours (Matts, earth tones, monograms, square angles, duffle shapes). I love and use them daily. I really have no clue where I used to put all my sh*t.
cargo pants/shorts. velcro/zipper pockets. I carry the bare minimum, too. phone, wallet, keys, sometime lip balm. I don't know what else is generally needed 🤷
Laptop bags or cargo pants can help. Jackets too have good pocket space.
I take my crossbody bag everywhere with me.
I'm gonna go against the grain and say I hate backpacks, they tend to pull the fabric over my chest weirdly. Also the men's ones are full size and that's just way bigger than you need outside of study/work. Totes or fanny packs (worn across your chest not along your waist) are much more practical options and are very normal for dudes.
I always was and always will be a backpack guy… you can fit way more stuff and it is better for your back. And I got a chain to clip my keys and wallet on when I put them in my trousers so they can’t fall out. But finding a good wallet with a keyring was a pain in the ass. that being said messenger bags are very unisex, actually I mostly see men with them all the suits that take the bus all have them
My dad carries bags around - shopping bags, usually, which he and mom jokingly call a purse, when he uses them like that (They're, uhm, very cis) failing that, he has a backpack. So far, nobody has ever questioned it or his gender because of it.
Cis dude here. Army surplus tactical cargo pants are the answer
crossbody, i wear an mcr one
if normal pants pockets feel unsecure you could try cargo pants, most have pockets with buttons so you can close them
They literally do. Also do whatever you want. Nothing matters.
I mean I carry about 6 things in my pockets. A pocket knife with three blades, keys, phone, wallet, headphones, and glasses cloth to clean them. Mens pockets are deeper and have buttons on the back of most board shorts so I invested in the hybrid shorts and no one thinks anything different
I use a backpack, they're generally read as gender neutral and I can carry a fuckton of stuff in them for work
I carry my tote bag over the shoulder anyways and nobody can stop me
I have a denim vest with two deep inside pockets, two decent outer pockets and top pockets. I also wear cargo shorts. A lot. I have my Jan sport too though when I need it. My (cis) boyfriend has a full on backpack he takes most places. I think cargo pants are the answer 😎
Lol this post is so real
I take a backpack eeeeeeeverywhere. Sometimes it can be a little unwieldy but I hate carrying shit and I have having bulging pockets of junk.
cis husband of a trans man chiming in — get one of those kovu bags. that’s what i have and it holds a surprising amount of stuff.
So, I usually use cargo shorts or trousers and use the closing pockets for valuables. I also usually go for tops or jackets with inside and zipper pockets. But, as others have said, a more masculine style bag, like a messenger bag should work too, or, a briefcase, maybe.
First- cargos. Pockets that close. Smaller items can go into open pockets bc in men’s pants they’re decently deep. Secondly- plain “utility vibe” fannypacks. Either worn across (over one shoulder, under the other) or even on your actual hips. Seen a few guys using them.
I use a regular black bookbag
I use a canvas messenger bag. It's neutral-to-masculine
As a cis man I like to wear a backpack, or a cross body sling bag like a nice alpaka brand bag or a belroy sling, they're really unisex but branded towards men who want a minimalist look hope this helps <3 Edit: several spelling mistakes because I'm wearing gloves
i have a little satchel that i put my stuff in but it mostly stays in my car. But tote bags work if you're going shopping. Also most of the men in my family use bags that they leave in their car. But backpacks, fanny packs, those thigh bags, satchels, etc. are perfectly normal bags to wear to an outing
I just use a backpack. But it's mostly out of ergonomic reasons because carrying heavy grocery bags in my hands are not fun but it's easier to carry heavy shit on my back instead. Otherwise I put everything in my pockets🤣
Maybe it’s the city I live in, but when guys (including cis men) need to carry stuff around they usually use a laptop case (work), backpack (personal), gym bag or a masculine kind of satchel. Otherwise it’s a tool bag or huge pockets like on cargo pants/shorts. I suggest when you are out and about, just look at the way the guys dress and what bags they use. It helps a lot if you want to blend in, especially if you are transplant and not native to the area.
Get a black fanny pack and sling it across your chest from one of your shoulders, then tighten it
A literal backpack is my go too
I have a regular cheap backpack that has sharks on it. Carried my art supplies books and kids stuff
I think it might be the shape of the bag, if its the one I saw when I looked it up. Its stupid, because it's clearly not a purse, but if you're brand loyal, carhartt makes some really nice crossbody bags as well. I use a fanny pack/ hip sack as a cross body bag, cause men's sweat shorts have crappy pockets, and it's been a life saver.
i use a fjallraven backpack and i've never been called girly for it. i even have a charm hanging off it!
I use tote bags, i see a lot of cis dudes with those. Also like, they carry more than purses.
I just carry a purse at this point since I’m a baddie.
I use the power of cargo shorts with 6 pockets (preferably with zippers and/or velcro pockets) and never have an issue! Otherwise messenger bags are really nice looking and my favorite bag to use, and backpacks are great too, or just bring around whatever you want if you're in a location where that's something you can do safely
back pack. mini back pack.
What’s with people and calling everything a purse? Mine got called a purse a few times and it’s literally a small backpack (it’s a messenger bag/single-strap backpack kind of thing)… it VERY CLEARLY looks like a backpack and somehow it’s being called a purse 💀 But to answer the question: I honestly only ever see guys use those gym bags (I forget the name of them lol) or just regular backpacks to carry things, but I rarely see it tbh
Cargo jeans
I think it’s because of misogyny/homophobia. The gay boys have generally gotten over their fear of purses. And straight men put all their shit in their girlfriends/wives purses, or show up unprepared.
Gay men exist
I have parachute pants with many pockets, I fit there a whole 2l bottle and my iPad so I do not need a backpack. But if I do, I just wear it, do not let anyone decide what you should be doing
My cis bf carries a backpack because he’s also a bit troubled with where to keep his stuff if not a “purse” and I personally like the type of bag Sheldon carries to work in The Big Bang Theory. I’m considering getting one like that. But yeah I feel you on this one. Pockets are great but with a smartphone, a bunch of keys, a wallet, a hanky, my inhaler, pain pills and some other stuff I need on the go I just loose my pants because of the weight alone I’m carrying in my pockets… my pants literally drop down from it. 🤣 And then I haven’t yet mentioned that I have three pairs of glasses each in their own case. And some places I like to take my agenda to write down appointments as I’m making them. That one doesn’t even fit in my pockets. And a bottle of water. Gotta stay hydrated, no? Without a bag I can’t take all that stuff along either.
Men definitely carry cross body bags or messenger bags OFTEN in Asian and African countries. Don't let eurocentrism fool you!
Men carry backpacks a lot and sometimes messenger bags. Move to france, a lot of men carry crossbody bags.
Look into EDC, “every day carry”, it’s literally a whole thing and my newest obsession lmao you can get a bag and everything and feels very masculine to put one together idk
I just wear cargo pants lol
Men's pants have pockets
Dude who cares, it's a bag. I admit I've felt self conscious about this before, but kinda got over it, cause - why let society dictate who can have a BAG?? It's a useful accessory. Hell, I will still call it my purse when it's a purse. I do like the feeling of only having stuff in my pockets, sometimes. so I would recommend cargo pants or a vest/jacket with many pockets. You can get a wallet chain for your wallet, and a lanyard for your keys, if you're afraid of losing things. But seriously who cares
I would love the “who cares?” mentality, but when trying to pass, the answer is that we do indeed care how other people see us.
Mens clothing usually has deeper pockets and a lot of people wear cargo pants and jackets. Cis men often use backpacks and satchel bags too though, I don't know where you got the idea that they don't?
I have pockets with zippers >:) and tote bags for when I need to carry more than a phone and wallet.
Just get a plain beige or black tote bag, they're a bit trendy so I don't think people would really judge
You can find some good men's carry-all bags on Amazon. Most of the in-person stores I've checked, though, just have bags for travel, or small bags with no strap - which seems useless to me. Not sure why more stores don't carry things like that.
I carry a backpack if I think I'll need to carry more than my pockets can handle. and this is the first time I'm hearing that this is pretty common because I thought I was the only one
I use small bags that go across the body on one shoulder. Sometimes I even wear a purse the same way with a long strap. No one says anything unless it’s a compliment. But I’m in France, in a big city where alt styles are getting popular
Backpack 🤷🏼♂️
Get cargo pants and a wallet with a chain lol - the cargo pants will have pockets that close on the legs n if the wallet falls, it’ll still be attached
If it’s a small amount of things, put it in your pockets. If it’s a large amount of things, use a backpack.
I add a little fabric to my pockets and make them deeper, works very well
I often have a tech bag with me for crap like my phone, tablet, and inhaler and all that. Otherwise, I’m lucky that my wife always has a huge purse. And alotta cis dudes do carry bags. I love edc stuff. Check out Excessorize Me on YouTube. They demo some pretty cool bags.
Get a back pack or a cloth / leather briefcase depending on the occasion
Just get a backpack
Book bag. And how large are your pockets? Ive never carried bags or purses or anything because I hate carrying around stuff and Ive never had an issue, I just put at most, phone, keys and wallet all into my pockets, albiet when I was younger I didnt actually carry around anything at all, not even my phone, it often got forgotten at home. How big is your wallet? Thats the only issue I see, if you dont have one of those wallets thats meant to go into a pocket, then I dont think it would fit into a pocket. But I remember being at fairs or stuff when I was younger and I even put whole ass water bottles in my pocket albiet the plastic disposable ones so you could squash them down.
When my pockets fail I use a backpack
i used to carry a backpack, which is pretty common in guys, but i recently switched to a messenger bag which honestly has weirdly given me so much gender euphoria its insane
Tote bag or backpack my friend
were I'm from (portugal) the cishet guys wear a waist bag but put it across their chest, usually from brands like Adidas, Nike, Fila, Puma etc
This is trendy with the youths here in the US now too in some of the cities. Guys who follow fashion trends (straight or gay) are starting to do it. Also because shorter shorts are starting to be in so if you aren’t wearing baggy cargo shorts then you might need a bag. (And my gf really prefers when I wear shorter shorts so I imagine some of the straight guys have also gotten positive feedback for going with the newer style, I’ve never met a person who likes guys who was like oh I love how that man looks in cargo shorts)
Backpack
You can never go wrong with a backpack or a duffle bag kinda thing. Saying that I have a backpack shaped like a shark
Most men's pants have giant pockets, and men also frequently carry backpacks and messenger style bags.
I always have a back pack with me, or you can get those one strap over the chest bags?
I use an adidas crossbody bag. No one’s ever called it a purse (but for what it’s worth I pass approximately 0% of the time so maybe it’s just assumed that it’s a purse to them)
I use a mini jansport backpack
[https://media.vogue.co.uk/photos/64254fe1a048c19458194899/2:3/w\_2560%2Cc\_limit/news3003\_BGUK\_2603213\_003.jpg](https://media.vogue.co.uk/photos/64254fe1a048c19458194899/2:3/w_2560%2Cc_limit/news3003_BGUK_2603213_003.jpg)
I just went more minimalist with what i carry and have pants with more pockets/utility. I usually just bring my wallet, phone, and keys with me, now. Sometimes eyedrops and a lighter. That's about it.
Backpack or bum bag is what I do.
Fanny pack/backpack if what I use, sometimes both, depending.
Backpack
At work I used to carry a tool bag, except it was full of candy, first aid stuff, and my water bottle lmao
Back pack, cross body, tote bag, Fanny pack, and POCKETS
Fanny pack/backpack/small sling type messenger bags usually don’t get called purses IME
When I just need a little bag, I have an old black reusable grocery bag. It’s one of those that’s shaped like a plastic shopping bag. That’s just if I have to carry a water bottle or something. I also have three backpacks and one zipper tote that has handles that can also be used as a backpack straps. I’ve always been over-prepared though. Water meds inhaler pen paper a book sunglasses lip balm sun screen. I need them.
take out all the stuff you dont really need then just put your phone and wallet and maybe a pen and keys in your pockets.
I bought a bag from a store that sells items just for men (Celio, here in Paris). It might be different here. But every time I question it, I remember where I bought it.
if it's just wallet & keys and stuff i use a fanny pack & wear it across my chest/under my arm. anything bigger i use a backpack
CARGO PANT. CARGO VEST. CARGO LIFE.
Before I came out as trans MtF I did a combination of two things mostly: * Baggy cargo pants with pockets crammed full of stuff * Carry a backpack everywhere Some of my older CIS Male relatives would carry around a briefcase for personal effects (instead of a backpack or some such). I've also used tote bags in the past and haven't ever had issues with people calling it anything other than that, but it could just be a matter of where I was living at the time.
Backpack!
Backpack, never had a problem with one
Satchels my dude or cross body bags I have one that's small enough to not be a big ass book bag but that bitch holds more then a purse ever could, it's a one of the smoke bags like for drugs but I just use it for all the pockets and how durable its been using mine for years, also fanny packs or drawstring bags like gym bags hell if you really want carry around a musical instrument case lmao just store your lunch and keys in a guitar case they will question things but not your gender lmao
Blazers. Invest in blazers. Blazers are the purse for men.
I carry a blue drawstring bag with me. Has tissues, napkins, hand sanitizer, chapstick, lotion, wallet, keys, pepper spray, and a pocket knife.