Oversized bags are the biggest fashion statement for men right now

There’s a memorable scene in the 2009 bro-coded comedy The Hangover in which Zach Galifianakis’s character pulls up to a Vegas bachelor party wearing a crossbody bag — or a satchel, as he calls it — and is met with ridicule.

In 2025 however, few would bat an eye at a man with a bag — even a ludicrously capacious one. 

Large designer carryalls were the pièce de résistance in many tunnel fits this past NBA season: think Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sporting a Louis Vuitton x Murakami bag, and Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton with his beloved Margaux tote by The Row. Big bags were a fixture in NFL arrivals, too — look no further than Travis Kelce’s pre–Super Bowl ensemble complete with an Amiri leather weekender. 

The trend has also recently entered the increasingly fashion-forward Formula One paddock. Last month, French driver Pierre Gasly was spotted carrying a giant green Goyard duffle ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. 

Our on-screen faves have been dabbling in these oversized accessories as well. In May, Pedro Pascal was snapped with a large Andiamo messenger by Bottega Veneta. And during his Superman press tour this summer, Nicholas Hoult was spotted with a Prada Buckle bag (twice!) and a woven Bottega weekender. 

A quick scroll through social media right now reveals big bags are also popular with the masses, and are being styled with everything from rugby shirts to baggy denim. As for the numbers, Google searches for designer men’s duffles have doubled since this time last year. 

Toronto-based fashion stylist Ashley Galang credits these co-signs from famous athletes and film stars — including Jacob Elordi, who’s been wearing his covetable handbag collection since at least 2020 — as the main reason behind our recent interest in larger silhouettes. “They demonstrate that men do not have to resort to backpacks or briefcases to level up their accessory game,” she told CBC Life. 

The runways have also played a part in pushing the big-bag agenda, said Galang. She observed an increase in men opting for roomier carryalls last spring and summer after houses like Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Louis Vuitton showcased extra-large styles in their Spring 2024 shows. 

By the following season, larger bags were in “full force” in most menswear collections, she said. And at the Fall 2025 Men’s Fashion Week presentations, substantial holdalls made appearances at Hermès, Dior and Acne Studios. 

Didier Young, a Toronto-based creator who’s been opting for larger styles these days, said he believes a big shift happened when the quilted COS bag blew up on social media in late 2023 and men embraced the trend too. 

There’s also no doubt that more folks are thinking outside the box when getting dressed in recent years, he pointed out. “There’s more open-mindedness around fashion, and how clothing and accessories aren’t necessarily about gender, but mostly about how you wear and style them. That really opened the doors for men to be more adventurous with their styling choices,” said Young. “Nowadays, more men are willing to shop in the women’s department.”

Then there’s the practicality of carrying a bigger bag. Young credits the Chanel 22, a quilted tote, with helping him rediscover just how many on-the-go essentials you can fit in a roomier style. 

Plus, these oversized satchels are undeniably stylish. “I think it’s the modern-day power suitcase,” said Galang. “It can elevate and refine a simple and basic outfit, especially if styled [or] carried under the arm.”

If you’re new to the world of big bags — or bags in general — both Galang and Young recommended starting out with a structured tote. Young added that a casual sling option, like Uniqlo’s Round shoulder bag, can also help you transition to a larger silhouette. 

If you’re ready for a classic handheld leather style, Young said the Coach Empire carryall — as seen on American quarterback Jalen Hurts — is a great option. And if you want to dial things up, Galang suggested selecting pieces with woven or embossed textures, or fun colours, patterns or monograms.

Ultimately, a great statement piece speaks for itself, and Young advised keeping the rest of your outfit more toned down when carrying one. Fashion, however, is all about experimenting and having fun, so test out different combinations and keep an open mind. “It can be a bit intimidating to wear a big bag for the first time, but if something catches your eye, go to the store and give it a try,” he said.