The male handbag or satchel, commonly referred to as the “murse,” has been a laughing stock in our society for some time.
Even popular films like “The Hangover” have made it the butt of a joke.
But men should be free to wear fashionable bags the same way women do. I’m not saying men should start carrying Coach purses everywhere, but they shouldn’t have to resort to middle schooler-style JanSport backpacks to carry their belongings.
The ever-popular messenger bag, usually worn by the journalistic or academic community, is a common example of men attempting to combat the murse mentality.
Celebrities like John Mayer, Terrence Howard, Steven Tyler and even Kanye West have been spotted wearing a large tote or murse.
This bag, while usually meant to contain laptops and business documents, essentially is a mixture between a woman’s handbag and a briefcase.
Men who carry messenger bags tend to look more stylish and professional than those with clunky, rolling briefcases or mesh, see-through backpacks.
Rich leather and brass buckles are more aesthetically pleasing than tough polyester and dark plastic zippers. Would you rather walk into a job
interview with a handmade, antique leather murse or your old school bag from high school with one of the straps slightly torn?
Unfortunately, the stigma attached to men’s totes prevents many from carrying more fashionable bags.
The word “murse” is, obviously, a play on the word “purse” and therefore feminizes the accessory.
The slang word has also been applied to male nurses  — as though being a nurse is somehow only meant for women. This sexist attitude can relate to many areas and fashion tends to always be one of them.
Size also seems to factor into accessory fashion. For instance, a man can carry an over-the-shoulder bag, but it has to be clearly bigger than a purse, or men and women can wear the same style of watch, but the men’s watch has to have a wider face.
While more and more men seem to be identifying as “metrosexual,” there is still a gender gap in fashion. The murse epitomizes this gap.
Men need to take fashion risks and incorporating a stylish tote or messenger bag is an easy way to do it.
A messenger bag can make a casual outfit look classier and formal attire, like a three-piece suit, look even more established. Pairing shoes, a watch or tie with a fashionable satchel can add another level of style to an ensemble.
Though a traditional messenger bag may not be for everyone and may even be too expensive, the same idea can be applied to backpacks. The cotton
canvas-style backpack is a zealous alternative to a mesh sports bag.
In the end, murses not only allow men to stay fashionable — they help to shape the impressions we make on people in day-to-day life.
Michael Tarver is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from Houma, Louisiana. You can reach Michael on Twitter @Michael_T16.

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Emily Brauner

Canvas backpacks are a fashionable alternative to basic men's backpacks.