[Hades]

It must be black or brown leather, and it must have a handle to look like a briefcase in case your sexuality is in question. That's all the advice I have on satchels.
Also, if it looks like it survived WWII, that's a man-point bonus.

[OGNorCal707]

My take on these man bags, I'm an American so I've grown up with the socialization that a man shouldn't wear such things, however I am a non-conformist, free thinker, and recently I've just stopped giving a fuck what other people think. I think a slick, nice leather shoulder bag could be pretty dope, if it's something that you actually need.*

Currently, I'm kind of on Parlay's vibe where all I need are my keys, wallet, and cell phone, but if I had the need to carry a laptop, ipad, business papers/portfolio, etc., then I would most certainly rock a shoulder bag. If it's something that you need for transporting stuff like that, why wouldn't you? Because it looks gay? I'm sorry, but that sounds like some insecure shit to me, if you are a man and secure with your masculinity, there is no need to worry or care about what other think about you, especially when it comes to your sexuality.

It's not like a shoulder bag is some flaming gay shit, like rocking a pink onesy spandex Richard Simmons work out get up, or wearing eye liner and make up. There are certain bounds to what is feminine and considered gay, and wearing a shoulder bag is very low on that spectrum.

Furthermore, I think Americans are too insecure and concerned about not being perceived as feminine or gay or whatever. Even guys on this forum can't say something like another guy is attractive without adding (no homo) after it. Shit, I personally think that makes you look gay, if you have to say ("no homo") after every little thing like that, it makes you look insecure, and unsure of yourself. I can admit if another man is handsome, it's just something that's obvious to all of us when a person is considered classically attractive. Some guys can't even admit that someone like Brad Pitt is handsome, of if they do, they have to be like "I don't know, I mean I guess chicks would consider him good looking, but you know I'm not gay, so I can't really tell."

[the_conductor]

Lol isn't any dancing (even Latin) also gay to the average American d-bag?

Satchels are absolutely necessary for students/ office workers who use public transportation. How could a necessary tool be deemed gay is beyond me.

[presidentcarter]

Backpacks: normal in college, weird at work.
Satchels: normal at work and college.

[Hencredible Casanova]

I rock a satchel. Pretty much mandatory in my line of work. Took me FOREVER to find one I like. This is what it looks like.

   

Wanted to start out with a tan one since I have shoes and belts that match this color. I plan to get a dark brown one at some point. Need to start searching once again.

[UrbanNerd]

(10-17-2012 05:05 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  

Backpacks: normal in college, weird at work.
Satchels: normal at work and college.

I would usually agree with this BUT I think the exception is the I.T. industry where backpacks are very common at work. Then again, we are computer science, math, physics and engineering majors, so I think society has given us a "nerd pass" to use backpacks at work.

I have both a satchel and backpacks (multiple) and the backpacks are more practical. With a satchel, I can get one medium-sized technical book without the strap feeling like it is straining. With that JanSport backpack, I can put in 2 or 3 technical books, a lunch and water bottle...and my umbrella, LOL.