One good bag. That’s it. That’s all you need. To do it right isn’t cheap, but if you spend the money the first time, you’re far more likely to end up with something that will last you for life. This thing will be your companion on overnight trips, weekends away and business trips, potentially forever, so to say it’s worth getting right is an understatement – it’s a decision that commands careful thought and consideration.
Luxury bags come in all shapes and sizes. But they’re all united by a few qualities. Firstly, they’re expensive, but that’s because they’re well made. It might take weeks to craft a true luxury bag, in which time, your average high-street store could have rattled off thousands at one of its far-east factories. Secondly, the craftsmanship is extraordinary and the materials will be the finest around.
Ready to take the plunge and part with the cash? As far as we’re concerned, good call. Below, you’ll find all the info you need on what makes a luxury bag, as well as a bit of background on the best brands in the business.
What Makes a Bag ‘Luxury’?
So, what elevates a bag into the realm of luxury? Sure, the label and the cost are big parts of it. But it’s not just about the clout and the price tag. In fact, we’d say several factors distinguish a true luxury bag from the rest.
Materials
Aspinal of London
A luxury bag’s foundation is its materials. If it’s made from poor-quality fabrics, it will never meet the criteria. Leading brands select their textiles with meticulous care, whether full-grain leather from one of Italy’s finest tanneries, soft suede, or advanced technical fabrics that offer durability without compromising aesthetics.
These materials aren’t just chosen for their appearance either. High-end leather, for example, is highly durable and ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. Then there’s the bag’s lining. Whether silk or premium cotton, it will last far longer than mass-produced synthetic fabrics, adding to the bag’s overall longevity.
Craftsmanship
Aspinal of London
Another thing that sets luxury bags apart is the high levels of craftsmanship involved. Many of these fancy receptacles are produced by highly skilled artisans who take pride in getting every stitch and seam just right.
They’re often produced in small batches, too, ensuring precision and attention to detail that mass-produced options simply can’t match. Reinforced handles, hand-finished edges, and flawless stitching are all hallmarks of this luxury craftsmanship.
What’s more, luxury bags are often made in countries with a high-end manufacturing heritage, such as Italy, the US, France and England. This not only adds to the exclusivity but also guarantees that each piece is created with time-honoured techniques, often passed down over many, many generations.
Brand Heritage
Mulberry
Many luxury bag brands have rich histories that contribute to their allure. These companies have spent decades, sometimes even centuries, crafting not just their bags but also their legacies. Many are known for creating iconic bags that define a category (Louis Vuitton’s Keepall or Hermès’ Birkin, for example) and are regarded as the ultimate iterations of a particular style.
These are labels synonymous with quality, durability and prestige. Owning one of their bags isn’t just about functionality; it’s about becoming part of that heritage and buying into the story. Naturally, these factors, combined with their craftsmanship and exclusivity, command a higher price.
The best luxury bag brands for men
Bennett Winch
English bag manufacturer Bennett Winch has mastered the art of understated luxury. You won’t find over-the-top branding or gimmicky designs here, just pure craftsmanship and functional elegance.
The brand’s bags, like the Weekender Holdall, are built for the man who values simplicity and substance—boasting fancy details like hidden compartments, premium materials, and an overall timeless aesthetic.
These bags are made to last and look good while doing so. If you want something that feels quietly confident rather than attention-seeking, Bennett Winch is a solid choice.
Aspinal of London
Aspinal of London
Aspinal of London delivers quintessential British luxury without the eye-watering price tags slapped on by some of its competitors. The Harrison Weekender is a perfect example of the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Full-grain leather, sturdy hardware and a classic silhouette make this a bag that will keep chugging away for years to come. But what really sets Aspinal apart is its ability to deliver luxury without pretension. These are bags designed to be used, not just admired.
If you want a versatile, stylish companion for your travels you should definitely give the range a look.
Louis Vuitton
Few bag brands are more iconic than Louis Vuitton. These bags have been defining luxury for over a century, with the iconic monogram Keepall bag serving as the range’s crown jewel.
Today, the French label combines heritage with forward-thinking design, giving you a piece that works whether you’re boarding a plane or strolling through the city. For those who want both form and function in a bag, Louis Vuitton delivers in spades.
Porter Yoshida & Co.
Japan’s Porter Yoshida & Co. is a modern take on the concept of luxury bags. Rather than leather or suede, Porter works mainly in nylon and canvas, focusing on functionality and durability rather than elegance. Handcrafted in Japan, these bags are built to last.
The Tanker series, inspired by U.S. Air Force flight jackets, is a fan favourite for its lightweight durability and sleek, military aesthetic. The brand also regularly collaborates with fashion brands on limited collections, most recently Palace.
If you’re not into the leather luxury aesthetic and are just after something that looks good, holds up over time, and doesn’t compromise on functionality, Porter Yoshida & Co. is worth considering.
Filson
Premium American outdoor outfitter Filson doesn’t mess around when it comes to bags. These things, like all of Filson’s gear, are built like absolute tanks. Rooted in the rugged outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, the brand’s bags are designed to take a beating and come out the other side looking better for it.
The Rugged Twill Duffle, for example, with its tough canvas and bridle-leather details, is as practical as it is stylish. Ultimately, this is the brand for the man who needs a bag to handle anything from a weekend in the city to an expedition in the wilderness.
Filson’s motto, “Might as well have the best,” says it all.
Mulberry
British to its core, Mulberry has long been a staple of understated elegance where bags are concerned. Known for its impeccable leatherwork, the brand has a knack for creating bags that feel both timeless and contemporary.
The Clipper is one such example—a classic holdall that balances practicality with traditional design. Whether you’re off on a business trip or just need something stylish for the weekend, Mulberry provides the perfect mix of heritage and modernity to elevate any outfit.
Carl Friedrik
Carl Friedrik takes a minimalist approach when it comes to men’s bags. But not without a touch of luxury. The headline: ‘Scandinavian design meets Italian craftsmanship’, and the result is a range of bags that are sleek, functional, and built to last.
The Palissy briefcase is a best-seller with its clean lines, vegetable-tanned leather and abundant organisational features for the modern professional. The brand places an emphasis on sustainability, creating products that are meant to age beautifully over time rather than end up in a landfill.
So, if you’re after something that’s both stylish and conscientious, Carl Friedrik should be on your radar.
Dunhill
Dunhill: a symbol of British sophistication and manufacture for decades. The brand’s Duke holdall is a standout piece, blending modern design with old-school craftsmanship. You can almost smell the petrol from Dunhill’s rich British motoring heritage in their work, which adds a rugged edge to these bags’ luxury appeal.
Above all else, Dunhill isn’t about trends; it’s about timeless style. These bags are made for men who appreciate quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, whether you’re heading to the office or on a weekend getaway.
Métier
Métier is all about the details. The name of the game here is meticulous craftsmanship, and you can feel the quality in every stitch.
Take the Vagabond Duffle, for instance. It’s sleek and unassuming but cleverly designed with hidden compartments and other thoughtful touches. This is the kind of bag that’s practical and beautiful in equal measures, making it ideal for the modern traveller who values form as much as function.
Crucially, Métier’s bags are designed to last, developing character with age rather than wearing out.
Gucci
Gucci doesn’t do subtle, but that’s the whole point. The brand’s bold designs and distinctive logos have become synonymous with high fashion, and the bags are unsurprisingly no exception.
The Parisian label’s ability to blend the old with the new keeps the brand at the forefront of the industry, appealing to men who want to stand out (and spend a lot of cash). For those who prefer their luxury with a bit of flash, Gucci’s bags are where it’s at.
Serapian
If you’re after Italian craftsmanship with a personal touch, Serapian is an excellent option for your next bag… provided you have deep pockets.
Known for their Mosaico technique, which gives the leather a unique textured finish, Serapian’s bags are handcrafted in Milan and each one feels like a piece of art. The attention to detail is impeccable, with soft, supple leather and an instantly recognisable design aesthetic that puts these bags in a league of their own.
