The Changing Face of Men’s Fashion in Australia
The traditional image of men being hesitant to carry a woman’s handbag has gradually faded. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how Australian men view accessories, particularly when it comes to carrying bags. This change is not just about fashion; it’s also about embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach to style.
White Speedos and pink shirts may still make a statement, but the growing trend of men carrying handbags and clutches has become more accepted. Celebrities like Harry Styles, Oscar nominee Jacob Elordi, and rapper A$AP Rocky have played a significant role in normalizing this trend. Their bold choices have helped to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and encourage men to express themselves through fashion.
Luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Bottega Veneta have been instrumental in promoting the idea of accessories for men. These brands have successfully introduced a range of stylish and functional items that cater to a broader audience. Meanwhile, local brand Oroton, which is 88 years old, is taking steps to help Australian men feel more comfortable with carrying totes to the pub or other casual outings.
Sophie Holt, the creative director at Oroton, notes that compared to European customers, Australian men have historically placed less emphasis on accessories. However, she believes that this is changing. “I feel like the Australian man is finally embracing fashionability,” she says.
When Will Vicars acquired Oroton in 2018, the brand’s former men’s range, which was largely focused on bland briefcases and black underpants, was phased out. The new Oroton For Him collection features relaxed briefcases, suede totes, and weekenders in conservative browns and blacks. Holt plans to introduce more adventurous silhouettes, colors, and materials in future collections. She also aims to launch a men’s ready-to-wear line nationally within the next 12 months.
“The clothing line will be part of that and the bags are a great introduction,” she explains. The global men’s luxury bag market is expected to grow from $12.2 billion this year to $18.4 billion by 2035, according to a report from Global Market Insights. This growth indicates that the trend is not just a passing fad but a long-term shift in consumer behavior.
Retail entrepreneur Amanda Rettig, founder of A-esque, has observed a similar shift in how men approach accessories. She grew up with a father who confidently carried a small leather bag with a wristlet strap, and her grandfather did the same. Despite this, she has not pursued the creation of a dedicated men’s line. Instead, she has focused on producing androgynous styles that appeal to both men and women.
“Men have gravitated to our bags since we launched because the styles are pretty androgynous … so it’s not intimidating,” Rettig says. She notes that men are drawn to capacious totes made in A-esque’s atelier in inner-Melbourne Richmond. The brand has recently opened a boutique in Armadale, where Rettig is observing a gradual shift in men’s preferences toward styles closer to her father’s modest bag, without a wristlet.
“It’s not necessarily driven by fashion. Men appreciate the quality and the craftsmanship of a bag as well as the practicality,” she adds. Rettig believes that Australian men are slowly catching up to their European counterparts in terms of fashion awareness. “We don’t call them manbags,” she says, highlighting the importance of language in shaping perceptions.
As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the days of men being reluctant to carry a handbag are behind us. With the support of influential figures, luxury brands, and innovative retailers, the future of men’s fashion looks more inclusive and diverse than ever before.
