Sleek backpacks for men

By Choo Sung-ho

What is the latest fashion item of choice for businessmen in Korea? Stylish but functional backpacks, which go well with any business outfit, lead the men’s accessory market in Korea.

Young businessmen no longer carry a classic briefcase, but wear a backpack that offers more space for their laptops and books. They prefer a backpack that can enhance their business attire regardless of whether the style is classy or business casual.

The recent popularity of fashionable backpacks seems to be attributed to men’s lifestyles and their desire not only for functionality but also a stylish look both for the workplace and around town. Celebrities who wear trendy backpacks on TV shows have also contributed to their popularity.

To follow the latest trend in the men’s backpack market, many backpack makers have updated styles to embrace more customers. Now wearing a backpack has become a new way of exhibiting personality and a sense of fashion.

The four selected backpack brands listed below are the most popular and distinct brands among fashionistas in Korea.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Lejeune Backpack Tote

Price: 680,000 won Size: 30.5/20.5/47

Koreans are not that familiar with Tumi, but it is a very popular bag brand among those working in the financial sector and is referred to as the “backpack of Wall Street.” In Korea, the Tumi bag is typically popular among employees at conglomerates, according to a Tumi Korea representative.

The Alpha Bravo Lejeune Backpack Tote, the bestseller from the Alpha Bravo collection, is an everyday bag for businessmen who have a high standard of lifestyle. This sleek designed ballistic nylon bag can be used as a backpack or a tote, thanks to the top carry handles. The roomy interior offers enough space for your laptop, books and other important items. Several special waterproof pockets on the side are perfect for separating your umbrella and the rest of your belongings. Tumi newly launched an espresso color for its Lejeune backpack this year, which is a limited-edition only available in Korea.

Mandarina Duck Flow

Price: 528, 000 won Size: 35/25/11

Mandarina Duck is an Italian fashion brand specializing in leather goods and travel items. The brand is well-known to people as a women’s fashion bag maker, but recently it also became popular among men thanks to its professional looking backpacks.

Flow, a 100-percent cow leather backpack, is targeting professional workers who are in their 30s and enjoy wearing semi business attire at work. The chic looking leather bag is not as expensive as luxury-brand bags, but its sleek and modern design can satisfy consumers who are lovers of luxury goods.

Since it was launched during the last spring/summer season, the backpack’s sales have steadily been rising in Korea and it has become a best-selling item for Mandarina Duck. The main compartment of the bag is closed with a zipper, and inside there is a padded laptop holder that holds a laptop up to 15.6 inches in size.

Samsonite Red Liebe

Price: L 179,000 won; S 168,000 won Size: L 32/13.7/47; S 31/12/43

Samsonite Red, launched in 2010, is a mid-end brand of Samsonite targeting the young generation aged between the mid-20s and early 30s _ or those who just started their first career after graduating from college. The brand created a lot of hype this year after Kim Su-hyun, a rising young Korean actor, was cast as one of its brand ambassadors. According to Samsonite, Liebe was sold out within 13 days of its release. Currently Liebe is referred to as the ‘Kim Su-hyun bag’ among Korean customers.

Liebe, a light nylon backpack, is perfect for young businessmen who wear business casual attire rather than full suits. It is youthful and modern. Liebe has both laptop and iPad sleeves inside the backpack to keep your tech gadgets safe. The wide padded shoulder strap can ease the weight on your shoulders.

The backpack comes in four colors ― navy, grey, orange and emerald.

Incase City Backpack

Price : 165,000 won Size: 34/ 51/20

Incase is a well-known brand for their protective cases and sporty bags for Apple device users worldwide. Lately, Incase’s backpack seems to have attracted a lot more attention from young people due not only to its simple and urban look, but also its functionally designed pockets and laptop compartment. City Backpack, one of Incase’s best items and a part of the City Collection, is a perfect fit for those who carry their laptops all the time. The main compartment can hold a laptop up to 17 inches in size. As the name represents, the bag is highly popular among urban citizens regardless of their age. The backpack features a fleece-lined laptop compartment with 360 degrees padded protection on the inside, ensuring full protection on all sides and edges. The back and adjustable shoulder straps are well padded, making your shoulders comfortable.

Incase recently launched a new color (dark khaki) for the City Collection. The City Collection is available in three styles ― backpack, compact backpack and brief.