Hands-Free Fashion

No, your eyes are not deceiving you: bum bags are back in fashion. A favourite of 1980s holidaymakers, the bum bag has gone through quite the glow-up: from flimsy, fluorescent accessory to designer essential.

One step up from the bum bag is the crossbody bag; a thoroughly modern silhouette that has crossed over effortlessly into men’s luxury fashion. High fashion brands Versace, Balenciaga, Gucci et al have all got in on the crossbody game, and the bag lends itself easily to the athleisure trend to give it bonus street cred. Men’s fashion bible Esquire credits A-listers A$AP Rocky, Drake and Jacob Elordi for making bags for men officially cool again, with the latter “king of street style” having a ‘rotation of crossbody bags to carry whatever it is he carries around’.

But the crossbody bag isn’t just for gen Z. Versatile and functional, it’s suitable for men of all ages (trust us) and will go with myriad outfits. After all, it’s no secret that men often struggle to find somewhere to store their essentials – especially as mobile phones get chunkier – and have previously been offered limited choices: mainly stiff briefcases or schoolboy-esque satchels and backpacks. Remember the Friends episode where Joey is mocked mercilessly for his “man purse”? Fortunately, this attitude of scoffing at men who take an interest in fashion has also been left firmly in the 1990s.

The crossbody bag is accessible and roomy without ruining the silhouette of a more formal outfit, with plenty of space for all the essentials. Many crossbody bags are adjustable and can be worn in different styles, from being tucked close to the body to looser near the hip. Some styles are more utilitarian, others more high fashion. At Thomas Pink, our new Caboodle crossbody bag made in partnership with Troubadour is somewhere in the middle. This is our answer to the crossbody silhouette, and is the perfect combination of practical and stylish.

The “Caboodle” is part of our new Thomas Pink x Troubadour collection, which includes a backpack, weekend duffle bag and briefcase. The crossbody is the most fashion-conscious choice of the collection,
and has proved to be one of the most popular styles. Designed for commuters, the Caboodle features a detachable strap, meaning it can be worn across the body or carried separately. It’s made from a waterproof fabric with equally rain-resistant lining, and vegan leather. There are multiple pockets and compartments, including a leather cardholder and zipped exterior pocket. Even the wide-opening structure has been cleverly manufactured for men on the move, making access easy if travelling on a bike or in a busy coffee shop. As for how to wear the Caboodle, it works beautifully with our utility shirts or smart-casual styles. Wear unbuttoned over a plain white or graphic T-shirt, and keep the Caboodle close to your chest or swung around on your back. You can also pair with more formal shirts and even suits for flitting between meetings. Whichever way you choose to wear it, prepare to meet your new favourite accessory.