Space for Guys & their Hermès

[navicular]

View attachment 6162132

Out and about with my B40 and this Gri-gri mouche feather charm I purchased many years ago, made by the Horizons department. For my fellow geeks, here's some information about this precious item from its accompanying booklet:

YOUR FLY CHARM

You have just acquired a fly charm, and we thank you for it. Patiently made by passionate and demanding craftsmen, it can last a lifetime if you know how to take care of it. To help you make your Hermès feather object a faithful and reliable companion over the years, we invite you to read carefully these few usage tips. This fly charm has been designed for purely decorative purposes. We strongly recommend keeping it out of the reach of children: it is not a toy.

Your charm is inspired by salmon fishing flies, also known as Victorian flies, in reference to the period in which that kind of fishing developed in England. Your charm is handcrafted in the pure tradition of fishing and echoes back to the mounting of fishing hooks.
It is entirely made of feathers assembled using a silk thread frame. Each feather, natural and unique in shape and colour, has been carefully selected, one by one, which gives the product its exceptional character. It ties to your bag with a leather strap. Your precious charm will have to be handled with care to prevent the feather from being unravelled and the barbs from spreading. If the feathers are unravelling, do not hesitate to replace them manually in the direction of the barbs.

 

[880]

Hermes men’s cashmere sweater; cotton serge sportscoat with zipper detail; men’s bespoke shirt
Private day at the Met. Unfortunately, they were filming something at John Singer Sargent, so that was not accessible.
Dinner at 4 Charles with DH and a friend

 

[Prada Prince]

Vacillating in VCA…

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

Evelyne 33 ... I carry my laptop in it for work, which does cause some stretching of the bottom/corners but the bags are meant to be worn

The Evelyne 33 fits 15 inch laptops, even larger ones like the current Macbook Pro, although quite a bit sticks out of the bag. Is there anything you should do to avoid stretching if you actually put a laptop in an Evelyne 33 like using a padded sleeve? Or is there nothing to be done as it is the weight of the laptop itself that is the issue? I assume smaller gadgets like tablets and Kindles should be fine?

Would anyone know if laptops in the Evelyne 40 should be safer, or if this is equally problematic?

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

I have an Evelyne 40 and several Evelyne 33s, all in neutral colors and all in Clemence except for one Epsom. I really like them worn with the perforations facing inwards because they are a fun cross between a tote and a crossbody messenger bag. They are perfect for short walks where you are just taking a small book or e-reader, sunglasses, small umbrella and small water bottle. The 40 fits a light jacket nicely too, which makes it perfect for taking to the cinema.

People who see it generally comment the bag looks nice, and the leather quality is visibly different. But I still get a lot of comments asking why I am wearing a female bag, from people who know enough about fashion to recognize the bag as Hermes.

I'm still thinking about making the jump to a Birkin or Kelly 40, or even a HAC 40. Outside this forum, I have not seen any mainstream discussions about this. Men's fashion forums (or at least those with older men discussion more classic and preppy clothes, over edgier streetwear or athleisure influences) are generally hostile and argue a Birkin is established as a female bag or it's just a flex. Mainstream media is odd, where there is a Birkins for men feature every so often, but over half the men featured are gay men with a style that is much more flamboyant than the typical man or the focus is on the price. There has not been any discussion of, say, male trial lawyers using Birkin or HAC 40s as court or work bags because they are high quality and have some similarity to the classic doctor bag that opens up into a roomy leather box. On Instagram, you see far more people in t-shirts and casual wear or in very fashion forward outfits with bright colored Birkins, not more normal photos of men in business, semi-formal or smart casual with a black or dark neutral Birkin 40.

Honestly, if you're trying to look for inspiration from celebrity photos of Birkins for men, excluding rappers with bright crocodile HAC 50s, you'll only find that old photo of David Beckham. (And I simply can't find photos of men taking Evelyne 33 and 40s in the wild.)

So is there still a big disconnect between how Hermes lovers on this forum versus how one's typical social circles will react to a man carrying a black Birkin 40? How do you make the jump and where are other sources of photo samples for encouragement?

 

[WhiteBus]

I have an Evelyne 40 and several Evelyne 33s, all in neutral colors and all in Clemence except for one Epsom. I really like them worn with the perforations facing inwards because they are a fun cross between a tote and a crossbody messenger bag. They are perfect for short walks where you are just taking a small book or e-reader, sunglasses, small umbrella and small water bottle. The 40 fits a light jacket nicely too, which makes it perfect for taking to the cinema.

People who see it generally comment the bag looks nice, and the leather quality is visibly different. But I still get a lot of comments asking why I am wearing a female bag, from people who know enough about fashion to recognize the bag as Hermes.

I'm still thinking about making the jump to a Birkin or Kelly 40, or even a HAC 40. Outside this forum, I have not seen any mainstream discussions about this. Men's fashion forums (or at least those with older men discussion more classic and preppy clothes, over edgier streetwear or athleisure influences) are generally hostile and argue a Birkin is established as a female bag or it's just a flex. Mainstream media is odd, where there is a Birkins for men feature every so often, but over half the men featured are gay men with a style that is much more flamboyant than the typical man or the focus is on the price. There has not been any discussion of, say, male trial lawyers using Birkin or HAC 40s as court or work bags because they are high quality and have some similarity to the classic doctor bag that opens up into a roomy leather box. On Instagram, you see far more people in t-shirts and casual wear or in very fashion forward outfits with bright colored Birkins, not more normal photos of men in business, semi-formal or smart casual with a black or dark neutral Birkin 40.

Honestly, if you're trying to look for inspiration from celebrity photos of Birkins for men, excluding rappers with bright crocodile HAC 50s, you'll only find that old photo of David Beckham. (And I simply can't find photos of men taking Evelyne 33 and 40s in the wild.)

So is there still a big disconnect between how Hermes lovers on this forum versus how one's typical social circles will react to a man carrying a black Birkin 40? How do you make the jump and where are other sources of photo samples for encouragement?

Your post raises several points and to address them in no particular order:

function - you explain what you carry
Evelynes hang from your body - you will literally have to carry a Birkin
a Kelly you have the option, but access will not be as easy an an Evelyne

the issue of gender should not be a problem, but we have to accept that it can be;
if you have the self-assurance to carry a Birkin or Kelly, there is nothing to be concerned about
don't look to social media for guidance; look around you in the real world - the world that you live in;
as you indirectly observed
social media content is created by a particular type of person and does not truly represent the general (I avoided average) man or woman
my prejudice against the influence of social media and influencers is clear to see!

If you are still thinking of 'making the jump' a Kelly Messenger might be just the choice for you!
all the prized attributes of Hermes - introduced for men

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

To clarify, I would be wearing a large Evelyne and a large Birkin in completely different contexts, given the Birkin is far larger. Bringing a laptop would be the main use case, and I currently prefer a tote for that instead of forcing a larger laptop into an Evelyne or other crossbody bag.

I wear both an Evelyne and similar sized crossbody messengers from other brands, but again, not when I'd consider something like a Birkin.

I am equally prejudiced against social media influencers and am very self assured, but you do have to consider people's reactions if you would be using the Birkin as a laptop bag for anything that has to do with a professional or networking context. It's not always about you.

I never liked any of the Hermes messengers after the Steves from 10 years ago, and even then I wish they were a little larger. All my cross body bags can fit a 15 inch laptop, even if it might be a snug fit for a couple. I have not seen the point in carrying a mini cross body bag over my current size, as the difference in perceived convenience or weight is not important to me.

 

[WhiteBus]

Steves were nice

 

[papertiger]

I have an Evelyne 40 and several Evelyne 33s, all in neutral colors and all in Clemence except for one Epsom. I really like them worn with the perforations facing inwards because they are a fun cross between a tote and a crossbody messenger bag. They are perfect for short walks where you are just taking a small book or e-reader, sunglasses, small umbrella and small water bottle. The 40 fits a light jacket nicely too, which makes it perfect for taking to the cinema.

People who see it generally comment the bag looks nice, and the leather quality is visibly different. But I still get a lot of comments asking why I am wearing a female bag, from people who know enough about fashion to recognize the bag as Hermes.

I'm still thinking about making the jump to a Birkin or Kelly 40, or even a HAC 40. Outside this forum, I have not seen any mainstream discussions about this. Men's fashion forums (or at least those with older men discussion more classic and preppy clothes, over edgier streetwear or athleisure influences) are generally hostile and argue a Birkin is established as a female bag or it's just a flex. Mainstream media is odd, where there is a Birkins for men feature every so often, but over half the men featured are gay men with a style that is much more flamboyant than the typical man or the focus is on the price. There has not been any discussion of, say, male trial lawyers using Birkin or HAC 40s as court or work bags because they are high quality and have some similarity to the classic doctor bag that opens up into a roomy leather box. On Instagram, you see far more people in t-shirts and casual wear or in very fashion forward outfits with bright colored Birkins, not more normal photos of men in business, semi-formal or smart casual with a black or dark neutral Birkin 40.

Honestly, if you're trying to look for inspiration from celebrity photos of Birkins for men, excluding rappers with bright crocodile HAC 50s, you'll only find that old photo of David Beckham. (And I simply can't find photos of men taking Evelyne 33 and 40s in the wild.)

So is there still a big disconnect between how Hermes lovers on this forum versus how one's typical social circles will react to a man carrying a black Birkin 40? How do you make the jump and where are other sources of photo samples for encouragement?

There is a man that carried a black B 40 (ghw) on the commute I do. I have seen him around with the same bag for a decade. Around him (and me) are floods of men with hideous backpacks where pre-pandemic at least would have been carrying briefcases/doc holders/laptop cases. Their new 'designer' and sporty/technical backpacks look like rags, his black B 40 still looks immaculate and one can tell from the way it's carried it's not light.

I carry a Evie (not a guy) and often a handheld at the same time too, I'm not adverse to either, but I know the way we wear bags is the biggest design consideration for most. You just have to know you and make the jump for yourself.

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

There is a man that carried a black B 40 (ghw) on the commute I do. I have seen him around with the same bag for a decade. Around him (and me) are floods of men with hideous backpacks where pre-pandemic at least would have been carrying briefcases/doc holders/laptop cases. Their new 'designer' and sporty/technical backpacks look like rags, his black B 40 still looks immaculate and one can tell from the way it's carried it's not light.

I carry a Evie (not a guy) and often a handheld at the same time too, I'm not adverse to either, but I know the way we wear bags is the biggest design consideration for most. You just have to know you and make the jump for yourself.

This is the most succint, most concise, most articulate response I have ever read on this topic.

Google, ChatGPT and Perplexity combined did not give me this incredible insight. Salute.

 

[cluelessboyfriend]

Two more questions.

First, what would a man commuting with a black B40 above likely have in it? The B40 empty is already over 2 kg, and my understanding is one should not put more than 5-6 kg inside so as not to abuse the bag and handles (and if there is a laptop, much of that allowance is accounted for). Where is the line between workhorse use and abuse for the B40, and the commute context above is a great example.

Second, is there a big difference when a man uses a B35 over a B40? Is the B35 that much more manageable for a smaller man or one who doesn't need as much space (which you can't fill with heavier items anyway)? I've held B40s and I'm not the largest guy, and I thought the B40 is the right size for a typical man outside the very short or very slim men. It's about the size of a typical leather tote bag, and smaller when closed than the typical holdall or duffel.

On the other hand, while the B35 still fits a 15 inch laptop and probably does away with just enough excess dead space, the B35 was the original woman's size and I thought it is still readily perceived as a woman's bag. I find myself very interested in trying a B40, but wary when told the B35 is a unisex size and can be styled for either gender.

 

[WhiteBus]

you are too obsessed with gender
the right bag is that which is best for what needs to be transported

if you cannot reconcile the correct bag for your purpose
with your concern for negative thoughts from others
then you might have to come to terms with the idea that it might not be the bag for you

 

[Nikhil7286]

Two more questions.

First, what would a man commuting with a black B40 above likely have in it? The B40 empty is already over 2 kg, and my understanding is one should not put more than 5-6 kg inside so as not to abuse the bag and handles (and if there is a laptop, much of that allowance is accounted for). Where is the line between workhorse use and abuse for the B40, and the commute context above is a great example.

Second, is there a big difference when a man uses a B35 over a B40? Is the B35 that much more manageable for a smaller man or one who doesn't need as much space (which you can't fill with heavier items anyway)? I've held B40s and I'm not the largest guy, and I thought the B40 is the right size for a typical man outside the very short or very slim men. It's about the size of a typical leather tote bag, and smaller when closed than the typical holdall or duffel.

On the other hand, while the B35 still fits a 15 inch laptop and probably does away with just enough excess dead space, the B35 was the original woman's size and I thought it is still readily perceived as a woman's bag. I find myself very interested in trying a B40, but wary when told the B35 is a unisex size and can be styled for either gender.

Too much focus on the gendered nature of it all. If the 40 feels right to you proportionally, great! The 35 is a bit lighter while being capacious and is my out in the city bag of choice for my work commute. But I also have a small 25cm Kelly Messenger now, dainty yes but I sometimes need a bag but not one big enough for a laptop, and that one fits the bill. Same with a Hac a dos. The KM GM fits my 14” laptop and is more traditional masculine but it still doesn’t carry the biggest B35 load! So each serves a purpose.

 

[papertiger]

Two more questions.

First, what would a man commuting with a black B40 above likely have in it? The B40 empty is already over 2 kg, and my understanding is one should not put more than 5-6 kg inside so as not to abuse the bag and handles (and if there is a laptop, much of that allowance is accounted for). Where is the line between workhorse use and abuse for the B40, and the commute context above is a great example.

Second, is there a big difference when a man uses a B35 over a B40? Is the B35 that much more manageable for a smaller man or one who doesn't need as much space (which you can't fill with heavier items anyway)? I've held B40s and I'm not the largest guy, and I thought the B40 is the right size for a typical man outside the very short or very slim men. It's about the size of a typical leather tote bag, and smaller when closed than the typical holdall or duffel.

On the other hand, while the B35 still fits a 15 inch laptop and probably does away with just enough excess dead space, the B35 was the original woman's size and I thought it is still readily perceived as a woman's bag. I find myself very interested in trying a B40, but wary when told the B35 is a unisex size and can be styled for either gender.

I've no idea what the man commuting carried. I would be surprised if there wasn't one or more work related devises. Some people work on the train, he was not one of those.

The smaller the B the more 'dainty' the proportions. I don't think it hits woman's 'handbag' proportions until 30.

I am considered average height for woman (5'.5") and average weight (US 4-6). I consider the B or K 35 an average sized work/day bag for a woman - not a big bag at all.

IMO, a B or K 40 is an average size work/day bag for an average man (UK 5'.9"-5'.10") but a B 35 still looks like a casual handheld, especially carried very undone.

 

[J.T.]

This might be an unpopular opinion but carrying a 10K+ bag to work might give the wrong impression in some industries. Yea Birkins are work horses and beautiful pieces that should be used as much as possible but it should still fit the intended purpose and your needs. This is both in terms of size and to an extent the business environment you work in. Gender norms are outdated, as are dress codes, and I am a strong believer of wear what you like, but if you do, own it. If you’re not comfortable it usually shows. Sometimes the trusty trashed up backpack is the better choice *ducks for cover*…