Let’s Talk About… Murse
Men Clutch, Men Purse or Murse – What do you think about carrying one?
Remember that time when I talked to you about men’s clutch? That was about 3 years ago. Today, I’m back again to talk about the same subject.
If it’s your first time seeing the word “Murse” – it is the portmanteau of “man” and “purse.” Back in the days, purse was a word associated with the fairer sex only. But in 2016, it’s definitely not something new to see men strutting down the street with clutches and purses.
Recently, I started to have the idea that I might have “outgrown” my old folio-clutch because I felt it to be a little too big for my needs: I’ve been using this Diesel backpack whenever I need to carry tons of things (by the way, this Diesel backpack is pretty awesome. It’s sturdy, it has large volume, its buffed leather still looks stunning over time and the leather has become softer too); When I only need to carry my laptop for meetings, I’d just use my document case. (The A4-sized 13″ Macbook Air can fit into any document case literally.)
So here’s the problem: when I go out and I don’t need to bring along my laptop, I won’t bring any bag, but I’d still need to carry my wallet, phone, keys and whatnot. Normally, I would just carry them in my pockets but then 1) they create unflattering bulges, 2) my pants are normally slim fit so it’s not very comfortable to have them in pockets, and 3) I have a tendency to break my credit cards because I put them in my wallet, and I carry my wallet in the back pockets. The problem is more apparent when I’m all dressed up in suit for formal events or dressier occasions.
The old clutch is a tad too big and probably not so suitable for dressier evening dates, so I need something smaller and classy. That’s when the idea to get a new murse happened. 😀
What do you think about carrying a murse?
To be honest, I think murse tend to make me (or maybe other men) look feminine. But because murse is really functional (and it seems to solve my problem,) I think it’s such a waste to give up on this idea because of that. I believe the trick to counter that lies in the design of the murse we choose – for a manlier look, I’d go with a murse that’s rather subtle in color, not too small in size and not too flashy and shiny in design. (Personally, I have a very high tolerant for anything floral so I’m OK with a floral murse any given day haha!) It goes back to the idea of minimalist. Keeping it minimal also means your murse can work easily with the rest of your wardrobe.
Here are a few really great murses that I’ve considered, and they are minimal and classy. What say you?
Herschel Supply Co, STUDIO Network XL Pouch
Lotuff Leather, Zipper #7 Pouch
Want Les Essentiels De La Vie ‘Barajas’ Clutch
Want Les Essentiels De La Vie ‘Barajas’, $215
AMI Small Zip Pouch
Small Zip Pouch in Cognac, $240
Hender Scheme, Zip Around Clutch
Z Zegna, Geometric Pattern Zipped Clutch
Z Zegna, Geometric Pattern Zipped Clutch, $285
Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Manhattan’ Clutch
Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Manhattan’ Clutch, $290
Dior Homme, Camouflage Pouch
Dior Homme Camouflage Pouch, $495
Gucci Pebble-Grain Leather Pouch
Gucci Pebble-Grain Leather Pouch, $650