What’s the difference between a “Hold-All” and a Man Purse?

Holdall vs. The Murse

We all need to get stuff from point A to point B.  But sometimes our arms can’t offer the necessary amount of control.  This is why humans have invented these devices that make the transportation of multiple objects easier.  They’re called… “bags.”  Are there subtle differences between which bags the males and females of our species choose to transport all of their, uh,  crap?  Yes.  Here’s two of the main ones:

Difference 1: Size – Topman Navy Canvas Holdall – $110.00

A holdall is really just a fancy term for weekend bag or duffel.  You don’t take a holdall to work.  That’s what your brief, portfolio, or messenger bag is for.  The problems start when your “holdall” gets so small that you can’t fit a weekend’s worth of gear in it for a quick getaway.  Then it becomes a man purse.  Women’s purses are usually shaped like a quarter to half size holdall.  No flap like a messenger or flap-over brief, but instead just a top zipper or open entry.  Make sure you can get enough stuff in your holdall for an overnight trip.

Difference 2: How you carry it – Topman Stone Canvas Holdall – $100

Grab it by the top handles, or go cross body or over a shoulder with the strap.  Don’t put those top handles over your shoulder even if they’re tall and long enough to do so.  If it’s boxy like the Topman bag above, it’ll quickly look like a big ol’ man purse if you carry it the way the model is carrying it.  Stick to carrying the top handles with your hands, and it looks like any other duffel  (to me).

Silly?  Absolutely.  True?  Kinda.  If you have any other key differences between the holdall and murse, make sure to  leave them in the comments section below…