A few seasons ago, Joey on the sitcom Friends tried carrying around a handbag, only to get laughed at by his pals and sundry strangers alike. The world, clearly, was not ready at the time for the style statement that had made it to the ramp.

But while ?purses? may be far from the fashion reality of the Calcutta male, there are plenty of peppy accessories for the busy executive.

Men?s bags are becoming smaller and sleeker. But while making a choice, watch out for not only appearance but also space and utility.

Portfolio bag

Valued more for their reliability than charm, this everyday accessory for the office-going male has come a long way since the days of the shabby hold-alls. The focus of a portfolio is usually depth and capacity rather than looks. From calculator to cardholders, files to folders, these have separate compartments for all the necessities of daily life.

Shop stop: Dolphin Leather and Leather World at Metro Plaza, Hidesign at Forum and City Centre and Samsonite at City Centre

Colour check: Black, brown, cherry and tan

Material matters: Buffalo and calf leather

Price tag: Between 1,100 and Rs 4,400

Life line: Leather World and Dolphin give a warranty of one year whereas Samsonite offers a warranty of three years around the world

Check out the bags that are fitted with durable and reliable locks at Leather World

Laptop bag

With PC becoming pass? and laptops becoming the order of the hour, laptop cases are here to stay. Most have enough space to carry everything as you would in your portfolio bag. So get wired and sport that executive elegance.

Shop stop: Dolphin Leather, Leather World, Hidesign and Samsonite

Colour check: Brown, cherry, black and grey

Material matters: Nylon, leather, tetron, imitation leather

Price tag: Rs 1,850 to Rs 6,300

Life line: Leather World and Dolphin Leather give a warranty of one year whereas Samsonite bags carry a warranty of three years around the world

Check out the case at Dolphin Leather, which is padded with steel to absorb any jerks while travelling

Briefcase

Briefcases are the old staple of men?s office gear. But if the latest designs are anything to go by, the humble briefcase has gone in for a sleek makeover. Check out the exciting exteriors and the spacious interiors.

Shop stop: Dolphin Leather and Samsonite

Colour check: Black, cherry, tan and grey

Material matters: Buffalo leather and other soft hide

Price tag: Between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500

Life line: One-year warranty at Dolphin Leather and three years at Samsonite

Decide what kind of case you want before setting out as there are a number of sizes ? from visiting card cases to larger pieces for laptop and files

Shoulder bag

A college-goer?s pop pick, or a biker?s best friend, these bags make travelling convenient for anyone on the move. So if you are carrying books or business files, there is enough space to hold everything.

Shop stop: Dolphin Leather and Hidesign

Colour check: Brown, black, cherry and tan

Material matters: Buffalo and calf leather

Price tag: Between Rs 900 to Rs 2,000

Life line: One-year warranty at both Dolphin Leather and Hidesign

Available at most bag stores, make sure the straps are sturdy enough to resist the snap trap

Over-nighter

If you are going for a board meeting out of town, an over-nighter might be just the thing for you. With endless space and numerous compartments to take care of your files and folders, these bags also double up as travelling kits and sometimes even your portfolio bags.

Shop stop: Dolphin Leather, Leather World, Hidesign and Samsonite

Colour check: Black, brown and tan

Material matters: Calf leather

Price tag: Between Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000

Life line: Leather World and Dolphin Leather give a warranty of one year whereas Samsonite gives a warranty of three years anywhere the world

Check out the over-nighters on wheels at the Samsonite outlet in City Centre