Alright, let’s talk about these Balenciaga bags for men. I kept seeing them pop up, you know? Online, sometimes out and about. At first, I kinda brushed them off. Seemed like another one of those super expensive trends mostly for folks way younger or way richer than me.
But they stuck around. Saw a guy at the airport once, had this crossbody thing, looked pretty beat up but also kinda functional. Got me thinking. Maybe there was more to it than just the flashy logo? I needed a new bag anyway, my old backpack was finally giving up after years of abuse.
Getting Curious
So, I did what most of us do – fell down an internet hole one weekend. Started looking at their stuff. Not just the crazy runway pieces, but the more ‘normal’ bags.
- Backpacks: They had a few, looked sturdy enough. The ‘Explorer’ model caught my eye. Simple, black, seemed practical.
- Messenger/Crossbody bags: Some looked decent for carrying essentials, but maybe a bit small for my daily grind.
- Totes: Saw those big shopper totes too. Not really my style, felt a bit much for just grabbing groceries or heading to the office.
The prices, though. Wow. That was a reality check. Made me pause and really think, “Do I need this? Or do I just want it because it’s everywhere?” Big difference.
Taking the Plunge (Sort Of)
I wasn’t about to drop full retail. Just couldn’t justify it for a bag that hauls my lunch and laptop. So, I started scouting the pre-owned market. Took a while, wading through fakes and overpriced listings. Patience paid off, eventually found an Explorer backpack that looked barely used, for a price that didn’t make my wallet scream bloody murder. Pulled the trigger.
When it arrived, gotta say, it felt… substantial. Good materials, solid zippers, seemed well put together. Okay, maybe there’s some quality behind the name, I thought. Packed it up with my usual stuff – laptop, notebook, chargers, water bottle, the works. Fit everything fine.
Living With It
Used it for maybe, hmm, eight or nine months? Took it to work, used it for weekend trips. It did the job, no question. Held my stuff, didn’t fall apart. It was… a good backpack. But here’s the thing I didn’t expect.
I felt kinda self-conscious using it. Like, every time I put it on, I was aware it was a BALENCIAGA bag. Not just a bag. Got a few nods, maybe one or two comments like “Nice bag”. But mostly, it just felt… loud? Even though it was plain black. It’s weird, hard to explain. It didn’t feel like my bag, it felt like I was carrying around a billboard for a brand.
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m too old for this stuff, or just not the target audience. But the feeling lingered. It wasn’t comfortable, like my old worn-in bags always were. It felt like I was playing a part, trying to be someone who carries that kind of bag.
The Aftermath
So, what happened? I sold it. Cleaned it up, listed it, and it went pretty quick. Got a decent chunk of my money back, which was good. Went out and bought a simple, sturdy canvas backpack from a brand nobody really talks about. Cost me way less.
And you know what? It felt right. It just holds my stuff. Doesn’t make a statement. Doesn’t make me feel weird. It’s just… a bag. Guess I learned something about myself. I value function and feeling comfortable way more than flashing a brand name. That whole experience, from wanting it to using it to selling it, kinda cemented that for me. Sometimes the simple, un-hyped stuff is just better for your own peace of mind.
