

School’s back in full swing, and whether you’re a youngster hitting high school for the first time, or a seasoned vet heading back to grad school, we want you to look good. One piece you need to be on your ‘A’ game each and every day? A backpack with some serious style. Here are our top choices for bags that will allow you to tote your books with some swagger. Take a seat, listen up, and raise your hands if you have any questions.
Y-3
Neoprene with mock leather trim and adjustable straps. But none of that matters. Throw it on your back because it looks as badass as it does fresh. Plus, it will last you years to come, unlike that cheap canvas thing your mom bought you in grade school.
3.1 Phillip Lim
All black everything. Leather. Unquestionably sleek and undoubtedly manly.
3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Leather Backpack, $1095.
Maison Martin Margiela
Calfskin leather and felted wool with all the right details. Made with the same Italian love as your favorite suit.
Maison Martin Margiela Black Leather & Wool Backpack, $1,640.
Kris Van Assche
Made from textured plastic for a younger feel, this is the perfect backpack for the young man with some big game.
Kris Van Assche Textured Backpack, $407.27.
Jil Sander
Something that looks like you grabbed it straight from Lebron James’ closet. This drawstring backpack is made from textured wool and doubles as the perfect gym bag. It’s sleek, it’s modern, it’s exactly what you need to make it through this school year.
Jil Sander Drawstring Backpack, $711.20.
Herschel Supply Co.
The breakout backpacks brand has deservingly landed a spot on our list, and this model is one of our favorites. Built with suede, leather and cotton, it’s strong enough for even your most ridiculously oversized text books.
Herschel Supply Co. Brock Backpack, $200.
Giuseppe Zanotti
A black leather and navy velvet backpack that looks akin to something found in Batman’s lair. Big enough to keep all your super hero-like gadgets.
Emporio Armani
Everything about this backpack is perfectly modern. And it’s grain leather in a midnight blue, what more could you ask for?
Eastpak
Black pebble leather with a lot smaller price tag. You want this, young man. Trust me.
Eastpak Classic backpack, $180.85.
Diesel
The classic Diesel edge all rolled into one bad mother f*cker of a backpack. This book carrier is rock ‘n’ roll from the studded straps to the leather shell. And we love it.
Diesel ‘The Brave One’ Backpack, $307.33.
Côte & Ciel
The slim fit sweatpants of the backpack game. And sweat pants are definitely cool right now. So is this backpack.
Côte & Ciel Grey Rhine New Flat Backpack, $205.
Carven
The graphics remind me of an old motorcyclists tattoos mixed with children’s art, and I think that’s worth having on a backpack.
Carven Printed Backpack, $373,24.
ASOS
The ever classic black & white, done in a modern leather backpack. Oh, and did I mention it’s a steal?
ASOS Leather Backpack, $106.41.
Mi-Pac
For those who like to be a little extra flashy.