Having said that though, what exactly constitutes a man bag? (referred to here on in as MB - even writing the word in its entirity brings me out in a cold sweat).

Is it all about the size? Is it still a MB if it's slightly bigger than a beer mat? Or is it all about style? I haven't got a clue to be honest.

And what's with this MB 'retro' malarkey? Adidas, Gola, Nike - all the go when I was a nipper. Now its everywhere, and making a bigger comeback than Spandau Ballet (the boy Hadley and the chaps could give the youth of today some handy style tips, let me tell you).

MBs should be taken Through the Barricades and shot at point blank range. Fact.

You see these men, giving it the large one in their tight-fitting cardigans, retro pumps, retro hair, listening to retro music on their iPod thingy, with a retro MB slung around their shoulders. It pains me, it really does.

Leave the bags to the women I say. So there.


Bags of style

Jason Houghton, 19, and Oliver Hagger, 21, students, Chichester.

Oliver's bag is from USC, £20. He uses it to carry uni stuff in, and shopping. Jason's bag was a present.













Farren Minns, 36, Chichester.

Bag from M&S. "I don't like to have things in my pockets. I carry my wallet, keys and lip balm in it."














Tim Field, 43, Chichester.

Retro bag from a vintage shop in Brighton. "I always use them! I use them to carry my wallet, books, gloves and hat in."













Stephen Bracher, 20, Chichester.

Bag from River Island, £25. He keeps food in it.














Lawrence Hall, 25, Chichester.

Striking orange bag from Cult, £60. It is for his laptop.












Luke Vinall, 21, Chichester.

Bag from Stones, £20. He also keeps food in his.