A new study reveals that sales of ‘man-bags’ are up 143 per cent over the past three months.

And tellingly, only 20 per cent of the nation’s men feel self-conscious about the trend as the stigma attached to carrying a handbag for their essentials finally disappears.

Research carried out by eBay.co.uk shows that the fail-safe rucksack, favoured by stylish celebrities such as Ryan Gosling, remains the most popular style for men, with practicality being the primary reason men had for needing a bag.

A chunky holdall is the second most popular style (35 per cent) and the messenger bag (30 per cent) came in third.