1. “Empty your pockets and wallet to figure out what size bag you need. Stuffed pockets distort your appearance. You may be wearing a nice suit, but what’s the point if your pockets are full of change?”

2. “Consider form and function. Everything on the bag should have a purpose. Look for exterior pockets for not-so-valuable items you need to access easily (a BART ticket), interior compartments for items you need to find quickly (a cell phone), and zippered ones for more val­uable items (a wallet).”

3. “Go heavy-duty. When it comes to materials, whether it be cloth or leather, always veer on the heavy side. Men tend to be rather hard on their things, and we tend to carry a lot of junk.”

4. “Don’t overstuff. Go through your everyday essentials and sift out the items you rarely or never use.”