In the world of metrosexuality, “murses” are on the rise.

Instead of gym bags, small bags similar to women’s purses are seen swinging from the shoulders of some the most masculine men. Clearly women aren’t the only gender to notice the efficiency of purses, where a quick grab of an iPod, car keys or gum is more easily done. With the male purse, men no longer have to worry about bulky pockets making their hips look fat.

Sitcom fanatics may remember the debut of the man bag from the Friends episode, “The One With Joey’s Bag,” where Rachel gives Joey a bag so as to appear more sophisticated for an audition. Jerry Seinfeld also toted a purse in “The Reverse Peephole,” during which he spent the episode’s entirety defending his “European carry-all.”

The trend is rising and top-end designers are catching on. Gucci’s waist Belt Bag is made of jacquard fabric, a woven material, with brown leather trim and an adjustable leather strap. The bag is 12 inches wide and 6.5 inches high and retails for a not-so-small $585 — unless you’re a Hilton, probably enough to make your wallet want to jump ship. Prada’s small messenger bag retails between $600-650, is made of microfiber and measures 12″ x 11″ x 5″.

These two make consumers’ wallets hide for safety in the depths of their normally sized bags, but Louis Vuitton’s “Mage” bag would make them cry from emptiness. The leather bag designed with the label’s emblem is priced at $881.63.

Freshman journalism major Alan Edrinn doesn’t understand the bag’s purpose with men.

“I find it strange,” Edrinn said. “Guys really don’t need a purse. I wouldn’t have anything to put in it.”

Sophomore art major Nelson Bland questions his own need for a purse.

“I don’t see it as so practical,” Bland said. “Males tend to schlep a lot less around, therefore there is little need for such an accessory.”

Bland then considered how fabulous a purse would have to be for him to sling one across his shoulder.

“I suppose for trips and such, a really crazy-looking one might catch my fancy,” Bland said. “But in this sort of fashion climate, I think it would stand out in the wrong sort of way and just make one look like a confused tool. Maybe I would if it were shaped like a leaf, or something really cool.”

For senior economics major Evan Karnes, the issue was solved upon hearing the product’s name.

“I wouldn’t wear one just because it has purse in the name,” Karnes said. “I couldn’t see a real tough guy wearing that, or a guy who’s worried about his appearance, but then again maybe he just needs something to carry his stuff in.”