If the reason for brown-bagging your lunch has nothing to do with costs and more to do with image, we get you. Lunchboxes are usually tailored towards children (Batman metal box, anyone?) or styled to look like a woman’s accessory. For some lunchbox inspiration that is suitable for a grown-up man, check out the list below of our 15 favorite functional choices.
Stanley Classic Lunchbox Cooler
Stanley’s classic lunchbox is your go-to if you dream of what the outdoorsy, construction worker type would carry to work. A sturdy plastic exterior with double wall foam insulation keeps your well-deserved meal fresh and cool. The lid is reversible and doubles as a quick lunch tray if you’re out of desk space, and the interior is compartmentalized to keep your food items separate. Its strong plastic handle folds over and easily locks into place to save space, and locks again in the upright position so your food doesn’t sway around inside. Nothing beats the classics, and this solid tote is one of them.
Kaufmann Mercantile Canvas Lunch Bag
For a rustic, outdoorsy, and completely practical vibe, the lunch bag by Kaufmann Mercantile should be your go-to for both convenience and style. A handmade, waxed canvas bag featuring leather straps with brass buckles will keep you looking trendy, while still holding onto minimalistic styling due to its roll-down format. Reinforced stitching lets this bag stand upright even when opened, and space-saving cleanup is a breeze by rolling it up and fastening it with the featured straps and buckles. The waxed cotton exterior keeps water out, and a simple wipe down will clean it just fine. The bag is also multifunctional, so it can be used as a standard carrying bag when you are not at the office.
Kosox Original Oxford Lunch Box
A more standardized, modern-looking lunchbox option, the original Oxford lunch box by Kosox will take good care of your meal. A high-grade Oxford cloth exterior with a non-toxic PEVA foil lining inside creates a thermal insulation to keep your food warm or cold. Both fabric and zipper are waterproof, meaning no soggy lunches on a less than desirable rainy day. Collapsible interior walls work as food dividers, or they can be removed if you choose to pack your lunch freelance style. Antimicrobial features on the interior keep away odor and bacteria growth. With ten color and pattern choices to pick from, this lunch box does its job while looking good too.
Hango Insulated Lunch Box Cooler
Another more straightforward design, the Hango insulated lunch box cooler has a simple but stylish look that looks more like an accessory than lunch pail. Made from high-density polyester 300D and a high-performance thermal insulation, your food will remain at the ideal temperature all day. The best part is that it comes as a two-sized kit: for days when you are making lunch for yourself (smaller bag), or days when you are extra generous and bring snacks for the whole team (larger bag).
ECOLunchbox 3-in-1 Steel Food Container
If toting a lunch bag just isn’t your jam, a stainless steel three-in-one food container set will do the trick. This bento-style ECOlunchbox is composed of three layers: the bottom is a perfect fit for a sandwich, the second layer is deeper and ideal for a cup of food such as rice or pasta, and the third adjustable container can hold dry snacks such as chips or crackers. Each layer snaps securely in with two side clips that can be adjusted to desired stiffness. Although this option isn’t ideal for soups or sauce-laden foods as it doesn’t contain a plastic seal, if you are down with standardized lunches in a convenient package, this Ecolunchbox works perfectly.
Zojirushi Mr.Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar
A perfect non-conventional but equally practical option, the Mr.Bento by Zojirushi is space-saving and convenient. Shaped like a thermos, the container is stainless steel and vacuum insulated to keep your food warm or cold. Inside the jar contains four removable microwavable bowls, so you can easily throw in a variety of food that stacks on top of one another without cross-contamination or leakage. It comes with a quality tote bag for easy transport, but you can simply bring the jar around on its own knowing it won’t leak.
Igloo Corporation Maxcold Workman’s Meal To Go
If you are completely starved by the time the clock hits twelve, you will need a lunchbox that can carry more than a flimsy sandwich and an apple. Here comes Igloo’s Maxcold Workman’s Meal to Go with its nine beer-can capacity – meaning plenty of storage for all kinds of food. Insulated with 25% more foam than most lunchboxes, this rugged-looking cooler is every outdoorsman’s dream. Its sturdy rubberized base and stiff outer canvas lining holds the shape even when empty, and speaks to its durability.
Frozzypack Lunchbox
An ice pack, lunchbox and a punch of color all in one, the Frozzypack lunchbox has been making waves in this niche. Made of solid molded plastic and dishwasher safe, the colorful lid is much more than a fashion statement; non-toxic cooling gel built inside the lid keeps your food cold and fresh for up to seven hours. Just throw the lid in the freezer overnight and you are good to go for the day. If bold statement colors aren’t your thing, fear not: there are basic black or white options to choose from.
L.L.Bean Lunchbox
L.L.Bean is a well-known name in the backpack scene and brings that niche influence into its ever so popular lunchbox. Sporting the same tough packcloth you’d expect from a quality school bag, this lunchbox is BPA free and definitely more spacious than meets the eye. An internal mesh pocket is a perfect fit for an icepack, and the lunchbox itself is easily transportable. L.L.Bean’s lunchbox comes in a variety of colors and designs to keep up with your fashion sense and is favorably priced.
Built NY Bento Sandwich Container with Neoprene Sleeve
If slim and minimalistic is your go-to style, reach for this Bento sandwich container by Built. A dishwasher safe sandwich container is securely zipped into a Neoprene sleeve with a handy wrist strap attached. Neoprene isn’t just for wetsuits; it is extremely insulating and durable while protecting against spills and accidental drops. Also, the sleeve is machine washable in the event of a messy chow down session (it happens to the best of us).
Everest Cooler Lunch Bag
Everest is no stranger in making quality lunchboxes that last a lifetime. This simple knapsack-looking cooler is insulated with an interior vinyl lining. The front zippered pockets make for a great place to store utensils or extra wrapped snacks, and dual mesh pockets on either side can hold small cans or bottles. An adjustable strap provides another way to carry it for those days when the office comes home with you. This bag is easily transitional from the office lunch tote to a “weekend at the park” snack holder.
EasyLunchboxes Insulated Cooler Bag
Made from high-quality 300D polyester, the insulated lunch box cooler by EasyLunchboxes is a durable and incredibly spacious option. A shockingly deep interior comfortably fits your sandwich container, a thermos, a beverage, an icepack and some snacks to boot. For those of us with hearty appetites, our food options are unlimited. When all has been consumed, the cooler bag folds flat for easy cleanup and storage.
Bento Lunchbox by Lifemark Labs
If eating healthy was one of your new year’s goals, this Bento lunchbox by Lifemark Labs can assist with food portion control. Made from high-quality food grade plastic (BPA free), this nifty little box is freezer and microwave safe. The three compartments separate your food and promise a leak-proof, portion-controlled lunch experience. Why complicate bringing your lunch to work? A no-frills bento lunchbox is a convenient option for just about any guy.
MIER Insulated Lunch Box
For those who take their lunchtime seriously, there is the insulated lunchbox by MIER. Two separate compartments keep your cold and warm items separate, so no longer do you have to pick between a warmed chili and fresh pasta salad again. A roomy zippered top makes an ideal place for dry snacks, while the front zipper pocket can easily hold utensils or personal items. The PEVA lining easily wipes clean while keeping everything insulated. Comes with a handle and a shoulder strap for two ways to transport.
Brown Paper Lunch Bag
Were you extremely fond of the good old days, when your mom would pack your sandwich and apple in a brown paper bag each morning? Keep up with the reminiscing spirit and get an (extremely) upgraded version of the brown paper lunch bag. Durable and tear-proof, don’t throw this one in the recycle bin when you’re done eating. Made from Tyvek materials, this bag looks and feels like authentic brown paper but is leak resistant and insulating. A magnetic strip rests at the opening so it securely stays shut when you fold it up.