9 Best Briefcases for Men, According to Real Users

Not a lot of people use standard briefcases anymore. After all, we’re so used to storing everything (even our documents) electronically.

However, there’s just something about carrying a briefcase that screams “professional.”

Nowadays, you can even find various designs that meet your budget, needs, and style preferences. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best briefcases for men.

Let’s find out:

Prosper Shaked

Prosper Shaked

Personal Injury Attorney | Owner, The Law Offices of Prosper Shaked

As a trial attorney, I require a versatile briefcase that does not lose integrity after a year of use and abuse. I’ve gone through multiple briefcases at this point.

I’ve concluded that the best do-it-all briefcases are made from synthetic materials like ballistic nylon. Although I would love to carry a beautiful designer bag made of luxurious leather, they just don’t last. Natural leather cannot compete with high-quality synthetic materials, especially when carried through rain and snow.

I’ve been using a Tumi Compact Large Screen Laptop Briefcase for the better part of a year and it is still in brand new condition. It has more pockets and compartments than I know what to do with. It is especially useful in a trial where I need to have everything organized and easy to reach.

Caleb Backe

caleb-backe

Certified Life Coach | Business Consultant, Maple Holistics

The Lifewit men’s military laptop bag is an excellent modern briefcase. It has Molle sides which allow for more pockets to be easily added and removed. It’s sturdy design and easily accessible compartments make it a comfortable bag to carry around.

It’s designed to allow you to carry around a water bottle which is great for easy access to hydration. Its water repellent material makes walking around in the rain stress-free when you’re carrying your laptop.

Dane Kolbaba

Dane Kolbaba

Entrepreneur | Owner, Denver Party Ride

3. Samsonite Kombi Slimbrief Briefcase

$125.38
Buy on Amazon
03/06/2024 04:21 pm GMT

I love the sleek, black, modern look, but enjoy brown leather briefcases and bags every once in a while. The Samsonite Kombi Slimbrief Briefcase, all black with brown leather and matte silver accents, brings the best of both worlds — it’s a very stylish look.

It’s made of rugged ballistic nylon and genuine leather, and the interior is a muted orange-gold and very well padded to protect your items from shock.

The main compartment fits a laptop size up to 15.6″, and has an additional compartment for your adapter, charger, and some paperwork and a mesh zipper pocket for other items.

Outside is a zipper pocket that fits a number of small items, and has sleeves inside for pens and cards. A sleeve on the other side of it is a sleeve that allows you to slip it on to your upright luggage, or you can use the rear zipper there to convert it into an additional pocket for more of your items. The shoulder strap is adjustable and removable.

That said, it is a Slimbrief briefcase and is compact, so don’t expect to be able to jam a lot of bulky items inside. However, it’s very durable (it is Samsonite after all), and has yet to show any significant wear and tear after months of regular use. Well worth the investment!

Anders Rydholm

Anders Rydhol

Owner, TypeTrail Media

I love my Wenger Venture Zippered Presentation Padfolio, it’s a two in one briefcase/padfolio. This Wenger briefcase is sort of a glorified trapper keeper that gets a lot of use at the office for keeping organized at your desk, in meetings, or at presentations.

The vinyl material looks and feels just like leather. The materials are very nice and not the least bit flimsy, and the anti-scratch lining stays looking new through everyday use.

This briefcase has padfolio versatility and superior handling options because the carry handles can hideaway into one of the two deep document sleeves that also fit most 13”-14” laptops perfectly.

When collapsed, the hideaway handles also allow this piece of gear to fit snugly inside another carrying case. I usually carry this briefcase standalone using the handles, but I like that I can comfortably fit the padfolio inside another shoulder strapped backpack or laptop case until I arrive at the office.

I use this briefcase more than any other piece of business gear I own, and it’s essential to perform most of the day to day work activities.

The focus on details keeps your documents and belongings extremely well organized, and the swiss style is minimalist, functional, and subdued. Wenger lives up to its reputation for superior craftsmanship in this briefcase at an affordable price.

Elliot Robinson

Elliot Robinson

Owner, Gunsmith Fitness

5. Addey Supply Company 17″ Leather Portfolio Bag

I strongly recommend this awesome handcrafted leather briefcase for men for these very helpful purposes:

The bag’s size is 17 X 5 X 12”, with 2 inner compartments to keep your laptop (15”-17”) and important documents firmly in place for total convenience.

It has an adjustable wide shoulder strap (1.5”)It is made of genuine leather which makes the briefcase strong, weather-resistant and adds a touch of sophistication. Perfect for students and travelers as well.

The two side pockets make extra rooms for small to medium-sized stuff, i.e. smartphone, charger, overnight bathroom kit, you name it. Not to mention the organizer slot that holds other things such as receipts, pens.

I am a proud, happy owner of this leather briefcase and I’ve been using it for both work and travel.

Andy Albertini

Andy Albertini

Owner, A2 Consulting Group

My work has taken me to multiple countries on several continents and this bag has never let me down! It is ridiculously over-engineered and has no breakable parts. The bag itself can be carried as either a traditional briefcase, or with a few switches of the strap, it can be carried as a backpack for those long treks in the bush, or airport.

As for fit and finish, I work with high net worth individuals and if I were to walk into most of their offices carrying a backpack or a nylon bag they would laugh me out to the street.

My Saddleback is rugged enough for the African bush and still refined enough for a London boardroom. It consistently draws compliments and has even helped me start conversations with new clients.

D. Gilson

D. Gilson

Writer, Auto Insurance

I despise bulky briefcases. And I’m a writer, so I don’t want to walk through the world with a briefcase that makes me look like a Wall Street type so I love the Jack Spade Tech Oxford Slim Brief.

It’s stylish and young, yet professional. And it’s a little bit like a mullet: simple gray durable fabric on the outside, with a pop of color on the inside.

With both a removable strap and perfectly-sized handles, it’s my favorite bag I’ve ever had, business or not.

Deshon Jackson

Brand Strategist | Co-Founder, AudiblWav

8. Shinola Harness Bedrock Leather Briefcase

The Shinola Harness Bedrock Leather Briefcase is for a true businessman. This briefcase checked off every box when I was in need of a new briefcase.

I’m always on the go in my industry of work. So I needed something that was durable enough that can keep up with my constant stop and go lifestyle. It only weighs 3.4lbs which is almost perfect during those long layovers at the airport.

One of the main reasons it caught my eyes was because of its stylish, yet elegant calfskin leather outfitted with weathered brass hardware and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Chachi Flores

Senior Manager, Peacock Alley

9. The Warren Messenger Bag by Fossil

It’s important to be stylish and use a briefcase that meshes with your unique style and professional career. For some time, it was hard to find a bag that didn’t easily scuff and had a comfortable strap.

The Warren Messenger Bag from Fossil is the way to go. I can easily alternate which shoulder I choose to carry the bag on. I am also able to sling the briefcase over my shoulder and still carry my coffee and read through a few emails, on my phone, while heading into work. It also doesn’t hurt to be stylish and has a briefcase that can work for both the casual and professional look.

The ultimate plus of this briefcase is that it is slim. This slender design refrains me from over-stuffing my briefcase and only allows me to take work home that is necessary to have on hand at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a briefcase for men, and why should I consider buying one?

A briefcase for men is a stylish and practical accessory designed to carry all your work utensils in an organized and secure place.

It’s a must-have for any professional man who wants to make a good impression and stay organized on the go. Whether you’re commuting to work, traveling for business, or just need a convenient way to carry your laptop, documents, and other essentials, a briefcase is a perfect solution.

Not only does a briefcase make you look more professional, but it also offers many functional benefits:

• it keeps your items organized and easily accessible
• protects your devices and important documents from damage
• help you improve your posture by evenly distributing the weight of your belongings across your body

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder briefcases are a staple in the wardrobe of any modern professional.

What is the difference between a briefcase and a messenger bag?

The main difference between a briefcase and a messenger bag is its design and function.

Briefcases tend to be more structured and formal, with a boxy shape and a handle for carrying. They’re often made of leather or other high-quality materials. They are designed to hold papers, documents, and other work-related items.

Messenger bags, on the other hand, have a more casual and relaxed design. They’re often made of canvas or nylon and have a more casual, unstructured shape. They’re worn over the shoulder or across the body and have a long strap that can be adjusted for more comfort.

Messenger bags are popular for students and young professionals who carry laptops, textbooks, and other items daily. They often have multiple pockets and compartments to keep things organized and accessible. They are designed to be comfortable and easy to carry.

Both briefcases and messenger bags are designed to carry work items. Still, they have different styles and functions, making them more suitable for different situations. Briefcases are a more formal and structured option for business meetings and professional environments.

At the same time, messenger bags are a more casual and functional option for everyday use.

How do I match my briefcase with my outfit?

Matching your briefcase with your outfit is important in creating a cohesive and stylish look. Here are some tips for matching your briefcase with your outfit:

Consider the occasion: The type of outfit you wear with your briefcase depends heavily on occasion. A suit and dressy shoes go well with a classic leather briefcase for formal occasions or work meetings. For more casual occasions or everyday wear, you can pair a casual outfit such as jeans and a sweater with a messenger bag or a backpack briefcase.

Match colors and materials: When choosing a briefcase to match your outfit, consider the colors and materials of the two. A classic leather briefcase in black or brown will go well with a suit or dress pants, while a canvas or denim messenger bag will go well with casual outfits. Ensure the colors of your briefcase and outfit match and don’t clash.

Pair it with your shoes and belt: Matching your briefcase with your shoes and belt will create a cohesive and elegant look. If you wear dressy shoes and a belt, choose a briefcase that matches your shoes and belt in color and material. If you wear more casual shoes, choose a briefcase that complements the style and color of your shoes.

By following these tips and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a stylish and neat look that complements your briefcase and reflects your personal style.

How do I care for my briefcase to make it last?

Taking proper care of your briefcase is essential if you want it to last and maintain its appearance. Here are some tips for taking care of your briefcase:

Keep it clean: Wipe down your briefcase regularly with a clean, damp cloth to remove accumulated dirt and grime over time. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the material.

Condition the leather: If you have a leather briefcase, it’s important to condition the leather regularly to keep it soft and supple. Use a high-quality leather conditioner that is specific to your type of leather.

Store it properly: When not using your briefcase, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in a humid or damp environment, as mold can form.

Handle it with care: Be gentle with your briefcase and avoid placing heavy items on it. If you need to store it in a confined space, such as an overhead bin on an airplane, put it in a protective sleeve or cover to prevent damage.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your briefcase will last for years and still look like new.

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