Billykirk

Looking for the perfect leather briefcase? Excellent. A great-looking briefcase signifies that you take your job seriously, whether you're entry-level or C-suite. The traditional briefcase — think flap top and buckles — evokes a sense of old-fashioned elegance, but in a 21st-century workplace, it can look out of place. (Particularly with the post-2020 tilt toward casual workplace attire.) But the leather briefcase can still be king of the carryalls. For a modern office, we like combining solid, vegetable-tanned leather (more on picking your leather later) with zip-top closures that keep your contents easily accessible and keep you from looking too much like an Indiana Jones throwback. Jump to: Our Criteria | Our Expert Testers | 6 Factors That Make A Quality Leather Briefcase Our Top Briefcase Picks: Our Top Pick: Satchel & Page’s Counselor Briefcase Best High-End Briefcase: Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Briefcase Best Value: Thursday Commuter Bag Best Designed: Cravar’s C.O. 15 Best Canvas Briefcase: Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase Best Luxury American Briefcase: Frank Clegg Leatherworks’ Zip-Top Briefcase Best Doctor Bag: Saddleback’s Flight Bag Best Vintage Leather Briefcase: Billykirk’s 486 15″ Schoolboy Satchel Best Luxury Runner-Up: Bleu de Chauffe Zeppo Business Bag Best Value Runner-Up: WP Standard The Woodward Briefcase Best High-End Runner-Up: Ghurka Examiner No. 5 Briefcase https://youtu.be/yccqdsLOb70 This list has been years in the making, testing a ton of leather briefcases and landing on my 9 favorites. Our Experts After years of reviewing leather bags, the briefcases we landed on in this article come in various styles, from harder cases like the Frank Clegg zip-top briefcase to softer, tumbled leather versions like Bleu de Chauffe's Helios Business Bag. For those who can be swayed by a cotton bag with leather accents, we even included an alternative twill briefcase from Filson. Our reviewers, Nick English and Troy Barmore have owned some of these bags for years (Troy's had his Saddleback bag for over 11 years). Some are newer, of course, but the point is that we've tested these bags because want to provide helpful reviews for guys looking to buy things that last. Further Reading How to Buy a Leather Briefcase: The Ultimate Guide Not sure what to look for in a leather briefcase. We've compiled our criteria in this leather briefcase deep dive. Learn more → The 2-year-old Counselor we reviewed. The Best: Satchel & Page's Counselor Key Highlights Leather: Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather from Italy Construction: Few seams and more single pieces of leather; this improves the look and gives fewer places to tear. Lining: Suede lining really increases the value Hardware: Antique brass hardware ages gracefully and is riveted at all the right stress points Dimensions: 12" height x 16.5" length x 3.75" depth (12.2L) Price: $565 The Satchel & Page Counselor Briefcase stands out as the top choice for a versatile leather briefcase for men. Priced reasonably at $565, it boasts a simple yet elegant design suitable for both professional and casual contexts. The brand's commitment to transparency and sustainability adds to its appeal. The Counselor's design has a distinctively straightforward, timeless, and sophisticated appeal, as if the company and its products have a century-old legacy. The Counselor briefcase's versatility is remarkable. It seamlessly fits into formal office environments and casual settings like airports, never feeling out of place, thanks to its minimalist design and premium leather. A brand new Counselor, minus the patina. Satchel & Page crafts their leather briefcases from leather tanned in Tuscany. The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium certifies the authenticity of this heritage leather. About the Counselor We've looked at scores of bags over the years and don't know of a better example of leather that's both veg-tanned and lustrous. The only downside is that there are just two colors available (brown and black), but we wouldn't want anything more from a hide. It exhibits a striking pull-up effect, indicating its high quality and durability. Complementing the leather is antique brass hardware, including brass legs on the bottom that protect the bag from undue abrasion. On top of that, the interior is spacious, featuring various compartments and pockets. Additionally, the main section is large enough for a 16" laptop, secured by a stud, for peace of mind. A nice addition is Satchel & Page's lifetime warranty on their products, a testament to their confidence in quality. The Verdict: Overall, the Counselor will work for anybody, and because they sell direct to consumers, it really is terrific value. Tell us a better value one in the comments if you disagree. Further Reading Satchel & Page Counselor Review | The Best Briefcase Leather You’ll Find Want an in-depth review of the counselor briefcase? Check out our two-year review. Read more → Best High-End Briefcase: Carl Friedrik's Palissy Briefcase Key Highlights: Leather: Vegetable-tanned Vachetta leather by Artigiano del Cuoio. Hardware: Nickel-silver-finished hardware with brushed and polished zippers from Italy Dimensions: 12.2″ height x 16.1″ length x 2.8″ depth (9L) 4 colorways available Price: $745 Satchel & Page is our favorite all-rounder. But if you want something a bit more reminiscent of four- or five-figure European brands like Louis Vuitton or Coach, there's no going past Carl Friedrik's Palissy. (Multiple characters in HBO's Succession carry Carl Friedrik bags, including this one, so you know it meets billionaire standards.) About The Palissy Carl Friedrik crafts The Palissy from premium vachetta leather. This leather is often found in luxury bags and is an ideal choice for guys who want something that ages well but is smoother and less grainy than some other full-grain leathers. That's because it's a kind of calfskin with a much finer grain than cowhide. The tanning process uses an extraordinary amount of added fat, making for leather that's very soft yet very hardwearing. The durable construction is notable; this bag is basically two large pieces of leather. (Watch me cut a Palissy bag completely open here.) The silver nickel-finished zippers are from Bergamo, Italy. The zipper factory individually brushes and polishes every single tooth for a remarkably smooth zipper experience that won't scratch laptops. (You'll see what we mean.) Another bonus is Carl Friedrik makes The Palissy in three sizes. The one we tried is the Palissy Briefcase. There's the Palissy Double with twice the compartments and the Palissy 25-Hour that carries over 26 liters yet won't have you looking like a backpacker in your bureau. This briefcase starts at $745 and comes in four colors, including a blue version that our editor Troy is obsessed with. The Verdict: It’s a little less functional and more expensive than the Counselor, but the value is great, and you get top-notch leather and some cool colors. This blue with a grey suit is fire. Thursday's classic and "Rugged and Resilient" leathers look better as they age. Best Inexpensive Leather Briefcase: Thursday Commuter Bag Key Highlights Leather: Full grain, oil-tanned leather (Rugged & Resilient colorways) or full grain chrome tanned Hardware: Solid brass Dimensions: 11.25" height x 16.5" length x 3.5" depth (10.6L) 6 colorways available, and 3 in canvas Cost: $349 Thursday Boot Company is well-known for making great-value boots. Somehow, they've kept under $200 since they launched in 2014 with a mastery of logistics, tariffs, and other deeply unexciting elements of commerce. They've since used that magic to bring to the market really great value jackets, flannels, and now, briefcases. About the Commuter The Commuter comes in an impressive nine colorways (six leather, three canvas), and while they lean "rugged," the various black and brown colors will work just fine in the office. Like their boots, they have Classic and "Rugged and Resilient" leathers (three of each). The R&R leathers look a little more matte and casual. In contrast, the ones simply marked "full grain" were more vibrant and dressy. I've been enjoying this waxed canvas Commuter for a more casual bag that's great with a leather jacket. It looks a bit oversized in photos but with a 10.6-liter capacity. The size is firmly in the "medium" category. And we love the other aesthetic choices: solid brass hardware that matches the leather. For example, the Black Matte leather has matching Black Matte brass. You can jam the handles in the side pockets if you want it to look more 'messenger-like' or remove the shoulder strap if you want to look more 'briefcase-like.' The Verdict: It’s a little more casual than the other options. Also, the leather's not vegetable-tanned, sure. But as we said, that doesn't immediately mean the leather's low quality. In fact, our Commuter briefcase is aging nicely. And the chrome tanning keeps the price down. At under $350, you won't find a higher quality full-grain leather briefcase. Further Reading The 9 Best Leather Backpacks for Men | Casual, Work, Best Value, Luxury, and More Check our picks for the best leather packs you can buy, whether you're looking for something for work or play. Learn more → Best Value Briefcase: Cravar's C.O. 15 Key Highlights Leather: Vegetable-tanned in Yogyakarta, Indonesia Hardware: Brass riveted and acrylic-lined stress points 2 colorways available (plus 4 twill versions) Dimensions: 12" height x 15.75" length x 3.5" depth (10.9L); smaller 7.2L version available Price: $415 Cravar is the coolest leather bag company you've never heard of, and it's a close second for the best. Yoki Baskara founded Cravar in 2013. Since then, they've slowly but surely established a foothold for themselves in the world of hardwearing leather bags. Yoki makes his leather bags in Jakarta, Indonesia, so he can sell them at relatively low prices while focusing on vegetable-tanned leather and versatile, masculine designs. About the Cravar C.O. 15 I personally visited his workshop during a 2023 trip. There, he reaffirmed what I already knew: Cravar is the real deal. They're best known for their more casual, bestselling F.C. 15 messenger bag. But for guys looking for something elegant enough for the office, look at the C.O. They're not good at naming bags. Fortunately, they're great at making them. It ticks all the boxes we like to see: single panels of vegetable-tanned leather wherever possible, a padded carry handle, a luggage handle slot at the back, a zippered closure, a laptop sleeve, and a lifetime warranty. The bag comes in two sizes: the C.O. 15 with 10.9 liters of storage and the 13 with 7.2 liters. There are four colors of waxed twill you can get it in as well. Those are $270, over $200 cheaper than Filson's very similar bag. The downside is that it's only available in two shades of brown at the time of writing. (the F.C. gets six). And we'll be frank. The leather isn't as nice looking as Satchel & Page's or Carl Friedrik's. To be fair, vegetable-tanned leather is usually pretty matte, which is why the Counselor impressed us so much. The Verdict: The leather isn’t quite as nice as the first two picks on this list. But this is a well-priced briefcase you can depend on for the rest of your life. The design is professional while unusual in just the right ways. Most importantly, at $415 (shipping included), it's an excellent buy — and a good conversation piece. How this legendary briefcase ages. Image courtesy of Carl Murawski Best Canvas Briefcase: Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase Key Highlights Fabric and Leather: Rugged twill, vegetable-tanned leather accents Hardware: Solid brass hardware 3 colorways available Dimensions: 12.5" height x 16" length x 4" depth (13.1L) Price: $495 OK, to be fair, this is twill rather than canvas — but if you're looking for a textile briefcase with vegetable-tanned leather accents, this is what you're looking for. Twill and canvas are both immensely dense cotton weaves, the difference being twill is more complex and has diagonal lines, or "wales," running across it, while canvas has a more crosshatched look. My old, well-worn Filson bag at the Red Wing HQ in Minnesota About the Filson Rugged Twill Briefcase If you're all about rugged durability, the Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase is the way to go. Filson was founded to outfit Klondike gold rushers in the 19th century and became renowned for its high-quality outdoor garments and bags. Surprisingly enough, the briefcase has become so popular in urban environments that it was called "ubiquitous" by The Wall Street Journal. It's simple, functional, made in the USA, comes with a lifetime warranty, ages beautifully, and is made with the sturdiest all-natural materials you could ask for very thick twill and very thick, veg tanned leather from the legendary Pennsylvanian tannery Wickett & Craig. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vnSsGGIT9omM You won't have to worry about running out of space because this 13-liter briefcase has room to spare with two internal dividers, two external full-width stow pockets, and a laptop sleeve. Whenever you're grasping for a pocket, you'll find one. The Verdict: This is a good option for guys who want some leather but prefer a lighter-weight bag that's also easy to dress down. It's versatile, and we've seen plenty of men rock the Filson Rugged Twill with a suit (even easier with the Navy colorway). Still, it's best for guys who work in more casual environments; if you can wear jeans to your office, then this bag is for you. Best Luxury American Briefcase: Frank Clegg Leatherworks' Zip-Top Briefcase Key Highlights Leather: Full grain, vegetable tanned, French hides Hardware: Solid brass Dimensions: 12" height x 17" length x 3",4", or 6" depth (10, 13.4, and 20L) 12 colorways available, not including the alligator versions Price: $1,250 - $1,550 (depending on width) If money is no object, especially if you want to buy American, one name appears repeatedly: Frank Clegg. Founded in 1970 and still helmed by the man himself, Frank Clegg Leatherworks operates out of a workshop in Fall River, Massachusetts, and has become something of a household name in the leather game. So much so that when Barack Obama wanted an exceptional, American-made briefcase, he wound up with the Zip-Top we're highlighting here. (But hey, Red State guys are welcome too.) https://youtu.be/eXhPxHswo8I Our managing editor, Nick English, visited Frank Clegg's workshop We were fortunate enough to visit Frank Clegg's workshop ourselves, and their attention to detail is nothing short of extraordinary. Combining novel methods like digital computer numerical control (CNC) leather-cutting machines with old-world leatherworking techniques, Clegg told us that even the way he finished the edges takes meticulous care. Many bags (like Saddleback, in the next section) don't finish their edges at all, leaving them raw for a more "rugged" look. Clegg told us that if he did that, he could make two or three times as many bags, but instead, every single edge is polished and buffed, a quality that he knows attracts his more mature and discerning clientele. About the Frank Clegg Zip-Top Briefcase I got an unusual leather because I have so many brown and black bags I decided to try a shrunken grain leather, which is what it sounds like. After shrinking the leather, the grain is enlarged like you've zoomed in on it. If you also want something different than your standard brown or black, you can get it in more than ten other veg-tanned leathers. They even sell it in alligator leather, if you’ve got 15 grand to spare. I wouldn’t mind an internal zippered pocket, and it doesn’t really have a laptop sleeve. Lastly, look, the bags aren't cheap: the most popular model, the Zip-Top Briefcase, is $1,250 for the smaller size with a single gusset (that's 3" wide, 10-liter capacity) to $1,550 for three gussets (20-liter capacity). The Verdict: Maybe too minimalist for some, but a lot of guys who work in more formal or traditional offices might like that. Most importantly, this operation doesn't have a hard time justifying its price, given the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. Something that, frankly, we don't see any other four- or five-figure brands managing to do. Note the anchor is from Troy's Rolex. It didn't come with the bag. Best Doctor Bag: Saddleback's Flight Bag Key Highlights Leather: Full grain, chrome tanned Hardware: Stainless steel Dimensions: 11" height x 15″ length x 5″ depth (13.5L) 4 colorways available Weight: 6 pounds(!) Price: $649 Saddleback Leather Co has a devoted clientele for its vintage aesthetic, overbuilt design, and heavyweight leather. They've fed a bag to a crocodile before, and it came out of the encounter looking brand new. Most of the products on this list have a lifetime warranty, but there aren't many better guarantees than crocodile-proof! https://www.youtube.com/watch?vd7MW4eEHWgg Our Menswear expert Troy tests our Saddleback's Leather Flight Bag About the Saddleback Flightbag The Flight Bag is a good example of chrome tanned leather being excellent. Sourced from Lefarc, one of the world's most sustainable tanneries, their bags age incredibly well — see our 11-year review of Saddleback's large briefcase — and while it's stiff at first to the point of unwieldy, it softens with time and wear. It's a bag that you want to transform, and your patience will be rewarded. Still, some criticize the chrome tannage and the unfinished edges, but given the ultra-rugged design, we don't mind it. It's available in four colors ("Chestnut" is the most popular), it's spacious, has a neat false bottom for your extra valuables, and a flap to keep your laptop as well. That 11-year-old Large Briefcase, at 7 pounds empty and 28 liters storage, is simply too heavy and ostentatious to be used as an actual office briefcase. The more modest Flight Bag will turn heads the right way, and there's nothing else quite like it. The Verdict: The biggest downside is perhaps these bags are unrealistically heavy, but few companies have the kind of cult following that Saddleback has, so they must be doing something right. For me, the Flight Bag is a more practical size and definitely retains that Percy Fawcett adventurer’s edge. Best Vintage Leather Briefcase: Billykirk's 486 15″ Schoolboy Satchel Key Highlights Materials: American, Veg Tanned Bridle Leather Hardware: Solid brass Dimensions: 11" height x 15.5″ length x 4″ depth (11.2L) 3 colorways available Price: ~$525.00 - $750.00 (price fluctuates) Brothers Chris and Kirk Bray founded BILLYKIRK in 1999. Since the beginning, they focused on building high-quality leather goods in the United States. Their motto is "The proof is in the patina"— a sentiment I truly endorse. A very well-loved Schoolboy satchel, courtesy of Billykirk. About the School Boy Satchel The No. 486, 15-inch Schoolboy Satchel, inspired by the school and medic bags of WWII Europe, offers a blend of historical charm and contemporary utility. The custom-cast hardware is hand-carved and molded, echoing the uniqueness and aesthetic of the veg-tanned leather sourced from the United States. Note that this is bridle leather, an especially hardy, veg-tanned leather that’s infused with extra oils, making it darken over time while developing surface cracks that reveal lighter layers underneath. (Unless you get the black version like I did.) Made in California and finished in New Jersey, the price fluctuates between $600 and $750, which, while not the cheapest on this list, isn't out of the question for an American-made vegetable-tanned bag. (Particularly when comparing with Frank Clegg.) Now, it's missing much of the elegance of Frank Clegg, namely their lovingly finished edges, but the way the Schoolboy Satchel combines a vintage look with edges that are still finished to an extent with beeswax really does work for the intended effect: a simple, no frills, well-made bag. No frills! The Verdict: It’s a great size for a wide variety of uses, and the rustic look is well balanced by the elegantly thin closure strap, which is surprisingly secure while helping to dress up the aesthetic. Honestly, our biggest gripe is the name: this is much better suited for high-end wear than "Schoolboy Satchel" would suggest. Best Luxury Runner-Up: Bleu de Chauffe Zeppo Business Bag Key Highlights Materials: Vegetable-tanned leather from France Dimensions: 11.4'' height x 15.7'' length x 4.7'' depth (13.8L) 6 colorways available Price: ~$575 Another excellent small business from Europe. Bleu de Chauffe is French to its bones: French name, French designs, French leather from French cows, with everything made in France. Plus, your French craftsperson signs the inside of your bag. My half canvas, half leather Blue De Chauffe. I wanted the black leather one, but this is still a great breifcase Known for producing vegetable-tanned leather that's remarkably soft and comes in several colors, they've grown their brand by combining rustic, early 20th-century designs with the kind of product photography that makes you think of bicycling along windswept hills just before a thunderstorm strikes Southwestern France, where all their products are made. About the Zeppo Business Bag They came up with their casual leather satchels like the Mailman, expanding into travel bags and now putting out some of the most interesting professional briefcases we've seen. This is a particularly spacious briefcase with nearly 14 liters and two zippered compartments (one for your laptop), so there's no lack of storage space for a day or even a night away. (There's even a band to attach to your rolling luggage.) The Verdict: If you're looking to spend less, the bag is also sold with a canvas bottom and leather top for nearly $200 less, or you can spend more on the crocodile leather version if you really want to telegraph luxury. Carry it in hand or with a detachable shoulder strap, the Zeppo is a chic and deceptively simple bag that communicates European chic in a whisper, not a shout Best Value Runner-Up: WP Standard The Woodward Briefcase Key Highlights Material: Full-grain leather Hardware: Solid brass Size: 16.5" length x 12.5" height x 4.5" depth (15.2L) Interior: Lined with a padded laptop compartment 3 colorways available Price: $348 If you want a great leather briefcase and don't want to drop a fortune, WP Standard is the brand for you. They check every item off our briefcase-buying checklist and still manage to keep their prices low. About the Woodward Perhaps the best briefcase for under $350 is WP Standard's Woodward, which means business. Simple and elegant without looking delicate, it's made with 100% full-grain leather — you can see the grain on this one. Unlike the other bags on our list it's tanned with a vegetable and chrome mix, which means it does use some chemicals, but part of the process (retannage) is made with veg materials to achieve the natural look. The whole process is handmade, that's why all hides are different from each other, also, color variation is very common too. Add the solid brass hardware at all the right stress points, and you got yourself a winner. Also, it's available in three colors. How is it so inexpensive? It's chrome-tanned leather, and it's made in Mexico. But if those aren't dealbreakers for you, The Woodward is a wonderfully straightforward bag. The Verdict: It's perhaps just a hair too casual for the Coach and Prada crowd, but few people will take issue with this very unpretentious briefcase. Tons of pockets, great price, and high-quality materials earn it a spot on our list. Best High-End Runner-Up: Ghurka Examiner No. 5 Briefcase Key Highlights: Material: Full grain, vegetable-tanned leather from Italy or France Size: 16" length x 11" height x 4" depth (11.5L) 4 colorways available in leather, 4 in twill Price: $1,895 Named after Himalayan Ghurka soldiers and founded in 1975, these bags are an amazing combination of luxury materials and a more rugged design than something like Frank Clegg. About the Examiner No. 5 This is a great bag if you like the rugged vintage angle of Saddleback's Flight bag but think it'd be too casual for your workplace. The hugely popular Examiner has an ageless design that's eye-catching but not ostentatious, nor does it dress down an ensemble. The Examiner No. 5's aesthetic appeal is achieved through its classic lines and full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. The two exterior flap pockets, adorned with signature brass points and leather tab closures, add style and practicality (and instant recognizability), allowing easy access to essentials. The rear exterior open pocket is a thoughtful addition, suitable for items like newspapers or a small umbrella. The bag's dimensions (16" W x 11" H x 4" D) are ideal for a professional setting, providing ample space without being bulky. T The downsides: the price is high, the warranty is just for one year, and we don't love that Ghurka isn't super forthcoming with where it's made ("80% Ghurka designs are manufactured in the USA"), but this bag is famously durable and pulls off a fantastic balance of style and subtlety. The Verdict: The Ghurka Examiner No. 5 is an exemplary piece of craftsmanship, embodying both functionality and elegance. Priced at $1,895, it is a significant investment, reflecting its premium quality and design. We just wish they were more open about where they get their leather. Our Criteria We didn't just pick these briefcases randomly. We've reviewed and used dozens of bags from the USA to Indonesia, from recreated heirloom pieces to 11-year-old adventurer's bags to discontinued one-offs and just about everything in between. Materials: Durable & Ages Well With all due respect to polyester, we think a briefcase should be durabale. That means thick, full grain leather, and ideally, it's vegetable tanned: it's a term that's specific and simply signals a higher likelihood of quality. The alternative is chrome tanned leather, and there are plenty of great chrome tanned briefcases out there, too — we included several on this list — you just need to do more research to know it's good quality. (Fortunately for you, we did the research ourselves.) We also love canvas, twill, and densely woven cotton, which we also included on this list because we prefer long-lasting materials that look better as they age. These are materials that have been relied on by explorers, mariners, miners, and rugged people doing tough work. Cravar's C.O. 15. Pockets: Organized & Accessible Some prefer bags with no breakable parts (that means zippers), others want zippers or nothing, and we included all kinds on our list. But it's not a good briefcase if there's nowhere for a laptop. And we prefer somewhere to store the shoulder strap, a pocket for a wallet, and ideally, a key chain as well. We don't want the bag to bulge when these pockets are in use, and we don't want pockets so flush that they're nigh inaccessible when you're carrying anything. Trust us, this is a harder checklist to ace than you might think. Size/Weight: Carry It with Ease Nobody wants a bulky, heavy briefcase, and we considered the size and weight of each one. It's a big part of why Saddleback's Large Briefcase is their most famous product, but at 7 pounds empty and 28 liters of storage, it just isn't the kind of "briefcase" people take to their office. We wanted to find that sweet spot where it's roomy enough for your work bag and essentials but still easy to carry around. Value: Bang for Your Buck We're all about getting the most for our money. So, we took a good hard look at the price and compared it to the quality, features, and how long it'll last. Again, that's why we emphasize brass or steel rivets and full grain leather, vegetable tanned where possible — and we don't think you need to pay over a thousand dollars to find a good example of a bag made this way. You might have found other lists, but what percentage of them cost four figures? It doesn't have to be this way. 6 Factors That Make A Quality Leather Briefcase Several key factors contribute to its overall quality when searching for the prefect leather briefcase for your style and use case. 1. Leather Full-grain leather ostensibly refers to leather from the relatively intact top layer of the animal's hide. The tannery hasn't corrected or smoothed down the animal's natural skin, so the graininess of skin is visible. Actual full-grain leather is, well, grainy and can sometimes look more rustic than professional. Still, full-grain leather briefcases look great in the office, and the big upside is that full-grain leather is durable and ages very well. Leather goods makers often craft high-quality leather briefcases with vegetable-tanned leather instead of the much more common and more modern invention of chrome-tanned leather. There are pros and cons to each that are worth their own article. We prefer vegetable tanned German or Italian leather for bags because of the way it ages. Chrome tanned is generally more comfortable for footwear and brands can dye the leather in more colors, factors that aren't in play for bags. 2. Hardware Quality briefcases will use durable materials made from sturdy metals that will not rust. Look for bags with hardware made out of stainless steel or solid brass. Cheaper bags will generally use weaker metal alloys, such as zinc alloy, to save on cost. Zinc alloy hardware breaks easily. Brands like Satchel and Page will put brass legs on the bottom of the bag to reduce abrasion. 3. Lining Lined or unlined briefcases are a matter of personal taste. We've mostly reviewed lined bags. Leather briefcase makers use liners made of tear-resistant textiles like cotton or nylon. Some bags will use ballistic nylon for extra durability, while others will opt for suede lining. 4. Construction Focus on bags with reinforced stress points, ideally with rivets. Rivets should be present at high-stress points like handle attachments, closure buckles, strap hooks, and shoulder strap attachments. We also like bags with bottoms that have reinforcement with two layers of leather, durable fabric on the inside, and even metal "legs" that keep the bottom from rubbing against the ground.Opting for fewer pieces of leather can also enhance strength and longevity by giving the bag fewer places to tear. Plus, it just looks better. A single leather piece without stitching will invariably be stronger than multiple stitched segments. 5. Design A good briefcase delicately balances minimalism and functionality. We want as few pieces of leather as possible, of course, but you also want enough pockets to carry and organize what you need — a laptop sleeve, divider, wallet, slip pockets, and a pen holder, maybe a keychain if we're lucky. A lot guys like a detachable shoulder strap and a pocket to store it in. Then you need to decide if you want something casual and rugged, like Saddleback's beefy Flight bag or the ultra-lean C-suite ready Carl Friedrik's Palissy. The direction you take here is up to you. We're just listing great briefcases in as many categories as you'd want to pick from. The pricier a bag is, the more nitpicky we'll get. Look out for little details like snaps to pad and keep the handles together and how a company finishes their edges. Factors like these make a huge difference between looking elegant and professional or casual and rugged. Further Reading 16 Best Boots For Men to Buy Tested By Experts (Spring 2025) We've spent an inordinate amount of time and effort finding the best boots on the market. Learn more → Why Should You Get a Good Leather Briefcase? Investing in a good leather briefcase offers numerous benefits and advantages. Here are a few compelling reasons why you're doing the right thing looking for a high-quality leather briefcase: Professionalism: A well-made leather briefcase instantly elevates your professional image. It's an unbeatable combination of ruggedness and elegance, and, like a well-tailored suit. And it shows you understand quality, value, and the importance of appearances. If two guys enter an office and one has a leather briefcase, the other a nylon backpack, you know who to listen to. Durability and Longevity: Leather briefcases can withstand the rigors of daily use and last for years, if not decades, without losing their appeal. (Indeed, many of our picks on this list have lifetime warranties.) Quality leather is resistant to tears, stains, rain, and time, and scuffs and scratches are often easy to fix with a good leather conditioner. Organization and Functionality: A quality leather briefcase provides excellent organization and functionality. With designated compartments, pockets, and dividers, you can keep your documents, gadgets, laptop, charging cables, keys, and personal items neatly organized and easily accessible. (We love a good keychain in a briefcase.) Timeless Style: Leather's inherent timelessness transcends trends and fashion fads. A good leather briefcase exudes a classic, elegant aesthetic that always stays in style, and an older, well-maintained briefcase draws a lot of attention. The longer you have one, the more admiring comments you'll attract! Investment: A high-quality leather briefcase is a stylish accessory and an investment. Unlike cheaper alternatives made from synthetic materials, a genuine leather briefcase gets better with time and wear. And you'll form something of a relationship with it as well. In addition, like a watch, it's a good way to signal that you value quality and are willing to spend on higher-quality goods. (Again, don't be the guy with a Jansport backpack in the boardroom.) Wrapping Up Your briefcase is a statement piece like your watch, shoes, and attire. We're looking for bags that are crafted with intent and attention to detail using the best materials and constructed by experts. We offer precise bags that incorporate numerous little craft touches, such as hand-polished zippers or well-structured bags that always stand up straight. These top-tier leather makers focusing on craft, like Carl Friedriks, Frank Clegg, and Filson, create briefcases that can retain – or improve – their aesthetics if well-cared for.