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Nov 01, 2024

Best Briefcases For Men 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Unlike the stiff leather satchels of yesteryear, today’s briefcases are sophisticated and functional without being stuffy. To determine the best briefcases for men, we had our tester—who commutes by

Unlike the stiff leather satchels of yesteryear, today’s briefcases are sophisticated and functional without being stuffy. To determine the best briefcases for men, we had our tester—who commutes by train to New York City five days a week—put six bags through the paces. Our pick for the best briefcase for men overall is the Herschel Gibson Messenger Tech, which stood out for its lightweight, roomy construction, cushioned shoulder strap, soft laptop sleeve and overall design. If you have a bit more to spend, Carl Friedrik’s Palissy Double Briefcase is the best stylish high-end briefcase worth the investment.

The best briefcases for men are outfitted with pockets for your work essentials and sturdy handles ... [+] for toting to and from the office.

When evaluating each pick, our tester paid attention to important factors including comfort, size and style. In addition to our six top winners, we rounded up seven additional briefcases to ensure there’s an option for every taste (and budget). Ahead, find the best briefcases for men that we highly recommend, all of which have been reviewed by Forbes Vetted deputy editor and in-house style expert Kari Molvar.

Herschel Supply Co.

Colors: 4 total, including Mood Indigo and Black | Materials: 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles | Dimensions: 15.5 inches W x 11 inches H x 5.75 inches D | Weight: 1.7 lbs (with shoulder strap) | Laptop sleeve: Yes

Herschel backpacks are bestsellers for their sturdiness and functionality, and this briefcase follows suit. It’s cut from EcoSystem fabric—which is made from 100% recycled water bottles—that’s both lightweight and durable. The spacious main compartment has a sleeve that can accommodate a 15-inch or 16-inch laptop comfortably, and it has pockets for things like an iPad, phone, documents and pens. There’s also a zippered front pocket with smaller sections, a zippered front storage sleeve and a luggage trolley sleeve on the back to make airport travel a breeze. The removable shoulder strap is secured by two sturdy-yet-easy-to-disengage clips.

What our tester says: “This bag is extremely functional, and the padded shoulder strap was the most comfortable of any I tried, especially when my bag was filled with heavy work presentations and my laptop. There are endless pockets for all my tech cords, pens, my passport and things like small office supplies. While the style is more plain and discreet than outwardly stylish, I prefer something more understated so it works well for me.”

Leatherology

Colors: 8 total, including Brown and Navy Blue | Materials: Full grain leather, micro suede lining | Dimensions: 16 inches W x 11.5 inches H x 2.5 inches D | Weight: 2.1 lbs | Laptop sleeve: Yes

Leatherology offers quality craftsmanship at a modest price, and you’ll find that form meets function with this briefcase. It has a removable shoulder strap; the nickel hardware is sturdy and nice-looking without being overly shiny; and there’s a single outside zip pocket with sections for things like pens, cords and mail. The small micro suede-lined main compartment has a sewn-in laptop sleeve for a slim 15-inch laptop, and it has room for things such as a newspaper, journal or iPad. There’s a protective foam lip under the zipper that at first seems unnecessary, but it does a nice job protecting your tech and any work documents from getting scraped when placing them into or out of the bag. This style can also be monogrammed for an additional $35.

What our tester says: “This bag is beautifully made and is ideal for those days you’re just taking your computer and a few small things to and from the office. I like that it’s professional looking and practical for carrying the basics. However, if you’re trying to carry several bound presentations in addition to a laptop or anything more, you likely won’t have room. Also, the adjustable shoulder strap isn’t padded, so it can weigh on your shoulder if you’re spending a long time walking or waiting for the train or bus.”

Carl Friedrik

Colors: 4 total, including Black and Cognac | Materials: Vegetable-tanned vachetta leather, nylon canvas lining | Dimensions: 15.7 inches W x 12.8 inches H x 4.5 inches D | Weight: 4 lbs | Laptop sleeve: Yes

This elegant investment bag from luxury men’s accessories brand Carl Friedrik is ideal for those who work in formal city jobs. It’s a high-capacity piece—for when you’ve got lots to carry—and it feels a bit like an old-school attaché case (in a good way) with a modern, sleek look. It has two large, structured main compartments with zippers that run most of the way down the side of the bag, which means you have easy access to materials and there are side gussets prevent things from falling out. The interior compartments are lined in tough nylon canvas, and they have slip-in pockets for a phone, cords and bills as well as one interior zippered compartment.

What our tester says: “You can immediately tell that this bag is made well. I love the deep chocolate brown color of the leather and that there are metal feet on the bottom of the bag, which helps it stand up without tipping and protects it from gross stuff on the ground. The laptop sleeve isn’t padded, though, so even though the bag is structured, I worried that my computer could suffer if I got bumped or dropped my bag unexpectedly.”

Maverick & Co

Colors: 4 total, including Navy and Black | Materials: Saffiano leather with polyester lining | Dimensions: 16.3 inches W x 11.6 inches H x 2.6 inches D | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Laptop sleeve: Yes

Maverick & Co’s take on a modern briefcase has special detailing to make it stand out: It’s made from subtly textured leather with a cross-hatch finish, and some color options have a bold contrast lining for guys who want something other than basic black or brown. It has a detachable shoulder strap, the main compartment has a two-way zipper, there’s a padded sleeve that can comfortably fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it has a mobile phone pocket, business card case pocket, an inner compartment with a magnetic closure and places for writing instruments.

What our tester says: “I got this bag in Navy with the tiger orange accents, and I liked that the bright orange interior made it easy to find my belongings when I was in a rush. The pockets were functional without being excessive. I got multiple compliments on this bag, and the leather is thick, so it seems like this bag will can take a beating and will last for years.”

Amazon

Colors: 2 total, including Eco Black and Eco Static | Materials: 100% recycled nylon | Dimensions: 15 inches W x 13 inches H x 3.15 inches D | Weight: 2.2 lbs | Laptop sleeve: Yes

San Francisco-based Timbuk2 has long been a favorite of college students, but this polished messenger bag/briefcase hybrid is a go-to for business professionals, too. Its slim profile keeps things organized without being overly bulky: The padded computer compartment fits a 15-inch laptop, and there are three drop-in pockets and two zippered pockets for stashing things safely. The removable shoulder strap has lots of padding if you’re carrying a heavy load, and it has a comfy, padded grab handle on top as well. The Closer briefcase has sturdy buckles to lock down your belongings, or you can opt to use the hook and loop panel to close your bag. There’s a luggage pass-through so you can attach it to rolling luggage, or it can be zipped closed for additional storage. This style also comes in a smaller size.

What our tester says: “I really liked the tough construction and the reinforced bottom, and the laptop sleeve was padded enough that I felt my computer was secure and protected. The Eco Black Deluxe color also elevates the appearance of the bag, so it doesn’t seem too casual or ‘college.’ My one gripe is that the water bottle holder only fits small bottles.”

Bellroy

Colors: 3 total, including Slate and Deep Plum | Materials: Recycled fabric and eco-tanned leather | Dimensions: 17.3 inches W x 14 inches H x 6.3 inches D | Weight: 1.7 lbs | Laptop sleeve: Yes

At first glance, Bellroy’s Tokyo briefcase is reminiscent of a shapeless duffle, but in reality it’s an efficient, space-saving marvel. The front has an outside zip pocket with interior drop-in sections and a key loop, the back features a roomy drop-in pocket with a snap for things like a newspaper, reports or books, and there’s a water bottle pocket at the side. Inside, there’s a spacious main compartment, padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, two elasticized interior pockets that expand to allow room for bulkier items and a zip mesh pocket for things like sunglasses.

What our tester says: “Sometimes bags with extra pockets can seem excessive, but this briefcase’s pockets were intuitive and useful from the outset. Even on days when I had to tote extra things back and forth to work—like extra bound work presentations and my iPad in addition to my laptop—I wasn’t short on space. But the removable nylon shoulder strap was surprisingly thin, which I found uncomfortable, so I’d often carry this from the top handles.”

The following briefcases were top contenders during our search or newly released styles. If you don’t see something you like above, these are also great choices for anyone looking for a functional and stylish work bag.

Tecovas

Tecovas is known for Westernwear with a modern bent, and this briefcase is elevated, masculine and sturdy. Smart details include a detachable shoulder strap, rear trolley strap, slip pocket, key clip and a padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop. It’s made from solid brass hardware and bovine leather that develops a rich patina with wear. Wear this slim style with everything from denim to a suit.

Land's End

For a more casual, less structured design, try this vintage-inspired military style bag. Made from waxed cotton canvas, it can withstand lots of wear and tear, whether commuting to work or class. A padded laptop sleeve can fit a 14-inch laptop or tablet, and the lined main compartment has plenty of room for notebooks and papers.

Fossil

This bag—which is available in black or brown leather—has elements of a traditional briefcase but with an updated silhouette. Carry it with the top handle or detachable shoulder strap, and wear it with everything from business casual looks to modern suiting. A padded pocket can comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop, and it also has four slide pockets to drop in notebooks or reading materials.

Filson

Filson’s rugged work satchel is beloved by men in both casual and formal workplaces. It comes in three colors (the otter green is especially stylish) and is made from water-resistant tin cloth, which is incredibly durable and develops a nice patina over time. Other great features include a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, three stow pockets, two zippered pockets, an adjustable or removable webbing shoulder strap and tough-but-refined bridle leather.

Thule

Thule’s laptop bag is made from tough ballistic nylon, so it’s a commuter-friendly choice that can take getting jostled on public transportation or while traveling through airports. It can accommodate a 14-inch laptop and the crush-resistant SafeZone compartment is a great spot for things like sunglasses and cell phones. The front panel has both slip and mesh pockets and a cord management system, plus a RFID blocking pocket to keep your personal info secure. For times you need to pack a little extra, this bag can expand 2.5 inches to allow for additional gear.

Tumi

This popular commuter bag stands out for its slim silhouette and seemingly endless organizational opportunities: There are two front u-zip pockets, a front slip pocket with a magnetic closure, back slip and zip pockets, a padded laptop compartment for a 17-inch computer, a padded tablet area, an assortment of media and card pockets, plus pen loops and a key leash. A removable padded shoulder strap as well as top handles make it easy to carry, and there’s a convenient trolley sleeve so you can attach it to a rolling suitcase.

Shinola Detroit

Detroit brand Shinola is notorious for creating rugged-yet-refined products for guys who like nice, hardworking accessories. This messenger-style work bag is made from navigator leather with a cotton-lined interior, a webbing shoulder strap and understated gunmetal hardware. The laptop sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop and there are two side pockets and a leather card pocket.

At Forbes Vetted, our writers and editors stand by in-depth research, comparison, and testing because we know that when it comes to fashion topics and where you spend your money, there are lots of options out there.

We began by carefully researching men’s briefcases at a variety of formality levels to be sure we evaluated all the top options on the market.

When picking out a briefcase, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. These include style, size, material, comfort and organizational features. Here’s a breakdown on each:

Historically, briefcases consisted of hard sides and a top handle and they were mostly meant for carrying work papers, but their use has evolved. Now they accommodate laptops and other assorted technology, like tablets, phones and various chargers or cords. Many of today’s briefcases have removable shoulder straps in addition to top handles, and they’re available in leather, nylon or polyester. Lots of men—even those who wear suits to work—opt to wear their work bags as a messenger style. Leather briefcases, not surprisingly, are often more expensive than those made from synthetic materials.

This structured bag from Maverick & Co has useful features and a durable construction, and the ... [+] lining has an unexpected pop of color.

There are a few reasons you should take a briefcase’s size into account. First, it should be able to accommodate your laptop, so you’ll likely want something 15 inches wide or wider. Second, if you tend to carry additional, bulky items in your bag—think things like hardcover books to read on the train, gym clothes, power bricks—you should plan ahead and seek out a briefcase that will accommodate your necessities without them spilling out of the top.

The material you choose for your briefcase all depends on what you prefer style-wise and what your needs are. Leather is durable, looks more formal and shows a nice patina over time, but is also typically more expensive. Bags made out of nylon or polyester tend to be lighter, less expensive, water-resistant and made to last.

The roomy Palissy Double Briefcase from Carl Friedrik has two large compartments, with room for a ... [+] laptop, papers, presentations, books and chargers.

Commuting can be long and exhausting, and carrying a bulky or unwieldy briefcase can add to the stress. Look for padded shoulder straps and top handles so you’re comfortable when your bag is heavy and you’re toting it for long periods of time. If you’ll be wearing your briefcase with a shoulder strap often, consider the strap’s material and whether or not it could damage the delicate fabric of your work clothes.

Our pick for the best overall backpack for men, the Herschel Gibson Messenger Tech, has a thickly ... [+] padded shoulder strap, which is comfortable on long commutes.

With briefcases, pockets are important. It’s a good idea to look for a mix of drop-in pockets and zippered pockets so you have a combination of easy placement for your belongings as well as secure storage. Some briefcases even have RFID pockets to keep your information safe. In addition, a padded laptop sleeve is a must-have. If you tend to lose your keys, look for a key loop so they have a dedicated spot.

Think of Bellroy's Tokyo Briefcase as an extra spacious work bag, capable of holding all your ... [+] extras, and then some.

Based on our tester’s feedback, we named the Herschel Gibson Messenger Tech as the best men’s briefcase overall. Its spacious design accommodates a 15-inch or 16-inch laptop, and the wealth of pockets makes it easy to stay organized. Plus, the fabric is made entirely from recycled water bottles, so you can feel even better knowing your briefcase is eco-conscious.

Yes—the global suitcase and briefcase market is expected to reach $50.7 billion in 2030—but briefcase style has evolved somewhat from more rigid formal cases like those in James Bond movies. While structured formal leather versions—like the Carl Friedrik Palissy Double Briefcase and Maverick & Co’s Deluxe Leather Briefcase—are still quite popular in work settings, many men have adopted a more relaxed approach to briefcase wearing. Durable nylon and polyester styles, such as Herschel’s Gibson Messenger Tech and Timbuk2’s Closer Laptop Briefcase, are good choices for more casual offices or for those who have an active commute where they walk or cycle to work.

If you’re looking for a briefcase alternative, you have a few different options. You can carry a messenger bag, which is slung over one shoulder, or a laptop backpack, which distributes weight equally between both shoulders. Messenger bags and briefcases look very similar, while laptop backpacks have a more oblong shape. Some briefcases can also be converted into messenger bags when you use the optional shoulder strap.