The idea of briefcases for men might seem kind of antiquated. But let’s be honest: it’s tough to get a fit off—or receive any real respect from your boss and clients—when you’re rolling into the office with the same ratty tote bag you use to haul milk and eggs home from the bodega. Briefcases, like well-tailored suits and shiny dress shoes, are classic for a reason. They give off an immediate air of refinement and sophistication that no backpack or messenger bag could ever possess, and will immediately mark you as a person who’s really going places.
There are a few things that every great briefcase absolutely needs. Ideally, it should have a dedicated laptop sleeve to swaddle your precious Macbook, along with separate compartments for your chargers, small electronics, notebooks, and pens. It should hopefully have enough room for your water bottle—hydration is important!—and also be easy enough to carry that your arm won’t feel as heavy as lead by the time you reach the office.
And, most importantly, it’s gotta look cool. You don’t want to be hauling around a briefcase that makes you look like a kid in his dad’s clothes. You want a briefcase that feels modern and fresh and all the way you. A briefcase like, say, one of these—the absolute finest briefcases for men on the market today.
The Rugged-Yet-Refined Briefcase
Filson has been doling out its handsome, hardwearing goods to loggers and lumberjacks since the late 1800s, and the Seattle outfitter’s legendary bags are still every bit as desirable and functional today. The water-repellent twill outer on this briefcase means it can take a beating and look just right with some tough boots and raw denim, but the slim profile and English bridle leather straps help it remain refined enough to pair with a tweed suit at the office. However you choose to wear it, it’ll age into an heirloom your kids—and their kids—will cherish forever.
The Two-Wheeled Commute Briefcase
Prefer to bike to work and change when you get there? This is the bag for you. It’s got a separate compartment for your shoes, plenty of space to hold your bike helmet and a second outfit, and also looks way more office appropriate than a standard gym bag.
The Ultimate Flex Briefcase
There’s a reason your favorite rappers all namedrop Goyard a dozen times an album. The French house deals only in absolute grails, the type of luggage designed specifically for flaunting at your side as you descend from a private jet. This soft-sided briefcase allows you to bring all that pure opulence with you into work everyday, with its iconic hand-painted coated canvas exterior and cowhide trimmings practically screaming, “I’VE MADE IT!” And quite honestly, if you’re able to get your hands on a bag this beautiful, you really have.
The Best Laptop-Only Briefcase
Trying to go all Marie Kondo on your everyday carry? Away’s pared-down work bag is the way to go. The convenient clamshell design zips all the way around for easy access, the removable shoulder strap gives it an easy-to-carry crossbody functionality, and the generous gusset design offers just enough space for your laptop, your headphones, a few notebooks, maybe some paperwork. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
The Best Handmade Leather Briefcase
Go ahead, take a healthy whiff of this bag. Mmmm. That’s the intoxicating scent of really, really good leather. Frank Clegg’s supple, luxurious briefcases are entirely fashioned by hand in his Massachusetts workshop. The smooth tumbled leather and solid brass hardware give them a timeless look and feel that will age gracefully, long past your 9-to-5 days and into retirement.
