Best High-end Briefcases for Men in 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 07-07-2023

Table Of Contents

High-end designer briefcases compliment your clothing style, and add a hint of luxury to your look, ideal for a business setting.

At one time it seemed as though the professionals and businesspeople were leaning toward carrying a backpack to transport their things to and from work, but it seems that was a short-lived trend, and in 2023 the classier looking briefcase is back in style.

Top Picks

Want a quick breakdown? Here are our top picks:

Best Traditional Business Briefcase: No.1 Briefcase (click to view) - a classically-styled leather briefcase, ideal for formal business situations. Multiple compartments, including a dedicated laptop compartment.
Best Professional Laptop Bag: City Laptop Bag (click to view) - a stylish laptop bag made from the highest quality full grain leather, with a dedicated laptop compartment and detachable shoulder strap.
Best Modern Laptop Bag: Essential Briefcase (click to view) - a spacious, modern laptop briefcase that's ideal for work or travel. Made from full grain leather, and comes with two large compartments, as well as a detachable shoulder strap.
Best Slim Profile Briefcase: Exquisite Briefcase (click to view) - a narrow laptop briefcase with a unique design and slim profile handles. Made from full grain leather.

Best High-end Briefcases 2023

No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase

Best for making a bold statement in the boardroom with the sleek and sophisticated No. 1 Premium Leather Briefcase.

No.1 Briefcase Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Design	Spacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches
Interior Lining	Durable Italian cotton lining
Zipper	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Security	Locking feature for unattended safety
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices
Engraving	Option to personalize with engravings
Shoulder Strap	Padded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable
Personalized	Custom engraving options available for a unique touch
Usage	Ideal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel

Watch the No.1 product video below:

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Albert says:

"This men's briefcase for work is as timeless as it is practical. The bag offers sufficient space for a laptop up to 15.6 and is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. Noted for its spacious triple-gusset design, the briefcase is designed to serve you well for many years before you need to replace it. Key features of this big-selling men's work briefcase include the robust cotton lining and the YKK zipper, which makes opening and closing it a breeze. The bag offers the perfect balance of style and luxury and is made in Florence using the finest premium Italian leather. It also has a convenient zipped back pocket."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Classic and stylish design
Suitable for both professional and casual use

City Leather Laptop Bag

Best for impressing clients at business meetings with its sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptop and documents - Business City Leather Laptop Bag.

City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color Options	Solid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop Compatibility	Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner Lining	Durable Italian cotton lining
Zipper Quality	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly
Design	Professional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable Strap	Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner Pockets	Stitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets	1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
Personalized	Option to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Albert says:

"This men's work briefcase is manufactured from premium Italian full-grade leather and will fit a laptop with a screen size of up to 15.6 inches. Handmade in Italy, this elegant bag is noted for its spacious design as well as its durable cotton lining and YKK zipper. The bag has been designed with city life in mind and is elegant enough for business meetings whilst sufficiently casual for time away from the office. The bag has a slim profile and has been built to keep your devices and accessories both organised and safely secure. It also boasts a robust cotton canvas lining alongside sturdy zippers and rounded top handles which make carrying a breeze."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space and compartments	Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain

10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag

Best for the stylish professional on the go - the 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag exudes sophistication and functionality for work travel and daily commutes.

10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:

Product	10X Laptop Travel Bag
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 15.6 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Backpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	31 cm (12 in)
Height	42 cm (17 in)
Depth	17 cm (7 in)
Weight	2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

Browse more images of the 10X:

Albert says:

"Have you been searching for a reliable leather men's bag for work? If so, this could be just the thing. This bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and can work as a travel bag, a messenger bag and a backpack. It boasts durable cotton lining alongside a YKK zipper and has a sleeve for a 15.6 inch laptop or a 16inch MacBook Pro. This fantastic all-in-one bag is renowned for its adaptability and has a front-loading design that enables you to access your goods quickly and easily. It also has internal compartments lined with strong and dependable cotton canvas."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches
Designed for easy travel and convenience
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase

Best for impressing clients with a sleek, professional look while carrying your laptop and documents - the Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Bag.

Exquisite Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Exquisite Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 14 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	29 cm (11 in)
Depth	10 cm (4 in)
Weight	1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Exquisite product video below:

Browse more images of the Exquisite:

Albert says:

"This timeless men's bag for work is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. It comes complete with a dedicated 14" laptop compartment that makes it easy for you to carry out your duties in the office and elsewhere. Noted for its slim, spacious design, the bag has a tough YKK zipper and durable cotton lining. The bag is designed to serve you well for years to come before you need to replace it. It will help you keep your business essentials safe and maintain a highly professional appearance. You can carry it with the robust handles or use the adjustable shoulder strap when a more casual look is required. It also has a durable cotton canvas lining."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Sleek and sophisticated appearance	Not completely waterproof
Slim design for easy portability	Limited storage space compared to larger bags
Durable and long-lasting construction
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Perfect for both casual and professional use
Develops a unique patina over time
Sufficient storage for laptop and essentials

No.3 Leather Messenger Briefcase

Best for the modern professional who wants to make a statement. The No. 3 Leather Messenger Briefcase exudes confidence and sophistication in any business setting.

No.3 Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	No.3 Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 13 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	38 cm (15 in)
Height	30 cm (12 in)
Depth	9 cm (4 in)
Weight	1.5 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.3 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.3:

Albert says:

"This popular men's briefcase for work is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. It comes complete with a dedicated 13" laptop compartment and also has a two-strap lock-and-key closure to keep sensitive documents safe. The bag also converts into a backpack when you require it for leisure rather than work. Other great features include the durable cotton lining and the robust YKK zipper. The briefcase is ideal for business meetings and everyday work life. It also comes with a leather strap on the back which enables you to attach it to a suitcase. You'll also find tough canvas on the interior."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and professional design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials	Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for work, school, and travel

City Large Leather Laptop Bag

Best for the stylish professional who needs to carry a laptop and documents to business meetings in a sleek and sophisticated way.

City Large Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

Product	City Large Laptop Bag
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 17 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	45 cm (18 in)
Height	34 cm (13 in)
Depth	8 cm (3 in)
Weight	1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Albert says:

"This spacious men's bag for work is handmade in Italy by skilled craftsmen. It comes with durable cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag can accommodate a laptop of up to 17 inches in width and is ideal for business meetings as well as leisure activities. This popular bag is noted for its slim profile and is ideal for carrying books, documents, refreshments, laptops and mobile devices. The bag has been manufactured from full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and comes with sturdy zippers and hardware. It also boasts zipped pockets and rounded top handles that make it easy to carry. An adjustable shoulder strap is also available."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Essential Modern Briefcase

Best for the modern professional who needs to carry their laptop and documents in style and comfort.

Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Essential Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 15.6 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	31 cm (12 in)
Depth	10 cm (4 in)
Weight	1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Albert says:

"This briefcase could be the ideal option for you if you're looking for a reliable men's bag for work. Made from premium-grade Italian full-grain leather, the bag is sizeable enough to fit a laptop with a screen size up to 15.6 inches and boasts spacious two-compartment design. The bag is noted for its durable cotton lining and YKK zipper. The bag is ideal for carrying everything from laptops and books to refreshments and toiletries and is handcrafted in Florence by skilled craftsmen. It also has a solid brass hardware finish and is fully lined with fine cotton canvas. There's also a large back pocket. You can carry the bag or use the detachable shoulder strap."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Modern and stylish design	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Spacious and versatile
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag

Best for impressing clients with a sleek and professional look - the Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag is the perfect accessory for business meetings.

Elegant Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Elegant Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 14 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	30 cm (12 in)
Depth	8 cm (3 in)
Weight	1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Elegant product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegant:

Albert says:

"This excellent laptop work bag for men is made from premium Italian full-grain leather. It comes complete with a dedicated 14 inch laptop compartment and boasts durable cotton lining alongside a YKK zipper. Noted for its sleek minimalist design, the bag blends modern functionality with timeless style. This elegant men's work bag has a slim profile and offers outstanding attention to detail including meticulous stitching and sturdy hardware. The interior lining is manufactured from tough cotton canvas. You can opt for the adjustable shoulder strap anytime you wish to embrace a more casual look. The bag also has a large back pocket as well as a spacious interior."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Slim and compact design	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Elegant and professional appearance
Fits most laptops up to 15.6 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Grand Leather Garment Bag

Best for impressing clients with a sleek, professional appearance while carrying suits and dress shirts - the Grand Leather Garment Bag.

Grand Leather Garment Bag Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color Options	Solid Brown, Classic Tan, Elegant Black
Design	Professional garment bag for making a statement at work
Lining & Zipper	Durable cotton lining with Japanese YKK zipper
Carry On Compliant	Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
Origin	Made in Florence, Italy
Interior	Fine Italian cotton lining
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly
Capacity	Can fit suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Additional Features	Can be used as a gym bag, spacious design
Personalized	Optional laser engraving to make it really unique

Watch the Grand product video below:

Browse more images of the Grand:

Albert says:

"This beautiful premium Italian full-grain leather bag is ideal for those seeking a men's bag for work. The bag is noted for its durable cotton lining as well as its dependable YKK zipper and it enables you to carry your suit in style. Compliant with carry-on rules, the multifunctional bag will allows you to transport a generous amount of goods. The bag is noted for its incredible build quality and is ideal not only for the office but for business trips and journeys abroad too. The bag is made from full-grain vegetable-tanned cow leather and is designed to last for years to come. What's more is that the bag is made by expert Italian craftsmen."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and elegant design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport

Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels

Best for effortless business travel with style - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:

Color Options	Available in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more
Laptop Sleeve	Includes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
Material	Handmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather
Convenience Features	Smooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets
Interior	Durable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket
Zipper Quality	High-quality Japanese YKK zippers
Sustainability	Crafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities
Origin Certificate	Comes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin
Travel-Friendly	Carry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials
Additional Features	Luggage tag included for easy identification

Watch the Voyager product video below:

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Albert says:

"This men's leather bag for work is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16", enabling you to achieve more whether you're in the office or elsewhere. It also boasts durable cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. Get your most important goods to and from the office in style with this exceptional men's leather work bag. The bag is also ideal for travel due to the way that it's carry-on compliant and comes with a luggage tag. The wheels made it easy to transport the bag, which has a foldaway telescopic handle."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and refined appearance	Not completely waterproof
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility	Not ideal for extremely rough terrain
Ample storage space for essentials	Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Perfect for business or personal travel

Weekender Men's Leather Weekend Bag

Effortlessly stylish and spacious, the Weekender leather bag is perfect for business trips and weekend getaways.

Weekender Product Highlights:

Material	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Design	Spacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
Interior	Durable cotton lining with compartments for organization
Zipper	Japanese YKK zipper for reliable access
Compliance	Meets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
Craftsmanship	Handcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional Features	Adjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
Personalized	Option for custom laser engraving
Use Cases	Travel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
Sustainability	Supports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Albert says:

"This beautiful men's work bag is manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather. The bag comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16" and is not only fantastic for the office but the gym and travel too. This carry-on compliant bag oozes professionalism and comes with a durable YKK zipper alongside robust cotton lining. The bag is as practical as it is spacious and has been designed to last for years before it needs to be replaced. This popular bag is handcrafted in Florence by experienced Italian craftsmen. It also has leather handles and an adjustable leather shoulder strap to make transportation easy."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design	Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials	Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays

No.2 Leather Messenger Briefcase

Best for the modern professional who wants to make a statement. The No. 2 Leather Messenger Briefcase exudes confidence and sophistication in any business setting.

No.2 Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	No.2 Briefcase
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 15.6 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps	Detachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	30 cm (12 in)
Depth	11 cm (4 in)
Weight	1.55 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.2 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.2:

Albert says:

"This excellent men's briefcase for work is made from materials including premium Italian full-grain leather. There's enough capacity for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, and the item also comes complete with a tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. You'll also see a double lock-and-key closure to keep your sensitive work documents safe. The briefcase is designed to support you wherever you do business, fusing timeless design and modern functionality. The product is manufactured in Florence, Italy and comes with a range of convenient compartments to make organisation a breeze. The briefcase also comes with two zipped pockets and you can opt for an adjustable shoulder or cross-body strap."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting	Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile	Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Stylish and professional design
Suitable for both commuting and business use
Adjustable shoulder strap for comfort

Benefits of a Briefcase

A briefcase is usually meant for carrying things on short trips - between your car and the office for example. If you have a long daily walk to work or need to travel a lot or carry heavy loads on a daily basis, a briefcase may not be your best option.

A briefcase makes a perfect gift for a business or law school graduate as it still carries that symbolism of indicating a professional. Formal attire pairs perfectly with a briefcase because a briefcase is meant to be carried by a handle, so the shoulder strap won’t damage your coat or crumple your freshly ironed shirt. Therefore, if you have a job that requires a suit jacket a briefcase would be an ideal way to carry your important items.

If you don’t require formal dress at your place of work a backpack or messenger bag may be more practical. Today almost all briefcases do come equipped with shoulder straps, but they are meant for short bursts of use - running for the bus for example - not for walking or cycling eight or ten blocks to work.

Essential Briefcase Features

The most important consideration when you are thinking about which briefcase to buy is knowing what you will be carrying in it. Make sure the briefcase you choose has enough space and compartments so that you can fit everything and stay organized. Sometimes laying everything that you need to carry out on a flat surface can help you decide what kind of bag you will need.

Related:

Designer Briefcase Costs

Prices for designer briefcases can vary a great deal dependent on what material the briefcase is made out of, and on the features it has.

For a quality leather briefcase from a top brand, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000.

FAQs

Why is it called a briefcase?

A briefcase was called a briefcase because lawyers would carry briefs in them to present in court. Originally, a briefcase was a hard-shelled box-shaped bag with a handle, perfect for carrying important documents.

Are briefcases popular?

Yes, the briefcase is very much associated with professional businessmen and women who need a carrier for their laptops and important documents.

Related:

Do legal professionals carry a briefcase?

A briefcase looks professional and can often be locked. This provides both an appropriate look for a lawyer as well as a secure way to carry a client’s private documents and information.

Brown vs Black Briefcases

The color of your briefcase will depend a lot on personal preference but black looks really great with a formal business suit. Brown or tan briefcases look perfect with more casual clothing.

What is an attache case?

An attaché case is a type of thin briefcase. It is smaller than a typical briefcase and includes two equally sized compartments. An attaché case is smaller than the average briefcase and comes with either a key lock or a combination lock.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best designer briefcases.

If you have any questions or comments, contact us at info@vonbaer.com, or leave them in the comments.

Want to read more? Check out our Work pages here.

Also browse our Style pages here.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.