Best Stylish & Professional Leather Briefcases for Men in 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 06-02-2023

Table Of Contents

best leather briefcases for men

Your new leather briefcase is going to become your daily go-to business bag, for every meeting, every commute, every time.

You need it to be smart and practical, helping you achieve what you want in the workplace.

In this post, we go over the best leather briefcases for 2023.

Top Picks

Want a quick breakdown? Here are our top picks:

  1. 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.
  2. Best Minimalist Laptop Bag: Elegant Briefcase (click to view) - a smart and minimalistic style of laptop briefcase, with decorative handles and a detachable shoulder strap. Made from full grain leather.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Leather Briefcases for Men in 2023

Here we go into the best leather briefcases for 2023 by type and style.

No.1 Men's Leather Briefcase

No.1 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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious triple-gusset design suitable for a laptop up to 15.6 inches
Interior LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
SecurityLocking feature for unattended safety
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices
EngravingOption to personalize with engravings
Shoulder StrapPadded for extra comfort, adjustable and detachable
PersonalizedCustom engraving options available for a unique touch
UsageIdeal for professionals, travelers, and students; versatile for work, meetings, and travel

Watch the No.1 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.1:

Albert Varkki

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

Elegant Slim Leather Laptop Bag

Elegant Briefcase

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:

ProductElegant Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 14 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height30 cm (12 in)
Depth8 cm (3 in)
Weight1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Elegant product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegant:

Albert Varkki

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

City Leather Laptop Bag

City 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:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop CompatibilityFits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
DesignProfessional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable StrapAdjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner PocketsStitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Albert Varkki

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

Exquisite Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase

Exquisite 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:

ProductExquisite Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 14 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height29 cm (11 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.1 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Exquisite product video below:

Browse more images of the Exquisite:

Albert Varkki

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

City Large Leather Laptop Bag

City Large 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:

ProductCity Large Laptop Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 17 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width45 cm (18 in)
Height34 cm (13 in)
Depth8 cm (3 in)
Weight1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Albert Varkki

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

Essential Briefcase

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

Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:

ProductEssential Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height31 cm (12 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Albert Varkki

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

10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag

10X 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:

Product10X Laptop Travel Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsBackpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width31 cm (12 in)
Height42 cm (17 in)
Depth17 cm (7 in)
Weight2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

Browse more images of the 10X:

Albert Varkki

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

No.2 Leather Messenger Briefcase

No.2 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:

ProductNo.2 Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height30 cm (12 in)
Depth11 cm (4 in)
Weight1.55 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.2 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.2:

Albert Varkki

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

No.3 Leather Messenger Briefcase

No.3 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:

ProductNo.3 Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 13 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width38 cm (15 in)
Height30 cm (12 in)
Depth9 cm (4 in)
Weight1.5 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.3 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.3:

Albert Varkki

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

Weekender Men's Leather Weekend Bag

Weekender

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

Weekender Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
InteriorDurable cotton lining with compartments for organization
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
ComplianceMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional FeaturesAdjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
PersonalizedOption for custom laser engraving
Use CasesTravel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Albert Varkki

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

Grand Leather Garment Bag

Grand Leather Garment Bag

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

MaterialCertified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather
Garment Duffel BagCarry your suit in style and without creases
Interior LiningDurable Italian Cotton Lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK Zipper
Carry-On CompliantMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
CapacityCan fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Suit CarrierAttached to the travel bag
PersonalizedIt can be personalized with a custom laser engraving

Watch the Grand product video below:

Browse more images of the Grand:

Albert Varkki

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

Pros of a Leather for a Briefcase

You may be wondering if paying extra for a leather briefcase is worth it.

Here are some reasons to consider:

  1. Durability - leather is a durable material, that's resistant to tears and stretching, making it a good option as a day-to-day briefcase.
  2. Ages well - full grain leather ages nicely with "leather patina", which makes the bag unique and gives it a special rugged quality that people love. Compare this with a nylon bag which loses its colour and starts to look tatty over time.
  3. Professionalism - leather is associated with a professional setting, which will give you extra confidence in work situations. This is particularly important if you're a young professional.

Briefcases are sophisticated accessories that offer a lightweight and comfortable way to carry your essentials to work and keep everything organized in zippered pockets.

Leather handles are comfortable to carry, helping you hold the weight of your leather bag. Brass hardware adds a stylish finishing touch, and goes well with brass on a belt or dress shoes.

Hold all of your essential accessories like a wallet, umbrella, headphones, charger, laptop, business cards, notebooks, smartphone, tablet/iPad, and more.

Related:

Briefcases vs Other Business Bags

If you want to look the part of a professional, a briefcase is key.

When one conjures up an image of a professional businessman or businesswoman the image is one of a sharply dressed person in a business suit for ladies, and a suit and tie for men.

They do not have a backpack slung across their shoulders or a messenger bag laying low on their hip. No, they have a briefcase in their hand. For this reason, a briefcase makes a great gift for a graduate of a law school or business-related program.

A briefcase is not always the most practical way to carry your work-related items though. Because a briefcase is designed to be carried with a handle it can be more difficult to manage if you have a lot of stuff or if you need to carry your briefcase for an extended period of time. This means choosing one with a detachable shoulder strap is important.

If you are not concerned about looking formal or professional, sometimes a backpack or a messenger bag will make it much easier to get all of your necessary items to the office and home again.

Although briefcases are meant to be carried by the small handle on the top of the bag most briefcases now come equipped with a shoulder strap.

The shoulder strap is great for very short term use but people have found that overusing this feature can lead to damage to their attire. The strap rubs against the shoulder of your coat or shirt and causes wrinkling and sometimes even rips and tears.

If you like the look of a briefcase and plan to use one, remember that these bags are designed for short trips to and from your home and the office.

Trying to use this type of bag to hold all of your gym clothes, library books and water bottle will not work out too well.

If this is the situation for you consider a backpack or a duffel bag.

Color

There is no one color that's best for a briefcase, and in most cases it will depend on your personal choice or style.

Brown is by far the most popular briefcase colour, either solid brown or tan, so consider that when choosing your briefcase.

You may also want to match it with the color of your watch strap, shoes, and belt.

Learn why we DON'T think you should wear a backpack with a suit here.

Alternatives

If you don't want to carry a traditional briefcase to work, then some good alternatives are:

While these may not be as professional as a briefcase, they will offer a functionally similar bag.

Related:

Conclusion

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

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, or email Von Baer at info@vonbaer.com.

Browse related articles on travel here or our work 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.

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