Briefcase Materials

The best material for a briefcase is full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather, more specifically, Cuoiu Superiore leather, as it's the most professional and well-respected look for a briefcase, while being very durable and enjoyable to own.

This is what we use in all Von Baer briefcases.

Learn more in our discussion below.

If you haven't yet decided on your briefcase color yet, we have a guide on that here.

Key points from this article:

Understand What’s Suitable For Your Work Demands

Briefcases in the image above: City and No.1

Industry expectations determine the right material.

The nature of the role that you’re in will have a big influence on the bag material, which is most suitable for the image you want to project and what’s most suitable for your daily needs.

• Traditional sectors (finance, law, corporate leadership): Full-grain leather is an incredibly suitable choice due to factors like its natural finish and texture. These are strongly associated with respect for craftsmanship as well as authority. These values are firmly linked to workplaces of a more formal and hierarchical nature. Leather has a patina that develops over time and symbolizes commitment and longevity.
• Creative, innovative sectors (technology, design): Modern and practical materials such as polyester blends, ballistic nylon, and waxed canvas are associated with fast-paced work environments. If you want to fuse tradition with modernity, opt for a hybrid option like nylon with leather accents.

Think about ethics and sustainability.

For many of today’s professionals, sustainability and ethical sourcing are essential factors.

• Leather: Although leather is famously long-lasting and durable, the way it is produced can have a big impact on the environment. Vegetable-tanned leather is a more sustainable option, and you can also seek out brands that are transparent about their sourcing processes (like Von Baer).
  
• Synthetic materials: Options including polyester and recycled nylon can give you a more eco-conscious choice, so you’re relying on virgin materials less.
• Canvas or natural fibers: Waxed or untreated canvas is a great sustainable alternative. However, it may not give you the longevity of synthetics or leather.

Actionable tip: Think about your professional environment. If you work in a consultancy role, a structured leather bag will signal confidence. Those in start-up environments can opt for leather, nylon, or minimalist canvas design that’s associated with creativity.

Assess Durability Without Compromising on Elegance

Briefcases in the image above: Essential and No.2

Balancing style with longevity

Durability is a major part of any great professional accessory investment. Materials can perform under stress in different ways:

1. Full-grain leather gives long-term durability:
• Resistant to wear and tear better than cheaper alternatives such as bonded leather (source).
  
• Requires regular conditioning to stop cracking and protect its natural suppleness.
• A leather protector gives extra water resistance and, therefore, a longer lifespan.
2. Ballistic nylon and polyester for durability:
• Originally developed with the military in mind, these materials are abrasion-resistant. They are designed to handle challenging environments like crowded subways and airplane compartments.
• Protect items like laptops and other sensitive equipment with puncture resistance.
3. Canvas for rugged durability:
• Waxed canvas is water and wear-resistant while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
• Untreated canvas can wear or stain quicker but gives you an eco-friendlier alternative.

Real-world example: For the professional who works in very rugged environments like construction sites, choosing a hard-shell polycarbonate case paired with a leather portfolio for meetings will let you balance aesthetics and function.

Insight: Choose leather when you’re in scenarios where appearance is crucial, and opt for synthetic or hard-shell options in demanding environments. When you have both, you can adapt whenever you need to.

Consider Weight and Day-to-Day Comfort

Briefcases in the image above: No.1 and Essential

Material weight affects your routine.

Although durability and style are vital, your bag’s weight can have a major impact on your daily comfort.

• Leather options: Full-grain leather is highly luxurious, but it is also heavier than synthetic materials, especially when you’re carrying chargers or laptops. This can cause discomfort over time.
• Lightweight alternatives: Materials like canvas or nylon can give you relief without forcing you to sacrifice utility. Seek out models that come with padded straps so you can reduce strain when you’re commuting.

Practical example: A business owner I know prefers to use a waxed canvas briefcase for rainy commuter days or less important days, then uses his full-grain leather case for when the stakes are high, and he wants to impress.

Tip: If you’re frequently mobile, opt for leather with padded straps or hybrid models that combine lightweight fabric and leather to blend practicality with style.

Consider Weather Resistance

Weatherproofing your professional equipment: It’s vital to protect your belongings from environmental factors, especially in urban environments.

• Leather needs care in moisture-prone environments: Without waterproofing, exposure to rain can cause problems with mold, stains and swelling. A quality spray can create more water resistance. You should also store the bag in a dry environment.
• Weatherproof fabrics including waxed canvas or treated nylon: These materials are great at repelling water and therefore ideal for unpredictable climates. Waxed canvas will give you a rugged aesthetic and more durability when you’re outdoors.
• Hard-shell designs in extreme conditions: Aluminum or polycarbonate briefcases that come with seals will keep items like electronics safe.

Other weather considerations: Extreme heat or cold can affect the performance of materials:

• Leather: Prolonged humidity of heat can dry and crack leather if proper conditioning isn’t available.
• Synthetic materials: Polyester and nylon perform well in varying climates but can become brittle in extreme cold.
• Canvas: Waxed versions deal with heat and cold well but can stiffen in low temperatures.

Practical tip: Store a compact rain cover inside your bag for sudden downpours to protect both leather and fabric materials.

Match Style With Personality

Aligning your bag to your professional identity

Make sure your professional bag reflects the traits and values you’re bringing to your role:

• Full-grain leather for reliability and authority. Perfect for legal professionals, executives, and leaders. Choose dark tones for formal environments or lighter tones to create a more approachable demeanor.
• Nylon or canvas for a modern edge: These materials are great for creative and tech professionals . They offer minimalist designs and bright accents that help you build professionalism and individuality.

Real-world example: I know a CFO who switches between a nylon case for field visits, and a leather bag for corporate meetings. This choice helps him to adapt to different situations.

Customization options:

• Leather is great for stitching, embossing, or monogramming.
• Canvas and nylon sometimes offer embroidered customization or coloring options.

Pro tip: Pay close attention to smaller design elements such as monograms, stitching, and hardware. These details add refinement but won’t overpower the primary aesthetic of the material.

We discuss types of briefcases in-depth in this post.

Think About Internal Organization and Security

Functional interiors for today’s needs

• Leather designs: These tend to focus on classic compartments, including laptop sleeves, pen slots, and document sections, though they can be more minimalist.
• Synthetic materials: Often include tech-friendly layouts with multiple pouches plus external compartments for your chargers and gadgets.
• Hard-shell cases: Ideal for foam-lined compartments but don’t have the flexibility of softer bags.

Security considerations:

• Simple closures like zippers: Built into most leather and canvas bags, they are sufficient for casual use.
• RFID-blocking compartments: Increasingly seen in nylon or polyester designs, they protect against electronic theft.
• Locks: Hard-shell cases tend to have TSA-approved locks, which are great for expensive or sensitive items.

Practical tip: Pair internal organization and security features to ensure your professional and daily carry requirements are met.

We have a full briefcase organization guide here.

Summary: Choose With Confidence

Each detail of your professional accessory—from design to material—affects how well it integrates into your career and lifestyle.

Align your choice with your work environment, personal style, daily routine, and specific needs to ensure it becomes a reliable and functional tool that reinforces your work image. 

Related: Briefcase History