Women’s Designer Briefcases 2023: Stylish & Professional

by Albert Varkki updated 07-07-2023

Table Of Contents

Stylish and professional designer briefcases for women.

We've found the top picks for tote bags, briefcases, laptop bags, and shoulder bags for 2023.

Our top picks:

1		Best for a professional leather tote bag with zip. Elegance Tote Bag Read More
2		Best for a sophisticated leather laptop bag. City Laptop Bag for Women Read More
3		Best slim leather laptop bag. Exquisite Women's Laptop Bag Read More
4		Best for a professional laptop backpack. Prime Backpack Read More
5		Best minimalist leather laptop bag. Elegant Women's Laptop Briefcase Read More
6		Best for a smart convertible laptop backpack. 10X Women's Leather Laptop Travel Bag Read More
7		Best smart leather weekender bag. Weekender Travel Bag for Women Read More
8		Best for a small, professional leather work backpack. Liberty Backpack Read More
9		Best for a smart rolling carry-on bag. Voyager Rolling Leather Carry-on Bag for Women Read More

Best Designer Briefcases for Women

Elegance Leather Tote Bag

Best for carrying work essentials in style, the Elegance Leather Tote Bag is perfect for business meetings and daily commutes.

Elegance Tote Bag Product Highlights:

Material Origin	Certified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany
Laptop Sleeve	Specifically designed slot for up to a 14" laptop
Interior Quality	Robust Italian cotton canvas lining, pleasant to touch
Zipper Durability	Renowned Japanese YKK zippers ensuring longevity
Craftsmanship	Handcrafted in family-owned studios in Florence, Italy
Sustainability Commitment	Supports traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices
Leather Treatment	Leather treated with sustainable methods, ensuring quality and origin
Wear Resistance	Designed for frequent use without excessive wear and tear
Handle Strength	Handles crafted to carry laptops, documents, and books securely

Watch the Elegance product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegance:

Our review:

"Have you been looking for a classy and sophisticated work bag for women? If so, this option could be the ideal solution. The bag gives you plenty of space for your work essentials and has a sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches wide. Fusing classic design with modern functionality, the bag has strong cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag is made from elegant Italian full-grain leather and has a large main compartment alongside a sizeable pocket for a mobile device like a tablet. It also comes with a zipped pocket for smaller goods and three pen slots. You can carry the bag on your shoulder or in your hand thanks to the strong leather straps."

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
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design

City Women's Laptop Bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials to business meetings and events - the City Leather Laptop Bag for Women.

City Laptop Bag for Women Product Highlights:

Product	City Laptop Bag for Women
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	38 cm (15 in)
Height	28 cm (11 in)
Depth	7 cm (3 in)
Weight	1.2 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Our review:

"Aim high when you're looking for a long-lasting women's bag for work. This exceptional bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and can hold a laptop up to 15.6 inches wide. It is noted for its outstanding features, and these include the strong YKK zipper, the robust cotton lining and the adjustable shoulder strap. The bag also comes with rounded top handles that make carrying easy. The bag is handmade by skilled Italian craftsmen and will enable you to keep all your work essentials safe and secure. Expect the bag to serve you well in the office and elsewhere for years to come."

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 Women's Laptop Bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials to business meetings and events with the Exquisite Women's Laptop Bag.

Exquisite Women's Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

Product	Exquisite Women's Laptop Bag
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:

Our review:

"If you're looking for a splendid, elegant women's bag for work, this option could be perfect for you. The bag comes with a dedicated 14" laptop compartment and is as slim as it is spacious. Manufactured from premium Italian full-grain leather by expert craftsmen, the bag has a strong YKK zipper and robust cotton lining. You can carry the bag with the slender handles or instead opt for the adjustable shoulder strap, which has leather padding. Fantastic attention to detail has gone into the production of this bag, which features first-class stitching. Keep your work essentials safe and maintain a fantastic appearance with this big-selling women's work bag."

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

Prime Women's Leather Backpack

Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop, perfect for business meetings and daily commute. The Prime Women's Leather Backpack is a must-have.

Prime Backpack Product Highlights:

Product	Prime Backpack
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	Adjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	27 cm (11 in)
Height	40 cm (16 in)
Depth	12 cm (5 in)
Weight	1.2 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Prime product video below:

Browse more images of the Prime:

Our review:

"If you're looking for a classy women's backpack for work made from elegant and strong materials, this bag could be the perfect solution. The bag has been made from exquisite Italian full-grain leather and offers a sleeve for a laptop up to 14" or a tablet that will keep your device both safe and secure. This big-selling bag also comes with a reliable YKK zipper and durable lining that ensure it will serve you well for years to come. There's plenty of space for goods like toiletries alongside your key work essentials. The strong wide top handle and adjustable shoulder straps will make carrying the bag to and from work a breeze."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and versatile design	Not waterproof
Multiple compartments for organization	Not ideal for carrying extremely heavy items
Comfortable to wear
Durable and long-lasting
Develops a unique patina over time
Can be easily cleaned and maintained

Elegant Women's Laptop Briefcase

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials to business meetings and events with the Elegant Women's Laptop Bag.

Elegant Women's Laptop Briefcase Product Highlights:

Product	Elegant Women's Laptop 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:

Our review:

"Are you looking for an exquisite and long-lasting women's bag for work? If so, this option will help you keep all your work essentials safe. It comes with a dedicated 14" laptop compartment as well as a robust YKK zipper and dependable cotton canvas lining. The bag can be carried with the slim handles or the leather-padded adjustable shoulder strap. It also comes with inner pockets that will protect smaller items you need for work such as a phone. The bag is manufactured from premium grade Italian full-grain leather and should last for many years before it needs to be replaced."

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

10X Women's Leather Laptop Travel Bag

Best for stylishly carrying your laptop and work essentials on business trips, with multiple compartments for organization and a sleek leather design.

10X Women's Leather Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:

Product	10X Women's Leather 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:

Our review:

"If you've been searching for a remarkable women's bag for work that will help you protect and carry your work essentials in style, this option could be for you. The bag is made from premium Italian full-grain leather and boasts a strong YKK zipper and cotton lining. This popular bag comes with a sleeve for a laptop of up to 15.6 inches wide or a 16 inch MacBook Pro. An all-in-one option, the bag can be used as a travel bag, a messenger bag or a backpack. The bag is carry-on compliant too, which means it's ideal for work-related air travel. It also has multiple internal components to keep your goods safe."

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

Weekender Women's Leather Weekend Bag

Best for stylish weekend getaways with ample space for all your essentials - the Weekender leather bag.

Weekender Travel Bag for Women Product Highlights:

Product	Weekender Travel Bag for Women
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 16 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	55 cm (22 in)
Height	30 cm (12 in)
Depth	23.5 cm (9 in)
Weight	1.9 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Our review:

"This big-selling women's bag for work is designed to make office life much more simple, and it can also serve you very well during your leisure time. The bag has a sleeve for a laptop up to 16" and comes complete with robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The main compartment has a number of convenient inner pockets, and there is also a padded zip pocket for your laptop. The bag has been carefully manufactured by some of Florence's most skilled craftsmen and is made from premium Italian full-grain leather. What's more is that the bag is carry-on compliant, making it perfect for air travel too."

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

Liberty Women's Leather Backpack

Best for stylishly carrying work essentials and laptop on daily commutes or business meetings - Liberty Women's Leather Backpack.

Liberty Backpack Product Highlights:

Product	Liberty Backpack
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	Adjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	33 cm (13 in)
Height	40 cm (16 in)
Depth	12 cm (5 in)
Weight	1.4 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Liberty product video below:

Browse more images of the Liberty:

Our review:

"Designed with the modern female in mind, this Liberty backpack is made from gorgeous premium Italian full-grain leather. The laptop comes complete with a sleeve to fit a tablet or a laptop up to 14 inches and also comes with a durable cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag is ideal for leisure as well as work, with the strong materials delivering a solution that could benefit you for years. It also has two zipped front pockets for your devices, make-up and other essential items. The bag also boasts adjustable shoulder straps to deliver outstanding comfort as well as a strong top handle which makes carrying easy."

Pros	Cons
Made of full grain leather	May have a higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and versatile design	Not waterproof
Multiple compartments for organization	May not be ideal for carrying extremely heavy items
Comfortable to wear
Durable and long-lasting
Develops a unique patina over time
Can be easily cleaned and maintained

Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels

Best for stylish and efficient business travel with the Voyager Carry-On Bag with Wheels for Women.

Voyager Rolling Leather Carry-on Bag for Women Product Highlights:

Product	Voyager Rolling Leather Carry-on Bag for Women
Material	Full Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size	up to 16 inch
Lining	Durable Cotton Canvas
Zippers	YKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?	Handmade in Florence, Italy
Straps
Carry-on Compliant?	Yes
Width	40 cm (16 in)
Height	50 cm (20 in)
Depth	18 cm (7 in)
Weight	3.5 kg (1.6 lbs)
Personalization?	Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Voyager product video below:

Browse more images of the Voyager:

Our review:

"This magnificent women's bag for work is manufactured from premium grade Italian full-grain leather. It is designed to serve you well at work and elsewhere for many years before it needs to be replaced. The bag is carry-on compliant, which makes it great for overseas business trips and has a sleeve for a laptop up to 16". It also has smooth-rolling wheels and a luggage tag. There's also a bottom front pocket for any smaller work essentials, two height settings and a foldaway telescopic handle. The larger compartment has a fold-over magnet closure to keep things safe and secure. Other features include the YKK zippers and tough cotton lining."

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

What To Consider in a Laptop Bag

Consider these key factors before making your designer briefcase choice:

Price Range

Even for designer bags, the price range can vary from below $100 to above $1000.

Be mindful that more expensive briefcases may be better constructed using higher-quality materials - our personal preference is leather, as it tends to last a lot longer and look smarter.

But if you're on a budget, look for something made of nylon - it'll be cheaper for sure.

Styles

Styles vary per bag and brand, but the main ones to consider are:

Structured - structured laptop bags have a harder exterior, and tend to hold their shape when moved or packed full.
Slouchy - unstructured or slouchy bags tend to fall around the contents, creating a more casual look.

Leather is the usual material for traditional briefcases and their design is structured with a shoulder strap and handle.

The slouchier, modern-style briefcases are made with various materials, making their look more casual and relaxed.

Related:

Colors

Everyone has their own preference for a color, but in general, opt for something that's synonymous with work if you want to look professional (like brown or black).

If you want to be a bit more casual and adventurous, then opting for a red or even more jazzy color can be an exciting option.

Customer Reviews

Previous customer reviews are an important insight into their briefcase experiences, so make sure to look in detail at the historical reviews of the bag you're looking at.

Look for reviews that mention specifics like features, durability, or compliments from others.

Warranty

Warranties often don't cover everything, so you should read the small print of any bag warranty you're considering, just in case. In general, the longer the warranty, the more confidence the company has that they've made a quality product.

Durability

Good designer briefcases are made to withstand everyday wear and tear using durable materials. Search for high-quality leather, nylon, or canvas briefcases that feature reinforced corners or padded straps - they're definitely the best on a long journey!

Weight

An important consideration is the weight of the briefcase, especially if you plan to spend extensive periods carrying it (such as a trip abroad).

Seek out a lightweight briefcase for the most comfortable feel, and consider the number of organizational pockets/compartments you may need (fewer of these may reduce weight).

Dimensions

Your bag needs to be able to fit all of your essentials but to remain cute, it should still feel fairly light and not be overly bulky.

Look for designs labeled as "slim" or "elegant" to ensure this.

Materials

The best material for your laptop bag is leather, as it is timeless, and will look stylish for many years. Contrary to popular belief, leather can look cute, you just need to pair it with a matching outfit.

Features

Think about how important the following common features are: pockets and compartments, padded laptop protection, backpack straps, or detachable straps.

Related:

FAQs:

Which type of briefcase best suits my formal office setting?

We recommend going for a traditionally structured leather designer briefcase in a neutral color (like black or brown) for an office setting. This is because it'll be functional, stylish, and complement formal attire.

What type of briefcase is best for someone who goes to work every day on a bike?

If you go to work on your bike as part of your commute, then you need either a messenger briefcase of backpack, so your arms are free when riding. A bonus would be a waterproof bag, as if it starts raining any other bag may become damaged. Look for padding too, as the bumpy journey will be more enjoyable.

What type of briefcase is best for both work and leisure use?

If you want to use your briefcase for work and pleasure, then you'll need one that's fairly formal, like a traditional briefcase. If you opt for one that's not quite as bulky, you should be able to get away with taking it to non-work functions without anyone saying anything.

What type of briefcase is best for a student to carry a laptop and books?

As a student, you need a large laptop briefcase to ensure you can carry all of your tech and studying essentials around campus. If you still want to look stylish, then choose one made from full grain leather.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best customized designer bags.

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

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.