Leather Briefcase Messenger Bags for Men
Luxurious messenger briefcases, handmade from the finest full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather .
Taking you from the office commute to a high-power business meeting.
No.2
Leather Messenger Briefcase
$1,800
No.1
Men's Leather Briefcase
$2,000
Weekender
Men's Leather Weekend Bag
$1,600
Essential
Modern Briefcase
$1,500
City
Leather Laptop Bag
$1,300
City Large
Leather Laptop Bag
$1,500
10X
Leather Laptop Travel Bag
$1,600
Exquisite
Slim Leather Laptop Briefcase
$1,400
Elegant
Slim Leather Laptop Bag
$1,300
Grand
Leather Garment Bag
$1,800
AS FEATURED IN
Why Choose Von Baer?
Expertly Handcrafted Leather Products
Full-Grain Vegetable-Tanned Italian Leather
Strong Hardware for a Lifetime of Use
Luxurious & Durable Cotton Lining
Personalize With a Laser Engraving
Exquisitely Rich-Hued Leather for Refined Tastes
Buying Guide
For those managing the fast-paced demands of the professional world, especially in a city where first impressions matter, the tools you rely on are crucial.
The bag slung over your shoulder isn’t just about moving your laptop from point A to point B—it’s an extension of your personal brand, a reflection of how you approach both work and life.
You’re not just purchasing a bag; you’re making an investment in daily efficiency, durability, and a subtle enhancement of your professional image.
Why It’s Time to Invest in a High-End Bag
A premium leather piece is not just a functional item—it’s a necessity. A well-made product signals to colleagues, clients, and even yourself that details are important. But beyond appearance, there are concrete benefits. Consider the lifespan of the item. The right leather choice can last for decades, gaining a distinctive patina rather than wearing out. Lower-quality designs are built with short-term gain in mind, using materials that quickly show signs of wear.
- Full-grain vegetabe-tanned leather resists scratches and moisture.
- When properly cared for, it can even increase in value.
A common misunderstanding is that spending more upfront is indulgent, but in reality, it’s a sound financial decision. Quality leather evolves over time because it is made from full-grain leather—the strongest, most durable part of the hide. By contrast, cheaper pieces made from split or processed leather may look appealing at first, but they quickly deteriorate.
An investment in premium leather is not just about status; it’s about ensuring longevity, craftsmanship, and practicality that budget-friendly alternatives cannot match.
Materials Matter: The Premium Feel
When considering the leather itself, don’t be swayed by the term "genuine leather"—this often refers to lower-quality cuts.
The best choice is full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, known for its strength and the natural beauty of its imperfections. This type of leather remains unpolished, allowing for a rich, unique character to develop over time. Each crease or mark tells your story, making the piece more personalized as the years go by. No two full-grain leather items are ever identical, a stark contrast to the uniformity of mass-produced products.
This is why we use it in all Von Baer bags.
Beyond the leather, think about the interior design. The finest pieces are lined with breathable, high-quality materials like suede or cotton that prevent moisture buildup. These linings protect your devices and documents.
- Cheaper linings—often synthetic—are the first parts to wear out, leading to rips and eventual failure.
- On premium models, look for reinforcement in high-use areas like the corners and the base—spots where most items tend to degrade over time.
When I transitioned to a full-grain leather bag, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the leather itself—it was the way it felt in use. Every time I reached for a document or grabbed my keys, the smooth inner lining and carefully padded laptop sleeve made each interaction easier. It wasn’t just about storage; it was about the smoothness of the experience.
True luxury goes beyond appearances—it’s about materials that improve your day-to-day routine and hold up over time.
Luxury Is in the Details
The finer points are where premium craftsmanship really shines. From hand-stitching that ensures durability to the feel of polished hardware, every aspect of a high-end item is crafted to last and perform well. Stitching, for example, isn’t just for show.
Pockets designed just where you need them, an adjustasble and detachable shoulder strap for when you need both hands free, a compartment for your laptop - everything is taken care of in the design.
- Double-reinforced stitching at stress points, especially on handles and straps, ensures that the piece can withstand the weight of laptops, documents, and whatever else your day requires.
- Premium bags use solid brass or stainless steel hardware for a reason—these materials resist rust and wear, ensuring smooth operation for years.
In my own experience, the quality of the hardware on my bag is something I notice every day. The clasps close securely, and the zippers operate smoothly—giving me peace of mind that, even with regular use, the bag will function perfectly. These elements, while seemingly minor, significantly impact your experience with the product on a daily basis.
The small, often unnoticed details are what turn a good product into a truly exceptional one—and ensure it remains exceptional for years to come.
Co-Founder: Albert Varkki
Von Baer was founded because I wanted a unique and high-quality laptop bag for myself, without paying for an unreasonably overpriced designer brand. I've spent over 500 hours testing 1,000s of leather products over to help you get a better product.
I'm proud of the luxurious leather goods we've created since 2014, and I'm sure you'll love them too. Read more about our story here.
We strive for the highest editorial standards, and to only publish accurate information on our website.
How Is Von Baer Leather Different?
Not all leather is the same.
Since 2015, we at Von Baer have dedicated ourselves to high-quality real leather.
Here's a 30-second summary of how to choose a better leather product:
- Leather comes in different grades: full-grain, top-grain, and split/bonded - which represent how much of the original product is used (less product used = cheaper).
- Full-grain is the best grade of leather you can buy: exceptionally durable, developing an elegant patina, and having that beautiful real leather smell.
- Cheaper grades are less durable, age poorly, and don't have that authentic scent.
- Leather is processed through "tanning", which makes it durable and water-resistant.
- The two main methods for this are "vegetable-tanning" and "chrome-tanning".
- Chrome tanning uses harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and produce a worse quality leather.
- Vegetable tanning is the best method, being more eco-friendly, and producing leather with a better patina and scent.
That's why here at Von Baer, we only use full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather, sourced from the finest tanneries across Tuscany, Italy.
It ages beautifully over time, developing a unique patina, making it more durable and luxurious than lower-quality leather.
It's also why we developed the leather standards trademark Cuoio Superiore (meaning "superior leather" in Italian).
Learn more about Von Baer here.