Leather Satchel Briefcases for Men

Benefits

Timeless elegance

A leather briefcase has a timeless aesthetic that never falls out of fashion. You can depend on this briefcase to add a dash of sophistication to your attire to help you appear professional and ready to do business.

Durability

This briefcase offers a great deal of resilience and strength. A quality leather satchel briefcase will withstand a great deal of day-to-day wear and tear, serving you well for many years to come.

Versatility

This briefcase is ideal for your daily commute. It’s also great for casual days out and business trips. You can either carry it over your shoulder or by hand.

Organization

This bag makes it easy for you to keep your essentials organized. You can expect to gain access to compartments for your laptop, stationery, documents, and many other items. Regard your leather briefcase as your mobile office.

Security

Most of these models have secure closure systems, including buckles and zippers. This ensures you have a safe place for storing your most valuable possessions.

Compatibility

A leather satchel briefcase is great for carrying laptops and tablets from all the leading brands. You can also use it to transport documents and notebooks.

Statement piece

A leather satchel briefcase isn’t just a carrier. It can be a statement piece that tells others about your personality and taste.

How to choose the right leather satchel briefcase for your needs

Here are some of the key factors you need to consider when you want to purchase a leather satchel briefcase.

Material quality

The longevity of your briefcase will depend on the quality of the leather it’s made from. Full-grain leather is highly sought-after due to its durability. It also develops a unique patina over time. This improves its appearance. However, you could opt for genuine leather if you’re on a budget. This offers a decent level of durability.

Stitching quality

The stitching inside your briefcase can be highly influential on its overall durability. Try to source a bag with double or back stitching at stress points. Good quality stitching ensures your bag lasts a lifetime rather than just a few years.

Hardware quality

It’s essential to consider the quality of the hardware built into your briefcase. Essential components to look out for include buckles, clasps, and zippers. Brass or YKK zippers tend to be more challenging and smoother to operate. These can ensure your briefcase lasts for years before it needs to be replaced and made it more usable.

Interior lining

Good quality inner lining can protect not only the items inside your briefcase but also the interior of the items. Many people look for a bag with a sturdy canvas lining as this tends to be more wear and tear-resistant than polyester and satin lining.

Leather grain

It’s essential to understand the difference between top grain leather and full grain leather. Full grain leather is the most durable option available and ages wonderfully. However, it will cost you more than top grain leather, which still has an impressive look but not quite the same standard of durability.

Size

Are you likely to be carrying a large number of items or larger devices? If so, seek out a larger size. A more compact option may better serve those transporting fewer items or having smaller devices.

Storage compartments

Your decision may also be influenced by your desired arrangement and the number of compartments you need. Bags with multiple pockets can make organization easier, though ones with a single large compartment can give you more flexibility.

Closure mechanism

Closure mechanisms can come in buckles, clasps, and zippers. Your choice may depend upon your security preferences. Zippers give swift access to items, though clasps and buckles can give you more security whilst adding to the vintage look of your briefcase.

Design style

There are many design styles for you to choose from. These include vintage classic and modern minimalistic. Your personal preferences can help you reach the right decision.

Handles and strap

A bag with a top handle for carrying by hand and a detachable shoulder strap can give you the best of both worlds. Nonetheless, some people prefer to opt for one over the other rather than having access to both.

Brand reputation

The brand may also influence you when shopping for a leather satchel briefcase. If you opt for a bag from a reputable brand, you will more likely receive a long-lasting product of high quality whilst benefiting from a good warranty and return policy. You may also wish to choose a brand known for offering quality customer service.

Cost

Another factor that you might be influenced by is price. Although you’ll have to pay more for a high-end designer briefcase, this can mean benefiting from better quality and longevity. A less expensive option can help you save money but may give you more quality than you expect.

Tanning process

Vegetable tanned leather is more expensive and less uniform in terms of color. However, it’s often regarded as more sustainable than chrome-tanned leather.

Country of origin

You may also pay attention to where the leather was sourced from. Some countries, including France and Italy, are renowned for the quality of the leather they manufacture.

Types

There are many types of leather satchel briefcases available to you. Let’s take a look at some of the market’s most popular options.

Executive briefcase

This option oozes elegance and professionalism. It gives you stylish aesthetics as well as a robust structure. High-level briefcases often purchase this option, and it gives you a great deal of space for your laptop, documents, and other items. Perhaps you’re an attorney with legal documents you must carry securely whilst generating a highly sophisticated appearance. If so, this could be the ideal bag for you.

Messenger bag

This style comes with a long, adjustable shoulder strap for cross-body wear. It has a casual and laidback design which means it’s great for creative types and students who need simple access to their essentials. Maybe you’re a graphic designer looking for a suitable bag. If so, you could transport your laptop, sketchbook, and pens in this item.

Portfolio briefcase

This slim, compact option makes it easy to carry minimal items, including small laptops, tablets, and documents. Consider this bag if you’re a professional seeking a lightweight carrying option. This bag can be ideal for consultants with many client meetings to attend. The design was inspired by the slim cases tasked with transporting artistic portfolios.

Expandable briefcase

This bag could be perfect if you need to adjust the capacity regularly. If you’re a business traveler who needs additional space for carrying extra items during trips, this could be your option. This design was initially created to benefit traveling sales professionals carrying many product samples.

Convertible briefcase

Depending on your requirements, this highly adaptable option can be transformed from a briefcase to a messenger bag to a backpack. If you’re a cycling commuter, this versatility could be highly beneficial. This modern version of a classic briefcase reflects growing demands for multifunctional solutions.

Which alternatives to leather satchel briefcases are available?

Some alternatives to leather satchel briefcases may be more suitable for your needs. Read on to find out which alternatives are available if a leather satchel briefcase isn’t quite right for your needs.

Office work

Leather satchel briefcases are renowned for their professionalism and for carrying a laptop, documents, and other office essentials. However, if you have an expensive laptop to protect, you may be better served by a high-tech laptop bag with extra padding, especially if you work in the tech industry.

Academia

Many academics and students love the satchel briefcase due to the amount of storage it provides as well as its stylish appearance. However, if you have heavy items like textbooks to carry or want to create a more casual look, a study backpack could be a better option.

Business travel

The leather satchel briefcase has become popular amongst business travelers thanks to its versatile storage capacity. However, if you need something for longer business trips, you may be better served by a suitcase with wheels and a trolley handle, or a dedicated travel bag. This is particularly likely to be the case if you have many items to carry or regularly find yourself making your way through busy railway stations and airports.

Fieldwork

Leather satchel briefcases are both elegant and functional. However, if durability and weather resistance are particularly important, a rugged canvas messenger bag may be a better option for outdoor fieldwork.

Casual usage

A leather satchel briefcase can be ideal for those seeking an option with a classy appearance. However, if you only need to carry a few items, including a small tablet, a phone, and a wallet, it may be better to opt for a tote or a crossbody bag.

What to think about once you’ve made your purchase

You may face a few obstacles or concerns once you have purchased your bag. However, here are some tips on overcoming some of the challenges and worries people can face after buying a leather satchel briefcase bag.

Maintaining the leather

If you worry about the bag cracking or drying out, you can regularly condition the leather with a special conditioner. If your bag ever gets wet during a downpour, drying it naturally can help prevent damage. These steps can help you protect the durability and appearance of the bag.

Stain removal

Don’t worry if your satchel becomes stained. You can spot-clean the area in question with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, use a leather-safe cleaner. Ensure you’re testing any cleaning product you’re using on a small and discreet area first.

Storage

When you’re not using your briefcase, you can fill it with tissue paper or bubble wrap before storing it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This enables you to prevent creases and maintain the shape of your briefcase.

Smell

If your new leather bag has a powerful aroma, put it in a well-ventilated environment and allow it to air out.

Scratching

You can rub out minor scratches with a small amount of leather conditioner. You could take the bag to a professional leather repair company if it gets a large scratch.

Break-in period

These bags can feel stiff immediately after purchase. However, you can expect the leather to soften up over time.

Aging

The color and texture of these bags change over time as part of the patina process. This is one of the unique features of leather and ensures each bag is unique.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to care for a leather bag?

To care for your leather satchel briefcase bag, condition it regularly with a suitable leather conditioner. This helps you maintain its durability and appearance. Try not to expose it to moisture or extreme temperatures.

What is the best way to remove stains from my bag?

You can remove stains by spot-cleaning them with a damp cloth and mild soap. A leather-safe cleaner will help you treat tougher and more persistent stains. Just test any cleaning product in a discreet area first.

Does it matter if leather bags get wet?

A small amount of exposure to rain won’t damage high-quality leather, but try not to let the bag become soaked. If the bag does get wet, you can wipe off excess water before allowing it to dry naturally.

How can I store my leather bag when I’m not using it?

Filling the bag with bubble wrap or tissue paper can help you maintain the shape of your bag and prevent creases. You can store the bag in a cool, dry place whilst keeping it out of direct sunlight.

How can I treat scratches on my bag?

You can normally rub minor scratches with a small amount of leather conditioner. A professional leather repair service can remove more significant scratches.

Do these bags change color over time?

Genuine leather develops a patina over time. However, this is a natural process. It will add character to the item and ensure it’s truly unique.

Why does the bag feel stiff?

New leather bags often need a small break-in period. If you use your bag regularly, it will soon become more flexible and soften up.

My bag has a strong smell – what should I do?

New leather bags can have a powerful scent. If this aroma is too overpowering, let it dry out in a well-ventilated space.