The 25 Best Briefcases for Men in 2019

Backpacks and messengers are steadily filtering into the work carry sphere. But sometimes you simply can’t beat a briefcase for that professional touch. And with a wealth of options available you can find one that really meets your needs, style preferences and budget. But a busy lifestyle doesn’t leave a lot of time for locating that ideal partner. So to make your search a little easier, we’ve selected some of the best briefcases for men – from great value to luxury leather options – to help you conquer the work day…

And if you think you need a little extra guidance before diving in, make sure to check out our guide to choosing the right briefcase.

Bellroy Laptop Brief 13″ (US$119)

A quality briefcase doesn’t need to break the bank, as the Bellroy Laptop Brief demonstrates well. Available in 13″ and 15″ options, the bag combines a variety of thoughtful features into a pared-back form that adapts to casual and more formal environments as required. The bag can be carried by hand or over the shoulder and opens wide to provide a range of pockets positioned for maximum access and ready visibility. And with the luggage passthrough sleeve you’re good to go when travel duty calls.

Filson Dryden Briefcase (US$175)

No-nonsense utility and ruggedness in a versatile bag for work and the weekend or travel? Filson does it right with their Dryden Briefcase. Constructed from abrasion-resistant and water-repellent ballistic nylon with bridle leather detailing, this bag will easily withstand the daily grind – and look good doing so. Handy quick-access pockets and interior organization keep gear at the ready, including a padded 15″ laptop sleeve. And with its trolley strap it’s easy to secure to wheeled luggage too.

Le Tanneur Audacieux Briefcase (~US$280)

Understated French style and functionality come together in the Audacieux, a bag at home in the office or zipping through the airport. The canvas and leather briefcase keeps things chic on the outside and practical on the inside, with a range of pockets for tech and other work tools. And you’ll also find a trolley sleeve on the back for convenient all-in-one portability with rolling luggage.

Stuart & Lau Cary Briefcase (US$295)

Thoughtfully designed for life on the move, the Cary Briefcase does a great job of merging useful everyday features with business-ready style. It’s made with lightweight, weatherproof and abrasion-resistant custom DuraLite™ nylon. This practical and stylish material is paired with full-grain leather detailing and YKK Excella double zippers for an enhanced look and feel. Organization is on point with a full-width exterior sleeve for magazines or a newspaper, along with an umbrella holder. The phone/glasses pocket features a microfiber lining and there’s also a luggage tag and a detachable pen. Inside you’ll find a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, with elastic pockets for cords and cards. Plus a magnetic keyring provides quick access and storage.

Carl Friedrik Vallance Slim Leather Briefcase (US$360)

Carrying a minimalist load? The Vallance is an elegant and suave option that combines expert craftsmanship, quality materials and a slim, clean profile. It’s handmade in Italy with Tuscan vachetta leather, paired with a durable Raccagni zipper that features an extension for easy access. The front slip pocket is handy for keeping a passport and boarding tickets within easy reach, while the main compartment fits a 13″ laptop with interior slip pockets for pens, cards and other slim items. Additionally it comes in a variety of leather and lining colors to reflect your personal tastes and add a pop of color or keep things low-key.

Léon Flam Aviso (~US$395)

Inspired by aviso ships, the Aviso Briefcase is designed with trusty reliability in mind. Offering a thoughtful mix of attractive aesthetics and practical design, the Aviso is handcrafted in France with durable heavy canvas and full-grain leather. The two-way zip closure reveals a vibrant red lining for easy visibility of the contents, with interior sleeves and a zipped pocket for organization. Large enough for a 15″ laptop, the briefcase can be carried by hand or with a removable shoulder strap to suit your needs.

Ateliers Auguste Montorgueil Briefcase (US$423)

Contemporary yet timeless, the Montorgueil is the kind of briefcase that can glide from the boardroom to casual cafe meetings and back again. It’s made with water-repellent Italian nylon and vegetable-tanned leather for long-lasting durability and an appealing aesthetic contrast. The clean exterior is complemented by just enough interior organization to keep daily essentials tidy without being cluttered, including a padded 13″ laptop sleeve. And if you want to switch between hand and shoulder carry you’re sorted, as the bag also comes with a removable shoulder strap.

Porter Avenue Briefcase (L) (~US$424)

Eye-catching, expertly crafted and functional, the Porter Avenue Briefcase looks equally good in formal and informal work settings. The slim, elegantly curved profile is complemented by a double zipper gusseted wide opening with a practical interior divider and pocketing. If you want a classy, functional leather briefcase, this one is a solid pick.

Travelteq Briefcase Original (US$425)

Fancy some Italian flair with a generous dose of functionality in your work carry? The Travelteq Briefcase Original delivers on both fronts. It’s handcrafted in Tuscany with vegetable-tanned Florentine vachetta leather and waterproof Italian nylon to create a suave piece that stands out from the crowd. Inside a range of pockets keep work items neat and tidy, including a 15″ laptop pocket. And on the outside you’ll find a luggage passthrough sleeve for travel convenience.

Le Tanneur Aymeric Slim Briefcase (~US$449)

If you’re a fan of minimalism that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, look to the Le Tanneur Aymeric Slim Briefcase. Its ultra-clean aesthetics are enhanced by beautiful craftsmanship and quality full-grain leather to create subtle sophistication in any setting. However, you’ll find more than just appealing aesthetics here. Inside an array of pockets store essentials within easy reach, including padded protection for a laptop. And with its removable strap and top handles, it’s easy to alternate between carry modes as required.

WANT Les Essentiels Haneda Briefcase (US$450)

Want a briefcase that quietly gets on with the job, blending dependability and understated style into a bag you can confidently reach for time and time again? The Haneda Briefcase is well up to the task. Constructed with a stylish combination of smooth nylon and leather detailing, it brings an air of professionalism to any work setting. And with a choice of pockets on hand you’ll spend less time rummaging for individual items and more time getting on with the business at hand.

Billykirk No. 237 Briefcase (US$450)

There’s an undeniable rugged charm to Billykirk’s No. 237 Briefcase. A bag that’s built tough to tackle everyday use but with a dash of personality to keep things visually interesting too. The updated design features a longer zipper for easier access, as well as reduced weight for improved carry comfort. It’s crafted in New Jersey, USA, with durable 20 oz waxed cotton canvas, full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and nickel-plated brass hardware. In addition to its removable shoulder strap, you’ll find a range of interior and exterior storage options including an interior 15″ padded laptop pocket. Available in three colorways, the No. 237 is a prime pick for durable utility and eye-catching style.

L’Aiglon Classic Briefcase (~US$470)

The L’Aiglon Classic Briefcase will appeal to the discerning man about town who knows that first impressions count in business. And this briefcase is designed to make sure those impressions are good ones. Meticulously crafted with full-grain calf leather, it features a plaited aesthetic for added character. It fits a 15″ laptop and will garner more than its fair share of admiring glances.

KILLSPENCER Utility Attaché (US$485)

You’re not here to play. You mean business. And this bag will back you every step of the way. Sure, KILLSPENCER’s Utility Attaché is suave on the outside (and the inside). But it’s not afraid to roll up its sleeves and put in the hard work when the going gets tough. The bag is made in the USA with full-grain leather and water-resistant Riri zippers. A faux fur lining offers plush protection, with multiple interior and exterior pockets on hand including a padded 15″ laptop sleeve. Additionally, interior webbing lets you secure further items if required. A luggage passthrough sleeve and removable shoulder strap round out its functionality.

Troubadour Goods Adventure Pathfinder Slim Briefcase (US$495)

You’re a dapper gent who appreciates a bag that can move from work to the weekend. A bag that won’t weigh you down but is built to last. And a bag that keeps your work supplies tidy without overcomplicating organization. The Troubadour Goods Adventure Pathfinder Slim Briefcase could be just the business partner you need. It’s handcrafted with bluesign® approved fabrics and vegetable-tanned leather and can be carried by hand or with the removable shoulder strap. A padded 15″ laptop pocket protects your tech and a quick-access pocket stashes frequently used items. Plus you’ll also benefit from a luggage passthrough sleeve when it’s time to travel.

Mismo M/S Briefcase (~US$523)

A briefcase that can be dressed up or down, glides from relaxed to meeting-ready, and keeps essentials within easy reach in a beautifully crafted design? No problem for Mismo’s M/S Briefcase. This handsome piece does a great job of balancing form and function. Quality materials such as vegetable-tanned full-grain bridle leather and Italian cotton canvas lend it an air of understated sophistication. And while the design keeps you looking smart, the organization keeps you prepped, with space for a 15″ laptop and a selection of interior and exterior pockets for smaller items.

Bonastre Briefcase (~US$556)

Keen to embrace a touch of European luxury that celebrates simplicity and functionality? Consider the Bonastre Briefcase, brought to life through a Parisian brand with a Spanish designer and Spanish craftsmanship. Uber-clean in form, the Bonastre Briefcase is very much a proponent of less is more. Inspired by Brutalist architecture, the briefcase has a stripped-back exterior and slim profile. Perfect for accentuating the vegetable-tanned leather and excellent handcrafted construction. Available in a choice of understated colorways, the lightweight briefcase opens wide for easy access with a double zip opening. Inside you’ll find a recycled cotton lining and padded interior, with a zipped pocket and two slip pockets.

Bellroy Laptop Brief Designers Edition (US$590)

Like the functionality of the Bellroy Laptop Brief but looking for a little style elevation? Meet the Designers Edition, offering all of the practicality with enhanced detailing and a luxurious look and feel. The bag is crafted with premium environmentally-certified leather and includes a magnetized 15″ laptop pocket, with further pockets on hand to keep smaller tools at the ready.

Bleu de Chauffe Jupiter Business Bag (~US$646)

The Jupiter Business Bag exudes quality and attention to detail. Not surprising considering Bleu de Chauffe’s focus on enduring style and utility. The brand values proximity and traceability of all components in the construction process in order to reduce their carbon footprint. The bag is handmade in France with full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and proudly signed and dated by the artisan who made it. An interior felt 13″ laptop sleeve keeps tech safe on the move, with additional organization in the form of a removable interior zipped pocket, two exterior pockets with magnetic closures and external straps that can hold a newspaper or umbrella.

Le Feuillet Briefcase (~US$664)

Elegantly refined and honed for carrying the essentials, the Le Feuillet Briefcase lets its premium materials and clean form speak for itself. Crafted in France, the briefcase is made with vegetable-tanned full-grain aniline calf leather. The padded computer pocket fits up to 14.5″ tech, with additional pockets for smaller items. Each unique piece also features a laser number instead of a logo as a nod to its pared-back minimalism.

Zero Halliburton Premier Plus Aluminum Attaché (US$695)

In the briefcase world materials such as nylon, leather and canvas tend to dominate. But if you’re after something different, the Zero Halliburton Premier Plus Aluminum Attaché is a fine choice. The anodized aluminum exterior contrasts appealingly with the scratch-resistant synthetic leather lining. The TSA-accepted combination locks keep your belongings secure on the go (ideal if you need to keep top-secret business information confidential), while a diverse range of pockets neatly store EDC and work tools.

Mismo Morris (~US$901)

We’re well into the realms of luxury carry here. But the Mismo Morris does it oh so well. The design intentionally aims for pared-back minimalism to showcase the beautiful vegetable-tanned full-grain leather. And that classy exterior is only enhanced with thoughtful features such as a full-length YKK Excella zipper that runs from one side of the briefcase to the other to enable a wide opening, with a gusset to keep the opening in check. The useful organization includes an interior padded laptop compartment, two open pockets opposite the laptop compartment and a pen pocket. And for added functionality there’s a removable shoulder strap too. Available in three handsome colorways, this is a premium display of Danish minimalist design and functionality. Sophisticated, durable and straightforward, this is professional carry, elevated.

Tailfeather Kookaburra (US$1053)

Want a bold statement piece that focuses on quality, timeless design and fuss-free practicality? The Tailfeather Kookaburra steps up in distinct style. Handcrafted in Victoria, Australia, it’s made with premium Horween leather and features a self-standing design with brass feet. The organization is kept simple, with an interior 15″ laptop divider and interior zipped pocket. And you can sling it over your shoulder with the removable strap or carry it by hand. Durable, practical and minimalist, this piece is a top-level promotion for your carry setup.

hardgraft Long Haul Briefcase (~US$1082)

There’s no denying the Long Haul Briefcase comes with a hefty price tag. But it also comes with a generous serving of fashion-savvy styling, premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship and everyday practicality. Designed to fit a 15″ laptop inside, the briefcase is crafted in Italy with a combination of suede and vegetable-tanned leather. Externally there’s a front zipped pocket, while on the rear you’ll find a luggage passthrough sleeve for smoother travels.

Lotuff Triumph II Briefcase (US$2600)

You roll with CEOs and your private plane is waiting. Or you just really like very nice things. This briefcase is for you. The Lotuff Triumph II is handcrafted in America using vegetable-tanned bridle leather, equally durable and visually striking. The triple-gusset construction allows the case to expand when you need to carry larger loads or retain a slim form when you don’t, with three interior compartments and a variety of pockets to store tech, documents and tools. The briefcase is also self-standing and comes with a removable shoulder strap. A premium boss of a bag that’s guaranteed for life, luxuriously understated and thoughtfully designed to keep you at the top of your game.

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