A briefcase is not a fad but a necessity, especially if you travel a lot and you need to take your documents and laptop with you. Of course, you can also place all your personal items and your laptop in a backpack, but it doesn’t look that good on you if you are in a suit, does it? Just as a watch says a lot about the person who wears it, a briefcase also says a lot about its owner, because it is an equally important fashion accessory.
It is more than obvious that there are plenty of fashionable and easy-to-wear briefcases that are also perfect for everyday wear. The briefcase is a great accessory if you are a businessperson, engineer, lawyer or even a student. Whatever your profession is, a nice-looking briefcase will make you look more stylish.
The classic leather briefcase has changed a lot and doesn’t look like a rugged box anymore. Even though the original shape still exists for most briefcases, the modern ones have buckles, textured or smooth exteriors and interiors, and practical compartments inside. There are also multiple types of briefcases for women, which are available in multiple colors and have drop-dead gorgeous designs.
Your briefcase is an accessory that can and will be used for a long period of time. We found during our research that the
Ytonet Laptop Briefcase is one of the most popular and appreciated travel accessories at the moment of this writing, but brands such as
Dasein and
Kenneth Cole also make practical and eye-catching bags. It is all about knowing your priorities, not rushing your decision and coming up with the correct budget, otherwise, there are plenty of excellent choices available to you!
Sit back, relax and read the following guide. You will learn everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing the right briefcase.
Price
Briefcases are attractive and also ideal for contemporary fashion combinations, so they will not be what you would call inexpensive items. Even if you don’t know what type of briefcase to get, if you choose a tough and durable one, made of quality materials, you can use it for years to come.
There are many types and models of briefcases on the market, but the most resilient and good-looking ones are those made of natural leather. They maintain their quality over years of heavy use. A great briefcase will have two or three compartments and enough space for your keys, laptop, phone, tablet and other objects. Needless to say, the more features, and the better the material, the higher the price tag.
The price range for quality briefcases can be divided into three categories – budget-friendly, moderately priced and high-end briefcases. If you are looking to save money, but still want a good product, you'll probably pay something around $60 or less. "In the middle" briefcases can cost between $60 and $120, and higher-end ones can exceed the $120 price tag, going up to $300 or more. Of course, if you go for a high-end leather briefcase, you can expect to pay more than that. You will also find cheap briefcases on the market, but those shouldn't be on your buying list. They will wear out or break after a short time.
Features
The reason the leather briefcase is still fashionable is because it is just as useful now as it was in the past. A good briefcase should be roomy and safe (but not have too many locks and buckles). It should be lightweight, as you will be carrying it a lot. It is also important that the briefcase has a detachable buckle so you can wear it comfortably over your shoulder. Here is what you should look for when purchasing a good-quality briefcase:
- Size – The size of the briefcase should be roughly equal to that of your laptop, but it should also have enough space for other personal objects.
- Material – You should also consider the material of which the briefcase is made. Manufacturers usually use leather, faux leather, polystyrene, nylon or even politex.
- Safety – The briefcase should be sturdy and durable.
- Compartments – A good-quality briefcase has at least two compartments.
Construction and Design
A briefcase is usually paired with an office outfit, so it goes well with suits, but not so well with sportswear. Leather briefcases, especially, should be matched with leather shoes and belts. Ideally, you could also carry a leather wallet of the same color as the briefcase.
A brown briefcase looks great with brown, navy or gray suits, and even with black ones. Traditionally, a briefcase should be either black or brown. It may be best to have two briefcases, one black and one brown, so you can use them alternately depending on your outfit and the occasion.
Another important factor in choosing the perfect briefcase should be the number of compartments. If you have multiple items that you have to carry with you every day, you should get a briefcase with multiple dedicated compartments. If not, go for a more spacious briefcase, so you won't have to bother searching for your keys in every pocket.
Performance and Ease of Use
If you are buying a leather briefcase, you should use protective oil, especially when you don’t use it for a while and store it in the closet. Additionally, if your briefcase is dirty, you can clean it with a cotton cloth and a little soap. Briefcases don’t require intensive maintenance, so you don’t have to worry much about this.
If you are shopping for briefcases, it is important to pick a good one right from the start, one that can last years without major deterioration. Set a budget, take a look at your laptop to find out its screen size (if you need to carry it in your briefcase), and analyze your needs for space. Then take a look at our five products and see which one fits your needs the best. Let's meet our first contender!
Features
If you're interested in getting high-quality IT accessories, Kensington is usually the brand to go. This company specializes in memory cards, trackball mice for PC, audio cables, rugged cases for laptops and many other practical items. Kensington also makes reasonably priced laptop bags, briefcases and totes. If you take the time to browse through Kensington's product line, which includes thousands of items, you'll definitely find many interesting and useful ones!
The Contour Balance Notebook Roller Bag from Kensington is an amazing bag which comes with a telescopic handle and wheels. It is made of special materials that are lighter than most materials used for roller bags, therefore it will be easier to transport and move around. This bag is ideal for protecting 15.4-inch laptops, and it even has an impact-resistant compartment specially designed for that.
Speaking of compartments and pockets, the Contour Balance bag also incorporates multiple small pockets for your phone, keys, water bottle and other accessories. Most large compartments are zippered and can be easily accessed from any angle. Couple these features with a limited lifetime warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee and you'll soon discover that this bag from Kensington might be the ideal travel companion for you or a loved one!
Features
This is not the first time we are reviewing a product from Alpine Swiss, as this brand is known worldwide for making some of the most elegant and durable travel accessories. Alpine Swiss also makes beautiful wallets for men and women, as well as sports footwear, dress shoes, casual shoes and more. If you are looking for a high-quality messenger bag or business briefcase at a reasonable price, you should definitely check out Alpine Swiss' products.
For example, the Monroe Leather Briefcase is an ideal travel companion for business people, students or people who need to transport their laptops and other IT accessories in style. This bag has a beautiful and minimalistic black design, and it comes with a one-year warranty period. It can easily fit 15.4-inch laptops, and the front organizer pocket is reserved for business essentials and personal belongings, such as your phone, a notebook, some pens and your keys.
The bag itself is made of high-quality leather with strong zippers for each pocket. We read that the briefcases might be a bit heavy, at least in comparison with other types of bags of this size, but this is because it is made of high-quality materials. Alpine Swiss is known for making durable items, so you'll probably use this bag for years to come. The shoulder strap will also make it easier for you to carry this bag, so use it often and remember you can adjust it depending on your height and preferences. At the end of the day, if you want a clean-looking, professional bag from a reputable manufacturer, this one might be ideal for you!
Features
Samsonite doesn’t need any introduction. It is a leading manufacturer of bags, backpacks and other travel accessories, and its products are well received by the general public. Samsonite also crafts stunning briefcases, made of some of the best materials in the world. These briefcases are aimed at businessmen, students and basically anyone who wants to carry his or her laptop in style.
The Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase is designed for people who want to carry their laptops, important documents and other accessories in a safe and comfortable manner. The briefcase itself is made of genuine leather, and it comes with a front organizational pocket and features an adjustable shoulder strap. It can fit laptops up to 17 inches in size, and it features multiple interior compartments and pockets for your office supplies, pens, papers, notebooks and even a powerbar.
You will want to buy this briefcase if you're a business person, student or someone who doesn’t like a flashy travel accessory. The briefcase comes in an elegant black, and it shows that you're a person who should be taken seriously. Its price tag is also affordable, so you have all the reasons in the world to choose this model!
Features
Komal's Passion Leather, or just Komal's Passion, is all about bags, briefcases and backpacks made of genuine leather. During our research, we found that this company is highly appreciated worldwide, as many of its products have received numerous good ratings. Most Komal's Passion products boast a vintage design and different shades of brown, so if you're into retro travel accessories, this brand might have the products you are looking for.
The 16 Inch Vintage Leather Messenger Bag from Komal's Passion is just one of the multiple bags made by this prestigious manufacturer, and we picked it because it is a unisex, lightweight travel accessory. It can accommodate laptops up to 15.6 inches in size, and it features a flap-over, retro design, a sturdy handle and adjustable shoulder strap. The manufacturer used high-quality, genuine leather as well as YKK zippers for making this bag, so it’s got everything you should expect from a high-end product.
On top of the large compartment designed for your laptop, this briefcase also incorporates multiple smaller pockets, which are situated both in the interior and the exterior of the bag. You can use them for your gadgets, sunglasses, mobile phone or money, and you should rest assured that your valuables will be kept safe wherever you go. If you want a sturdy messenger bag that looks rather unique and makes you stand out from the crowd, this one might be suitable for you!
It is not that difficult to pick a good briefcase when you know exactly what you should look for. Some of the best briefcases will ultimately help you transport your gadgets and documents in a professional manner, keep your goodies secure and even add to your image. Pick any of our five featured briefcases, and your money will be well spent!
