The Best Briefcases for Pros On the Go
If you're looking to up your professional-on-the-go game, there’s no better purchase than a briefcase. Not just for suits anymore, a good briefcase can keep you organized, protect your laptop, and make you look sharp (even if you’re coming off a red-eye). While traditional briefcases are designed to be held from the handles (to keep that blazer looking crisp), most modern-day styles also feature essential travel features like shoulder straps, trolley sleeves, and extra pockets for chargers and water bottles. Convinced yet? We’ll keep this brief. Here are our picks for the best travel-friendly briefcases.
Best Overall Briefcase
Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase
Leave it to luggage leader Samsonite to make a solid, built-to-last briefcase. The Samsonite Leather Expandable Briefcase features all the things we love in one fairly priced package: a smooth leather exterior, a padded shoulder strap that you can remove or adjust, and tons of pockets, including one for laptops up to 15.6 inches in size. Even better, it weighs in at just 3.5 pounds, so you can breeze through check-in worry-free, even when you’re flying budget (hello, Ryanair).
RELATED: Which Samsonite Luggage Should You Get?
Best Canvas Briefcase
Herschel Gibson Messenger Bag
Herschel’s Gibson Messenger Bag has a lot in common with the brand’s popular Sandford style, including a padded laptop sleeve that’s big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop. But it has a slightly smaller profile, resulting in a sleeker, more grown-up aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on functionality. The long, messenger-style strap makes it easy to carry the briefcase a number of ways, but it’s mostly for looks (we don’t suggest actually biking with it).
Best Leather Briefcase
Newhey Men’s Messenger Bag
For a vintage style that’ll keep your 21st-century gadgets dry and intact, try this attaché case. With double leather strap closures, decorative buckles, and a thick leather strap, the rugged leather number looks like an old family heirloom. But inside, you have all the modern amenities you need: a padded laptop sleeve, plus multiple pockets for phones, chargers, and water bottles. It’s the best of both worlds.
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Best Nylon Briefcase
Knomo Hanover
Rarely does a briefcase spark this much joy. Most work bags lean more practical—and a bit masculine—but the chic Knomo Hanover is a delight to carry. Made of water-resistant twill nylon, it’s roomy enough to fit a 14-inch laptop, with space left over for your wallet and other essentials. Sleek and stylish, it looks just as good in the board room as it does at the bar.
Best Hard-Shell Briefcase
Solo New York Grand Central Attaché Case
Soft bags are nice and all, but there’s just something about a hard-shell. This handsome, old-school option, which comes with built-in combination locks and interior pockets for your phone, pens, and business cards, is as durable as it is smart. Not only do you not have to worry about your stuff getting crushed, but you’ll look like a boss (think about it: have you ever seen a mafia don whip out a floppy messenger bag full of Benjamins?).
Best Status Briefcase
Gucci Unisex Briefcase
There’s no blending into a crowd when you’re rocking the Gucci Unisex Briefcase. Covered in the Italian fashion house’s signature beige-and-brown print, it’s not only easy on the eyes, it’s also practical. There’s an interior pocket for your phone, a detachable shoulder strap, and even a lock and key. We can’t promise you’ll get upgraded to first class, but you’ll certainly look like you belong there.
Best Expandable Briefcase
Ytonet Laptop Bag
Everything has a place in the Ytonet briefcase. More than 10 different compartments, from a padded laptop sleeve to individual pen pockets, keep even the most disorganized person in check. To add to its usefulness, it can be worn as a briefcase (double handles) or shoulder bag (removable strap)—or slipped over the handle of your rollie (trolley sleeve). Overpackers, rejoice: It expands to over seven inches, so can double as an overnight bag or carry-on.
RELATED: The Best Carry-On Luggage
Best Briefcase with Strap
Visconti Berlin
Sure, a lot of briefcases come with straps, but few are as elegant as this handsome Visconti option. Made from oiled leather that’ll last for years to come, the soft, lockable suitcase boasts both an easy-to-grasp handle and a detachable strap that can be worn slung over your shoulder or across the body. It’s a beaute on the inside, too, with multiple zippered pockets to keep things nice and orderly.
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