The idea of briefcases for men might seem kind of antiquated. But let's be honest: it's tough to get a fit off—or receive any real respect from your boss and clients—when
you're rolling into the office with the same ratty tote bag you use to haul milk and eggs home from the bodega. Briefcases, like well-tailored suits and shiny dress shoes, are classic for a reason. They give off an immediate air of refinement and sophistication that no backpack or messenger bag could ever possess, and will immediately mark you as a person who's really going places.
There are a few things that every great briefcase absolutely needs. Ideally, it should have a dedicated laptop sleeve to swaddle your precious Macbook, along with separate compartments for your chargers, small electronics, notebooks, and pens. It should hopefully have enough room for your water bottle—hydration is important!—and also be easy enough to carry that your arm won't feel as heavy as lead by the time you reach the office.
And, most importantly, it's gotta look cool. You don't want to be hauling around a briefcase that makes you look like a kid in his dad's clothes. You want a briefcase that feels modern and fresh and all the way you. A briefcase like, say, one of these—the absolute finest briefcases for men on the market today.
The Rugged-Yet-Refined Briefcase
Filson original briefcase
Filson has been doling out its handsome, hardwearing goods to loggers and lumberjacks since the late 1800s, and the Seattle outfitter's legendary bags are still every bit as desirable and functional today. The water-repellent twill outer on this briefcase means it can take a beating and look just right with some tough boots and raw denim, but the slim profile and English bridle leather straps help it remain refined enough to pair with a tweed suit at the office. However you choose to wear it, it'll age into an heirloom your kids—and their kids—will cherish forever.
The Two-Wheeled Commute Briefcase
Troubadour Embark compact duffle
Prefer to bike to work and change when you get there? This is the bag for you. It's got a separate compartment for your shoes, plenty of space to hold your bike helmet and a second outfit, and also looks way more office appropriate than a standard gym bag.
The Ultimate Flex Briefcase
Goyard Ambassade briefcase
There's a reason your favorite rappers all namedrop Goyard a dozen times an album. The French house deals only in absolute grails, the type of luggage designed specifically for flaunting at your side as you descend from a private jet. This soft-sided briefcase allows you to bring all that pure opulence with you into work everyday, with its iconic hand-painted coated canvas exterior and cowhide trimmings practically screaming, “I'VE MADE IT!” And quite honestly, if you're able to get your hands on a bag this beautiful, you really have.
The Best Laptop-Only Briefcase
Away laptop bag
Trying to go all Marie Kondo on your everyday carry? Away's pared-down work bag is the way to go. The convenient clamshell design zips all the way around for easy access, the removable shoulder strap gives it an easy-to-carry crossbody functionality, and the generous gusset design offers just enough space for your laptop, your headphones, a few notebooks, maybe some paperwork. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
The Best Handmade Leather Briefcase
Frank Clegg bound-edge zip-top briefcase
Go ahead, take a healthy whiff of this bag. Mmmm. That's the intoxicating scent of really, really good leather. Frank Clegg's supple, luxurious briefcases are entirely fashioned by hand in his Massachusetts workshop. The smooth tumbled leather and solid brass hardware give them a timeless look and feel that will age gracefully, long past your 9-to-5 days and into retirement.
11 More Briefcases Worth Carrying
Tumi Alpha Bravo Aviano slim briefcase
Bring a taste of Tumi's durable travel bags to your daily commute. This hardy number has all the requisite compartments for your accessories and documents, attaches easily to your luggage handles, and is built rom a lightweight ballistic nylon that'll ensure your goods arrive at the office intact.
Porter-Yoshida & Co Tanker 3-way nylon briefcase
Japan's Porter-Yoshida & Co has built a cult-like following for its sleek, durable, wholly understated carryalls.
Time Resistance full-grain leather briefcase
Crafted in Italy from fine full-grain leather with heavy brass hardware, this classic design is fit to pair with your sharpest suits.
Billykirk No.508 standard issue slim briefcase
Just big enough to fit a 16-inch laptop and a few books, and built from hardwearing waxed canvas that'll look even better in five years than it does brand new.
Bellroy System nylon messenger bag
The strategically designed interior delivers maximum storage capacity in a handsome minimalist package.
Samsonite checkpoint friendly brief
Perfect for your ['90s airport](https://www.gq.com/gallery/incredible-90s-airport-style) style moment.
Prada reNylon briefcase
Sure, it's made from techy nylon, but every inch of Prada's iconic reNylon briefcase still feels elevated and luxurious.
Berluti Un Jour leather briefcase
There are business briefcases, and there are we-*mean*-business briefcases. This is the latter.
Mission Workshop Arkiv laptop briefcase
Mission Workshop's modular Arkiv laptop brief is waterproof, attaches to your bicycle handlebars with ease, and can connect to larger bags to make travelling a snap.
Bonastre smooth leather briefcase
When your leather looks this good, it's best to keep things as simple and chic as possible.
Timbuk2 especial stash messenger bag
More of a shoulder bag guy? Timbuk2's spacious messenger has enough room for a laptop, your water bottle, and, if need be, even a suit.