The 5 Best Leather Briefcases

The 5 Best Leather Briefcases

What do you carry to work every day? For style, functionality, and lifetime durability it’s hard to beat the classic leather briefcase.

Gone are the days of bulky, square design and combination locks. Today’s best-designed leather briefcases are minimalist, low-key, and complement a range of styles from business casual to smart casual to more dressed up.

And then there’s how you feel carrying one: it instills a confidence that’s part Don Draper creative, part Warren Buffett businessman.

In curating this list, we’re bringing you the best affordable leather briefcases at several price tiers – as you climb the ladder cost-wise, you unlock more premium leathers and craftsmanship – but rest assured that each is the best buy compared to their peers.

The 5 Best Leather Briefcases

Baccini Large Laptop Bag

The Italian made Baccini easily wins the affordability game in this group, but it’s also a serious value due to its list of features that includes soft and strong calfskin leather, padded laptop compartment, twin large exterior pockets, sturdy metal top zipper for security, and an adjustable and removable soft fabric shoulder strap along with twin hoop handles in matching leather. Our favorite feature, however, happens to be the simple vertical exterior zipped pocket with its own riveted leather pull tab. We've regularly featured this bag as our favorite leather briefcase under $100. 

Daniel’s Model No. 1

The Model No. 1 is minimalist and seriously affordable. But neither of those descriptors equate to impracticality since the No. 1 is made with real leather and can hold your stash thanks to interior slots for smartphone, business cards, etc. There’s also a full-length magnetic flap pocket, as well as a big open pocket for quick-grab items. It’ll also hold your laptop, secure your keys with an internal hook, and house three pens in individual slots. The interior zipped pocket provides an extra measure of security for private documents. And lest you worry about comfort, the removable and adjustable shoulder strap is padded. Done.

One thing to note: the Model No. 1 is a Kickstarter, so you’ll need to sign up for the Daniel email list in order to unlock their very attractive pricing.

Thursday Boot Company Continental Briefcase

It’s handcrafted and looks the part with vintage-style Horween Tumbled Natural Chromexcel leather and complementary solid brass hardware that, together, evoke the past appropriately. The Continental has two large exterior pockets that latch with a slide and can be sized with buckles, and internal organization pockets for daily gear. The big grab handles and a removable shoulder strap provide carry options, while the bottom of the handsome briefcase is reinforced so you can worry less about wear and more about getting where you need to on time and in style.

WP+Standard Zip Top Briefcase

The briefcase is intentionally compact for easy transport but still provides room for your daily carry items like a laptop and smartphone/tablet. It’s made with 100% full grain vegetable tanned leather and incorporates vital details like a smooth-operating talon zipper for security, two easy-access external pockets for documents and small gear items, and an adjustable strap for comfort.  Click here to check it out, and pick up one of their chambray work shirts too.

Jackson Wayne Briefcase

If you're ready to invest more for your daily briefcase, look no further than the American-made Jackson Wayne. The vintage lawyer-style bag is made with rich, full grain vegetable tanned leather and beautiful antique brass rivets, buckles and hoops. The unlined, full-leather interior, heavy gauge threading, and reinforced exterior points mean it’ll handle regular use for decades. The practical inclusion of a large laptop compartment, a big back pocket for periodicals and important papers, dedicated interior pockets for office items, and both a carry handle and a stunning shoulder strap result in a bag that’s just as good at hauling stuff as it is to behold.

Do you have a leather briefcase you like? Keep the list going in the comments!

This post may contain affiliate links, read about our editorial promise
Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.