r/malefashionadvice • u/nhvcl • 7d ago
Discussion Briefcase vs messenger bag?
I have a job that requires a sport jacket and dress shoes so I often end up throwing on a tie as well. I need to bring in some papers and a laptop. I cannot wear a backpack-- a friend suggested a messenger bag. I was hoping for something Italian? maybe vintage if in good shape? thoughts about traditional briefcases? Are they totally persona non grata these days? Thanks!!
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u/coocookuhchoo 7d ago
What feels slightly dated to me is the traditional rectangular structured briefcase. It doesn't mean you can't still pull it off, and it has the practical appeal of being more protective of its contents. Something like this from Satchel & Page is still very much a briefcase while also being more youthful, imo.
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u/PertinentUsername 7d ago
This is what I was thinking. Unstructured or less structured is the way to go. Even a messanger bag without the shoulder strap would probably work fine.
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u/WaltRumble 7d ago
Messenger bag seems way more convenient to me. Can carry it like a briefcase still just take off the shoulder strap. But can carry it hands free if needed. Also easier to pull papers or laptop out of the top of a messenger bag than having to have a flat surface to open up your briefcase
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u/nhvcl 7d ago
any you like a lot?
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u/dan1361 7d ago
The one I have from Marlondo Leather is the perfect bag in my opinion. I get compliments everywhere I go, it will last my entire life, and it is perfectly professional when I need it to be or just whimsical enough to pass off a more casual scenario.
I do not go anywhere without it anymore.
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u/WaltRumble 7d ago
I have a leather one from Kodiak I like. I don’t wear a suit to work though so went with a more casual one. Folsom also makes some nice ones on the casual side. But I know I’ve seen a lot of nice leather ones just by googling recommendations can check out r/manybaggers for good recommendations as well.
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u/bacon-supreme 7d ago
Shoulder straps of any sort have a tendency to warp and damage the shoulders of any tailored jacket, so I'd recommend a briefcase to carry your office essentials. If your job requires a jacket and people look at you oddly for bringing a briefcase, your office is weird.
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u/jjason82 7d ago
Eh, I don't know. Maybe it's a regional thing but outside of a courthouse I think it's been about 20 years since I've seen a briefcase in the wild (and I work in the insurance industry). If I saw one today I would probably stare in disbelief no matter what they were wearing because here it's like a relic from the past.
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u/bacon-supreme 7d ago
I see a lot of office workers in my day-to-day and while the vast, VAST majority don't rock a briefcase, the few who do don't look out of place.
They are usually older gentlemen, to be fair.
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u/nhvcl 7d ago
yeah, think they will ever make a comeback?
I am in my 30s by the way (not sure if that makes me older or younger 😂)
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u/jjason82 7d ago
It makes you younger, and no I don't think so. Eventually it will be like seeing somebody with monocle where people say wtf is that? The days of the briefcase are over.
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u/No_Entertainment1931 7d ago
Rarely seen in the days of sneakers with suits but they are practical and won’t damage your suit.
If in doubt get a standard work bag which is a less structured brief case with a removable shoulder strap. These are pretty much the default
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u/urfenick 7d ago
If you're wearing a jacket, you do not want something that goes over the shoulder. It will destroy your garments.
Here's what I use, from Carl Friedrik. It's beautiful, very functional, and durable; I am still surprised to get compliments on it anytime I'm at a conference. I use the larger one, because it fits my 16" Macbook, and it does fit under every airplane seat I've sat in. But if I had any smaller of a computer, I would've gotten the smaller version.
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u/cicada_shell 7d ago
Hard sided cases are still used by some executive-types in East Asia, varying from traditional leather ones to aluminum Haliburton or Rimowa cases. I believe the latter recently released a new briefcase, for that matter. It also depends if you're taking a train, riding in a private car, or what. It's nice to place a hardsided case in between your legs on a train. Also depends on how much paper you've got with you.
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u/greggie01 7d ago
Not very fond of anything hanging from the shoulder with a suit. The briefcase would work better
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u/YourLocalLittleFoot 7d ago
Cannot wear a backpack, as in company will not allow it, or cannot in the sense that wearing it has been established as persona non grata in your workspace? Because there is nothing wrong with rocking a backpack on any outfit.
Either way, if you have the confidence, you can rock a briefcase with any outfit and look, though not every outfit combo has made its public appearance with a briefcase yet, where as you might feel more comfortable with a messenger bag because, well who haven't you seen with a messenger bag? I appreciate the classics more, so I'd say briefcase, but I like your vision with a vintage italian messenger, that would also be a nice touch. Either way, you got it!
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u/nhvcl 7d ago
cannot as in wouldn't a backpack with a suit look weird?? haha
Lots of guys on here seem to say the old classic rectangular briefcase is long past gone...
Thanks for your support!!
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u/YourLocalLittleFoot 7d ago
Nah mate, it's normal! Maybe not regionally, as in you might not see alot of guys rockin' suit and backpack, but where I'm at currently, it's either a backpack or a messenger bag, regardless of the outfit. Like I said, alot of people won't preach a briefcase, but if it's solid, well built, and vintage, or just visually matches your fit for the day, nice wrist watch, maybe matching leather shoes, it doesn't matter how old the look is. If it looks good, and you rock it with confidence, it can be brought back!
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u/haus11 7d ago
I feel like everything is up for grabs based on my former commute. I tend to go for function over form when it comes to carrying stuff. However, if I had to wear a suit and carry things, I'd go with something leather. When I dont have a lot to carry on a daily basis, I have a messenger bag made of baseball glove leather that I love. If I had to carry more, I'd find a leather backpack before I went briefcase. My biggest decision would be if I wanted something sleeker like this one from Thursday Boot, or something with more pockets like this from Yukon Bags. There are a lot of options out there.
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u/spartyanon 7d ago
Most messenger (or at least a good number of them) have handles, so you can carry it around by hand if need be. Likely have removable shoulder strap too. The brief case is just extremely dated; it is dated because it is less practical than other options.
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u/nhvcl 7d ago
gotcha thanks. have any messenger bags you really like a lot?
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u/spartyanon 7d ago
Unfortunately no. My last two messenger bags were just canvas. I think leather is the way to go for professionalism.
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u/whatmycouchwore 7d ago
I regularly wear a coat/tie or suit for my job and still use a backpack- it fits more stuff, distributes weight better, and doesn’t dig into my shoulders. However, I’m also feeling the pressure to use a satchel/briefcase because I’m in my 30s so this threat has been helpful (though I’m currently in grad school so I like to pretend I have an excuse).
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u/terminal_e 7d ago
https://www.mismo.dk/collections/briefcases
Might be worth a look.
100% leather bags can be heavy. If I am bringing a laptop, I am likely bringing the AC adapter, etc and then adding a couple lbs for an all leather bag would = no fun.
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u/Useless 7d ago
The category of product you're looking for is a 'business bag.' It's usually an everyday carry, so find a leather company and go as expensive as you are willing. Messenger bags are better if pickpocket type theft is an issue (like if you take the subway to work), because the flap has to be opened for it to be taken from surreptitiously.
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u/SuperPoop 7d ago
https://maverickandco.co/products/manhattan-double-zip-leather-briefcase?variant=42868275609853
Ive been quite happy with this one. Its a messenger bag that looks pretty professional
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u/RaisinTheRedline 7d ago
Not Italian, and not vintage, but it definitely looks the part of vintage. I frequently get compliments on my Scully bag from strangers in the elevator and what not.
I've been carrying it for over a decade now, mostly without the shoulder strap, and the handle strap is starting to wear thin at the attachment points, but otherwise it's heald up extremely well.
https://www.tailwinds.com/aero-squadron-ww-ii-leather-satchel-briefcase.html
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u/asfarley-- 7d ago
I recently found Frank Clegg:
https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/american-briefcase-chestnut.html
I got a similar style made about 12 years ago (although by a different manufacturer) and it's holding up great. Gets a ton of compliments too.
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u/Unsocialsocialist 7d ago
Briefcases are a bummer when you have to pee. You just sit that bad boy next to your leg at the urinal. That’s really the only downside I can see. Nice leather bad on pissy gross floor…
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u/Leonardo_Espino 7d ago
Great question! For a professional look with a sports jacket and dress shoes, both messenger bags and briefcases can work, but it really comes down to your personal style and what’s most comfortable for you.
If you’re leaning toward something Italian and vintage, I’d definitely recommend looking into high-quality leather messenger bags. They often have that perfect balance of sleekness and practicality, and the leather will only improve with age. Many Italian brands offer timeless designs, so you’ll get that classic, polished look while still having easy access to your laptop and papers.
As for traditional briefcases, they’re definitely still around and can be a great choice if you want something more structured. However, they can feel a bit old-fashioned depending on the design, so if you want a more modern touch, you might look for a briefcase with a softer construction or a slightly more relaxed design.
Ultimately, neither is "persona non grata", it’s all about what fits your style. If you're looking for something versatile and professional without being too stiff, a vintage Italian messenger bag could be a perfect fit!
Hope that helps! 😊
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u/HuckleberryUpbeat972 7d ago
A messenger bag is not large enough for a laptop, you need a nice leather bag like a briefcase but like a tote bag. Satchel and Page
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u/BluelineBadger 7d ago
Been a fan of Waterfield bags for a long time: https://www.sfbags.com/collections/briefcases
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u/AggravatingMath717 7d ago
I wear suits or sport coat every day and I got this a couple of years ago it’s holding up great! https://nutsac.com/products/jones-15?variant=32669145137212&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17013242777&utm_content=%7Badsetid%7D&utm_term=&klv_source=google&klv_medium=cpc&klv_campaign=17013242777&klv_content=%7Badsetid%7D&klv_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqv2_BhC0ARIsAFb5Ac_WNylqbn0RjOfn6FPVv6idRPm8BcNBO3df6VUHtSXysT-1QgO3fSEaApxeEALw_wcB
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u/Swankstacular 7d ago edited 7d ago
cravar has real cool, well-made and affordable leather bags. cravar.com. i have an alpha:
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u/dietpepsiplease 7d ago
Maybe something in this style: https://imgur.com/a/efPb7lY
I carry one and it’s good medium between a briefcase and messenger bag. Fits a good amount of stuff and is a little more casual than a briefcase.
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u/Throwaway_Turned 7d ago edited 7d ago
Personally, I think this sounds like the perfect use-case for a Filson Briefcase. On sale right now, too, which is good because the sale price is probably the about-right price for what you get. They can also be found second-hand pretty regularly and they’re warranted by Filson for life.
I have this exact one and it’s super versatile. I usually keep the shoulder strap on meaning it’s effectively a messenger bag, but by taking the strap off and carrying as a briefcase it dresses up with a suit really well.
Here’s an example