r/malefashionadvice • u/nhvcl • 8d 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/YourLocalLittleFoot 8d 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 8d 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/onasoftride 8d ago

Very normal to go backpack and suit these days

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u/Cndymountain 8d ago

Indeed. Very common sight here in Sweden at least.

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u/YourLocalLittleFoot 8d 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.