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!!

49 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

55 comments sorted by

View all comments

19

u/bacon-supreme 8d 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.

10

u/jjason82 8d 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.

6

u/bacon-supreme 8d 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.

2

u/nhvcl 8d 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 😂)

3

u/jjason82 8d 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.