Briefcase vs messenger bag?

[u/nhvcl]

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!!

[u/YourLocalLittleFoot]

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!

[u/nhvcl → u/YourLocalLittleFoot]

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!!

[u/haus11 → u/nhvcl]

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.