The three main categories of briefcases, attaché, soft and messenger, lend themselves well to different kinds of careers. When searching for the best leather briefcase for men to invest in, you may first want to consider which style suits your profession and workplace dress code.
An attaché briefcase is the most classic of hard leather briefcases, usually favoured by gentlemen working in a formal environment. When worn with a tailored suit, an Italian leather attaché case is bound to exude professionalism and class, fitting for the most traditional of careers. The attaché is perfectly suited to transporting important paperwork, documents and your other essentials - it’s also the most coveted style of men’s briefcase for those who require a more distinguished aesthetic.
The modern briefcase is highly versatile, making it a fine choice for most working environments. For instance, our Calvino handmade leather briefcase lends itself well to both formal and smart-casual attire - a valuable investment for a lifelong career, wherever it may take you. Although the soft leather design is more contemporary than its traditionally structured, attaché counterpart, this leather briefcase for men maintains a classic style which will always be admired within the workplace.
The messenger bag is an attractive alternative to the formal briefcase for more laid-back environments. The Ravenna, for example, is a premium men’s leather satchel briefcase that is much loved for its relaxed silhouette and butter-soft leather exterior, which is ideal if you wear chinos and a shirt to work rather than a full suit. Considering the growing trend towards more relaxed dress codes in the office, it may be useful to invest in a leather business bag that complements both smart and casual looks with ease.
Keep into consideration how much you need to carry with you day to day while choosing the best leather briefcase for you. For those who require a little extra space, a men’s leather briefcase with multiple compartments and pockets may be the best choice, such as the Tomacelli3, with benefits from three spacious sections. It’s easy to spoil any briefcase by overfilling, however expertly crafted it may be; so, we’d always recommend sizing up if you don’t like to travel light.If you’re planning to use your briefcase to carry your technology essentials, you’ll need your business briefcase or bag to comfortably accommodate the screen size of your laptop or tablet. We’ve made this easier for you with our how to pack videos and measurements readily available on every product page. These will help you visualise the briefcase size if you’re still not sure on the best fit for your tech.
Alternatively, a more compact briefcase will fit perfectly into your lifestyle if you only need to transport the necessities to and from the office. If you cycle to work, the Micheli briefcase backpack will easily fit all of your requirements. Or, you may prefer the Lorenzo: a slim, stylish briefcase which will hold your everyday essentials. Designed with a sleek silhouette in mind, this style includes an organisational panel to store your pens, cards and phone, reducing unnecessary space with one main interior section. Its refined design also means that this smart briefcase for men will adapt well to any work environment. Sometimes the small are mighty!
Naturally, premium leather is the classic material choice for your briefcase. It’s important to understand the quality and handling of your chosen leather, in order to ensure that your briefcase will maintain its luxurious finish and feel over the years. Genuine, full grain leather also improves with age, creating a unique patina over time that is coveted by lovers of Italian craftsmanship - an added touch of beauty to a timeless, investment business piece.
As pioneers of leather briefcase design, Maxwell–Scott is committed to sourcing only the best vegetable-tanned Italian leather, which is then hand-crafted by our artisans with decades of experience. Each of our men’s leather briefcases are made to exacting standards from only the best cowhide, in our carefully selected, family-run factory in Italy. When it comes to leather craft and investing in your future everyday work bag, the journey and craftsmanship of your investment piece is important to consider. A mid-range leather bag can last you a year or two, but the right Italian leather briefcase may last you a lifetime.
All of our leather briefcases for men are available in three timeless colours, to suit the individual preferences and dressing style of every professional: chestnut tan, chocolate brown and night black.
Our chestnut tan leather is a smart choice for most gentlemen, due to its relaxed, yet polished, finish. This versatile colourway can easily be styled with a suit, but equally pairs well with chinos and a shirt (or even dark jeans and a blazer). A lighter colour that is popular with younger professionals, chestnut tan is also the perfect choice of leather if you are purchasing a gift for a recent graduate about to embark on their career.
Dark chocolate brown leather is the best investment if you require a truly transitional piece. It can instantly elevate a navy or grey suit, or add a touch of class to more relaxed attire. The rich brown tones of chocolate leather will also lend the briefcase to a wider range of workplaces, making it a fine compromise to suit the ever-evolving nature of your career.
If you’re required to wear a suit daily, then our deep black vegetable-tanned leather may be the most appropriate choice. Black is always the sleekest option, pairing well with tailoring and your go-to formal shoes. Going monochrome is a low maintenance choice, too; ideal for the busy professional who simply doesn’t have the time to spend carefully colour-matching different hues.
Maxwell-Scott are proud to offer a collection of traditional men’s briefcases that are crafted with your role in mind. These briefcases have stood the test of time and are a trusted choice for the most discerning of professionals.
Law is an exacting career, and therefore commands certain requirements for your business attire. Our Basilio briefcase is a favourite amongst solicitors and lawyers, designed by us to accommodate the needs of those working in the legal sector. The Basilio’s effortlessly sleek exterior is finished with a secure, lockable catch closure to protect those highly confidential documents and two internal leather-lined compartments for file segmenting. We’ve also included detachable utility slots for a phone, business cards and pens, to keep things to hand when you need them. This sophisticated lawyers briefcase is more than just a business bag: it will become a daily companion for many years to come.
The Doctors Bag is an iconic piece that has been treasured by medical professionals for many years. The Donnini Small mimics this classic style with its structured exterior and spacious interior, which is designed to store and protect your essentials from day to day. The larger version of the Donnini even has a zipped base, which reveals a compartment that is ideal for carrying your stethoscope. This doctors bag is a truly functional choice for the modern medical professional, and also makes a thoughtful gift for newly qualified doctors.
We hope this guide will help you select the right briefcase for you, but if you have any further queries please don’t hesitate to contact one of our specialists.