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What To Look For In Leather Briefcases: An Easy Guide

What to look for in leather briefcases is a very important decision that you will have to make before buying one. There are many different types of leather briefcases available on the market and it can be quite confusing when you start looking at them.

You've heard it often: "Quantity over quality." It's especially important if you're considering a leather briefcase. It's better to invest in a quality product that you can use for years than buying something cheap and then having to replace it after a few months because it tears, breaks, or simply doesn't look good.

We expect great products to last a long time, so when we buy them, we want them to be durable. And nowhere is poor quality more apparent than in a guy's leather briefcase. In this article, you'll learn what characteristics to look for in a high-quality leather briefcase so that you can easily identify which ones are worth the money and which aren't.

Full-Grain Leather vs Genuine Leather | What To Look For In Leather Briefcases

This full-grain leather has the highest quality and is the most expensive part of the animal skin. Leather is the most durable and long-lasting type of material you can source. You get what you pay for, so don't expect miracles from cheap services. Brands that use full-grain leather in their bags will be proud to tell you because it is one hallmark of quality.

On the other hand, if you can't tell or if brands don't explicitly state that they use full-grain leather, you can bet that they don't. You may see the word “Genuine Leather" stamped on a leather bag that you're considering buying. If that's the situation, avoid it.

Genuine leather is part of the hide. It’s from the cheapest parts of the animal. While technically it is genuine leather, it's among one of the lowest quality leathers you can buy, so if you're seeking long-lasting quality, avoid it, because you won't be able to find it there. So when buying a good leather briefcase, be sure to look at the quality of the leather. Only full-grain leather if you want top-quality and durability.

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Tips For Buying A Quality Briefcase

Before you start shopping, there are some things you need to know about how to choose a leather briefcase. Some people think they can just go into any store and pick out whatever briefcase they like.

Buying a leather briefcase isn't as simple as just picking one up at your local department store. Even if it is a modern or vintage leather briefcase. There are many different types of leather goods used for making men's leather briefcases, each with its own unique characteristics.

If you're looking for a leather briefcase for yourself, your dad, your brother, or even your son, there are some things you need to know before making any purchases. If you use this checklist, you can rest assured you're going to buy the right bag for your needs. Here are some tips below.

1. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Quality Of Leather Used

Get yourself a men's briefcase made from good-quality leather. A quality leather briefcase should look good even after 10 years of use. Over time, cow leather becomes darker and develops an attractive patination. A high-quality leather briefcase looks professional and sleek. Genuine leather is tough, resilient, attractive, and has a distinctive smell associated with rugged masculinity

Full-grain leather is the most durable type of men's briefcase material. Top-grain leather material is an inexpensive and inferior alternative to full-grain leather. If you want a more water-pervious and thinner leather, choose split-grain leather. It won't last nearly as long as higher-quality versions.

The origin of the leather goods used to manufacture the briefcase often determines its quality. The finest quality leather comes from Italy, France, Britain, and America. Don't buy a briefcase made of faux leather. You'll be changing the briefcase you're carrying before you have time to justify the few hundred dollars you've saved.

2. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Materials Used In The Construction Of The Briefcase

The materials used for the briefcases affect both their prices and their durability and appearance. The lock handles, adjustable shoulder straps, zippers, buckling, and metal rings are the parts that get the most use and wear out the fastest.

Make sure the leather materials are of good enough quality. When shopping online or in-store, this is a simple process of opening the bag and looking at the details. If you're buying a briefcase online, zoom in to the images of the product and check out the quality of the fittings.

These spare parts are rather expensive. Quality has usually affected the price. A high-quality product is one that is made from good materials. It is likely that the manufacturer will charge a higher price for a high-quality product.

3. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Choose The Right Briefcase That Suits Your Profession

Do you need a leather briefcase bag that matches your lifestyle? What’s your profession? A lawyer or accountant, then a luxury leather briefcase would be best. If you travel frequently for work, a padded laptop sleeve is not recommended. So a rolling briefcase is probably the best option for carrying a laptop.

A casual or formal leather messenger bag type is perfectly suitable for multiple situations. Though they're not usually classified as briefcases, you can carry them into a casual work environment, or on holiday. The most distinctive difference between styles is whether they're hard-sided or soft-sided. Both versions are appropriate at the office and widely available.

A case without any frame at the top is considered a soft-side briefcase. These cases open from above so that they can be used to store and retrieve documents and laptops when the case is vertical. These cases often come with both a handle and a detachable shoulder strap. When its load is lighter, it collapses into a flatter package that's easier to store. Some soft-sided luggage features locks.

4 . What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Durability Of The Briefcase

The stitches should be straight, even, and small, and there shouldn't be any loose threads. Check the inside and outside surfaces for consistent stitching. Reinforced stitching provides additional protection for the vulnerable areas inside the bag.

Metal zippers are usually stronger than plastic ones. To ensure a smooth closure, open and close the zipper pocket several times. When shopping online, look for pictures that show the zippers both closed and open. Examine the hinges of a hard-sided case to see if they're loose. They should be sturdy, free of rust, and easy to use.

Handles are securely fixed to the body with reinforced stitching or metal fittings. Handles that are attached to the outside of the bag are likely to break off after a period of rough usage. The edges of the cow leather are the points where the skin is most likely to peel or split.

5. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Check The Compartments

Briefcases look deceivingly compact and slim. The interiors are usually designed with flexible and spacious storage compartments for storing your laptop and other essentials

When choosing a briefcase, the most important thing to consider is what you need to carry inside it. Put everything on a surface and then work out what needs to be done. Make sure you have enough compartments inside your leather briefcase bag to keep its contents organized as best as possible, especially if it holds a lot of stuff.

If you're traveling, having a separate section for a couple of items of clothing would be best. An important feature for frequent travelers is the ability to store items that you need quick access to, such as a flight boarding pass, wallet, or mobile phone.

6. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Check The Color Of The Briefcase

Men typically choose three colors when buying a new briefcase: brown, tan, and blue. Dark colors like black and dark brown are best for a business setting because they project an authoritative and powerful impression. It's also available that colors in samsonite leather expandable briefcase.

Tan and lighter colors are better suited for casual purposes where the working atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Briefcases that have at least two different colors on the exterior or contrasting colored stitching can be perceived as flashy. Avoid these if they don't fit into your profession.

It doesn't necessarily have to be the exact same color as your belt and shoes. You don't have to match them exactly. It’s fine to have a classic tan pair of shoes and a tan belt and a dark chocolate bag.

7. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Lifestyle Suitability

Make sure that if you carry a leather laptop briefcase, you have a compartment large enough for your things, with adequate padding. If someone has a regular habit of transporting the same few items, they might prefer a hard case that won't need to expand or shrink to fit their contents.

Travelers who frequently travel would benefit from a hard shell case. If you plan to travel frequently by air with your briefcase, consider a security checkpoint-friendly compartment.

The lawyer or legal assistant would benefit from using a bigger briefcase because their profession requires lots of paperwork. A flexible soft-sided bag is probably a better choice if you're a business traveler who needs to carry a lot of equipment.

A contemporary style briefcase is more casual and easier to use than a traditional briefcase, and it weighs less than a traditional one. It is an ideal fit for men who work in the fashion industry, the news media, or public relations, among others.

8. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Appropriate Size & Weight of the Briefcase

Bigger isn't always better when it comes to briefcases. Unless your job requires you to carry a heavy and big bag. Check the capacity of the briefcase when you carry this, keep it well closed, and make sure it has enough space for your daily need. You can either go for a smaller size or a larger size depending on how much you need in your bag.

A leather briefcase is roughly proportionate to its size; where bigger bags are heavier. This is because there are additional materials, internal linings, extra pockets, and/or bigger and/or longer hardware (zippers, buckles, clasps). There are some popular briefcases, tote, or satchel bags that come with a removable shoulder strap. It can also make it feel lighter because it frees up your hands when traveling.

One factor that contributes to weight is the thickness of the leather. If the leather is used as an outer layer, then it may add weight to the bag. As is with most products, a lighter is usually best, as long as it works and protects everything you need it to protect.

9. What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Cost Of The Leather Briefcase

You should expect to pay top dollar for high-quality products. When buying something that should last for decades, you want nothing less than perfection. A cheap briefcase may seem like a good idea at first, but it will eventually need to be replaced because it won't last long.

Buying the best leather quality affordable product is a good guideline. An essential piece of equipment for any businessperson who regularly transports documents and works necessities to and from their office is a briefcase. It's also a fashion statement, so finding the perfect leather briefcase bag is an important part of dressing well for climbing the corporate ladder.

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Why Does Quality Matter For Your Briefcase

Think about it, Every day we carry our leather briefcases with our selves. It's plopped onto the train floor or thrown into the backseat of our vehicle. We often damage our phones by banging them against walls and scratching them when they graze the corners of our desks. We're always rushing from one place to another, pulling out our laptops and important documents, and hurrying to get them back into their rightful places.

A leather briefcase undergoes a lot of wear and tear. We need to make sure that our products are well-made so they won't break down quickly. We also want it to look good, not only at the time of purchase but even as it gets older. So choose a files carrier or leather laptop bag wisely

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Craftsmanship And Why Does Factory Location Matter

Brands who are proud of where their products are made and how they're made will be happy to share that information with you. They may even say it front and center on their website. You might be wondering why the location of a factory affects how a leather bag is produced. When products are made abroad, we don't know the production standards. It's not even clear if the factory you think is producing your bags is actually doing so, since many times, they outsource their production to another factory.

A lot of details can be lost when translating from one language to another, as well as when going across time zones. If a brand produces its own products locally, they have more control over the production quality and cost of the product. It also allows for small details to be easier to spot.

You must meet strict standards for social, environmental, and transparency requirements, as well as publicly disclose your results. But why does caring about craftmanship matter for you, exactly? Well, this ensures the leather quality of the briefcase you buy. You know the leatherworkers paid a high level of attention to their overall quality, to each individual design and manufacturing detail, as you'd expect.

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Hardware

Have you ever bought a product, used it for a few days, and then found out the zipper broke? Does the clasp mechanism on the wrist strap bend or snap? By far, the biggest point of failure is the zippers. After using your bag a few times, if your zipper breaks and your bags become useless, you'll realize their shortcomings.

This is the problem with the low-quality stuff. It breaks after a few uses and you have to buy a new one because simply fixing the zipper is too expensive. Replacement costs can sometimes exceed what you paid for the original bag. If a leather bag looks like a good deal at a cheap price, there's a high chance that it's not worth buying.

Leather Bag Rings And Clasps

Another important piece of equipment for carrying bags? The rings and clamps, are the two pieces of metal that hook together so that you have a functioning shoulder bag. Cheap cow leather bags sometimes skimp out on this piece of hardware. They often use plastic instead. Even the metal clasps and rings cheaper bags use tend to snap or bend over time.

If you use, say, an ordinary messenger bag as your daily working bag, you'll probably get annoyed by its weight and bulkiness. If the cheap hardware breaks down and makes your strap unusable, you won't be able to use your bag anymore because there are no handles.

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | The Details

Of course, the zippers are an important part of the briefcase. Like the Riri zips don't just glide beautifully; they're also two-way, meaning there are two zipper pulls and either one or two can be used to zip and unzip the bag. It's beautiful, so you don't need to force the zipper along its track to close the bag.

The details of the briefcase interior. It has plenty of space and compartments for the essentials while still remaining a slim briefcase.
The main compartment has a zipper that goes all the way down each edge, so you can easily get at everything inside without having to dig through it. It helps keep your balance if you're running late for work or trying to catch the bus/train. It also helps prevent slipping, excessive twisting, keeping things steady, and preventing injury.
A comfortable strap with strong hardware and a full-grain leather laptop sleeve. Leather backpack straps on the backside. The strap itself is constructed from durable nylon and has an adjustable padded full-grain leather strap. It's always a hassle when the shoulder strap hurts, but we really liked seeing one that was actually comfortable.
The padded laptop compartment has a leather cover. A nice, luxurious touch.
The durable luggage strap located on the backside of the bag easily secures your briefcase on top of your roller bag when running through the airport.
A long leather key ring attachment so you never lose your keys.
Pocket organizers and zip compartments of different sizes to help organize and keep small items close at hand.
On the inside tag, there's a laser-etched version number, a reminder that every bag is unique.

That is a list of the little things you should look out for when buying a luxury briefcase.

How To Care For A Leather Briefcase

If you're going to invest in a high-quality leather briefcase, it's important to take good care of it. You know that about yourself and your business, so don’t leave without having your briefcase next to you. Maintaining it will keep the leather bag looking good for longer and make it last longer. Here are some guides below on how to maintain or care for your briefcase.

Conditioning Regularly

Once a year, apply a quality leather conditioner using a soft sponge or cloth to help keep your leather looking its best. Apply the conditioner evenly over the entire surface of your briefcase; then wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth. If you live in a hot climate, you'll need to do this every couple of months. If your climate is hotter than average, every six months to one year will be sufficient.

Handle Moisture

If water spills onto your briefcase, blot it immediately with a dry cloth; don't rub it off. If the water or dampness is from winter weather, then remember that it likely contains a certain amount of salt-based substances, so a moist cloth must be used. After blotting away any excess moisture, let the leather air dry.

If your briefcase gets wet from a sudden rainstorm, be sure to let it air dry completely. Make sure the briefcase lays flat on the floor or table. Don't put it near a heat source because it will damage the leather. If you want to speed up the drying process, don't use a heat source. Stuff the inside of your briefcase with newspapers to help keep it in shape and to help absorb any moisture from the interior.

Remember The Inside Of Bag

We love the rugged look of your briefcase just as much as you do, but we'd also recommend adding some softness to the interior. Once a month, wipe down the interior of the briefcase. Cleaning your bag's lining by wiping it down with a slightly damp cloth removes dust and any residue from things you've carried. After that, prop the bag open so that the inside can dry out.

Keep It Safe

If you're going to take a break from carrying your briefcase, do it right. Leather briefcases should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat, humidity, and sunlight. It's important to take the time to care for leather goods. A high-quality leather briefcase can last for years if you take care of it properly.

What To Look For In Leather Briefcases | Benefits Of Having A Leather Briefcase

Leather has been used to make various items, including shoes, jackets, and bags like classic briefcases. Over the last few decades, leather has become increasingly popular. While you may already know that leather is a good material for bags, do know the benefits of buying one made from real leather? Keep reading to learn the features and benefits that set leather bags apart from other types of handbags.

Flexibility and Durability

Weather is known for being flexible and resistant, both of which are complementary to its durability. Because of these three characteristics, you can use a bag made from leather for years, sometimes even decades, without it losing its looks and functionality

Its versatility makes leather one of the best materials for making bags. Leather bags can come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes matching your personal style perfectly. Its versatility also allows it to be used for traveling, shopping, and daily use.

Last but not least, its durability makes the leather briefcase a timeless fashion item. Some people may feel that a high-quality leather bag serves as a symbol of status because it looks expensive and slick no matter what it is worn with.

Easy To Maintain

Although leather is already durable enough as is, that does not mean that it does not require some care. Fortunately, taking care of your leather bag is easy. All you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth and some soapy water. This helps remove all the dirt and leaves your bag looking stunning.

If you want your bag to feel new again, you can also invest in a conditioner. The conditioner helps keep the leather supple and prevents drying out and cracking. To ensure your bag lasts as long as possible, you should start monthly treatments using a conditioner as soon as you buy the bag.

Long-term Money Saver

High-quality leather briefcases can indeed be quite expensive, but when you consider them as a long-term investment, they're actually a good deal. It applies more to top-quality leather bags than to cheaper leather bags or to bags made from other materials. First, a high-quality leather bag will last for at least 10 years if you take proper care of it. This means that other leather bags will wear out long before your leather bags show their age.

Secondly, if you divide the price of the bag by the total number of uses it will get over its lifetime, you'll find that the cost per use will be very low compared with a bag you might use for three to five years. Third, because it’s durable, you will go through multiple bags made of other materials before you need to replace your leather bag. When you buy a cheap bag for the first time, you may save some money right away, but you'll end up spending more money in the long run because you'll need to replace it sooner than if you had bought a quality bag from the start.

Different Styles To Choose

Leather is so versatile that you can find a bag made out of leather for whatever you need it to be used for. If you're looking for a large travel bag. There are leather bags that are made specifically for carrying books. If you're looking for a bag that goes well with some outfits you already own or are planning to buy yourself, there are cute leather handbags that will be perfect for you. If you want something more professional, then a satchel bag is a good choice for you.

Whether you're looking for a professional satchel bag, briefcase satchel, or bespoke handbag, you can find the right one online and in local bags store. You can choose from a wide variety of leather satchel bags, from timeless pieces to stylish ones that fit right into your fashion style. They also have a large selection of leather backpacks to choose from if you're looking for something more minimalist and for everyday use.

Waterproof And Breathable

Leather comes from animals' skins which are naturally porous. The leather material can hold some moisture, but it doesn't allow the moisture to pass through it. It means that it protects your belongings from small drops of rain and splashes of water. Water doesn't ruin leather; however, it may dry out as the water evaporates. To avoid having the leather become too wet, you can always treat it with a coating and then use a conditioning product to keep it from drying out and becoming cracked.

Some high-end briefcases have already been treated with a special coating, but you still need to use a conditioner to keep them looking good.

Because the leather has pores, it's also breathable. It means it fights against bad smells, fungal attacks, drying abrasion, and dusty conditions which are all concerns for cheap or fake leather bags as well as bags made from synthetic materials.

Beautiful

Leather bags are both a fashion statement and an elegant accessory that provides a positive sensory experience. Leather is attractive to the eye, feels good on the skin, and has an earthy aroma that appeals to many people.

Natural And Eco-friendly

Leather is a natural material, making it a lot better for our environment than synthetics. Leather production is a cleaner way to produce products than synthetic material production. Because the manufacture of synthetic materials requires lots of harmful chemicals, we should avoid using them whenever possible. If you want to look fashionable, go for a leather briefcase instead of one made from synthetic materials.

Conclusion

Leather is a great material for bags because of its durability, versatility, and affordability. If you want to buy a leather bag that will last for years, look good, and be practical, choose one made from top-grade, high-quality, top-of-the-line leather. You will get more out of it than choosing a cheaper bag or one that's made from synthetic materials.

In conclusion, we hope that this article helped you in choosing the right leather briefcase. We have provided information about what to look for in leather briefcases. Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know exactly which type of leather briefcase is suitable for you.

FAQS

What are the best zippers?

Metal zippers are of better quality than plastic ones.

What is the best leather briefcase?

Full-grain leather makes the most durable briefcases.

Will the briefcase last?

Quality leather improves with age – the briefcase should look fantastic even after a decade of use.

What compartments do you need in a briefcase?

You should always have enough compartments within your briefcase to keep the contents as organized as possible, especially if you carry a lot of things.

What is the essential feature?

An essential feature for frequent travelers is a compartment that allows you to store items that you need quick access to, such as a flight boarding pass, wallet, keys or mobile phone.

What materials are used for a briefcase?

The locks, handle, shoulder strap fittings, zippers, buckles, and metallic rings take the most abuse on a daily basis and are likely to wear out the quickest.

What are the qualities of a briefcase?

The hardware materials used for the briefcase affect not only the price but its durability and appearance.

What are the benefits of using a high-quality other fixture?

Good quality leather fixtures are strong – a manufacturer who uses quality materials is going to price their products higher.

What is the best briefcase for you?

An attorney or accountant – then an attache case of luxurious leather briefcase would be ideal. Traveling often for business? A rolling briefcase would be the obvious choice.

What are the different types of briefcases?

The most distinctive difference between styles is between hard-sided cases and soft-sided versions.

How do I clean my briefcase?

Massage the conditioner into the leather over the entire surface of the briefcase; then wipe off any excess with a clean dry cloth.

How do I dry a bag?

Then, prop the bag open to allow the inside to air dry.

How do I store my leather briefcase?

Store leather briefcases in a space away from heat, humidity, sunlight, and dust - preferably in a fabric bag and or box.

What do you recommend to protect the leather?

Stuff the inside of the briefcase with newspaper to help the bag hold its shape and to help absorb moisture from the interior.

What is Quality Over quantity?

It's always better to invest in a well-made product you can use for years or decades, versus buying something cheap and having to replace it after just a few months because it rips, breaks, or simply looks old and sad.

What Are The Key Things You Want To Look For?

Back To Top To make it easy, these are the 4 key things you want to pay attention to when it comes to identifying a quality leather briefcase (or any leather bag): quality of the leather, craftsmanship, hardware and details (like interior lining, pockets, etc.)