Updated 02/15/2022.
Looking for a new work bag?
Perhaps this time you're looking for something a bit more durable - something that'll really go the distance.
What about a men's leather work bag that will be with you for a lifetime?
Something you can look at in 30 years and think:
"Wow this thing has really been with me throughout my whole career - look at just how far we've both came!"
At The Real Leather Company, we believe that leather office bags should last a lifetime. There's nothing quite like a professional leather bag (that actually starts to look better over time!) to show the office just the type of quality man you really are.
In this guide, we'll go through what you should be looking for in a leather work bag, along with our top choices this year.
Looking for a new work bag?
Perhaps this time you're looking for something a bit more durable - something that'll really go the distance.
What about a men's leather work bag that will be with you for a lifetime?
Something you can look at in 30 years and think:
"Wow this thing has really been with me throughout my whole career - look at just how far we've both came!"
At The Real Leather Company, we believe that leather office bags should last a lifetime. There's nothing quite like a professional leather bag (that actually starts to look better over time!) to show the office just the type of quality man you really are.
In this guide, we'll go through what you should be looking for in a leather work bag, along with our top choices this year.
Types of Leather Work Bags
LEATHER MESSENGER BAGS
These are a great choice for a work bag, and a typically very popular with the younger professional. Leather messenger bags are what we often recommend for those looking to make a significant upgrade on their old worn-out backpack.
Leather messenger bags as work bags are becoming increasingly more popular with professional men – you’ve probably seen plenty of younger guys carrying them to work.
Be sure to look closely at the dimensions and interior of any leather messenger bags. You want to be sure that this bag will hold everything you might need - think laptop, documents, files, wallet. Some of the bigger ones will even have space for your lunch or gym gear too.
Look closely at the weight – as these bags are primarily held over the shoulder you want to make sure you get something that they can carry comfortably. It’s worth noting that if you’ve never had a bag made from leather before, you might find it a little heavier than expected.
Are messenger bags the right leather office bag for you? Check out our leather messenger bags.
LEATHER BRIEFCASES
If the leather messenger bag falls somewhere between professional and casual, the leather briefcase falls firmly in the professional category.
You’ll find the leather briefcase is a great choice for those who are looking to be taken seriously – perfect for doctors, lawyers or any high powered professional.
Weight is a really important consideration here. Whilst in the past it may not have been much of an inconvenience to carry a heavier leather briefcase as a work bag (you really only carried papers and documents), these days that’s different when you think about all the heavier devices you might need to carry. Most leather briefcases will only be carried with a top handle – when you’re carrying heavier devices this can become strenuous quickly.
Looking for a seriously professional leather laptop bag? Check out our collection of leather briefcases.
Type of Leather
If you're looking to get a durable new leather work bag, you'll be looking for something made from material that is designed to last over career.
Here’s a quick guide to the two types of leather we recommend for work bags:
FULL GRAIN LEATHER
This is the very top layer of the leather hide and is the best grain available. It’s not treated, sanded or buffed – it’s exactly as it comes off the animal.
Because no chemical processes are permitted, it’s really difficult to work with and thus is the most expensive type of leather. However full grain leather is also the most hardwearing and usually lasts longest.
Take a look here at our full grain leather laptop bags.
TOP GRAIN LEATHER
This is the most common leather you’ll see on higher end leather laptop bags. The very top layer of the hide is again used, however chemical processes are permitted this time. The hide can be buffed and sanded and imperfections removed. This usually leads to a more uniform and smooth finish to the bag.
Top grain right for you? Look here at our top grain leather laptop bags.
Want to know more about the different types of leather? Check out our full guide here: Different Types of Leather: A Buyer’s Guide.
Laptop Fit
When buying a leather work bag, be sure to look into what size of laptop the bag is built to hold. Measure the laptop diagonally and make a note of this when you’re browsing different bags. Most laptops will be either 13, 15 or 17 inches and you’ll want a bag that protects your size the best.
Look for a product that specifically states it fits a ‘X inch laptop’. Bonus points if it’s in a padded sleeve too!
Check out our leather bags for:
Top 5 Men's Leather Work Bags
Here at The Real Leather Company, we know men's leather office bags better than most. Below is our selection of the 5 best that we recommend for professional men:
Designed to upgrade your daily look, we’ve found our customers love The Daily. It’s perfect for a laptop up to 15 inches and is made from premium top grain leather. Available in two colors, we’ve found The Daily is fast becoming the standard for leather messenger bags.
A daily carry that won't quit, The Pilot is designed to be your new casual or formal companion for years to come.
This leather messenger bag is built to be clean and rugged, yet provide you with a surprising amount of space for your gear. Made from luxurious top-grain water buffalo leather, this messenger bag screams wild and free, yet maintains that business professional look.
In a class of its own, The Sitka leather messenger bag is created with a rugged, classic style in mind. Its timeless design is sure to turn the heads of your friends and colleagues.
Made from luxurious top-grain buffalo leather, this messenger bag has the functionality and simplicity of a true best in class messenger bag.
This vintage leather briefcase is built to show the world your classic, refined style.
The Brief is a vintage throwback to a timeless design. It's time to show the world that age is just a number.
"After weeks of shopping for the perfect brief, I can honestly say that this truly is exactly that! The craftsmanship is second to none, leather quality and color are beyond my expectations, storage capacity is surprisingly quite a bit. I highly recommend this bag!" - Darryl B., The Brief customer
Compact, sharp and striking, The Buffalo is the perfect blend leather messenger bag.
Made from luxurious top-grain water buffalo leather, this messenger screams wild, yet maintains that professional look.
At The Real Leather Company, we encourage you to look for a leather work bag that is built to last a lifetime.
Really take the time to look for a bag for life.
Look for something made from full or top grain leather that will only get better with age.
There's nothing quite like a career-lasting leather bag to remind you of the importance of hard work, grit and endurance.
Still browsing? Check out our full collection of mens leather work bags.