What is a briefcase? Who needs one? And how can you choose the best one for you? With a very interesting history, briefcases are not a modern invention as some might think. In this article, you are going to find out things about the history of the briefcase, and the characteristics of a long-lasting one. And, most importantly, you’ll know exactly how to spot the most qualitative one.
What Is a Briefcase?
This question might seem like it has an obvious answer, but a real briefcase has specific characteristics. It’s a narrow, box-shaped bag, made out of hard material, with a handle attached. It is mostly used by lawyers, business people, or white-collar workers, but absolutely anyone can use one. A briefcase is mostly used to carry papers, and in recent years (since around 1980s) it is also used to carry laptops, or other devices of this sort.
They are made out of leather, vinyl, and other types of hard materials. They commonly have some kind of lock, and nowadays have padding inside to protect a laptop. A briefcase might also have external pockets in addition to the main storage. The ancestor of the briefcase is the satchel, which has a similar shape, but it’s made out of softer materials, and it’s used to carry books.
The origins of the modern briefcase are somewhere in the 18th century, when lawyers started carrying their documents in “briefs”. Those briefs were not as structured as the modern ones, but they are the ones it all started with.
The Best Leather Briefcase Bag
Traditionally made out of leather, either softer or more rigid, leather still remains the best material for a briefcase. There are five main types of leather that your briefcase can be made out of:
- Full-grain leather – This is the most durable kind of leather, and the highest quality you can get.
- Top-grain leather – This is slightly less durable.
- Bonded leather – This is made out of leather scraps.
- Exotic leather – Crocodile or snake leather belong in this category. And, even if this type is very expensive, the look it offers is not as graceful as full-grain leather.
- Genuine leather – Low-quality leather, mostly made out of leftover hide layers.
Leather is timeless, and with the proper care you’ll be able to use your leather briefcase bag all your life. Full-grain offers the best quality, and the best look. And, it offers your leather briefcase bag an elegant and luxurious look. A classic style is exactly what you need if you need to carry your briefcase every day with you. The simple, yet chic, appearance of a leather briefcase bag will always make your overall look appear even more put together.
The best leather briefcase bag can depend a lot from one person to another, but there sure is the perfect briefcase for you out there! A briefcase can come in different sizes, colours, and compartmentalization. You can choose a briefcase that fits your laptop, the colours that you usually wear, and one with compartments for your accessories.
How to Choose Your Next Briefcase?
As previously mentioned, a full-grain leather briefcase is the finest type. And, if you want to go even more deluxe, look into Italian, vegetably tanned leather. So, if you want a long-lasting briefcase, this is the way to go. But what else can you look for? The two big steps, are to identify its exact intended purpose, and the briefcase style that you need.
What ‘purpose’ means in this scenario? Do you need it to only carry documents, or do you need to carry your laptop too? Do you need it daily? Depending on your answers, you can look for the size of the bag, and the way you are going to carry it. Remember that there is the classic handle option, and the over-the-shoulder strap one. The handle offers the briefcase a simpler look, but the strap could offer some more comfort, especially if the contents of the briefcase are heavy, or if you need to carry it for a long time.
Now, what about style? Some people might not have an interest in fashion, style, or other things of the sort. But, it’s valuable to have a cohesive look, especially in business. A dark neutral colour will always look elegant, and it will work with any outfit, no matter the colours or style. A black, or dark brown briefcase will never go out of style, and never not look professional. The patina of a used quality leather briefcase will only give the briefcase more personality, and unique look. Moreover, some manufactures even offer the personalization option; and having your initials on the briefcase makes it more exclusive!
Briefcase Types: Shape and Style
Even if you might already have the briefcase types in your mind, it’s easier to look for the perfect one when you know the names. So, what are the types of briefcases available on the market right now?
- Classic briefcase – This is the traditional style, the hard-sided one.
- Portfolio briefcase – The simplest and minimalistic. This type is only used to carry essentials (pens, notebooks).
- Messenger style – This briefcase offers a more casual style. It has a shoulder strap, and it also has a softer structure.
- Laptop briefcase – The special thing about this briefcase is its padded interior, keeping your laptop safe.
- Convertible briefcase – Also called a ‘briefpack’, this type of briefcase can change from a briefcase to a backpack.
A lot of options, fitted for any lifestyle, fashion style, and budget. There are some other types of briefcases, but these are certainly covering anything you could ever need from your briefcase. Their looks are not completely different, and no matter what type you choose, you can still tell it’s a briefcase. But the details are what sets them apart from each other; and also, the details are what’s going to make the briefcase you choose be the perfect one for you.
Conclusion
A quality leather briefcase bag symbolises professionalism, and great fashion taste. It’s an accessory that evolved a lot during the last decades, adapting to a fast-moving world. Do not forget to choose a durable material, a colour that works with everything in your closet, and the right type of briefcase for your lifestyle. Choose something that your grandkids are going to find in the attic, many years later, still intact.
