I don’t know how many classic menswear enthusiasts like briefcases, and I carry them almost every day. The reason I choose briefcase over other kinds of bags is I wear suits quite frequently and I don’t want that the straps of bags ruin the should of my suits.
I used so many and I would like to share what I like and why.
Like
Burberry
This one is the first one I own and I used it for quite a long time. There are many generations of this model, basically two darts are gone, and then the shape and height of the handle ring change.
The size and thickness are very suitable for the function (carrying a laptop) and my height.
Hermes Etriviere
Hermes Etriviere is the all time favourite. I owned several colours, and this gold brown is also the best.
The design is simple and elegant, the leather quality is second to none, and the style is a good blend of formality and lesuire.
Valextra
I had been interested in Valextra briefcase for a while because it is concise and with unique line aesthetics. However the leather quality is on par with Prada and the contour line is too rigid.
The Cambridge Satchel Company Music Case
Colorful and bright colours are very attractive, and the style is truly original.
Dislike
Among so many briefcases I own, I don’t like most of them, so I list the features bothering me.
Size
Because I am short, the size of the bag is very important. It should be small, but can contain a 14 inch laptop
Proportion
The ratio should be 4 to 3. Some bags are closer to the square and not very beautiful.
Thickness
10cm is almost the top, and the thicker it is, the more it feels like a weekender bag, not a briefcase.
Handle
This kind is the most retro, and it looks like the 1980s. Of course, this element must be restored one day, which is current or gives people an old feeling.
This style is probably the most mainstream at present. The firmness and beauty are actually good. The only problem is to be relatively rough.
This is indeed very simple, but the square metal buckle has no luxury feeling. Then the handle is too thin and long.
Bottom
Because I don’t like thick ones, it’s better to turn the leather completely at the bottom, like Etriviere. What I don’t like most is the following.
Leather
Bags are not like shoes. Boxcalf is the mainstream for shoes, while grain leather is the mainstream for bags.
This Louis Vuitton leather is definitely the worst, because almost all the texture of leather has been lost. I always feel like plastic to the touch.