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Affordable Men's Style

The Best Looking Affordable Briefcases of 2012

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Above:  Suit by Indochino – $379, Shoes by Allen Edmonds – $199 ($355)

In this economy, you’re considered lucky to have a job you don’t want to go to.  If you have a job you do like going to?  All the better.  And if you’re currently looking, you’ll need something decent to carry your resumes around in.  You’ll find a bag for just about every budget below.  Because as much as you might like your old Jansport, it doesn’t exactly say “promote me” when you walk through the door with a backpack slung over your shoulder.
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Kenneth Cole Rio Portfolio – $132.50 w/ SHOP9 ($225) and Slim Case – $69.97 ($148)
Nice of the code to stack on the promo.

Some bags from Kenneth Cole can be… underwhelming?  That doesn’t seem to be the case (mwrnah) here.  Select bags through KCNY are 30% off, and the SHOP9 promo code gets you $25 off orders of $125 or more through 2/30. Kenneth Cole Leather won’t blow your mind, but that’s a pretty smooth bag for $130. The Slim Case is also an extra 30% off, and it’s barely more than anything to wrap around an iPad or a few documents. No grab handle. Perfect for the guy who needs to carry something, but hates carrying something.

 

Filson Original Briefcase – $215.00
Made in the USA

Hard to argue with a legend. The less back-country looking tan seems to be on backorder plenty, but the brown and otter green are usually on hand. Also keep an eye on Urban Outfitters. They carry the Filson Original, and when they run site wide codes, you can get them through U.O. for cheaper. Made in the USA and tough as nails.

 

Jack Spade Davis Brief in Shark Grey – $199.99 ($375)
Grey… is good.

This one keeps coming and going on the Nordstrom site under sale items and sometimes The Rack.  Leather but doesn’t take itself too seriously.  The grey color is as good as it gets for breaking away from the traditional black/brown rut.

 

Ben Sherman Laptop Case – $35.69 – $44.79 ($119)
For when you need something that’ll do.

The cheapest of the cheap, but still respectable in a casual work environment. Had one of these and I was surprised at how well it held up. It’s trim, comes in a variety of colors via a variety of retailers, and it gets the job done. Bit of a starter briefcase for sure, but it works.

 

Jack Spade Canvas & Supply Brief – $95.18 w/ FEBFAMILY ($365)
Final sale though. Be aware.

Meanwhile, over at the CLAD sale, this one has slipped through the cracks and is ripe at under $100 for anyone who prefers a more relaxed, utility looking brief.  Canvas with leather accents.  Ships free.  Remember that it’s final sale and from here on out you can’t return purchases made on or after 2/15.

 

J. Crew Montague Leather Satchel – $238.40 w/ FABFEB ($298)
But will it end up on clearance?

Pushing $300 would be a no, but under $250… well…  Look, some have had awful luck with J. Crew leather products and briefcases / bags.  The rugged twill messenger is still holding up fine for me.  And they make a point in the description to mention how it’s intended for “long term use,” so that’s pretty ballsy if the thing doesn’t hold up.  Certainly looks like it’s from the past.

 

Samsonite Delegate II Attache 5″ – $77.23 ($180)
Subtle.  Makes you wonder.

If you’re going to go with a classic, hard sided attache, skip the leather since it’ll look like you pulled it from your Dad’s closet or got it at Staples.  A synthetic or metal side is all business.  The Delegate II has some texture to it, and this new version is streamlined to 5.5″ thick (the old one is a beefier 6.5″)

 

Aston Leather Made in the USA Brief – $209.96 w/ ALFEB2 ($485)
Traditional satchel style. Made in the U.S.

Retails for closer to $500 since it’s made here in the United States of American Cowhide.  Solid brass hardware too.  It ends up on Sierra Trading post, and with the code ALFEB2 which takes 20% off $100, 25% off $150 and 30% off orders over $200, this now drops to just over two hundred.

 

Wood & Faulk Delux 16″ Carpenter’s Bag – $139.00
Unique, and not for everyone.

Made in the USA, going to be stunning to sum, and just $140.  Others won’t like the color and lighter leather, and will think it looks a little too much like a purse.  Actual size is 17″x7″x12″  More of a pure bag, so be prepared to keep the inside organized on your own.

 

Pelle Studio Dakota Side Rod Zip Brief – $149.99
Casual, cleaned up, and not a bank breaker.

Rustic & City all at the same time with a little less cost than usual.  Via Wilson’s Leather.  On sale, and without going overboard on pockets, closure mechanisms, etc…

 

The Splurge:  Billykirk Schoolboy Satchel – $365.00*
Could use a sale…

Like a light version of a Saddleback.  Some would say better than a Saddleback.  Made in the USA from Horween leather.  Was available through Bonobos for a time (yay codes) but they’re sold out now.  Available through J. Crew, but these haven’t drifted into the sale section and they probably will never get there.  *In fact, these are currently not on the J. Crew site, since they’re offering a 20% off site wide code, and some of their “in good company” stuff has been pulled.

 

The Splurge Part II:  Saddleback Medium Leather Briefcase – $411.00
It’ll outlive you.

The meanest looking “luxury” item you’ll ever find.  Expensive, but with a 100 year warranty it could very well be the last briefcase you ever buy.  Might look out of place in some high powered law firm, and it also takes a little bit of getting used to the weight.  But it feels like the Mayan Apocalypse would be no match for this thing.  See a full review here.

 

The Inexpensive Best-in-show:  B.R. Edward Messenger Bag – $129.00 ($90.30 at 30% off)
Small cost, big you-can-take-me-seriously factor.

Maybe the best in show if you’re on a tight budget.  Wait for a sale and you can get this for under $100 and shipped for free.  It’s mainly a nice, ballistic-nylon-looking exterior with a bit of leather trim.  That lack of leather seems to help keep the cost down.  Hardwear is a matte, brushed silver.  Grab handle is perfect, it’s nice and slim, and looks plenty professional.  Two drawbacks:  don’t expect to get a ton in there other than a laptop, charger, mouse, and some papers, but the slim design is nice.  Also, two of the reviews online are a little concerning, saying that the material inside the flap is a cardboard like substance that can warp if it gets real wet.  No problems so far on this end.

What else?  What do you carry?  Any and all other suggestions can go in the comments section below…

Comments

  2. i have the wood and faulk, the minute i saw it i fell in love… in my opinion theres no better value for 140.

    fyi the actual space inside is a little less due to the type of hinge and closure. Not like you have to keep it buckled closed all the time though..

    love all the work matt does. a customer for life

  3. I think all the briefcases here look very good, but for me, I went with the #2 splurge…the Saddleback medium briefcase. No easy price tag to digest, but I’ve gone through so many other inexpensive alternatives and wanted something that would hang around a bit longer. And I’ll say from my experience so far, it’s worth every single penny. It’s a bit on the thin side with not too much ample room if you carry around quite a few items as I tend to do, but the workmanship is impeccable and their customer service is fantastic. And not to mention, I’m constantly complimented on it; I’ve had random strangers in the airport remark at how nice it is. I’d recommend it to anyone.

  4. If I was looking to get a nice looking briefcase, I’d look at the cheaper Copper River Bags.  If you want to really save, get the Journeyman bag. If you want to keep it around 2 bills, the Business bag is stellar.  I just can’t, in good conscience, drop 3-4 hundred on a bag.

  5. Hey all, as a heads up, I bought the Ben Sherman Laptop Case about 6 months ago.  Within 2 months it was worn out.  The lining on the inside of the bag as well as the exterior pocket had ripped and was flopping all over the place.  I literally only carried a laptop and usb drive in it with office use, no throwing the bag around or cramming it to the hilt.

    Like all inexpensive items, I’ve learned my lesson…

  6. I’ve heard some not so good things about Ben Sherman bags.  I retired mine after about a year’s use, but no wear was showing.  Guess they’re hit or miss…

  7. I just got a Diaz bag this month! It is dope and way better, in my opinion, than anything else considering the price.

  9. I was hoping for an article like this soon!  I’ve been using a knockoff messenger back I got from a street vendor in London a year and a half ago for 20 pounds.  I’m actually amazed it’s lasted till now, and I’ve more than put it through its paces over that time.

  14. Anyone know how big the large Saddlebacks are? I’ve heard they’re a bit heavy (which is fine), but does it look too big and out of place?

  18. I can recommend the First Class Small by Defy Bags. This bag is hand made from reclaimed Military grade tarpaulin. It is sold at the same price-point of the featured bags. It works well for my style and work as a creative professional (Industrial Designer).

  21. My large saddleback classic briefcase easily swallows a 15″ laptop, binder, and bible… In the back pocket. Then my lunch and gym shoes / shorts in the front, no shortage of space there. That said, the straps really help compress the load to a manageable size.

  22. Anyone have any experience with that Aston briefcase? That looks to be the best bang for your buck on this list; $210 seems real solid for a very professional looking, full-grain leather briefcase.

  26. I got the Journeyman and I’m relatively happy with it for the price. I ended up splurging on the leather strap but it sits in a box now (I carry mine in and don’t use it like a messenger bag).

    Only two downsides for me – snaps instead of buckles, and the position of the handle on the top throws the balance off a bit depending on which snap you use. Great leather though. I don’t baby it – I put tools, books, whatever in it and toss it around. No lining but I didn’t want one to start with. I posted a review in Dappered Threads – I would link to it but it seems like every time I link to Threads my post doesn’t stick.

  27. I have something like the Delegate II (Delegate I?) from Samsonite now. Joe, you covered the Zero Halliburton Look Alike  before:
    http://dappered.com/2011/09/steal-the-style-the-zero-halliburton-look-alike/

    Branxini (in the comments) hit the nail on the head for why these don’t work for many people (including me): 

    “But the real deal breaker for me was purely functional – not very well
    suited for taking things in and out (you need to stop,  lay it down flat
    on a surface, open, etc.). They are literally best for discrete
    transactions of cash, documents, and underpowered rifles!”

  29. If you can come to terms with the cost the Saddleback splurge is well worth it.  I don’t have the one pictured, but rather the large classic briefcase.  I carry it to work everyday with a laptop, work notebook, personal notebook, compact Bible, pens, medicine, multitool, cliff bars, and still have a ton of room.  If I plan a simple wardrobe I can also use the bag for weekend trips.  It’s not as sleek as some of the other bags listed, but has more of a rugged utilitarian look.  As long as it doesn’t get stolen or thrown into a fire I can definitely see it as being handed down to my kid or grandchild.  Just make sure you get the style that you love the most because this thing isn’t going to wear out.  I’ve had mine for about 8 months and it looks better all the time, especially if I throw it around a bit.

  31. Another suggestion for those that like the Saddleback aesthetic, the folks behind Inkleaf Leather have a great story.  Husband and wife team, literally handstitch everything they make.  I’ve only got some of their notebook covers, and they’re really quite nice, but man, the writer’s bag is tempting, and a full briefcase is reportedly on the way.

    http://www.inkleafleather.com/

  32. I also got a Journeyman and am very happy considering the price. I also splurged on the leather strap and when a rivet popped out, I sent it back and they fixed it, refunding me the shipping costs! My only problem is it is a bit smaller than I thought, I should’ve gone with the larger size.

  35. i got Banana republic bag. I regret paying 130$ for it but i guess i should have bought it for what it is. It is not a briefcase even though it looks like one. It’s a messenger bag that looks like briefcase. After  a month of use it looks more and more like messenger bag. It loosing it’s shape. Flap is still holding up but getting softer every day. another month and it will be like a towel thrown to cover messenger bag.

  36. I have shopped wilsons and it does fit at an outlet style place

    I really like saddle back, and love the videos they put out. Check out Yammi lol

    I also had some really good luck with http://www.leatherbagsandmore.com

    They had some of the good name brands but better pricing

    Just take your time while looking and dont cheap out on some junk leather

  37. Good article. Poorly proofread. Your mistakes, with my corrections are below:

    It’s trim, comes in a variety of colors (Its trim comes in a
    variety)

    going to be stunning to sum, and just $140 (going to be
    stunning to some, …)

    Hardwear is a matte, brushed silver. (Hardware is a
    matte…)