Italian Leather blog

Fine leather briefcases have undergone several changes over the years as a demanding public changed its needs, its budget, and its sense of style. From the old days of Kennedy carrying a large strong briefcase for all his papers, briefcases nowadays have grown even more functional with spaces for laptops and more convenient slots for PDA’s etc.

Also, many briefcases today can be carried either by men or women – a reflection of the gender neutral attitude of society. Nevertheless, if you’re a man and are buying a fine leather briefcase, you might want one that is distinctly masculine. So what do you look for in such a case? Let’s find out.

Leather Briefcase Size

It might seem obvious, but as with wallets, the size of the briefcase is the primary factor. For this you need to critically evaluate your needs. Do you carry around a phone, and a camera separately? Do you carry a laptop? How many folders and papers are required on your person? For example, lawyers constantly need to have dozens and dozens of papers around them for quick reference. Their needs will be very different from someone who has all their papers on a computer.

Also take into consideration how organized you are. If you’re the kind of person who prepares for each day, then you can get by with less space as you remove stuff you don’t need. If you find your briefcase getting overstuffed, then a bigger one is the right choice for you.

For frequent travelers, a good set of straps for the briefcase is essential. When walking down the long corridors of an airport from terminal to terminal, a heavy briefcase can easily become a huge burden. A pair of straps to dangle it from your shoulder is essential. Ensure that the straps are strong and have a good padding.

Sometimes, the padding piece hits against the buckle when the strap is really short – making it impossible to position it over your shoulder. Test all this out before you make a choice. Take care to see that the pad is nice and roomy and is properly cushioned. If you have shoulder pain, this point is a very important factor.

Laptop space

Whole grain leather is the best for briefcases – both for style as well as longevity. As good leather ages, it becomes softer. You want your briefcase to be like a good friend – adapting to your needs more and more as time goes by. Get the best quality leather, and you won’t regret it.

Have fun shopping for your fine leather briefcase! Hope it lasts as long for you as Kennedy’s did.