13 Useful Laptop Bags That Don’t Sacrifice on Style

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Let’s get something out there before we start. If you wear a collared shirt to work, even a polo, don’t wear a backpack. If you wear a suit to work, absolutely don’t wear a backpack. Backpacks are for tourists, hikers, and tech-y software engineers. We love backpacks for those uses, but let’s try to keep work formal. There are exceptions if you have a bike commute, or other physical or emotional need for a backpack, but this is one that classic menswear got right—carry a briefcase.

Though actually, there’s not a common name for them these days. Is it briefcase? Or is it messenger bag? Or is it just laptop bag? Not sure, but like a duffel, gym bag, or tennis bag, it should have one shoulder sling, as well as carry handles. Since this is something you’ll be taking to work or school, invest a little. Within reason, stretch your budget and buy something that looks nice. First impressions, dress for the job you want, and all that.

To get you started, our tech and style editors rounded up 13 of the best looking and most affordable laptop bags out there. From Rimowa to Filson to Troubadour, here are the best laptop bags on the market.

Never Still Briefcase

We're always going to recommend Rimowa. If you're doing a lot of travel for work, nothing is going to serve you like this briefcase. It's slim, sleek, and durable. Plus, it has every little compartment you'd ever need in a laptop bag.

Via Work Bag

If you just want to keep it simple, this is it. Bellroy makes a great laptop bag that can fit a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you'll need for work. The branding is minimal, and the shape is inoffensive. Just a great option all-around.

ReNew Transit Backpack

If you really must use a backpack, make it this one from Everlane. The shape is nice, and we found it to be extremely durable. Plus, you can buy a it in a few colors without the branded badge.

Apex Backpack

Ok fine, another backpack. If you have an especially large laptop, try downsizing. If that's not an option, Troubadour's Apex backpack has a laptop sleeve that'll fit a 17-inch laptop. And since it's a backpack, it does a great job of dispersing all the weight you've got in there.

Closer All Day leather briefcase

We've been blown away by anything we've touched from Métier. This laptop bag—fittingly named the "Closer" briefcase—is divine.

The leather is buttery soft, but the bag has enough internal structure to stand on its own. It's got pockets for your computer, passport, pens, pencils, and whatever else you're going to have in a work bag. If you want luxury, this is the one to get.

Sycamore Slim Brief

If you want something super sleek, we've always loved TUMI's Sycamore. It comes in the brand's classic nylon, which gives it a sophisticated and understated finish.

Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

It's the bag that defined the #menswear era. It's the bag that menswear guys on Twitter (X, excuse me) are still telling you to buy. And you know what... it's as trusty and as cool as it's ever been. No matter how popular it gets, you can't deny the twill-plus-leather look is just perfect.

Briefcase

There's a lot of durable nylon and canvas on this list, but if you're looking for luxury that'll last forever, you're not going to beat leather. For us, Lucchese does it best (for a great price) with this pebbled cowhide and brass accents. The Western flair is there, but it's not enough to make you standout in your big city office.

Bartlett Slim Briefcase

If you're working in Dallas, Denver, or Jackson Hole, the Tecovas Bartlett bag is the look for you. The cowhide has a saddle leather look, so it's got an Americana feel to it. It's another great all-around laptop bag from a another one of the Western brands that are leading the way for American menswear at the moment.

Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L

Lululemon?! Yep, the athleisure giant makes a surprisingly sleek little work bag. It's a tote, not a briefcase, but that makes it better in some cases. It's got more space, so it can be a work-plus-gym bag or a work-plus-groceries bag.

Seque Tote

Want to get on your techwear, urban ninja shit? Arc'teryx's Veilance line is where you need to go. The brand uses excess raw materials to make an incredibly overbuilt work tote. Taped seams keep any and all moisture out. The two sets of handles make it easy to carry. And it has plenty of space for any work items.

Gibson

In the same vein, Herschel makes a nice laptop bag. It's a bit bulky, and the canvas exterior doesn't have a luxury feel. But no one can deny it's a great work bag. It'll hold up to abuse. The monochrome branding is tasteful. And, it fits everything you need. A great option.

Messenger Bag

The cheap category can be tough for laptop bags. Assuming this is a bag for work or school, you want to put your best foot forward. Cheap bags typically don't do that.

But this messenger bag on Amazon really surprised us. For the dirt-cheap price it looks quite nice. It's the perfect option if you don't want to shell out for a bag, but want something that still looks elevated.

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