It's Sunday evening. You're planning out your business casual ensembles for the week and searching frantically for a trusty work bag that will get you to and from work efficiently and elegantly. But where to start? When it comes to finding the perfect work bag, there are a lot of factors to consider. You'll need something spacious and sturdy, but not too bulky, with just the right amount of compartments and comfortable straps for easy carrying. It obviously has to look the part, too: you want your work bag to show you mean business.
Whether you're a staunch briefcase guy, or prefer a more casual backpack or messenger bag, you're guaranteed to find your perfect commute companion in our round-up of the best work bags for men in 2023.
Best men's work bags in 2023
Velasca Spagulètta
Perfect for the city commuter, Velasca's Spagulètta briefcase is designed for ultimate organisation on the move. Inside there are three pockets ― a main compartment that can fit a laptop, plus two smaller pockets – perfect for dividing up all your daily essentials. Versatility is inherent to the design. Carry it around using either its leather handles or canvas shoulder strap.
Steele & Borough The Black Little Briefcase
Steele & Borough's briefcases are beloved by city professionals for their clean, minimalist style and streamlined efficiency. Compact yet capable, the Black Little Briefcase can hold up to 7.5 litres and features multiple pockets for all your office essentials, including a dedicated laptop compartment. Handcrafted from lightweight, water resistant nylon with refined details in vegan leather and a sturdy cotton canvas shoulder strap, allowing it to be carried like a messenger bag, it's made to stand the test of time.
ÖLEND Mapa Air Backpack
With sustainability at its core, Barcelona-based label ÖLEND creates durable and timeless bag designs in small batches, using sustainable materials and packaging. The Mapa Air backpack is particularly impressive in its capacity to reduce air pollution. It's crafted using a special coating that activates when UV rays hit on it, beginning a chemical process that converts atmosphere oxygen and water vapour into OH and O2 cleaning agents. Clever, huh? It also happens to be super stylish and boasts enough space for your laptop and other work essentials.
Carl Friedrik Vallance Slim Leather Briefcase
Carl Friedrik's Vallance Briefcase is as classic as they come, with an elegantly understated aesthetic that will never age. Handmade in Portugal by a team of skilled artisans, it boasts durable Vachetta leather construction and a heavy-duty Raccagni zipper that will ensure easy access every time. Choose from three timeless hues: Black, Chocolate or Cognac.
Mismo M/S Endeavour
Danish label Mismo's signature minimalist style extends to this versatile work bag, which is the ultimate office companion, designed to make your daily commute that much easier. It boasts double-zipped twin compartments for considered organisation, with a foamed laptop compartment to keep your tech protected. Made from waterproof hard woven Italian nylon and sturdy YKK zippers, it's guaranteed to see you stylishly through years of commutes.
ODA Hop Backpack
"The most comfortable backpack you'll ever own," says modular bag label ODA, and we'd have to agree. The minimalist Hop Backpack is compact yet capable, perfect for everyday use – whether you're commuting to work or carting your kit to the gym. Concealed zips and organised compartments (including room for a laptop) keep everything secure and within easy reach.
Vasco Leather Boat Tote Bag Black
A leather tote bag is a versatile accessory that you'll come to rely on for both work and play. We love this version from independent Tokyo-based leather goods label Vasco. The tote is cut from a heavy duty cowhide leather sourced from the respected Himeji Tannery. This tannery is unique in using traditional hand dying techniques to vegetable tan the strong cow hide, which is infused with oils giving it a rich depth of colour and 'vintage' appearance.
Maverick & Co Manhattan Deluxe Leather Briefcase
Maverick & Co. takes its name and inspiration from Mr. Samuel A. Maverick, a 19th century man who refused to brand his cattle like the norm. Now, his name is synonymous with being independently-minded and pioneering – and so is Maverick & Co. Its thoughtfully-designed Manhattan Deluxe Leather Briefcase is intended to get better with age, crafted from ultra-smooth top-grain calf leather that results in a luxurious finish. Boasting multiple compartments for a laptop, mobile phone, business cards and writing instruments, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap, it's a capable commuting companion.
RODERER Award Briefcase in Navy Blue Italian Leather
With a form-follows function design language, RODERER is committed to creating minimalist collections of bags and accessories with no flash, just great design and craftsmanship, subtly delivered. For effortless elegance at work, RODERER's Award Briefcase is a no-brainer. Handcrafted from soft grained Italian leather, its design is restrained and classic. Ideal for everyday commutes and daily office use, it's spacious enough for all your documents, as well as a laptop in the dedicated padded pocket. Carry it in your hand or over the shoulder using the detachable strap. When travelling on business, use the practical back strap to put it over your trolley, and access your passport from the handy front pocket.
Perfect for work uniform with our pick of the best men's blazers.
