5 Tips For Buying A Quality Briefcase | What To Look For In Leather Briefcases

Quality leather briefcases can be EXPENSIVE.

Anywhere from 150 to 1500+ dollars.

Why such a wide range of prices?

What's the difference between a lower end bag and one that costs over a thousand dollars?

And how do you buy the best leather professional bag for your needs?

These are the questions we answer in this video and article.

Specifically we cover 9 qualities to look for when buying a leather briefcase.

If you use this checklist, you can rest assured you're going to buy the right back for your needs!

Video Summary:

1:12 - "Check the Quality of the Material"
1:34 - "Three Types of Leather"
1:50 - "What is Full Grain Leather?"
2:41 - "What is Top Grain Leather?"
3:47 - "What is Genuine Leather?"
4:00 - "What is Fake Leather?"
4:58 - "The Hardware of the Briefcase"
5:54 - "The Style of the Briefcase"
7:12 - "The Size of the Briefcase"
8:12 - "Your Lifestyle"

[RealMenRealStyle]

Video Summary:
1:12 - "Check the Quality of the Material"
1:34 - "Three Types of Leather"
1:50 - "What is Full Grain Leather?"
2:41 - "What is Top Grain Leather?"
3:47 - "What is Genuine Leather?"
4:00 - "What is Fake Leather?"
4:58 - "The Hardware of the Briefcase"
5:54 - "The Style of the Briefcase"
7:12 - "The Size of the Briefcase"
8:12 - "Your Lifestyle"

[alekskensington]

I have a Kenneth Cole leather briefcase that I got for 5$ at a yard sale IN GREAT CONDITION I swear it was brand new but I looked it up it was a 300$ briefcase. I still use it to this day and its amazing!

[marcparenteau]

Faux is pronounced like ''Foe'' in french, great video ! keep up the great work Antonio!

[Knight]

I've looked at the Kattee bags and apparently I have the same exactly design but from a different company. All I can see about my bag, in particular, is that it didn't last me a year. Though I had not treated fairly in some situations, the quality wasn't great. At first glance it looked and smell great almost too good to be true but when the brass metal started to worn out and break off, that's when I realized it wasn't worth what I originally invested in. It's a good thing I didn't spend over $500 on my first bag but I've appreciated your videos (the one with Saddle Back and Maxwell Scott) that allowed me to be more informed of my purchasing decisions.

[allendavedeguzman]

Him recommending Faux Leather is the most realistic thing that I have watched while watching these kinds of videos. I love it!

[alesbalcar]

Hi Antonio, thanks for another informative video.
How do you feel about shoulder strap? Here is the thing:
I live in the city with no car, and I am used to carry a backpack all the time (black nylon, relatively sleek), but I feel like it is not a great thing to bring to a job interview. Briefcase seems to look more professional, but without a shoulderstrap it is both uncomfortable to carry (with laptop inside) and likely to be soiled or left somewhere (when I put it down).
Shoulder strap might solve this, but it seems it might damage the jacket over time and looks less professional.
What do you recommend? Are there some padded shoulderstraps around that look acceptable? Is it acceptable to have longer strap across the chest (more practical) or just a short one across one shoulder? Should I remove the strap for more formal occasions?

[OrangeGeemer]

Hello, Antonio. Great video, a year ago i started as a professor, so I went and peak up the most beatifull leather briefcase I could find (didn't know the first thing about leather, but after watching your video I think it is top grain). This briefcase had this matte finish that I really liked, but with the daily use it started to shine (specially the back side that rubs against my sport jacket). Is there a way to bring back the matte finish???

Best regards

[walidsoliman]

thanks for these valuable information! i really appreciate it.

[jamessmith]

Thank for the these great tip for buying a quality leather briefcases. This post will surely be very helpful for the person who are looking to buy for their daily uses.

[ABeardedDad]

Another excellent video Antonio.I've been thinking lately about a getting a good leather satchel/briefcase. I'm nearly finished university and I want something that will basically last my whole life (maybe even my kids too). These tips are fantastic, exactly what I need thanks!

[CytronBlast]

My favorite is the hardshell ones. Just picked one up today it was really cheap 8$ from goodwill but it looks really nice :)

[BillyBJohnson]

My father gave me a Louis Vuitton Briefcase as a present for graduating law school, and that is all I have. I love it. Its stylish and great quality.

[Tomzupp]

I recommend Tidings from L. A.. Full grain and ykk zippers, brass metal parts, crazy horse leather. Not expensive either.

[Zacsilk]

Kattee are a fantastic brand. I've just purchased their black rucksack, and as a college student a briefcase is the next step up.

[bubblesTV]

Do a video on harder, lawyer type briefcases and other companies that offer good quality

[NickTheGREEK]

Saddleback Leather, second to none!!! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[ersia]

The size is something I don't hear many reviewers or articles talk about. I'm out to buy a briefcase (my first) for work and has a macbook 14". Seems like most briefcases add like a decimeter of margin on either side.

[freedomvan]

Very good topic Antonio. Great vid. Faux is pronounced "foe", rhymes with doe. Agreed, start your career with something descent then upgrade after your first promotion. I really love the comment about where you live affecting the type of bag that is acceptable. I'm in Fort Worth, and use a very rustic looking, tobacco colored full grain bag by Copper River Bags. Highly recommended, probably over Saddleback (I have their wallet). Copper River Bag Co.!!!

[Edward-qnrm]

Thank you I learn now which briefcase I buy. Big help for me.

[AwkwardHypernerd]

I got a brief case from my mother, she got it at a estate sale and its fairly nice. Needs to be cleaned though.