What makes a good briefcase'Ask any suit with a 9-to-5 and a penchant for vicua suiting, and he'll have a few requirements: lightweight and with a comfortable handle; large enough to carry a computer and some documents (the word 'briefcase' is derived from the legal documents, or briefs, that lawyers carry) but not so bulky it looks like a weekender; and made of materials built to last so he can pass it on to the kid when he gets old enough to pull his weight.A slim messenger or duffel bag with a shoulder strap, but no handle ' that isn't a briefcase. It's time to get serious about the things you carry.These briefcases cover the spectrum, from simple and affordable to luxuriously-detailed and expensive.UNDER $500Incase City BriefHere's a briefcase that's utilitarian above all else. Weaved with a 270 x 500D polyester blend, it's durable, has two easy-access organizer pockets, can hold a 13-inch MacBook Pro and features an adjustable shoulder strap for when you get cramps from too much glad-handing. It looks pretty darn good, too.BUY NOW: $78Herschel Supply Co. Clark MessengerThe Clark Messenger features a fleece-lined 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large external pocket and comes fully lined with brand's signature coated poly fabric. The handle and zippers are finished in leather. Bonus for those who like to match: this bag comes in a variety of styles, ranging from solid navy to full camouflage.BUY NOW: $100Topo Designs Mountain BriefcaseColorado-made Topo bags are simple, functional and capable of office duty or a day on the trail. With their Mountain Briefcase, Topo Designs has taken the silhouette of a brief and given it an outdoorsy makeover. It has a 1,000d Invista Cordura exterior, it's spacious enough to hold a laptop and jacket, and it can actually be carried as a messenger or backpack if the situation calls for it.BUY NOW: $149Filson Original BriefcaseThis classic briefcase is completely American-made with cotton, oil-finished twill and 100 percent genuine bridle leather. It's water- and scratch-resistant, features an interior compartment with three dividers and has two stow pockets. Since it comes in five colors, you've got options.BUY NOW: $265Billykirk No. 332 Waxed Canvas Attach CaseThis California-based leather and canvas company designs everything from belts to hats to bags. They make a beautiful slim briefcase out of an ash-waxed canvas, equipped with two large stow pockets and an interior lined with nylon. Also, it's capable of holding a 13- or 15-inch laptop.BUY NOW: $275Ernest Alexander The Andy Leather Laptop BriefcaseThe Andy is straightforward and elegant, lean and lightweight. It's made of Italian brown leather and, with its padded water-repellant lining, makes the perfect home for a 13-inch laptop.BUY NOW: $325Killspencer Attach BriefcaseMade in Los Angeles by Killspencer's small team of craftsmen, this black leather briefcase is padded and lined with fur to protect a 15-inch laptop. Its exterior features a vintage silver Riri zipper and three small exterior compartments to hold an iPhone or other small items. Get it monogrammed for a personal touch.BUY NOW: $375Jack Spade Waxwear Base BriefAs the name suggests, this brief is made of a 100 percent waxed cotton canvas. The exterior is largely unassuming, but unzip it and you'll find a spacious interior with several leather organizational slots, mesh end pockets and enough room for a laptop and some gym clothes.BUY NOW: $428UNDER $1,000Arriv Narita Slim Brief from TumiThis Tumi briefcase is made of ballistic nylon and fits a 15-inch laptop. The interior is built for functionality, with an accessory pouch and several open and zippered pockets for organizing smaller items. The finishing touches are also nice: the Narita has a comfortable articulating shoulder strap and is equipped with the 'add-a-bag' system so it can attach to rolling luggage.BUY NOW: $675Lotuff Leather Zip-Top BriefcaseA dependable and understated briefcase, this one is crafted inNew Englandfrom high-quality vegetable-tanned leather. The bag comes in three colors ' chestnut, black, chocolate ' and has a removable shoulder strap, along with two easily accessed full-width pockets. And since there isn't much of an interior lining, it can accommodate whatever the day requires.BUY NOW: $680Boldrini Selleria Double-Handle BriefcaseThis dapper bag features a front slip pocket that seals magnetically, protective feet and gold-toned hardware. Made in Italy using smooth brown leather, what truly distinguishes this double-handle briefcase is its bright blood-red twill interior.BUY NOW: $695J.W. Hulme Co. Fremont AttachAlthough J.W. Hulme Co. makes several styles of briefcases, the new Fremont Attach is one of our favorites. Completely made in America with leather, it's suitable for both office and casual settings. It's slim, has several functional compartments and can fit a 15-inch laptop.BUY NOW: $795Travelteq TrashBeautifully constructed with Florentine Vacchetta leather,the Trashis capable of carrying a lot in its small frame (16 x 12 x 3.25 inches). It has eight compartments, all lined with water-resistant nylon, and room enough for a 15-inch laptop. Additionally, there are specific areas to hold travel essentials like your plane ticket,travel guidebooks,sunglasses, smartphone and even acigar.BUY NOW: $618The Commuter Briefcase by Frank CleggThis Frank Clegg briefcase, made from tumbled leather in Massachusetts, is simple and functional. It consists of one large easy-access gusset and two exterior slip pockets.BUY NOW: $960Colonel Littleton No. 1943 Navigator BriefcaseThis WWII-inspired briefcase is handmade in Tennessee with polished leather and boasts an expandable body and adjustable side gussets. Inside, there are two dividers and several smaller pockets for necessities. Along with its solid brass hardware and intricate system of straps, this briefcase feels like an heirloom.BUY NOW: $995Robert Clergerie Zip-Around BriefcaseUnlike the traditional briefcase, this one doesn't have a rigid rectangular shape. The black-grained calfskin bag comes in the shape of a small weekender and features no exterior pockets; the interior is lined with black twill and has two leather pockets (one that zips up and one for slipping items in).BUY NOW: $995OVER $1,000Want Les Essentiels de la Vie Trudeau 17-InchThe Trudeau has a minimalist exterior and a compartmentalized interior with 14 pockets to hold pens, notepads and business essentials. Also, it's large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop and comes with a padlock and key.BUY NOW: $1,350Ermenegildo Zegna Legal Document BagAvailable in either black or dove grey, this 100 percent calf-leather bag is scratch resistant, has a palladium metal plate and its interior is lined with suede. Luxurious indeed ' but don't get it if you've got a laptop bigger than 13 inches.BUY NOW: $1,350Serapian Evolution Double-Handle BriefcaseThis Italian-made double-handle has two main compartments, each with two large slip pockets and several other organizing slots. On the bag's exterior there's a full-length zip pocket and a newspaper holder. The hardware is palladium and the bag's small logo is made with silver.BUY NOW: $1,375Alfred Dunhill Chassis Leather BriefcaseThis bag is made with scratch-resistant chassis leather and is embossed to look like carbon fiber. Inside, it's lined with dark brown suede and decked out with numerous organizing pockets.BUY NOW: $1,650Ghurka Counselor No. 95 Leather BriefcaseGhurka is renowned for crafting leather goods that evoke American timelessness ' and this briefcase is no different. It boasts two large interior compartments, can fit a 17-inch laptop and features polished brass hardware.BUY NOW: $1,713Zero Halliburton 3 Carbon Fiber AttachIn thebig action movies, there's usually a guy handcuffed to a briefcase full of cash. Well, if you're that guy you'll want this attach from Zero Halliburton. Made with an impervious carbon fibre shell, this carry-on has a red leather interior and a three digit combination lock for additional security.BUY NOW: $2,350Valextra Accademia Classic BriefcaseSlender and lightweight, this elegant briefcase is ideal for the cosmopolitan gentleman. It has a single zip-around compartment, which is padded to protect valuables, and another easy-access pocket along its exterior that zips across. Each bag is made in Italy and monogrammed with a serial number that verifies its authenticity.BUY NOW: $2,990Berluti Un JourBerluti designed this bag as a day bag for businessmen ('un jour' means 'one day' in French). This Venezia leather briefcase boasts a timeless hand-polished patina, one main compartment and a small frontal zip pocket. Additionally, its accented with brass hardware and has a cotton-lined interior.BUY NOW: $3,300Ble Country Governor BriefcaseThisBle briefcaseis made from spruce bark-tanned Swedish leather, has a Nordic reindeer skin lining and comes with a 15-year guarantee (and annual servicing). It's the Rolls-Royce of the briefcase world.BUY NOW: $4,533SEE ALSO:The only 3 pieces of jewelry men should wear DON'T FORGET:Follow Business Insider's Life on Facebook!Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: Here Are The 4 Bags Every Man Needs
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