Briefcases may offer that classic look that won’t go out of style, but many workplaces are a little more relaxed than they used to be. These days, there are plenty of trendy messenger bags that offer plenty of room, feel comfortable to carry around, and so on. Of course, there are tons of styles to choose from – and they’re not all created equal.
Whether you want a roomy, flap-over crossbody Messenger bag, a tech-savvy laptop bag, a relaxed and casual attache, or a compact, versatile carry-on, here are several options we like for 2018.
Briefcases may offer that classic look that won’t go out of style, but many workplaces are a little more relaxed than they used to be. These days, there are plenty of trendy messenger bags that offer plenty of room and feel comfortable to carry around. Of course, there are tons of styles to choose from – and they’re not all created equal.
Whether you want a roomy, flap-over crossbody Messenger bag, a tech-savvy laptop bag, a relaxed and casual attache, or a compact, versatile carry-on, here are several options we like for 2018.
Messenger Bags
Kenneth Cole Reaction Risky Business
Price: $89.99
Customer rating: 4.4 stars
Materials: Full-grain Colombian leather
Colors: Black, Cognac, Dark Brown
Looking for a cool and comfortable bag to match those brown loafers? (You should be.) Cole’s leather crossbodies are a great choice that won’t break your wallet. The Risky Business comes in five shades of brown and black in imported Colombian leather. It features a polyester lining, stash pockets under the flap and, best of all, will develop a patina with wear.
Timbuk2 The Closer Case
Price: $159
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Materials: Coated fabric
Colors: Jet Black Static, Storm, Twilight, Typeset
The pioneer in bags designed for bicycle messengers, Timbuk2 is still handcrafted in San Francisco with the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail. That’s not a pitch — it’s the truth. The Closer Case is available in multiple colors and two sizes, so chances are you’ll find one right for you. It features several pockets and convertible functions to suit almost any purpose.
Patricia Nash Men’s Tuscan II
Price: $278
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Materials: Leather
Colors: Chocolate
If you’re willing to pay a little extra for something high-quality, then the Patricia Nash Men’s Tuscan II may be the way to go. This bag is perfect for carrying all your belongings, include a laptop and any documents you need to take to the office with you. The bag is built from high-end leather and measures 15 inches wide and 12 inches high.
Samsonite Leather 2 Pocket Laptop Briefcase
Price: $140
Customer rating: 4 stars
Materials: Leather
Colors: Black Leather
Samsonite has a history of delivering bags with a ton of storage space, and this bag is no exception to that rule. The bag has two large pockets, including one padded laptop compartment, and it has a removable shoulder strap. Safe to say, if you need a lot of space and don’t want two bags, this may be the way to go.
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Alexander Messenger Bag
Price: $138
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Materials: Polyester and nylon
Colors: Black
Tommy Hilfiger has long put an emphasis on style, and if you want a stylish bag, the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Alexander Messenger Bag may be the way to go. The bag is nice and strong, thanks to its nylon and polyester build and should be more than big enough to hold most of your belongings, even if you have a larger laptop.
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Herschel Supply Co. Gibson
Price: $89.99
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Materials: Polyester
Colors: Night Camo, Ash Rose, Woodland Camo, Black
Ready to conquer organization? This stylish, versatile polyester messenger bag will do the trick. This roomy and reliable bag had plenty of space to store all of your work or school essentials in the expandable front pocket and interior compartments, including a 15 in padded laptop sleeve. Not only is it fashionable, but its functionality will meet your needs.
Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase
Price: $199
Customer rating: 4 stars
Materials: Cordura and leather
Colors: Black, Brown
Are you a little more adventurous and want something a little sportier? This messenger bag from Topo Designs may be the way to go. The bag is available in a few stylish colorways, and it’s very sleek, making it a great choice for those who don’t have a ton to carry, but still enough to where they need a decent bag.
Frye Bowery Messenger
Price: $269.10
Materials: Leather and polyester
Colors: Caramel
This bag is simple and stylish without being over the top. The bag comes with an adjustable crossbody strap and offers a flap with a latch and zip closure. It’s pretty big too — the bag has a compartment big enough for a 17-inch laptop, so if you have a large laptop, this may be the way to go.
All-Business Bags
If you’re looking to set a slightly more serious tone than a typical Messenger bag provides, try one of these all-business commuter cases.
Coach Metropolitan Slim Brief
Price: $595
Materials: Leather
Colors: Saddle, Heather Grey
The trendy brand name nearly scared us off, until we saw the simple and elegant Metropolitan Slim Brief. Made of supple calf leather with multiple interior pockets, zip-top closure and an outside slip pocket, it’s available in brown, black or mahogany (shown).
Fossil Defender Messenger
Price: $291.31
Customer rating: 4 stars
Materials: Leather, textile lining
Colors: Dark Brown, Green
Fossil doesn’t only do watches–they have trendy leather bags too. Not only does this bag have the dapper look down, but it also has the right amount of compartments to store everything you need to get down to business. It features one padded laptop pocket, two media pockets, an interior zipper pocket and an exterior slide pocket, along with a key ring.
Vagabond Traveler Casual Style Canvas Messenger Bag
Price: $82.99
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Materials: Canvas
Colors: Black, blue, camouflage, green, grey, khaki, khaki green, military green
This is a great everyday go-to bag made with durable canvas material, this casual yet stylish bag can carry all of your necessities with the fully-lined large interior pockets closed by a flap. The exterior offers a front zipper and side pockets.
J. Stark Prospect
Price: $295
Materials: Canvas
Colors: Navy, Olive, Charcoal, Brush Brown
Waxed cotton says casual, but its rugged no-nonsense finish also means business. The water-repellent Prospect has space inside for a laptop as well as organizational pockets and handy outer compartments, and it’s finished off with antique brass hardware and bridle leather strap and handles. Made in the USA.
