Let's Talk Briefcases...

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by worth

Bottom line is if you're over 16 years old and are still using a backpack, you look like a goof. Backpacks are for kids. If you work in an office type environment, there is probably a good chance you have to transport some sort of documentation to destinations outside your office. Having a nice briefcase is a great way to show a little bit of style all the while having something really useful to kep a lot of useful items in when you are outside the office.

Documentation? Like something that's stored on a tablet, laptop, smartphone or on a USB key? I guess if you're meeting clients that are not living in the 21st century and require a printed 300 page PDF file, then a briefcase is for you.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Slava

I can't believe the disdain for briefcases here. I have one and have used it for a few years. Before this one I had a Danier case that I loved, but the clasps wore out.

I guess it depends on what you do for a living, but I use mine constantly and I think it portrays a nice image, for whatever that's worth.

How wet do your balls get when you sit on the toilet?

[Caged Great]

I have one and have paint swatches from all the different companies in there.

I find it amusing.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by Slava

What kind of briefcase are we talking here? If its one of those hard cases with combo-locks then ya, I see the hesitation. I would only use a soft-side, leather case really.

A purse?

[jar_e]

I use a Danier one and have never had an issue. Got a sweet deal at the outlet at Crossiron too.

[getbak]

Get one of these and a pair of handcuffs.



http://www.zerohalliburton.com/3-sil...r-attache.html

[sun]

https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/i...ens/Briefcases

[Winsor_Pilates]

I have this Kenneth Cole.

Usually carry it without the strap, but nice to have the option of clipping it on. Has lasted me a few years now of daily use, throwing in the car etc. and it still in decent shape. Very well built and I picked it up for a great price at their outlet store in Seattle.

It has a space that perfectly fits my macbook, ipad, documents, pens, business cards etc.



Calgary puck response to this thread has been predictable and funny. I can't imagine any of the backpackers wear suits to work? Sure hope not.

Interestingly enough, found that image on the askmen topic discussing the same:
http://ca.askmen.com/fashion/trends_...-dressing.html

[doozwimp]

Are you involved in some sort of seedy underworld? The only acceptable usage of a briefcase is for crime deals of various types.

[Table 5]

Maybe he really means more of a leather messenger bag, than the typical boxy briefcase? Those things are pretty much the briefcase of our generation.

[worth]

I think we're getting into a bit of symantecs on the term "briefcase". You don't see many hard leather combo lock cases anymore, because yes, they are reminiscent of a bygone era. What the OP should be referring to, and what I have been referring to all along is a sort of "messenger bag" if you like, not a hard case combo lock briefcase. Hard briefcases are obsolete and you will date yourself or look extremely out of place carrying one.

Most of the briefcases now are soft leather/canvas as has been pointed out.

This guy looks cool:



So does this guy:



Bags are practical, and they even carry your iPad or notebook!

I'm partial to Filson as I mentioned before. There is a huge thread here with pictures:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/133759/f...-with-pictures

[Slava]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

How wet do your balls get when you sit on the toilet?

Well I can't wear wool socks because of the itching. Do you really think there is a correlation between my over-sized genitalia and carrying a briefcase? I hadn't thought of that before.

I enjoy all of the "get a laptop/tablet" comments as well. There are a lot of businesses at this point where a wet signature is necessary. I don't want to date myself here, but I also carry a device called a "pen" for that reason. I also have a separate device called a calculator that I use regularly. So when it comes time to gather up these materials and move to my next meeting I want something other than a reusable shopping bag to carry my things in (plastic bags are so outdated).

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Documentation? Like something that's stored on a tablet, laptop, smartphone or on a USB key? I guess if you're meeting clients that are not living in the 21st century and require a printed 300 page PDF file, then a briefcase is for you.

I think it does depend on your clients to a degree. It also depends on the requirements of your business.

[Table 5]

Even if you use an ipad or laptop, you still need to carry it in something. I have this Jack Spade messenger bag I carry around to meetings. Great for my ipad, notebook, phone etc.

sorta big.

Spoiler!

Call it a murse all you want, but the it sure beats showing up with a backpack.

[Bertuzzied]

hahaha. why would anyone need a briefcase unless they are a drug dealer or hold the nuclear codes for the US.

[JD]

I dunno.... I see where backpacks get the "childish" label, but it's not like professionals are walking around with Power Rangers backpacks. You can get pretty nice ones that have pockets for your laptop and your documents and other peripheral devices.

But mostly, when carrying a briefcase through the +15's, how are you supposed to walk aimlessly while texting and sipping your gallon of Starbucks at the same time?

Backpacks FTW!

[worth]

Most bags come with a shoulder strap and a carrying handle. So you can carry it like a traditional briefcase if you like, or you can throw it over your shoulder so you can text, drink coffee and do your makeup at the same time!

[AR_Six]

Originally Posted by worth

Bags are practical, and they even carry your iPad or notebook!

I'm partial to Filson as I mentioned before. There is a huge thread here with pictures:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/133759/f...-with-pictures

Another SF member. Cheers.

Filsons are great - I have a 256 from the mid 1990s and it actually shows a lot of character from all its use over the decade and a half. What I don't like is the recent influx (basically since Holt's started carrying the brand) of dudes in suits showing up to the office carrying pristine ones. That's not the point. The point of filson bags is to beat the #### out of them and carry them to mountains and go hunting and keep dead fowl in them. I do not bring mine in to the office. Filson does make a really nice briefcase - it's here: http://www.filson.com/products/leath...hel.70252.html
That is office appropriate and also works in other situations.

Someone mentioned saddleback leather - that's a good alternative if you like filson bags. For a more traditional case, Dunhill, Valextra (dumb name, great product), Swaine Adeney Brigg. Brooks Brothers has some really nice cases but they tend to be a bit overpriced.

[Bean]

Good job to the OP for having the sense in trying to get a useful accessory that adds both style and function to his work life.

Although some brands may be overkill and the sky is the limit for this sort of thing, a decent looking bag provides legitimacy and presence when you walk into client meetings. Similar to the "watches you wear" and "bespoke suits" threads some people do appreciate details and the finer things in life.

My suggestion? Kenneth Cole bags or perhaps Cole Haan if you have some extra lunch money to shell out. There are always sales around town if you look hard enough or hit up an outlet mall the next time you are stateside.

[BlackRedGold25]

This one is money..... in the bank!!!