You get one chance to make a first impression. That is true for you, not just in what you wear but also what you choose to carry by way of a bag. You might be the sharpest dressed in the room but if you are carrying a scruffy old canvas or synthetic bag you are conveying the wrong image. Carrying the correct bag as an accessory is key for your statement and style, and leather bags are the perfect choice. So, how do you find your right bag? This Guide to Men’s Leather bags will help you.
Whether you are walking into a meeting, heading off on that weekend trip away, or just using a bag as an every day carry, then the right bag can give you that perfect blend of style, practicality, and image.
To achieve the above then I recommend to you, a bag made from quality leather. But why?
Unlike synthetic materials, which can crack, fade, or tear after a few uses, genuine leather develops a rich patina over time, providing you look after it. To help you see my guide on 7 tips to clean and protect leather bags at home. A leather bag grows more beautiful the longer you own it.
A Men’s leather bag is not just for one trip; it’s an investment piece designed to accompany you on countless journeys, from every day to those longer trips. With proper care, your bags can even become heirlooms passed down to future generations.
How do You Find Your Right Men’s Leather Bag?
Choosing your right leather bag can be simple. Start by thinking about your daily needs.
Do you mainly carry a laptop and documents?
Do you need your leather bag for weekend trips?
Are you looking for an everyday leather bag that can work for many different situations?
Take a little time to work out what you want to use your bag for. Once you know what it is you need, and the style you want, then focus on quality.
It’s better for you to have one great, quality bag that meets most of your requirements than several average bags that only do one thing, and do it poorly.
Also, your Leather Bag is not just about carrying your things. Your Choice of quality leather bag is about investing in your image. The right leather bag can show your statement, your style and make you stand out from the norm.
In my article on how to choose a quality leather travel holdall for carry on travel a-gentleman’s guide you can discover the things to look for when looking at the components that make up your choice of leather bag.
Once you have worked out what you need your bag to do, and what use you will put it to your next step is to decide, from the choices available, what meets your needs.
What are the Top 3 Men’s Leather Bag Styles?
1. The Professional Leather Briefcase
If you are a working professional, a leather briefcase will be your best option. Never, never go to any type of business meeting with plastic laptop style bags. You get seven seconds (on average) to make a first impression.
A good leather briefcase should feel solid but not heavy. Look for one with sections for your laptop, documents, and also, your daily items. The leather should feel smooth but not slippery, and the stitching should be strong, even, and with a uniform pattern.
At a pinch I have used a quality leather briefcase as an overnight bag, with a spare shirt/underwear/toiletries carefully folded and placed around my business items.
A good, quality leather briefcase will convey quality, heritage, craftmanship, oh and your professionalism
What to look for:
- Full-grain leather (this is very important, do not settle for less)
- Strong handles and corner protection
- Interior organization that fits your work style
- A professional look
2. The Leather Messenger Bag: Your Daily Companion
More relaxed in style and formality than a Traditional Leather Briefcase. This is likely to be the bag you will have as your daily go to choice and use the most. A leather messenger bag is perfect for your lifestyle. Whether a formal meeting, a coffee meeting, working from a café, or a day trip.
The best part of a leather messenger bag is how easy they are to use. You can swing one around to grab your phone, keys, or wallet, all without the faff of taking it off.
The compartments are a bit more generous in size, giving versatility.
You can wear your messenger bag in different ways – slung around your back, side on to your hips, left or right… the choice is yours. However, check that the straps are adjustable and are up to the job.
Thin weedy straps will cut into you, or worse, fray and pull out – particularly if you carry heavy laptops.
What to look for:
- Adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Quick-access front pocket for essentials
- Weather-resistant flap closure
- Size that fits your laptop comfortably
The Leather Duffle Bag: The Weekend Traveller
It’s Friday, you’re off on the weekend trip. What you pack your items in will show your persona.
Pulling up outside a UK Country House, A London Hotel, or even meeting the new in-laws for the first time, then your current plastic synthetic trolley case or sports bag won’t cut it.
Your answer? A Leather Duffle Bag
A leather duffle bag is a great mix of style and elegance, and will become a true travel companion. Each mark, crease, and aged patina wear, tells your story.
A quality leather duffel bag becomes - part of your story.
What to look for:
- Strong yet comfy handles
- Big main compartment
- Side pockets for shoes or laundry: (See our Roma Leather Travel Bag with Separate shoe Compartment)
- Leather that can handle airport security and hotel rooms
Your Next Step: Choosing your Leather Bag
Remember, your choice of bag is not just about carrying your things. It’s about investing in your image, comfort, and satisfaction and style. This is where a Leather Bag wins.
At Opulus Prestige our Leather Bag Collections will have the styles, the function and the prestige that will help you to create your own statement.
Browse our collection of handcrafted leather bags and find the piece that will serve you faithfully for years to come.