Skip to Content

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

a person carrying a bagpinterest
Arcteryx

13 Useful Laptop Bags That Don’t Sacrifice on Style

Keep your computer safe without looking like a summer intern.

By

Let’s get something out there before we start. If you wear a collared shirt to work, even a polo, don’t wear a backpack. If you wear a suit to work, absolutely don’t wear a backpack. Backpacks are for tourists, hikers, and tech-y software engineers. We love backpacks for those uses, but let’s try to keep work formal. There are exceptions if you have a bike commute, or other physical or emotional need for a backpack, but this is one that classic menswear got right—carry a briefcase.

Though actually, there’s not a common name for them these days. Is it briefcase? Or is it messenger bag? Or is it just laptop bag? Not sure, but like a duffel, gym bag, or tennis bag, it should have one shoulder sling, as well as carry handles. Since this is something you’ll be taking to work or school, invest a little. Within reason, stretch your budget and buy something that looks nice. First impressions, dress for the job you want, and all that.

To get you started, our tech and style editors rounded up 13 of the best looking and most affordable laptop bags out there. From Rimowa to Filson to Troubadour, here are the best laptop bags on the market.

  • Never Still Briefcase

    Best Laptop Bag for Travel

    Rimowa Never Still Briefcase

    $1,375 at rimowa.com
    Read more
  • Via Work Bag

    Best Simple Laptop Bag

    Bellroy Via Work Bag

    Read more
  •  ReNew Transit Backpack

    The Best Laptop Backpack

    Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

    Read more
  • Apex Backpack

    Best Large Backpack for Laptops

    Troubadour Apex Backpack

    Read more
  • Closer All Day leather briefcase

    Best Looking Laptop Bag

    Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase

    Read more
Best Laptop Bag for Travel

Rimowa Never Still Briefcase

Never Still Briefcase
Best Laptop Bag for Travel

Rimowa Never Still Briefcase

$1,375 at rimowa.com
Pros
  • Perfect size and durability for travel
Cons
  • Pricey

We’re always going to recommend Rimowa. If you’re doing a lot of travel for work, nothing is going to serve you like this briefcase. It’s slim, sleek, and durable. Plus, it has every little compartment you’d ever need in a laptop bag.

Best Simple Laptop Bag

Bellroy Via Work Bag

Via Work Bag
Best Simple Laptop Bag

Bellroy Via Work Bag

Pros
  • Fits a 16-inch laptop, great capacity
  • Branding is lowkey and tasteful
Cons
  • Shoulder strap is a bit cheap looking

If you just want to keep it simple, this is it. Bellroy makes a great laptop bag that can fit a 16-inch laptop and whatever else you’ll need for work. The branding is minimal, and the shape is inoffensive. Just a great option all around.

The Best Laptop Backpack

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

 ReNew Transit Backpack
The Best Laptop Backpack

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

Pros
  • Sleek, debadged look
  • Great price
Cons
  • Style isn't for everyone

If you really must use a backpack, make it this one from Everlane. The shape is nice, and we found it to be extremely durable. Plus, you can buy a it in a few colors without the branded badge.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Large Backpack for Laptops

Troubadour Apex Backpack

Apex Backpack
Best Large Backpack for Laptops

Troubadour Apex Backpack

Pros
  • Fits larger laptops
  • Really durable
Cons
  • Pretty pricey for a backpack

Okay, fine, another backpack. If you have an especially large laptop, try downsizing. If that’s not an option, Troubadour's Apex backpack has a laptop sleeve that’ll fit a 17-inch laptop. And since it’s a backpack, it does a great job of dispersing all the weight you’ve got in there.

Best Looking Laptop Bag

Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase

Closer All Day leather briefcase
Best Looking Laptop Bag

Métier Closer All Day leather briefcase

Pros
  • Just the perfect blend of beautiful and functional
Cons
  • That price tag

We’ve been blown away by anything we’ve touched from Métier. This laptop bag—fittingly named the “Closer” briefcase—is divine.

The leather is buttery soft, but the bag has enough internal structure to stand on its own. It’s got pockets for your computer, passport, pens, pencils, and whatever else you’re going to have in a work bag. If you want luxury, this is the one to get.

Best Sleek Laptop Bag

Tumi Sycamore Slim Brief

Sycamore Slim Brief
Best Sleek Laptop Bag

Tumi Sycamore Slim Brief

Pros
  • Clean look with minimal branding
  • Classic office look
Cons
  • Not a ton of space

If you want something super sleek, we’ve always loved TUMI’s Sycamore. It comes in the brand’s classic nylon, which gives it a sophisticated and understated finish.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Menswear Classic

Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

Rugged Twill Original Briefcase
The Menswear Classic

Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

Pros
  • A classic menswear look
  • Rugged like an adventure bag
Cons
  • Everyone owns one, if you want to stand out

It’s the bag that defined the #menswear era. It’s the bag that menswear guys on Twitter (X, excuse me) are still telling you to buy. And you know what... it’s as trusty and as cool as it’s ever been. No matter how popular it gets, you can’t deny the twill-plus-leather look is just perfect.

Best Leather Laptop Bag

Lucchese Briefcase

Briefcase
Best Leather Laptop Bag

Lucchese Briefcase

Pros
  • Beautiful pebbled cowhide
  • Sturdy brass hardware
Cons
  • Pebbled leather look isn't for everyone

There’s a lot of durable nylon and canvas on this list, but if you’re looking for luxury that’ll last forever, you’re not going to beat leather. For us, Lucchese does it best (for a great price) with this pebbled cowhide with brass accents. The Western flair is there, but it’s not enough to make you stand out in your big-city office.

Another Great Leather Laptop Bag

Tecovas Bartlett Slim Briefcase

Bartlett Slim Briefcase
Another Great Leather Laptop Bag

Tecovas Bartlett Slim Briefcase

Pros
  • Smooth leather develops a nice patina
  • Sturdy, high-quality materials
Cons
  • Leather has more of a Western look to it

If you’re working in Dallas, Denver, or Jackson Hole, the Tecovas Bartlett bag is the look for you. The cowhide has a saddle-leather look, so it’s got an Americana feel to it. It’s another great all-around laptop bag from another one of the Western brands that are leading the way for American menswear at the moment.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Basic Laptop Bag

lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L

Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
Best Basic Laptop Bag

lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L

Pros
  • Tote style is versatile
  • Nylon is durable and easy to keep clean
Cons
  • Not the most formal of bags

Lululemon?! Yep, the athleisure giant makes a surprisingly sleek little work bag. It’s a tote, not a briefcase, but that makes it better in some cases. It’s got more space, so it can be a work-plus-gym bag or a work-plus-groceries bag.

The GORP-y Laptop Bag

Arc'teryx Seque Tote

Seque Tote
The GORP-y Laptop Bag

Arc'teryx Seque Tote

Pros
  • The best weather protection you will find
  • Lowkey, city-ready look
Cons
  • A lot of tech for a simple bag

Want to get on your techwear, urban ninja shit? Arc’teryx’s Veilance line is where you need to go. The brand uses excess raw materials to make an incredibly overbuilt work tote. Taped seams keep any and all moisture out. The two sets of handles make it easy to carry. And it has plenty of space for any work items.

Best Affordable Laptop Bag

Herschel Gibson

Gibson
Best Affordable Laptop Bag

Herschel Gibson

Pros
  • Master-of-None type of laptop bag
  • Great if you need something affordable and durable
Cons
  • Doesn't feel luxury

In the same vein, Herschel makes a nice laptop bag. It’s a bit bulky, and the canvas exterior doesn’t have a luxury feel. But no one can deny it’s a great work bag. It’ll hold up to abuse. The monochrome branding is tasteful. And it fits everything you need. A great option.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Cheap Laptop Bag

Lubardy Messenger Bag

Messenger Bag
Best Cheap Laptop Bag

Lubardy Messenger Bag

Now 10% Off
Pros
  • Incredible look for the price
Cons
  • Still a budget bag, don't expect it to be very durable

The cheap category can be tough for laptop bags. Assuming this is a bag for work or school, you want to put your best foot forward. Cheap bags typically don’t do that.

But this messenger bag on Amazon really surprised us. For the dirt-cheap price, it looks quite nice. It’s the perfect option if you don’t want to shell out for a bag but want something that still looks elevated.

Watch Next
 
preview for HDM All sections playlist - Esquire
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What We're Buying

a man wearing a blue jacket

10 Best Harrington Jackets for Men

a camera with a flame

Is the Most Hyped New Camera Actually Worth It?

a man's legs and shorts

The Absolute Best Deals from Vuori’s Sale Section

a bicycle on a bike rack

The 8 Best Bike Racks for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below