Like a tailored suit and a pair of good shoes, a briefcase is something that no professional guy should go without. Whether you’re a fresh employee in a new start-up or a CEO of an established company, a good briefcase will make a fashionable statement to everyone else in the office. But there’s no such thing as briefcase equality; there are several kinds of briefcases, and the best one for you depends on a set of factors and conditions.
Your Briefcase- Your Style Statement
Briefcases, just like wallets, bracelets and any other accessory, should reflect your personality and your style aesthetic. No matter how expensive or high quality your briefcase might be, it’s still going to look awkward if it clashes with the way you dress.
Are you the conservative suit-and-tie kind of guy? Ask for more traditional briefcase styles like, well, the typical structured leather briefcase. Do you prefer a more laid back outfits? A not-so-structured canvas piece would fit in with your ensembles. Stylish and contemporary guys should opt for sleeker shapes and more luxurious materials like brushed metal or croc-embossed leather.
Stick to the Code
The office dress code should be a big factor in your choice of briefcase, in the same way that you should consider your personal style. Will your briefcase fit into your office’s environment? A deconstructed brown canvas bag will look out of place in a corporate boardroom full of suits and ties, just like how a strict-looking rectangular leather briefcase will look strange in an office where everyone’s in sneakers and torn jeans.
It’s no problem if your briefcase stands out, but it should never do so because its appearance is one-of-a-kind in the office. Once you punch in your timecard, your briefcase should blend in and look inconspicuous. Besides, it’s likely that your company has a dress code that extends to your briefcase; a too-casual bag just might earn you a warning from your superiors.
Form and Function
Although the look of your briefcase is a very important consideration, you should never forget to think about functionality. Does the briefcase have certain design elements that are impractical or unnecessary? Will there be pockets or compartments for all the things you bring to work everyday? Is it light enough to carry long distances? These are all questions you can only answer by trying out the briefcase yourself in the store.
Don’t hesitate to ask the salesperson to try out the briefcase. Remember, you just might end up using it for the next several years. Bring all your daily office items with you to see if there’s a place for everything. If you can’t do so, at least bring a good-sized book so that you get a feel for how heavy the case is when loaded. A checklist with all the items you usually bring would also be an excellent idea.
A Brief Note on Budgets
Price tags on briefcases can vary widely, from bargain basement units for under $50 to one-of-a-kind designer pieces priced with too many zeroes. Keep in mind that the prices go hand-in-hand with the materials, quality, durability and workmanship of the case. Don’t expect sub-$50 to last for very long, while high-end briefcases can be an investment that you could pass on to the next generation.
Look out for nylon and canvas if you’re on a tight budget. Bags made of those materials often don’t cost very much, and should be easy for you to find. As you go up the price spectrum, you’ll see pricier and more luxurious materials like precious metals and exotic skins coming into the design.
Although each briefcase is already a difficult decision in itself, don’t limit yourself to just one. Most professionals and businessmen have two or three that they either cycle regularly or use as the occasion demands. It’s a great idea if you always want to look stylish and fashionable because you’ll have a briefcase option for just about any outfit.
