Not all bags are created equal
One big part of being in business, that people don’t always think about, is the bag you use. If you’re the kind to just grab the same backpack you’ve been using since university, the one that’s probably falling apart, trying to replace it with an equally useful bag seems formidable.
When you sit down to think about it, even if you hadn’t thought about it before, the questions are endless: how sturdy is it? How easy is it to carry around? Can it fit everything that’s necessary? Does it have space for a packed lunch? But fear not, because we’ve hunted around for bags that fit any kind of professional – whether you travel around endlessly or want a bag that’ll work for the weekend as well, there’s something to suit.
ASOS DESIGN holdall in black with gold emboss
To mix reasonable prices and stylish professionalism is no easy feat, but, ASOS managed it with their original-design holdall in black. Faux leather and gold details make it refined, while the choice between a shoulder strap and twin handles makes it flexible. Affordable and roomy, this is perfect for anyone wanting to hit the gym during lunch and needing something to fit both their office supplies and their workout clothes.
Herschel Supply Co: Retreat Backpack in Black with Rubberised Straps
If you’re looking for a more casual look, and an equal amount of weight on both shoulders, this Herschel backpack will suit your needs. Available in black, Herschel’s signature red-and-white striped lining provides a sneaky pop of colour, and a holding capacity of 19.5L – perfect for anyone who feels like they need to lug the contents of their house with them when they go to work.
Rains: MSN Bag
The MSN Bag is not messing around. Its no-nonsense design gives off the impression that everyone should take the wearer seriously, while the waterproof fabric means that the bag itself doesn’t fear bad weather in the slightest. Secured with two clip closures and with a main compartment with an internal sleeve, it’s perfect for anyone always on the go.
Samsonite Business: Vestor Backpack
Samsonite might be best known for suitcases, but they bring their bag-full of experience to backpacks, and nowhere is that more clear than in the Vestor. Comfortable for any amount of travel that you need to do, even if it’s overseas, it’s part of the Samsonite Business range – making it the perfect addition to any corporate wardrobe. There’s a shock-absorbing layer for a 15” laptop, exterior pockets to store miscellaneous items, and a Smart Sleeve to make it balanceable when placed on a suitcase.
Ted Baker: Edds Messenger Bag
Ted Baker has a history of outfitting professionals and style gurus perfectly, with luxurious quality, so it’s no surprise that their Edds Messenger Bag fits the brief. The flip-top bag keeps your valuables safe, and you can fit quite a few of them in there – with exterior and interior pockets, you could fit your tablet, phone, and any other small items you need to carry around, with textured trim to give it a unique look.
Crumpler: Passage
Crumpler’s Passage is a soft briefcase in either blue or black, offering a less severe look for you to take to both office and to your weekend wanderings without looking too stiff. There’s a padded laptop sleeve for 15” laptop lovers, and both inner and outer pockets for all the small things you need on a regular basis – chargers, keys, the works. And in case you’re caught out in the rain, the weatherproof bag won’t feel a thing.
The Cambridge Satchel Company: 15 inch Classic Batchel in Leather (Oxblood)
A classic-looking messenger bag, bring all the luxury and elegance of upper-class British style to work with you. Pictured is the oxblood version, but there are several colours to choose from, including black, navy, and dark brown – and separate navy and oxblood bags with tartan front pockets. For additional charges, you can personalise the bag by embossing it with a name, initials, or a symbol. And in addition to looking good, they also promise ample room for all the essentials: your phone, 13” laptop, wallet, journal, glasses, umbrella, and a banana.
Republic of Florence: Munich Chocolate – Double Compartment Leather Briefcase
Republic of Florence’s Munich briefcase has it all – traditional design-inspired front buckles for a rolled-up newspaper or umbrella, roomy front compartments, space for a 15” laptop, and an easy-access external back pocket. Made of Italian full grain calf-skin leather, with a removable shoulder strap, this briefcase will stay sturdy and strong from your first day of work to your last – and after that, too.
R.M. Williams: Leather Duffle Bag
If you’re the kind of businessman who needs a bag to travel with you, you’re in luck – R.M. Williams’ Leather Duffle Bag is made to last, and look stylish doing it. Reinforced carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap make it a joy to carry around, while metal feet protect it from the ground. Floor-to-floor zips allow for you to utilise the bag’s full capacity, while the antique gold accents help to give it a refined feel.
Linjer: The Soft Briefcase
The devil is in the details- and in the case of Linjer, so is impeccable design. Available for less than designer brands, but with every inch of the same quality and crafted by the same makers, the Soft Briefcase is both practical and visually stunning. The briefcase fits a 15” laptop in a padded pocket, with space for other small items, and has a removable and adjustable shoulder strap.
Feature image: Nick Starichenko/Shutterstock
