18 Work Bags for Men That'll Make Life Easier
From heritage leather work bags to contemporary backpacks, these elevated carryalls redefine what men's work accessories look like on the job.
For centuries, men have carried bags not just as accessories, but as essential tools of their trades. From the leather satchels of medieval merchants to the sturdy briefcases that symbolized 20th-century professionalism, a man’s work bag has always been a marker of both function and status. But today’s professionals require more than just a rigid case for documents and a fountain pen. Laptops, chargers, notebooks, and the occasional gym kit demand a work bag that blends practicality with modern style.
Fortunately, designers have risen to the occasion, reimagining men’s work bags with versatility, craftsmanship, and aesthetics at the forefront. No longer limited to the traditional briefcase, the modern market offers everything from sleek leather totes and structured messenger bags to contemporary backpacks, each designed to transition effortlessly from office hours to after-hours. Whether your preference leans toward classic sophistication or a more utilitarian style, the right bag is both a statement piece and a smart investment.
What unites these contemporary iterations is an emphasis on balance between form and function, heritage and innovation. Materials are carefully considered, silhouettes are refined without feeling rigid, and subtle details nod to the past while anticipating the future. In an era where professional identity is no longer defined by a uniform dress code, the modern work bag reflects a broader shift: a recognition that utility and personal expression can, and should, coexist.
Keep scrolling for a curated list of 18 picks to invest in, spanning high-end luxury pieces from Prada and Loro Piana to more affordable options like Coach and Leatherology.
Since its debut, the Fendi Peekaboo has stood as one of the house’s most recognizable silhouettes as a balance of Roman craftsmanship and contemporary design. This version, crafted in soft Selleria leather, is marked by over 600 hand-sewn topstitches, a testament to the brand’s artisanal heritage. The double-sided opening and signature twist lock reference a bygone era of craftsmanship while serving the needs of modern life. Functional compartments inside offer organization without compromising aesthetic integrity.
Fendi Selleria Peekaboo ISeeU Soft Medium Bag, $6,300, Fendi
Louis Vuitton’s Aerogram Briefcase draws its name and design inspiration from the lightweight letters once sent by air mail. Its pared-back construction in smooth calfskin reflects the house’s shift toward modern minimalism, eschewing overt monograms in favor of subtle branding. The clean lines and tailored proportions recall the formality of early 20th-century travel accessories, reinterpreted for the contemporary professional. Inside, considered compartments allow for efficiency without clutter.
Louis Vuitton Takeoff Briefcase, $3,450, Louis Vuitton
Coach’s Isaac Workbag distills the essentials of American leathercraft into a modern, functional silhouette. The smooth leather body and minimal hardware evoke the simplicity of early 20th-century utility bags. Inside, compartments are thoughtfully arranged to keep daily essentials in order. Absent of overt logos or flourishes, the design allows the materials and craftsmanship to take precedence. It’s a return to fundamentals, where function and construction quietly carry the message.
Coach Isaac Workbag, $395, Coach,
Burberry’s Rocco Backpack is a modern interpretation of the brand’s long-standing relationship with functionality and outerwear. Its technical nylon body, paired with leather detailing, nods to Burberry’s history of trench coats and travel gear. The design offers an easy, hands-free alternative to the briefcase, appealing to professionals who favor movement over formality. Adjustable straps and a front zip pocket enhance utility without compromising appearance. It’s a contemporary solution rooted in a tradition of British practicality.
Burberry Rocco Backpack, $1,890, Burberry
Giorgio Armani’s Nappa Leather Backpack delivers a measured approach to the modern work bag. Crafted from soft black Nappa leather, the design favors clean lines and discreet detailing, in keeping with the brand’s understated aesthetic. Inside, the spacious main compartment and interior pockets are configured with practicality in mind, accommodating everything from devices to documents. Adjustable shoulder straps and subtle hardware complete the design, which echoes the ease of mid-century travel bags, adapted here for the contemporary commuter.
Giorgio Armani Nappa-Leather Backpack, $2,595, Armani
Prada’s Buckle Leather Handbag reworks the traditional briefcase with a utilitarian edge. Its double-belt detailing across a smooth black leather body introduces bold, graphic lines without excess ornamentation. Inside, compartments are arranged to accommodate daily essentials, from notebooks to laptops. A pragmatic design that blends uniformity with subtle subversion.
Prada Buckle Leather Handbag, $6,500, Prada
Tod’s takes a functional approach to the everyday backpack, blending durable fabric with smooth leather trims. The design is made for commuting, travel, and everything in between. A zip pocket and adjustable straps add utility, while the tactile mix of materials elevates the classic silhouette. Inside, compartments are kept simple and effective.
Tod's Medium Fabric and Leather Backpack, $1,925, Tod's
The Gallop Messenger Bag references Dior’s long-standing equestrian codes, reinterpreted through a functional, modern lens. Crafted in jacquard canvas with tonal leather accents, the design balances archival influence with contemporary practicality. Its crossbody strap and compact shape make it a hands-free option well-suited to urban professionals. Inside, compartments are pared back and purposeful, echoing the simplicity of utilitarian design.
Medium Dior Normandie Tote Bag, $6,600, Dior
The Warren Brief Bag from Leatherology is built around the essentials. Its full-grain leather body and subtle detailing keep the focus on utility without excess. Free of heavy hardware or logos, the design favors clarity and purpose, offering organized interior space for the demands of daily work.
Leatherology Warren Large Brief Bag, $425, Leatherology
Loro Piana’s Beam Tote exemplifies the house’s discreet approach to luxury. Crafted from premium fabric with leather handles, the tote recalls the travel bags of the mid-century jet set, reinterpreted for contemporary life. Its generous interior offers space for workday essentials.
Loro Piana Large Beam Tote, $3,650, Loro Piana
Zegna approaches the workday backpack differently, starting not with the silhouette, but with the material. The Foliage Hoodie Backpack is crafted from soft, textured deerskin, a departure from the stiff, utilitarian builds that usually define commuter gear. Its shape is deliberately casual, yet the construction is meticulous: compartments mapped for daily essentials, leather grain that shifts and softens over time, and a tactile finish that quietly signals craftsmanship.
Zegna Foliage Deerskin Hoodie Backpack, $2,850, Zegna
Tom Ford’s suede tote trades corporate formality for something softer, more tactile. The oversized silhouette, cinched by a slim belt strap, channels the relaxed ease of vintage travel bags. Crafted in rich suede, it’s the kind of piece that carries everything without looking overthought.
Tom Ford Suede Soft Tote with Belt Detail, $2,790, Tom Ford
Part of Dunhill’s 1893 Harness collection, this chocolate-brown document case merges traditional leatherwork with contemporary utility. Crafted from premium leather, it features a detachable webbing shoulder strap and a trolley sleeve, catering to both daily commutes and travel needs. The interior is thoughtfully organized with a padded laptop compartment and zipped pockets, ensuring essentials are securely stored. Vintage palladium-plated brass hardware subtly accentuates the bag’s classic aesthetic.
Dunhill 1893 Harness Single Document Case, $2,550, Dunhill
Brunello Cucinelli’s leather briefcase reflects the house’s dedication to craftsmanship. The leather is soft and natural in finish, free of overt logos or heavy hardware. Tonal stitching and subtle detailing shape the exterior, letting the materials take the lead. Inside, the compartments are arranged with the same clarity, offering space for documents, devices, and daily essentials.
Brunello Cucinelli Grained Calfskin Briefcase, $4,300, Brunello Cucinelli
Montblanc's Sartorial Medium Backpack blends professional utility with a modern edge. Crafted from Saffiano-printed leather, its textured surface nods to the brand’s history of precision and performance-driven design. The structured shape opens to reveal three organized compartments, including a padded laptop section and dedicated slots for documents and writing instruments. A discreet satellite system at the back allows for easy attachment to a trolley, while the adjustable straps ensure comfort in transit.
Montblanc Sartorial Medium 3 Compartment Backpack, $1,710, Montblanc
Gucci’s medium briefcase borrows cues from the house’s equestrian roots, with its recognizable green-and-red web stripe woven seamlessly into the design. The black leather body, free from excessive hardware, keeps the focus on heritage and craftsmanship. Its compact shape evokes the strict silhouettes of mid-century briefcases, but with a softened, contemporary edge. Inside, compartments are arranged with the rhythm of daily business in mind.
Gucci Medium Briefcase, $3,300, Gucci
Tumi’s Vincenzo Briefcase is built for the modern multitasker. Sleek leather construction meets organizational precision, with compartments for everything from tech to travel documents. Durable, polished, and made to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle.
Tumi Vincenzo Zip Leather Briefcase, $1,495, Neiman Marcus
Bally’s Arkle Tote rethinks the classic work bag through a lens of material quality and functional design. Crafted from soft leather with an open top, it draws from the tradition of the everyday carryall, elevated through craftsmanship. The design allows for ease of access without compromising construction.
Bally Arkle Soft Leather Tote Bag, $2,750, Bergdorf Goodman
L'OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.
