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Insight · Briefcases
What is the Difference between an Attache Case and a Briefcase?
The short answer
An attaché case is a slim, structured case with top handles that opens into two compartments, originally carried by diplomats’ staff. A briefcase is a flat case, usually a little deeper, that opens into one main compartment and was named for the legal briefs lawyers carried in it. Today the two words are used almost interchangeably.
The practical difference: an attaché is slimmer and more formal, and a briefcase holds more. Carry an attaché if you bring a laptop and files. Carry a briefcase if you also bring books, cords, and a lunch.
For the most part, an attaché case and a briefcase are practically interchangeable. (Some even combine the terms for an “attaché briefcase.”) But when you compare an attaché case and a briefcase side by side, they do have unique histories and some distinctive qualities.
Attaché case vs. briefcase at a glance
| Attaché case | Briefcase | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of the name | French attaché, a member of an ambassador’s staff | Lawyers’ legal briefs |
| Shape | Thin and boxy, hard or firmly structured | Flat and rectangular, a little deeper, often softer |
| Opens into | Two compartments, usually symmetrical | One main compartment, sometimes with gussets that expand |
| Typical depth | 2 to 3 in. | 4 in. or more |
| Handles | Top handles | Top handle or handles |
| Shoulder strap | Traditionally none, often detachable today | Traditionally none, usually detachable today |
| Carries | Laptop, documents, a few small items | Laptop, documents, books, cords, extras |
| Looks | Most formal | Formal to business casual |
Briefcase & attaché case: a history
The word attaché was coined by the French, referring to an administrative member of an ambassador’s staff. Ambassadors and their staff, or attachés, carried their papers and documents in slim cases that became known as the attaché case.
Conversely, the word briefcase has its roots in the legal field. A brief is a summary of facts and legal positions supporting arguments in judicial proceedings. Lawyers carried their briefs in a case, and thus, the briefcase.
Briefcase & attaché case features
An attaché case is a small, thin suitcase that opens into two distinct compartments that are usually symmetrical. Additionally, attaché cases typically boast a leather or metal exterior and a slim profile for easy hauling. Historically, an attaché case would not include a shoulder strap, but current models often include one.
On the other hand, a briefcase is a flat, rectangular container that opens into one primary compartment which then has a “lid” that may have pockets or gussets that expand to an attaché case, allowing for more robust storage functionality. Like an attaché case, a briefcase from the old days would not include a shoulder strap, but now they often feature one to suit modern professionals. Be sure to read our briefcase buying guide for expert advice on choosing a briefcase.
What about a briefcase bag?
A briefcase bag is a modern relative of both. It is softer and deeper than a classic briefcase, with a flap cover that closes with buckles, a top handle, and a shoulder strap. It carries the most of the three and has a more rugged look. Our Roosevelt Buffalo Leather Briefcase Bag is one. If you travel a lot, a pilot bag is another step up in capacity.
Briefcase & attaché case uses
If you’re looking for a functional, stylish, and French-inspired piece to tote around your papers, documents, and laptop, an attaché case would be a perfect fit. We also recommend briefcases for carrying office supplies such as books, paper, and laptops, and they usually offer more storage space for larger items that would be tough to squeeze into an attaché case. Explore our collection of rugged, stylish leather briefcases to find a bag that meets your workday needs, or check out our recommendations for the best men’s work bags to assess your options.
When you compare an attaché case and a briefcase, or even an attaché briefcase, the differences are subtle. But, depending on your style preference or your functionality needs, those slight differences could end up making an impact.
Should you carry an attaché or a briefcase?
| Choose an attaché if you... | Choose a briefcase if you... |
|---|---|
| Wear a suit or sit across from clients | Work business casual |
| Carry a laptop, charger, and a few files | Also carry books, cords, a tablet, or a lunch |
| Want the slimmest bag possible | Want pockets inside and out |
| Carry by the handle most of the time | Use a shoulder strap most of the time |
Our attaché: Jefferson Leather Attaché
The Jefferson Leather Attaché is full-grain cowhide finished with waxes, 15.5 x 2 x 10.8 inches, with two zip compartments, a padded sleeve for up to a 15-inch laptop, double top handles, and a detachable strap. It is rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers. It comes in Elderwood and Black. Fair warning: it is truly slim. A laptop, a charger, and a folder fill it.
Jefferson Leather Attaché
Full-grain leather attaché case with two zip compartments, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and a detachable strap. Elderwood or Black.
$374.95
Shop the Jefferson AttachéOur briefcases
- Jefferson Leather Briefcase: the attaché’s clean lines with more room, 4.2 inches deep. $299.95.
- Roosevelt Buffalo Leather Briefcase Bag: full-grain water buffalo, buckled flap, zip main compartment. Our best all-around briefcase. $299.95.
- Roosevelt Leather Briefcase: two suede-lined compartments and two buckled front pockets. $279.95.
- Ryder Reserve Bison Leather Briefcase: our finest, in North American bison. $699.95.
Compare all of them in the best leather briefcases for men.
Browse other styles of workplace bags with our collection of leather messenger bags, or shop all leather bags for more office essentials that keep you on-task and ready to roll on any new adventure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an attaché case and a briefcase?
An attaché case is slim and structured and opens into two compartments. A briefcase is a little deeper and opens into one main compartment. An attaché is more formal and holds less. A briefcase holds more. Today the words are often used interchangeably.
What is an attaché case?
An attaché case is a thin, boxy case with top handles, usually leather or metal, that opens into two compartments. The name comes from the French word attaché, a member of an ambassador’s staff who carried papers in one.
Why is it called a briefcase?
The name comes from the legal briefs that lawyers carried in it. A brief is a written summary of the facts and arguments in a case.
What is an attaché briefcase?
A slim briefcase built like an attaché case, usually with two handles, a detachable strap, and room for a laptop and documents. Our Jefferson Leather Attaché is one.
Can an attaché case hold a laptop?
Most modern attaché cases have a padded laptop sleeve. The Jefferson Leather Attaché fits laptops up to 15 inches measured diagonally. Check your laptop’s width and depth against the case before you buy.
Is an attaché case still professional?
Yes. A leather attaché is the most formal work bag you can carry and is a good fit for law, finance, government, and client-facing work.
How do you pronounce attaché?
At-a-SHAY, with the stress on the last syllable.
Is a briefcase or an attaché better for work?
An attaché is better if you dress formally and carry only a laptop and papers. A briefcase is better if you carry more or want pockets inside and out. Most men who carry a lot choose a briefcase bag with a shoulder strap.
Xan Hood founded Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. in 2009. He designs our bags and outerwear in Matthews, North Carolina. Prices and stock are as of the update date above and may change.