Brown Leather Briefcases

For men like you, keeping it brief doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or details. It means choosing what’s best so you can take action as soon as your feet hit the ground. With that in mind, we designed our collection of brown leather briefcases with all of the best elements of a work bag without the excess frills—helping you keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION OF BROWN LEATHER BRIEFCASES

Like it or not, a briefcase says a lot about the man who carries it: whether he has his business in order (professionally and otherwise), and frankly, whether he has a lick of style (or not). You owe it to yourself to carry a bag you’re proud of.

Here are four styles of leather briefcases you’ll find in our collection:

1. Traditional-Carry Briefcases

“Traditional-carry” brown leather briefcases have top handles for carrying at your side in your hand (as opposed to over the shoulder or across your body) and give the most formal impression of all the styles. Today’s modern take on the traditional briefcase still offers a removable and adjustable leather shoulder strap, making hands-free carrying possible whenever you want it. These briefcases boast the slimmest profiles of all of our favorites for a polished and professional look.

For this style, check out our Jefferson brown leather briefcase, Jefferson brown leather attaché case, and our Ryder Reserve brown leather laptop briefcase.

2. Belted Cover Briefcase Bags

A brown leather briefcase bag with a belted cover is a great way to combine the classic utility of a well-crafted briefcase with the rugged style of a men’s leather bag. The top carry handle allows for a quick grab-and-go while the adjustable shoulder strap offers hands-free convenience. The belted flap cover and buckles add function and character.

For this style, check out our Roosevelt brown leather briefcase bag, Ryder Reserve brown leather briefcase bag, Denver brown leather briefcase, and our Denver brown leather belted briefcase.  

3. Leather Pilot Bags

If you want a brown leather briefcase that doesn’t necessarily look like a briefcase – but still functions like one – a leather pilot bag might be for you. A pilot bag ditches the flap cover of the belted briefcase bag and replaces it with additional pockets and compartments. Double carry handles make for a quick grab, and an adjustable leather shoulder strap adds flexibility.

For this style, check out our Roosevelt large leather pilot bag; also available in standard.

4. Lightweight Full-Grain Leather Bags

If you want a full-grain brown leather briefcase with all of the quality and space but minimal bulk, check out our lightweight leather bags. The full-grain leather, antique brass snaps and rivets, and padded adjustable canvas strap offer all the craftsmanship of heavier-duty designs; but the unlined, straightforward interior allows for a noticeably lighter bag. 

For this style, check out our Walker brown leather briefcase bag.

CARING FOR YOUR BROWN LEATHER BRIEFCASE

Your briefcase rides with you to work. It carries your laptop, books, pens, and chargers. It is your trusted companion in the daily rise and grind. And, it’s been exposed to its fair share of raindrops, spills, and dirty floors. Make sure you properly condition and clean your leather briefcase to wipe away the grit while preserving the rugged exterior.

Follow these 3 tips to ensure your beloved brown leather briefcase has a good, long life. 

*Always spot-test products before applying to your entire bag!

Condition Consistently

At least once a year, apply a high-quality leather conditioner with a soft sponge or cloth. Massage the conditioner into the leather, then wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth. If you live in a dry climate, you really ought to do this every couple of months. If your climate is more humid, every 6 months to a year will suffice.

Manage Moisture

If water spills onto your briefcase, blot (do not rub) the moisture away with a dry cloth as quickly as possible. *If the moisture is from winter weather, remember that it probably contains some amount of salt-based products, so a moist cloth should be used. After blotting away excess moisture, allow the leather to air dry. 

Remember the Interior

We love the rugged leather exterior of a brown leather briefcase as much as you do - but don’t neglect the interior. Make a habit of wiping down the inside of your briefcase once a month. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean the lining of your bag and remove the dust and residue from items you’ve carried. Then, prop the bag open to air dry the interior.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between a briefcase and an attaché case?

For the most part, the terms “attaché case” and “briefcase” are practically interchangeable. But, when you compare an attaché case and a briefcase side by side, there are some minor distinctions. Let’s compare our Jefferson brown leather attaché and our Jefferson brown leather briefcase as examples.

An attaché case is a small, thin suitcase that opens into two distinct compartments that are usually symmetrical. Additionally, attaché cases typically feature 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, like our Jefferson brown leather attaché.

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. Like an attaché case, a brown leather briefcase from the old days would not include a shoulder strap, but today they often feature one to suit modern professionals (like our Jefferson modern brown leather briefcase).

2. What is the difference between cow leather and bison or buffalo leather?

Brown leather briefcases made with cow leather, buffalo, or bison leather are all excellent options. The main differences are in the grain pattern and how the leather is processed.

Processing

Bison leather and cow leather briefcases are both made by skilled artisans in the traditions of centuries past, but bison hides are not stretched during the tanning process like cowhides are.

Appearance

As for quality, the same grades (full-grain, top-grain, etc.) apply to buffalo, bison, and cow leather. Regarding hide sizes, even though a bison is a much larger animal than a cow, bison hides are generally smaller in size because they’re not stretched like cowhides. Bison leather has a distinctive grain pattern that distinguishes it from cow leather.

For a more thorough look at cow leather vs. bison leather, check out this article.