Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 21st October 2021

Choosing the perfect bag to elevate your office wear is more important than you may think. A stylish, timeless bag will make the right impression time and time again, setting the tone for your career. If you're looking for a smart briefcase or shoulder bag to turn heads (for the right reason), you won't want to miss this edit by the style editors behind luxury leather bag retailer, Maxwell-Scott. Renowned for their world-class full grain leather, heritage roots and sustainable manufacturing methods, their love for British style is second to none. Read on to discover their roundup of the very best men's bag styles for the office.

The Classic Leather Briefcase 

The classic leather briefcase is the epitome of executive style, and a sure way to show that you mean business. Gone are the days of the 19th century boxy briefcase: most men’s leather briefcases have now been updated with cleverly designed compartments to accommodate your tech and paperwork, often with a more modern, slimline silhouette and less bulk. A leather briefcase is as timeless and as practical as they come — whether you choose a classic black, dark brown or tan hue, a high-quality leather briefcase will always complement your business wardrobe. Style it up with a cashmere roll neck, overcoat, and tailored trousers for a contemporary look. Alternatively, style with a full formal suit for a traditional aesthetic.

The Relaxed Messenger Bag 

If your workplace dress code is a little more laid back, a relaxed messenger bag in a soft grain leather or canvas finish may suit you best for the office. Designed to bridge the gap between a leather briefcase and a casual backpack, a shoulder bag will always lend itself well to smart-casual work wear or off duty style, thanks to its versatile shape and comfortable design. We love how this wardrobe staple is hands-free and practical, but remains business appropriate (plus, it can double up as a stylish day bag for weekends away). We’d recommend investing in a messenger bag with a padded, detachable, or adjustable shoulder strap for maximum comfort while you’re out and about. And if your budget allows, it’s always smart to invest in two colourways: e.g., a deep coloured messenger bag to style with your outerwear for the colder months and a lighter shade to pair with chinos and a linen shirt for the summer.

The Sleek Laptop Bag 

This is one for the tech lovers. If your laptop, netbook, or tablet is always at the forefront of your mind, investing in a sleek and modern laptop carry case as your office bag is a no brainer — it’ll become your go-to for transporting your tech during your morning commute, or making a style statement at the office. The perfect men’s laptop bag will pair wonderfully with a suit or more casual attire, becoming a talking point in the boardroom and beyond. Be mindful of choosing a laptop bag that has a slimline silhouette and ample space to store your necessities: a padded compartment for your laptop and large slip pocket for your paperwork is always a bonus! This style is ideal for the modern gent who typically relies on the Cloud or Dropbox over loose files and paperwork and is a smart alternative to a traditional briefcase.

We look at the Classic Leather Briefcase, Messenger Bag, and Sleek Laptop Bag from Maxwell-Scott in this guide to The Best Men's Bag Styles for The Office.