The 8 Best Men’s Work Bags of 2026

An extra-tough padded nylon briefcase: Aer Pro Brief

San Francisco–based Aer, which launched in 2014 with a Kickstarter campaign to create a hybrid work-gym bag, is known for its minimalist aesthetic and highly functional designs. The Aer Pro Brief is a perfect example of that concept.

This well-organized briefcase is made from super-tough recycled nylon, and it has padding on all sides and a protective interior laptop pocket. The bag’s simple-yet-stylish design works with pretty much any ensemble, and it can be carried by the (quite small) top handles or a removable, padded shoulder strap. Aer offers a lifetime warranty on its products that covers manufacturing defects in material and workmanship.

Your goods are well protected in this briefcase (unless one of them is an egg). The bag is made from a recycled nylon that’s durable yet remarkably lightweight. And the exterior is waterproof: I ran it under a tap for over a minute, and the water rolled right off.

The Pro Brief has a layer of padding on both sides and a protective interior laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 16 inches. It was the most padded briefcase we tried, with about a half-inch of padding on each side. I tested the bag by putting an egg in the main compartment and dropping it from waist height. The egg broke on the first attempt, but a second egg survived the test.

The features are highly functional. In addition to the laptop pouch, the Pro Brief contains a document sleeve and a center compartment for items such as headphones, a notebook, and glasses. There are four small pockets of various sizes to hold pens, a wallet, and a phone. And there’s a zippered pocket (about 6 inches long and 4 inches deep) that would be a good place to stash a passport or phone.

On one side of the bag’s outer shell, there’s a zippered pouch, which contains a key clip and another small pocket. On the other side, there’s a large open-top pouch (for easy access to items like sunglasses or an umbrella), a zippered pocket, and a trolley sleeve (for sliding the bag onto a wheeled suitcase).

It’s notably lightweight. Whether you’re carrying the Pro Brief over your shoulder or across your body (using the removable padded strap), it feels lightweight — even when it’s fully loaded. (When empty, the bag weighs just 1.7 pounds, making it the lightest of our briefcase-style picks.) The Pro Brief can also be carried by its top handles, but I found them to be strangely small, and I had a tough time fitting my gloved hands through them.

The minimalist design makes it extra versatile. The three outer pockets and the trolley sleeve are virtually hidden, creating a streamlined look. (Even the logo is the same color as the bag.) I can grab the Pro Brief and head out the door without having to wonder whether it goes with my outfit — it always does!

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The Pro Brief’s handles are almost comically small. On cold days, when I was wearing gloves, I could barely fit my gloved hands through the bag’s handles.
• The bag comes in only one color. Hopefully you like black.

Key specs

• Materials: recycled nylon exterior and interior
• Measurements: 16.25 by 12 by 3 inches
• Weight (empty): 1.7 pounds
• Capacity: 13 liters
• Strap: 32 to 47 inches
• Closure: zippered
• Colors: just one

A virtually indestructible canvas brief: Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase

If your vibe is more woodsy than concrete jungle, the Filson Rugged Twill Original Briefcase could be the bag for you. It’s made from a super-strong, lightly waxed cotton twill, and it features high-quality leather details — including a detachable strap and top handles — and brass hardware. This handsomely designed bag will work for a lot of modern office settings, and it has an interior capacity of 13 liters, so it can hold a lot of stuff (for a briefcase.) It’s rugged, yet subtly so, and it’s been a Wirecutter pick for years.

Filson offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, which covers against failure of materials, workmanship, and manufacturer defects.

This bag can take a beating. The Filson briefcase is made from a lightly waxed, robust twill from British Millerian, the same 145-year-old company that provides the high-quality material for our Bleu de Chauffe canvas pick. The leather handles and strap, which come from Wickett & Craig, are made with the same type of leather that’s used for horse bridles. And the bag’s YKK zipper, buttons, and strap clasps are made with heavy-duty, rustproof brass.

To test the strength of the Original Briefcase, I put on military-style boots, placed the bag on the ground, and repeatedly stomped on it, targeting the zipper, canvas, handles, and straps. The bag emerged completely unscathed. And while Filson doesn’t claim that the Original Briefcase is fully waterproof (the product page states that it “sheds water”), when I ran it under the tap for over two minutes, moisture did not penetrate it.

You can fit a lot into this briefcase, but it’s not always an easy carry. On both sides of the exterior, there are full-length pockets, which are good for stashing flat items (like newspapers). Inside, there’s a generous central compartment with two large, open-top pockets, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop and other items. But it is lacking smaller interior pockets to hold items like keys, a phone, pens, or a passport (when a bag does have interior pockets, we prefer ones that are button zip closed).

Since this bag is so roomy, it can get heavy. At 3 pounds (when empty), it’s one of our heaviest picks, and this is especially noticeable when the bag is full. (Our lightest picks are nylon or synthetic options, including the Aer Pro Brief and Stubble & Co. Laptop Tote 20L.)

The design is rugged and handsome. The Original Briefcase is the best-looking canvas bag that we tested; it’s aesthetically versatile, while still offering a style that isn’t corporate. This bag looks good dressed down with jeans and a plaid shirt, and dressed up with a business-casual outfit. (It may not be great with a formal suit, however.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The leather accents are stiff at first. The Original Briefcase’s bridle-leather shoulder strap and handles will likely last a long time, but they require some breaking in.
• It’s heavy. At 3 pounds (when empty), it’s one of our heaviest picks, and this is especially noticeable when the bag is full.
• The strap may be too long for some folks. With an adjustable length of 49 to 54 inches, the strap is the longest among those of our picks. And while it’s fine for someone who’s tall or has a larger frame, if you’re on the shorter side (like a 5-foot-2 tester who found even the shortest strap setting far too long), you may have to punch your own hole.
• It’s pricey. Nearly $500 is a lot to spend on a canvas briefcase, even for one as good as this bag.

Key specs

• Materials: cotton twill exterior and interior; leather handles and strap
• Measurements: 16 by 12.5 by 4 inches
• Weight (empty): 3 pounds
• Capacity: 13 liters
• Strap: 49 to 54 inches
• Closure: zipper
• Colors: four

A sturdy, stylish canvas roll-top hybrid: Bleu de Chauffe Woody Business Bag

Note: According to a Bleu de Chauffe spokesperson, the Woody Business Bag will be restocked in black, khaki, and tartan blue colorways as of February 10, 2026.

Can’t decide which style of work bag to get? The Bleu de Chauffe Woody Business Bag is an appealing hybrid — it can be carried as a briefcase, a cross-body messenger bag, or a backpack. (The backpack strap is an add-on, and it costs around $50. We didn’t get it for this round of testing, but we plan to try it in the future and will report back.) Our testers praised the bag’s handsome design and protective features: It’s made from heavy-duty, water-resistant cotton canvas, with leather accents, and the roll-top closure will keep your stuff dry and secure.

If versatility is a top priority, this could be the bag for you. The Woody bag is sharp-looking, and it complements a wide variety of business attire, and its leather handles and straps lend it a particularly upscale look. Even so, I probably wouldn’t wear it with a full suit.

I preferred to carry the bag by its handles, unless I was riding a bike, in which case I wore it across the body, and that was fine, in most cases. There’s a lot of room in this bag — it’s big enough to function as a weekender. And when it was fully packed, I experienced slight discomfort in my mid-back when I wore it as a cross-body bag. (Also, the shoulder strap isn’t padded, but I didn’t find it particularly uncomfortable on my shoulder.)

The materials are incredibly strong. The bag’s 18-ounce cotton serge canvas is a tight, heavyweight twill made by British Millerian, a 145-year-old company that specializes in textiles for outerwear and industrial applications. I ran the blade of my Swiss Army Knife across the Woody’s surface, and though it created slight scratches, it didn’t cut through.

The canvas is impressively water-resistant, too. I put the bag under a running tap for several minutes, and water did not penetrate, though a touch of moisture did soak through the roll-top.

The leather used for the accents is vegetable-tanned; this process of preserving leather with natural tannins from plants adds durability and breathability.

The distinctive roll-top design was unique among the bags we tested. In addition to looking neat, this bag’s closure system is functional. After you roll down the canvas top and secure it in place with a magnetic buckle (made by Fidlock, a German brand that specializes in magnetic fasteners), the interior contents are safe from prying hands and the elements.

One tester thought the design to be a bit fussy, but I found the roll-top and clasp easy to operate.

There’s a lot of space inside, but this bag lacks a laptop pocket. The tote is large enough to hold a 16-inch computer; unfortunately, however, it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop pocket. There’s a roughly 6-by-6-inch interior zippered pocket (and it’s signed by the maker of the bag, which is a nice touch). And there are two exterior pockets, one for stashing magazines or documents and another for smaller items, like a phone or notebook.

Bleu de Chauffe also makes another work bag we like, with a different look. The Bleu de Chauffe Musette Business Bag, which we also tested, resembles an over-the-shoulder camera bag. It’s made with the same sturdy canvas and leather trim as the Woody bag, and it can be carried by its top handles or with an adjustable shoulder strap. (But unlike its cousin, the Musette does have a laptop compartment.) For us, the Musette’s aesthetic bordered on too cute, but if the look appeals to you, this bag is certainly worth considering.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Weight can be an issue. As is the case with many sturdy canvas bags, when the Woody Business Bag is loaded up with work gear, it can get heavy.
• It’s expensive. Although the quality is great, this bag costs almost $450, which is a lot to pay for a canvas bag.

Key specs

• Materials: canvas exterior and interior, leather trim
• Measurements: 15.7 by 15 by 6.3 inches
• Weight (empty): 2.5 pounds
• Capacity: 25 liters (per Bleu de Chauffe)
• Strap: 29.9 to 46.5 inches
• Closure: roll-top with magnetic buckle
• Colors: one to two, changes seasonally

A messenger bag made from extraordinary leather: Il Bisonte Brolio

Our testers were in agreement about the Il Bisonte Brolio messenger bag: The leather looks and feels incredible. The Brolio is handmade in Italy from notably supple cowhide, and it has a long, adjustable shoulder strap. This bag is for someone who wants a long-term investment piece, with the price to match.

“Beautiful, supple leather.” This was what one tester said when she first picked up the Brolio messenger. Our testers were universally impressed by the cowhide leather, which is made in Tuscany by artisans who are all based within 20 miles of Florence. The leather is vegetable-tanned using tannins. (Tannins are a natural powder known for providing durability, breathability, and a natural scent to leather. They create a vintage look and feel through a process that softens the skin.) The flap’s interior is lined with suede.

To prolong the Brolio’s lifespan, David Mesquita, co-owner of Leather Spa (a leather-repair business in New York) suggests applying a leather conditioner to it every four to six months. And in colder, dryer conditions, when leather needs more moisture, conditioner should be applied every three to four months, Mesquita said.

The interior layout is minimal. The bag has two interior pouches, which are lined with cotton canvas and separated by a thin cotton divider, and each one is large enough to hold a 16-inch laptop or gear, like a charger, headphones, and magazines. A tester pointed out that they’d prefer a compartment specifically designed for a laptop, so a computer wouldn’t have to float around one of the large pouches.

There’s also one zippered pocket (approximately 8 by 8 inches), which I found handy for stashing my phone or notebook. Under the flap, there are two open, medium-size pockets, which could accommodate items such as eyeglasses, a notebook, or a phone.

It’s a true messenger bag, for better or worse. The Brolio is designed to be worn on one shoulder or across the body; it doesn’t have top handles. At 2.4 pounds (when empty), the bag is lightweight by leather standards. And the shoulder strap can be extended from 46 to 54 inches, which is quite long, so it can fit a range of body types.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• It’s missing a couple nice-to-haves. A separate laptop compartment and handles would be a plus.
• It’s our most expensive pick. The Il Bisonte Brolio is our only all-leather pick, and we believe the quality of the leather and construction make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re willing to shop around online, you can often find it for a lower price at various retailers.

Key specs

• Materials: leather exterior, cotton canvas interior
• Measurements: 16.5 inches by 11.8 inches by 3.1 inches
• Weight (empty): 2.4 pounds
• Capacity: approximately 18 liters
• Strap: 46 to 54 inches
• Closure: zipper and flap
• Colors: four

A functional brief with smart details: Stuart & Lau The Cary Briefcase

It’s rare to find a bag that combines internal organization, style, and durability as well as Stuart & Lau’s The Cary Briefcase does. (It’s been a longstanding Wirecutter pick.) At first glance, this bag looks like a straightforward briefcase, with a clean, professional design, leather handles, and an optional shoulder strap. After I got my hands on it, though, I was amazed by how much it could fit, thanks to its incredibly well-designed interior, with places to stash practically everything you could think of (it even has a removable laptop sleeve). But this bag is pretty heavy, especially when packed to the gills.

There’s space for practically every work item imaginable. The cotton-twill-lined interior has a central compartment big enough to carry three large hardcover books and a rolled-up sweater (as I learned). There’s a removable laptop sleeve to hold a 16-inch computer; six smaller open pockets for odds and ends (like a wallet, phone, pens); and another large pouch across from the laptop sleeve. The exterior has five additional pockets and pouches of varying sizes to hold items like an e-reader, a passport, a notebook, and more.

Two more welcome details: a set of straps (to hold an umbrella) and a trolley sleeve (for attaching the bag to a wheelie suitcase). The brief is also covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

The material is durable and waterproof. The Cary Briefcase is made from DuraLite, a high-tenacity (meaning extra-strong and tear-resistant) nylon twill, with a rubber foam backing for waterproofing. I ran tap water over the bag for two minutes, and the interior remained bone-dry.

It has a very business-like aesthetic. Among all of our picks, this bag is the one that most resembles a classic briefcase. It has clean lines, a rectangular shape, and leather details, including a leather shoulder strap and handles.

A warning: This bag is heavy. All of those bells and whistles do add up. Stuart & Lau lists the weight as 2.75 pounds, but on our scale the bag weighed 3.9 pounds when empty — making it the heaviest of our picks. And due to that heavier weight, I preferred to carry this one over the shoulder instead of by hand, though the leather shoulder strap is quite stiff and requires some breaking in.

If weight is a concern, Karen Jacobs, a clinical professor in occupational therapy at Boston University, suggests varying the way you carry your bag — by hand, over the shoulder, and across the body — throughout the day. She also suggests reconsidering how much you’re packing. “My approach is: If it feels heavy, it’s too heavy,” Jacobs said. (And if a briefcase is still too heavy, consider using a backpack instead.)

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• It may be too heavy for some folks. The Cary Briefcase is the heaviest of our picks: It’s nearly 4 pounds when empty.
• The top handles are a nuisance to attach. They connect to the bag via (belt-style) buckles, and they seem unnecessarily cumbersome. That said, attaching them will likely be a one-time annoyance.

Key specs

• Materials: nylon exterior, cotton-twill interior
• Measurements: 16 inches by 12 inches by 3.9 inches
• Weight (empty): 3.9 pounds
• Capacity: approximately 9.5 liters
• Strap: 42 to 50 inches
• Closure: zipper
• Colors: three