The men's leather briefcase is the modern office man's ultimate accessory. Providing him with often needed mobility for his office, compartmentalization of his work tools and the much sought after impression on others.
History of the briefcase
It is uncertain when exactly the bag we know today as the briefcase started being used, nor where for that matter. But around the world, the history of the briefcase has striking similarities. Often used by doctors, salesmen and even big time criminal-type money gamblers, the premise of the importance of the briefcase remained the same. The doctor carried his stethoscope, medication and whatever else he needed in the briefcase when he made home visits to his patients (there weren't many hospitals back then). The salesmen, ever on the road, needed something to carry all his material in - he sought out the briefcase. The big time hustler/gambler carried his poker chips in there and admired the briefcase for how he could easily pick it up and be on the road if the law, sore losers or victims of his cons pursued him. In all instances, it was the same need that made the briefcase useful - the need to carry everything you work with in one bag as you move from place to place.
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| Alistair Darling in 2010 before the budget announcement holding up the famous "Budget Box" briefcase |
In the modern times the idea remains the same, only now you see more of white collar professionals like lawyers and business men employing the briefcase as a mobile office. Documents, files, books, laptops, electronic gadgets - anything you would normally find in an office in regular use you would more than likely find in the modern day briefcase. Briefcases have made their way into symbolic iconic roles in society too. For example with the generational "budget box" that would be seen each year until 2010 when the budget was announced in Britain.
Types of Briefcases
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| Classic soft-sided briefcase by Targaryen Man with detachable strap |
The two main variety of briefcases are the hard-sided briefcase and the soft-sided briefcase. The hard-sided briefcase typically has a skeletal frame made from cardboard, plastic or aluminium with material sewn around it making a rigid box-like bag. The soft-sided variety encompasses pretty much every other type of briefcase made without a frame. Both are perfectly suitable for the office and in some cases it is a matter of preference which one you would prefer. The soft-sided briefcase does maintain certain advantages over it's hard-sided counterpart. The soft-sided briefcase can allow for more documents, books or whatever contents when it is full because the sides are not rigid. Also, because it is flexible it fits easier in packed spaces. The hard-sided briefcase offers a bit more protection for its contents because of it's rigid casing. typically the briefcase will have a handle on the top although there are varieties (such as those by Targaryen Man) that come with detachable straps for extra carrying security.
Materials used in making briefcases
The materials used in making the briefcase normally dictate its durability, how it looks and how much it will cost you. Leather is the most durable and attractive option albeit the most expensive. It is the most common material for hard-sided and soft-sided briefcases. With minimal maintenance, leather can last for years and still look stylish. Top-grain and full-grain leather are the most durable hides for briefcases, but split-grain and corrected-grain leather are attractive economy options. Suede, the softer side of split leather, is sometimes used to line leather cases, but it makes a less durable choice for exterior bag surfaces. Other options for material include vinyl, metal and fabric in descending order of durability and typical cost. While leather is the more costly option, overall its durability and attractiveness make it a sought after material for the top-shelf briefcase.
Choosing the right briefcase for you
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| Modern soft-sided briefcase by Targaryen. More space and compartments. |
Typically, when you decide to buy a briefcase you have in mind what you will want to use it for. Briefcases will come in all shapes and sizes and it is up to you to know what you will carry in your briefcase to determine which you will buy. For example, the lawyer will probably need a bigger briefcase than the IT professional - more paperwork to be carried around by the former. For papers and notebooks that sometimes need extra room, a soft case might be a more convenient option. Airlines recommend hard briefcases to protect delicate electronics, an important consideration for frequent travelers; but in the same breadth, soft-sided briefcases would probably fit better in the usually over-packed overhead compartment. You want to choose your bag's material based mostly on practicality although of course style is an unavoidable influence. In the latter consideration, especially for the more conservative industries, leather is a hit. Period. Cost is another important factor when choosing the right case. An inexpensive briefcase may cost little up front, but it will need to be replaced sooner than a more expensive and durable version. A good guideline is to buy the highest quality, which is usually leather.
When buying a briefcase be sure to look out for the following:
- Stitching: The stitching should be strong, even and consistent and should NOT have any loose threads both on the leather and on the lining inside the case.
- Zipper: Metal zippers generally last longer and present less problems. Check the zippers, run them open and close them a few times and ensure all the zippers (if present) are working fine.
- Grain of the leather: Full-grain leather is the best option in terms of durability and aesthetics, followed by top-grain leather which is an excellent alternative to the good stuff.
- Hinges: If your briefcase has hinges (typical of hard-sided cases), you need to bear in mind they will be working each time your case is opened and closed. As such, you ought to inspect them before buying the case to ensure they are strong enough and will not give in after only a few swings.
- Handles/Straps: The handle of the briefcase will take the most hits in the lifetime of the briefcase because where it is planted is where the most weight lifting will be done. Make sure your handle is secure on the briefcase, be it the glued, stitched on or mechanically mounted onto the briefcase. Throw some weight in the case that mimics what you would carry regularly, lift it up a few times and ensure it is strong enough for the job. Same goes for the strapped briefcase.
The bags pictured in this article are by Targaryen Man and are part of the Corporate Boss Collection. Call +263774760865 or +263774999856 for further enquiries.
