• Hi, I am the owner and main administrator of Styleforum. If you find the forum useful and fun, please help support it by buying through the posted links on the forum. Our main, very popular sales thread, where the latest and best sales are listed, are posted HERE

    Purchases made through some of our links earns a commission for the forum and allows us to do the work of maintaining and improving it. Finally, thanks for being a part of this community. We realize that there are many choices today on the internet, and we have all of you to thank for making Styleforum the foremost destination for discussions of menswear.
  • This site contains affiliate links for which Styleforum may be compensated.
  • Explore longtime Styleforum sponsor John Elliott’s Once-a-Year Black Friday Sale. From now through Cyber Monday, enjoy 30% off sitewide and up to 70% off on further markdowns. Shop premium Japanese denim, signature Mainline French terry essentials, expertly crafted leather, and more.

    Join the conversation in their thread here.

  • STYLE. COMMUNITY. GREAT CLOTHING.

    Bored of counting likes on social networks? At Styleforum, you’ll find rousing discussions that go beyond strings of emojis.

    Click Here to join Styleforum's thousands of style enthusiasts today!

    Styleforum is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Briefcase Appreciation thread

Ben W

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2017
Messages
82
Reaction score
29
Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:
  • Zip top, no flap/buckles
  • Luggage trolly sleeve
  • Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
  • Price seems fairly reasonable
I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7029.jpeg
    IMG_7029.jpeg
    148.6 KB · Views: 678

sclemmons

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
179
Reaction score
79
Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:
  • Zip top, no flap/buckles
  • Luggage trolly sleeve
  • Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
  • Price seems fairly reasonable
I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.
I have the Frank Clegg Double Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. You can have it made to order and might add a custom touch or two, including a pair of outside pockets. I have enjoyed mine.
 

Jr Mouse

Stylish Dinosaur
Dubiously Honored
Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
35,769
Reaction score
39,330
Hi folks! I'm looking for some briefcase advice. I hope this is an alright place to ask for such.

I've been looking at the Stuart and Lau "The Cary Briefcase - Double" in black: https://stuartandlau.com/products/the-cary-briefcase-double-black

However, being that the shell is nylon, i'm concerned it may not have enough structure to stand on its own. I really dislike when you set a bag down and then mid-way through your meeting it flops on its face, smacking your laptop on the floor.

Is there anything similar to this but perhaps in a stiffer material (full grain leather?) that I should consider looking at? Otherwise this checks a number of boxes for me:
  • Zip top, no flap/buckles
  • Luggage trolly sleeve
  • Overall aesthetic (black, silver hardware, leather handles that aren't too large)
  • Price seems fairly reasonable
I wouldn't be opposed to spending more if there is something that better fits, though. Also open to hearing the suggestion to move forward with the Stuart & Lau.

It’s not my taste but I’m sure it’s sturdy enough. I checked the website and they have a good return policy. Order it and if you find it falls over too easily return it.
 

Ben W

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2017
Messages
82
Reaction score
29
I have the Frank Clegg Double Zip Top in Chocolate Shrunken. You can have it made to order and might add a custom touch or two, including a pair of outside pockets. I have enjoyed mine.

Thank you. I'll take a look. 👀

It’s not my taste but I’m sure it’s sturdy enough. I checked the website and they have a good return policy. Order it and if you find it falls over too easily return it.

Oh that's a great point. I didn't even think about the possibility of returning it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the tip. I'll consider that.

Out of curiosity, what about it isn't to your taste?
 

Jr Mouse

Stylish Dinosaur
Dubiously Honored
Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
35,769
Reaction score
39,330
Thank you. I'll take a look. 👀



Oh that's a great point. I didn't even think about the possibility of returning it if it doesn't work out.

Thanks for the tip. I'll consider that.

Out of curiosity, what about it isn't to your taste?

I’d not buy a black briefcase. Dark brown goes with more.

I also prefer natural fabrics over nylon. Waxed canvas, leather, etc.
 
Last edited:

Ben W

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2017
Messages
82
Reaction score
29
I’d not buy a black briefcase. Dark brown goes with far more.

I also prefer natural fabrics over nylon. Waxed canvas, leather, etc.

I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.
 

sclemmons

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
179
Reaction score
79
I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.
@Ben W

You should call Frank (or Ian) and discuss your specific needs. I actually paid him a visit in Fall River where you can get a look at everything and see where the magic happens. Good luck with the process.
 

epsilon22

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2022
Messages
374
Reaction score
338
I appreciate the perspective. I am currently applying to my diocese to go to seminary, so if all goes well I'll be wearing black a lot. 😆

I hear you about the material too. I wouldn't mind leather. The Clegg option mentioned above is of interest. Quite a bit more expensive, and I wish they offered silver colored hardware, but a potential option for sure.
Email them about the hardware, I got mine with silver colored zip.
 

Jr Mouse

Stylish Dinosaur
Dubiously Honored
Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
35,769
Reaction score
39,330
I’m generally not a tote guy but I like Frank Clegg's Hampton. I'd go for chestnut.

 

Blog Marley

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
1,002
Reaction score
22
I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?
 

symphvaria

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2023
Messages
685
Reaction score
947
I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?
If you're worried a full leather briefcase is too serious looking for you, try Filson's offerings.
 

comrade

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 10, 2005
Messages
9,344
Reaction score
2,558
This may be too small, but I can vouch for the exceptional quality Ottino.
I have a briefcase from them that is over thirty years old and it is in
excellent condition. Even the lock still works. Mine is a model that they apparently
do not make anymore.

 

rony91

New Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2024
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I'm looking to upgrade from a backpack to a briefcase for my tech office, and I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm really drawn to the Frank Clegg zip commuter briefcase (and the Armoury version), but I'm a bit worried it might be too formal.

I typically wear chinos, wool trousers, or cotton pants with a button-up shirt or sweater, depending on the season. The briefcase needs to comfortably carry a 16" Macbook Pro, a water bottle, and a notebook.

I'm open to other suggestions, but I'm not a fan of totes (too purse-like). Ideally, I'd like something with a similar aesthetic to the Frank Clegg, but perhaps a bit more relaxed or casual. Any recommendations?
Check the leather briefcases from Von Baer. They're full-grain leather, so it'll last you forever. Also, their quality is high-end. And they're stylish.
 

Featured Sponsor

Visible Pick Stitching on Lapels and Pockets

  • It’s a mark of quality and craftsmanship

  • I like it when it’s subtle

  • I don’t like visible stitching

  • Doesn’t matter to me


Results are only viewable after voting.

Forum statistics

Threads
518,135
Messages
10,704,257
Members
227,909
Latest member
eschinella
Top