The right work bag disappears into your day. It fits your laptop without a fight, carries comfortably from the station to the office, and looks appropriate in the meeting. The wrong one is either too small, too heavy, or too awkward to carry. Here is how to choose between a tote, a briefcase and a shoulder bag, starting from the thing that matters most: your laptop.
Start with your laptop's dimensions
Measure the laptop, or look up its width and depth, and remember that the charger and a sleeve will add bulk. As a rough guide, typical thin laptops measure about:
- 13-inch: around 30 × 21 cm
- 14-inch: around 31 × 22 cm
- 15-inch: around 34 × 24 cm
- 16-inch: around 36 × 25 cm
These are approximations, so check your own model. Then compare them with the interior width and height of the bag, not the outside measurements, and allow one to two centimetres of room each side.
Tote, briefcase or shoulder bag?
The tote: easy access, room to spare
An open or zip-top tote is quick to use and forgiving about what goes in it. The trade-off is that a soft tote can slump and let a laptop slide around, so look for structure and a padded compartment. Our Copley Work Tote lists a zippered padded compartment for a 14–16" laptop, a padded front pocket, and elastic pockets for a bottle or tumbler.
The briefcase: structure and a professional look
A briefcase holds its shape, keeps papers flat and closes securely. It is usually less comfortable to carry for long distances, and it often has fewer pockets you can reach quickly. Our Beacon Briefcase has two main compartments that take a 15" laptop flat, a brass lock, and a detachable shoulder strap. It has no padded sleeve, so if you carry a laptop, add a slim sleeve.
The shoulder bag: light and hands-free
A shoulder or crossbody bag is the lightest option and leaves your hands free. It suits a smaller device or a day of meetings with only the essentials. Look at the strap: an adjustable drop lets you carry it on the shoulder or across the body. Our Charles Shoulder Bag has an adjustable strap with a 34–57 cm drop.
The compact 2-way bag
If you carry a tablet or a smaller laptop, a bag that works as both a handbag and a shoulder bag can be a practical choice. Our Marlborough 2-Way Bag comes in five sizes, and the product page lists the exact width, height, depth and weight of each one, so you can compare them with your device before you order.
Features worth checking before you buy
- A padded compartment. It protects your laptop from knocks and stops it sliding.
- The closure. A zip is the most secure; a magnetic clasp is quicker; a lock adds security but is slower.
- Weight when empty. Leather bags vary widely. A heavy empty bag makes a heavy day.
- The strap drop. Check whether it will sit comfortably over a coat.
- Organisation. Interior zip and open pockets keep keys, cards and a phone from disappearing.
- A structured base. A firm base helps a bag stand upright on a desk or floor.
A quick way to decide
- You carry a laptop every day and want quick access: choose a structured tote.
- You carry papers and want a formal look: choose a briefcase.
- You travel light and want free hands: choose a shoulder or crossbody bag.
- You want one bag for work and evenings: choose a compact 2-way bag and check the size table.
Looking after it
A leather work bag will be carried hard, so a little care goes a long way. Our leather bag care guide explains how to clean, condition and store it. Browse the full bags collection to compare materials and sizes.