The leather business bags to consider is what style you want. The bags we reviewed are primarily briefcases, so we focused on models that look like they were meant to go with business formal attire (though we’ve seen plenty of guys wearing Filson Rugged Twill with jeans and a blazer, too). We avoided anything garish or overly flashy, since those styles might give off the impression you don’t take your job seriously.

If you need a work bag that’s eye-catching but not ostentatious, try Saddleback’s Flight Bag, which has an ageless design and turns heads without making you look like you just came back from the wilderness on a Percy Fawcett adventure. It’s also the roomiest briefcase in our lineup, with separate slots for a laptop and a tablet up to 16 inches in width. The Flight Bag is available in a range of colors, but for more formal workplaces we recommend going with black or dark brown.

Another good option is the leather messenger from Trakke, which has plenty of interior organization and a padded laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 17 inches. The Messenger also comes in a variety of sizes and color options, including camouflage and reflective silver. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, the company allows you to customize your bag (for a price) to add additional pockets or other features.

Elegant Leather Work Totes: Function Meets Luxury

Bleu de Chauffe is a small business that started out producing casual leather satchels, then moved into travel bags, and now has one of the most interesting professional briefcases we’ve ever seen. Its Eclair messenger is inspired by 1940s mail carrier sacks, and it’s made in France by a single artisan from premium vegetable-tanned leather that feels supple and durable. Side gussets let you expand or contract the main compartment as needed, and stud closures underneath the buckle straps keep your belongings secure yet easy to access.