The best work bags for men in 2025, according to rigorous testing

• READ MORE: The best work style upgrades for men, according to our fashion expert 
• From a slim leather briefcase to a compartment-packed backpack, and everything in between

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The evolution of the men's work bag is pretty impressive. Gone are the days when casual backpacks were all that professional men used to carry their belongings to the office. And while briefcases once had a reputation of being super cold and rigid, today, tons of brands are making versions that are more approachable and adaptable for everyday use. In fact, they make up some of the best work bags for men that we've tested.

Our tester and reviewer, Moriba, can't be the only one who can't stand the feeling of bulky trouser pockets. Because of this, you'll always find him with a bag in his hands, especially if he's heading into the office.

Whether you're looking to splurge on a forever-bag that's only going to look better as it ages or need something that's super affordable, but still compartment-packed for all of your everyday essentials — and, of course your work laptop — we've done the tedious testing for you and have listed the few that impressed us the most.

The best work bags for men 2025, at a glance

• Best overall: Troubadour Apex Everyday Briefcase 
• Best tote: July Everyday Large Tote
• Most affordable: Quince Weatherproof Utility Tote
• Most lightweight: Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag
• Best backpack: Troubadour Neo Backpack
• Best for organization: Nomatic Navigator Pack
• Slimmest work bag: Cole Haan Triboro Briefcase
• Best full-leather work bag: Bosca Dolce Italia Single Gusset Stringer
• Best briefcase: Carl Friedrik Palissy Double 

How we test

When testing luggage and bags, we try them out for at least a week (usually longer) and take them on trips for real-life, practical trial-based testing.

We focus on durability, practicality, compartment convenience, storage ability and more. 

From testing if a work bag has enough space to fit a 16-inch laptop or if a carry-on complies with the overhead bin space requirements on most commercial airlines, we've put it all to the test.

We then compare the findings to determine how well each bag performs so you can choose the best one for you.

Why trust us

Our expert team has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of lifestyle picks. 

Moriba has been thoroughly testing and reviewing travel products and men's fashion pieces for over six years as an experienced writer and editor. 

His reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

Best work bags for men 2025

1. Best overall: Troubadour Apex Briefcase

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Review

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2. Best tote: July Everyday Large Tote 

3. Most affordable: Quince Weatherproof Utility Tote

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★★★★★

Product Specs

• Colorsred
• monthMarch
• Decimal prop12
• Speed4.7 min
• Width1,5 km

Review

Review text

4. Most lightweight: Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag 

5. Best backpack: Troubadour Neo Backpack

Raw category and brand in Live product

6. Best for organization: Nomatic Navigator Pack 15L

Spiked category and brand in Live product

7. Slimmest work bag: Cole Haan Triboro Briefcase 

8. Best full leather work bag: Bosca Dolce Italia Single Gusset Stringer

SALE IS ON

★★★★★

Just 40 of these cars were built between 1957 and 1959, all of which received bodies by Pinin Farina who had become Ferrari’s coachbuilder of choice in 1952. They were based upon a traditional tubular steel chassis with independent front suspension and a live axle at the rear. In the engine bay was the latest three-litre iteration of Gioacchino Colombo’s fabled short-block V12. The Pinin Farina-bodied cabriolet that Ferrari introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1957 was not only a triumph of design, with its elegant rear haunches, covered headlamps, and long centrally ventilated bonnet, but it also marked an auspicious milestone in Maranello history as the company’s first series-produced open-top model. While the first two examples were essentially prototypes that visibly varied, sometimes referred to as the Pinin Farina Spiders, the next 38 cars were generally more uniform in design with several different specific variations. Many experts still consider the Series I Cabriolets to be virtual one-offs, as they were constructed in Pinin Farina’s custom shop rather than on the coachbuilder’s factory floor. Each model was crafted by hand, leading to a price tag that doubled that of its 250 GT California Spider sister model. In total, only 40 examples of the first series Pinin Farina Cabriolet were built before the model gave way to a mid-1959 redesign that was intended to further differentiate the Cabriolet from the California Spider. With a competition-derived chassis and the ever-formidable Tipo 128C Colombo-designed short-block V-12, the first-series cabriolets were not only beautiful to behold, but they were capable of exhilarating road performance as well, representing the pinnacle of open-top grand touring in the late-1950s. The 250 GT was immediately sold to Enzo Paoli Tacchini of Lodi, Italy, a smaller city south east of Milan, and registered “MI 384430”.

Product Specs

• Warranty2 years
• Width2 km
• monthJanuary
• Speed4.2 min
• Decimal prop0000
• Colorsgrey

What we love

• Amazing!5 stars

What could be better

• ExpensiveThe price is biting

Review

Review text

9. Best briefcase: Carl Friedrik Palissy Double

Perfume

★★★★★

Review

The best product ever.

Our verdict

If I were to buy any of the men's work bags on this list, the Troubadour Apex Briefcase would be my top pick. It just hits all of the marks on what constitutes a well-made and practically useful work bag. It's lightweight enough for easy carrying when commuting, comes in neutral colors that pair well with any outfit and, best of all, it doesn't skimp on the pockets and compartments — both visible and hidden.

While testing this bag, the first time I packed it for use, there were enough dedicated spaces for me to fit my 15-inch laptop, my phone, keys, wallet, water bottle, glasses, notebook, pens, lunch and more. Everything was it its place and was easy to find. 

For a more casual option that's still office-appropriate, the July Everyday Large Tote is the best pick. It has some of the best organizational elements of all of the bags I've tested and fits more than expected.

The Carl Friedrik Palissy Double has also been a favorite of mine for a few years, and while it bests all of the bags on this list in quality and design, it falls a bit short in pocket space.

If you prefer the functionality and hands-free use of a backpack, the Nomatic Navigator Pack 15L would be my top recommendation. Its compartment-packed design, fleece-lined slip pocket for easy phone storage and expandability make it an all-star pick that will take you from the office to the airport with ease.

FAQs

What bag should I use for the office? 

This all depends on personal preference, but based on my testing and my over 10 years of using work bags professionally in my daily work life, a soft briefcase or professional backpack is the way to go for office settings.

While the days of the stiff, court-ready briefcases are (somewhat) gone, there are more approachable alternatives that are both professional and casual enough for everyday use. The Troubadour Apex Briefcase is the perfect example of this. It has the shape, build and functionality of a traditional briefcase with the feel and organization of a backpack, making it more commuter-friendly.

If you're on the hunt for a men's work bag that's a bit more traditional and structured, but still has a modern design and motif, the Carl Friedrik Palissy Double has been my go-to for over three years now. You can pair it with a suit or a polo and trousers and it will still meet the mark.

Which brands are best for men's work bags?

There are a few brands that are known for producing quality men's work bags, and they come at different price points. For mid-tier pricing, Troubadour is my top pick based on the price for quality and durability. Its bags come with features that most of its competitors don't like waterproof outers, compartment-packed interiors and timeless (but not boring) designs.

For those looking to splurge a bit, Carl Friedrik is the brand I've found is worth the investment, since its bags are made of top-of-the-line leather with nickel finishings and crafted by artisans and leather professionals. The Palissy Double is a longtime favorite of mine, and the Dunloe Briefcase is a new addition to my favorite bags ever thanks to its simple, premium design. Both bags are made of thick full-grain leather and are well worth the investment.

Is a shoulder bag or backpack better for work?

This is also fully dependent on your preference. If you prefer a hands-free commute, a professional backpack would be the obvious choice, especially if you take public transit. However, if, like myself, you dislike the feeling of something being strapped to your back, a tote or briefcase would be your best bet. Each briefcase and tote on this list also comes with a shoulder strap for easy conversion.