Last Updated on June 16, 2022 by Janie Wilson
The briefcase offers sophistication, style, flexibility, and purposefulness suited to the requirements and preferences of professionals. It can also be considered a principal element of the business attire for men. Given its advantages and functionality, many seek to invest in quality business briefcases that’d complete their wardrobe, suit their daily routine, and fit their lifestyle.
There are many brands, types, and styles of briefcases available globally in the market. Given the vast array of options, some may find it challenging to pick the perfect one worthy of investment.
Von Baer Leather Briefcases
Von Baer is an Estonian brand that specializes in leather bags and accessories. By choosing a Von Baer leather briefcase for men, you’re getting the finest full-grain leather and premium YKK zippers, and they all come with a detachable shoulder strap. Aside from quality materials, their products are handmade by artisan craftsmen in Florence, Italy.
With this in mind, here are some of the best features of an ideal business briefcase for men that you can consider:
- Quality Leather
The quality of leather used in crafting a briefcase will define its aesthetic appeal and durability. For instance, a business briefcase made of full-grain leather will have a sophisticated and professional look that’d look better with age and last for years. While full-grain leather comes at a premium price, depending on the brand and origin, it may be wise to purchase a briefcase using this material because its visual quality and material strength are guaranteed.
Full-grain leather evolves with age, implying that the briefcase looks as good as new even with years of constant use and exposure. It’s because minimally-processed leather can develop its hue and luster with regular exposure to sunlight and other elements. This results in the briefcase having a darker and more appealing patina with routine use.
To give you a better idea about leather quality, here are descriptions of different grades of leather commonly used in making briefcases:
- Full-Grain Leather
This grade is the least processed of all leather types. The material keeps the full grain of the animal hide intact, and it’s common to see imperfections on its surface like blemishes or scars. It can evolve its aesthetic appeal over time because it absorbs moisture and oil when exposed to various elements in the environment. Aside from its visual quality, full-grain leather is also valued for its durable quality that lasts even with years of constant use.
- Top-Grain Leather
Top-grain leather is more processed compared to full-grain. The processing involves sanding and polishing, and the pigments could also be adjusted to smoothen the material’s texture. Top-grain leather doesn’t absorb moisture and oil, which means its original patina will remain or fade gradually over time. It’s also less durable compared to full-grain leather.
- Split-Grain Leather
Split-grain leather is derived from the secondary layer of the animal hide, and it’s usually thinner and more absorbent than other types. While briefcases made of split-grain leather cost less, they may be more fragile and complex to maintain than those made from higher-grade materials.
Business briefcases made from full-grain leather are commonly the most expensive ones in the market, and the price is primarily due to the high quality of leather used. However, many consider the costs justified given this type of briefcase’s aesthetic appeal and durability. Also, purchasing cheaper variants may be less cost-efficient in the long run since fake leather tends to be more fragile. Once damaged or broken, you’ll have to buy replacements often, and costs may add up because of it.
Also, it may be helpful to check the source of the leather used in the business briefcase before purchasing it. The materials’ origin can influence their quality, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re selecting the best options to get the best value for money. Given this, the most common sources of the best full-grain leather are Italy, France, England, and the United States.
- Size And Compartments
An ideal business briefcase should have enough room for all valuables and belongings that you take with you regularly. Thus, you’ll need to ensure sufficient space in the briefcase to pack what you’ll need, especially if you travel frequently.
Aside from the size, the briefcase should also include compartments of various sizes and purposes. These compartments should be strategically distributed both in their interior and exterior. They help keep your belongings organized and secure, and they can also make items easily accessible when needed.
When assessing the briefcase compartments, it’s essential to consider the items that you frequently use or need quick access to during the day. These may include car keys, mobile phones, other electronic gadgets, wallets, or pens. Since you need to conveniently access them while at work or in transit, there should be enough compartments on the exterior part of the briefcase for these items.
- Hardware Materials
Hardware materials refer to metal and other accessories used for aesthetic and practical purposes in the briefcase. These include the bag’s zippers, buttons, locks, strap fittings, buckles, and handles.
It’s essential to check the quality and durability of these hardware items to ensure they last with constant use and adjustment and see if they also complement the briefcase well. Since they’re frequently exposed and handled, these metal parts may be prone to damage, which is why it’s crucial to consider them as well.
- Flexibility
Aside from its visual quality, you can also look for qualities that allow flexible use when choosing your business briefcase. For instance, you can look for ones with removable and adjustable straps that could make it more convenient for you to store and carry anywhere you go.
Meanwhile, some variants also offer added features such as laptop sleeves and adjustable compartments that’d help you better organize your briefcase. These flexible features may be handy for frequent travelers who need to pack items to make them easily accessible on transit while keeping them secure.
Conclusion
The business briefcase is a must-have corporate attire accessory that’s practical and luxurious. Choosing the best one to suit your needs and requirements is essential while selecting one with the best aesthetic quality and durability is also equally important. While it may be a substantial investment to make, given its value, having a business briefcase of excellent quality can elevate your daily office attire.
Aside from this, it also offers functionality by serving as a practical storage solution that you can take in formal events and occasions. For this purpose, it’s wise to select one with the size and design that’d complement your work requirements and lifestyle to get the most value for your money in the long run.
