Briefcase or Messenger Bag?

Heero · May 27, 2009

What do you guys prefer? I am in the market for either a nice messenger bag or a nice briefcase....

I'm talking about the style that goes well with a suit. I was looking at a messenger bag at Louis Vuitton today and they said that a briefcase might seem overboard unless you're some sort of executive. Anybody feel that this is true?

Butterfly · May 27, 2009

Anybody feel that this is true?

No.

Franky In T.O. · May 27, 2009

There are quite a variety of both.

I prefer messenger bags because it can rest over your shoulder when fumbling through your wallet at the cash or while doing other things. But I saw a gent the other day with a briefcase that looked very smart, not too "executive looking", and not too casual. I think bags are something that you have to come across and just know it's the right one.

JohnD356 · May 27, 2009

^ Agreed. There are some messenger bags that will make you look like you're in high school and some briefcases that will make you look like your executive level. In between is a huge range of of options.

Sebastian_Flyte · May 27, 2009

My personal rule is briefcase when wearing a suit or sport coat and messenger when not. Strap crumples a jacket.

tricota · May 27, 2009

Originally Posted by Butterfly

No.

+1...

phillyesq · May 27, 2009

I use a messenger bag simply because I feel that it is a bit more versatile. I can use it with more casual/business casual attire or with a suit. I try to avoid using the shoulder strap with a suit, but I walk to work, and find that the strap can be a nice convenience.

blackbowtie · May 27, 2009

Originally Posted by Sebastian_Flyte

My personal rule is briefcase when wearing a suit or sport coat and messenger when not. Strap crumples a jacket.

+1. I used to carry a messenger bag and I find that the shoulder strap destroys the lines of a suit coat. There's also the potential damage to the lapels especially if you have rolling lapels and have the habit of carrying heavy items in your messenger bag. Not to mention that you need to pull your tie out to prevent damage to the tie, which is not a nice look.

I would definitely go for a briefcase. The notion that a briefcase would be "too much" is in my opinion just marketing crap. Just make sure to choose a briefcase that's stylish enough to go with your suit without looking too stuffy.

jhao · May 27, 2009

Originally Posted by Sebastian_Flyte

My personal rule is briefcase when wearing a suit or sport coat and messenger when not. Strap crumples a jacket.

+1, to use a brifcase in a casual enviroment is not the ideal.

Mr. Moo · May 27, 2009

I use a briefcase.

SkinnyGoomba · May 27, 2009

i have a messenger bag, but hate the strap. So I'd go for a breifcase, infact i plan to switch at some point.

emmanuel · May 27, 2009

Suit=briefcase. I dont know why the people at Vuitton didnt just try to sell you a briefcase with a removable shoulder strap. Kill two birds with one stone.

jetfight · May 27, 2009

Originally Posted by Heero

Anybody feel that this is true?

No

MRTNS · May 27, 2009

A briefcase is endlessly more stylish than a messenger bag.

JayJay · May 27, 2009

Soft briefcase.

Briefcase or Messenger Bag?

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