Many briefcases that are labeled as “men’s” or “women’s” can be carried by anyone as they are truly unisex in design. Some companies do offer more feminine (upgraded liners with pretty colors) or masculine in nature. In most cases, the following examples are fairly neutral, however, if the company uses “women’s” in their description this review will do so as well. Most will have at least 2 options for carrying with some offering a third option. Each option will be explained in each review.
Best Women’s Briefcase – Reviews of Top 10
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Samonsite Women’s Mobile Office: Best Briefcase for Organization
Available only in black, this briefcase by one of the famous names in luggage and baggage of all types and sizes is filled with features that will help keep all of your business needs well organized.
Pockets, Slots and More
Inside of this briefcase is a middle compartment, padded and sized to hold a laptop computer. The listed size is up to 15.6″. A secondary compartment for accessories is also padded. In addition, there are several smaller pockets, open slip pockets, and pen holders. The remaining interior pocket is sized to hold standard files and papers.
An outer pocket in front includes a twist to lock hardware and an engraved logo plate.
Additional Features
The interior lining of this briefcase is silky material in mulberry. The outside is imitation leather made of vinyl with a rayon-based net backing. It is waterproof and easy to care for.
The case is wheeled using inline skate wheels made of polyurethane and ball bearings. It can be wheeled using the retractable, telescoping handle.
The briefcase can also be carried using the double top handles which can be connected to one another via a small loop. A shoulder strap is not available for this briefcase.
It weighs just under 7 pounds when empty.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
If you need a lot of room plus pockets, slots and other ways to stay organized this could be a good briefcase for you. It is heavier than some bags even when empty but if weight is a factor, there are wheels. These are upgraded wheels with ball bearings so they do roll smoothly over most types of surfaces.
- Holds the average sized laptop computer in a padded compartment
- Plenty of pockets and slots for organization
- Upgraded wheels and telescoping handle allow you to wheel your briefcase wherever you are going
- Samsonite is a well known, respected and trusted name in the industry
- There are a lot of problems noted with the telescoping handle. For some people not being able to wheel this case may be a deal breaker
- The lining consistency is hit or miss
- Warranty information is complicated to find. Once found, you will learn that the warranty does not cover much and it may be difficult to get service
Solo NY Walker/Rolling Laptop Bag: Best Premium Leather Briefcase
Available in three colors: tan, black and espresso, this premium leather bag has a specially designed wheel and handle system as well as a number of other features.
Telescoping Handle System
The push button, telescoping handle retracts all the way down and is then hidden from view in a zippered compartment at the back of the bag. The bag has 2 easy glide wheels in back and two durable, heavy-duty plastic feet in front to keep it from falling forward when it is not in motion.
There are also 2 padded handles on top for a secondary carrying option.
Pockets and Storage
A 15.6-inch laptop can fit in the fully removable sleeve. There is a full size, front zipper organizer compartment with pen slots and pockets plus an additional “hidden” storage pocket. A hook and loop flap, mesh pocket plus 1 open and 1 zippered pocket are also located in the front of the bag.
Other Features
This briefcase is made of full grain leather with a reinforced bottom. All hardware including zippers and other fasteners are listed as “updated”. The bag weighs just over 6 pounds when empty and meets the carry on standards for most airlines.
There is a 5-year warranty on this bag and the company seems to be very responsive to complaints and questions.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
This bag from Solo NY does have quite a few positive features including the very unique hidden handle that lets you choose whether you are carrying it as a regular briefcase or wheeling it along. The removable laptop sleeve is an essential feature for those who are frequent travelers as it makes boarding so much faster and smoother.
- Retracting handle is unique
- Plenty of storage areas inside of the bag
- Durable feet on the bottom keep the bag upright when you are not moving
- Excellent customer service
- Zippers are oddly designed and may not be easy for some people to grasp on to
- Some people liked the older version of this bag much better
Banuce Full Grain Leather Briefcase: Best Vegetable Tanned Leather Briefcase
This briefcase is made of a vegetable tanned, full grain, cowhide leather imported from Italy. The interior is a cotton poly material and all hardware is made of rust proof zinc alloys.
The Leather Tanning Process
There are many types of processing to make leather including chemicals, time and more. Vegetable tanning has been used for thousands of years. In this process, the cow or other animal hides are placed in a pit or a vat with various parts of plants chosen for the color that it will give to the hides as well as the tannins that are released as it processes and breaks down. Because this is an all-natural leather it will not always be perfectly uniform in color and may show imperfections and flaws such as scratches, veins and others. The leather will continue to accumulate scratches over time.
Compartments
In addition to a padded, Velcro closed compartment that will hold a smaller (14″ or less) laptop computer there are several others. Larger compartments are designed to hold standard folders and papers while smaller slot or open pockets are meant to hold pens, phones and more.
Carrying Options
This briefcase can be carried by the double top handles or by the detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. There is an additional cotton strap along the back of this case which allows it to be slid down over the handle of other rolling luggage so that you can be hands free.
Small studs on the bottom of this bag allow it to stand up on its own.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
If you want an authentic, full grain cow leather briefcase but not the chemicals that sometimes are involved with the processing of it, this could be the right solution.The bag has a rich, warm color that will mellow and change with time thanks to the vegetable tanning process. Be warned, because of its nature, this bag will show scuffs, scratches and other marks. There may also be an aroma which some people enjoy while others find off-putting.
- Full grain, cowhide leather
- Solid design with compartments and other touches that make this very business friendly
- Multiple ways to carry this bag
- Company is very defensive over criticism and complaints
- Some people do not like the way that this natural leather shows scratches or other wear
- Leather odor may be overpowering to some
Reaction by Kenneth Cole Runway Call Nylon/Twill Laptop Bag: Best Designer Label Briefcase
Kenneth Cole is a New York born designer. He founded the Kenneth Cole fashion house and its various subsidiary lines starting in 1982. The lines include clothing, accessories, watches and luggage for everyone.
The Briefcase
The Runway Call bag is made of nylon and twill and is available in both a plain black and a navy blue with black trim version. This is a wheeled bag that meets most airline carry on standards. It can be carried by the double top handles or wheeled using a telescoping handle. A rear trolley strap which allows you to slide the briefcase onto the handles of other luggage is also included.
This is a wheeled bag with inline skate wheels.
The Compartments and Organizing Tools
One of the most important features of this briefcase is the organizer pocket with RFID blocking technology. This keeps the radio frequency chips on your credit cards from being read by people using the appropriate technology to do so.
Next is the main compartment which is the padded laptop pocket which will hold laptops up to 17″. A full length, fully removable accessory pocket connects with two internal key ring clips and features 2 open top slit pockets, 3 card slots and 2 pen holders.
A zippered pocket is found on the front of the bag.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
If you are considering this briefcase solely on the RFID blocking tech, you might be surprised to know that most experts agree that it is not necessary and was merely a solution for a problem that did not exist. However, there are other reasons to choose this as your next briefcase. It is well designed by a well known and highly respected fashion house. It is vegan friendly as it is made of nylon and twill rather than leather but still looks business appropriate.
- Kenneth Cole is a well known name
- Organization options are plentiful in this bag
- Removable pouch holds daily essentials to make your commute faster and more organized
- Lifetime warranty on this bag
- Nearly every complaint is related to the consumer not reading a listing correctly rather than a flaw in the product
- May be too small for some people
EaseGave Laptop Tote Professional Briefcase for Women: Best Color Choices
Available in several colors including: burgundy, purple, black, grey, living coral, royal navy, coffee, red and brown, this briefcase is created using something they call “Saffiano grained, eco-leather”. Saffiano leather was typically meant to be Italian leather and was so named for the distinctive pattern that was worked in to the wax that coated it. The term is now used for other types of leather as well as leather like products indicating that they may not be made of real leather.
The Design
Inside of the briefcase are 4 large compartments plus 2 slip pockets and one zippered pocket. The laptop compartment is padded and closes with a velcro strap for security. It will hold a computer up to 15.6″.
It is a lightweight bag at just 2.56 pounds when empty. It can be carried by either the adjustable handles or the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
If you want a real leather bag, this might not be the right choice for you. The company lists this as “eco-leather” which may refer to the type of process that is used to tan the hides. While this is genuine leather some companies use the “eco-leather” term to refer to leather like materials that are not made of animal hide. It does have every appearance of being genuine leather and the company is very responsive to questions and complaints.
- Lots of color options to choose from
- Good customer service and support
- Not a durable bag
- Questionable materials
Estarer Women’s Briefcase: Best Unique Design
Available in brown, black, wine and red, this briefcase has a unique shape that people either love or hate immediately. Where most briefcases are wider than they are long, this one is the opposite. It is made of a faux, polyurethane “leather” and can be carried with either the top handles or the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap.
Features
The front of this briefcase has 2 zippered plus one open pocket on the front. The interior has 2 open compartments including one sized for the standard laptop computer. A small zip pocket is located in the back wall area.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
If you want something with a different look than every other briefcase or laptop bag out there, this might be a good option. Be warned however that most people felt that the polyurethane leather is cheap looking in real life and it does have a tendency to have a terrible odor when it is first unpacked. In most cases, that odor will clear up in a few days but sometimes it just does not. Sadly, customer service for this company is hit or miss at best.
- Interesting and unique design
- Faux leather for people who prefer to not use animal products
- Plenty of pockets
- Material may look and feel cheap to some people
- Material has an odor that can be overpowering to some. It may clear after being aired out but not always
- Customer service is inconsistent
ZM Snow Laptop, Tote Bag: Best Faux Leather Briefcase
Made of polyurethane leather, this reasonably priced briefcase is available in either brown or grey. It is water resistant and can be carried with either the double top handles or by the adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
Polyurethane Leather
While it is referred to as “faux” leather, polyurethane or PU leather is actually made up of actual cowhide pieces leftover from making other types of leather. These pieces are molded together and then given a coating of polyurethane which makes the pieces resistant to water damage but can also make the piece look stiff or cheap if done incorrectly. This type of leather may also have a smell that goes beyond just the regular leather smell.
Pockets and Compartments
The main compartment is padded and held closed with hook and loop tape. It will hold a standard sized computer. Other compartments include 1 zipped pocket and 2 slip pockets. A small zip pocket is meant to hold a cell phone while a small zippered pocket on the back wall of the bag is meant for your keys.
This briefcase has 4 metal feet on the bottom.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
This briefcase is at the lower end of the pricing spectrum and does have some complaints about not being durable, however those reports are subjective at best. There are plenty of pockets and storage options and it does seem to be of the right size for most people’s needs. Customer service is highly responsive which is a big bonus.
- Well designed bag
- Decent price point
- Excellent customer service
- May not be durable
- PU leather may have an offensive smell that is difficult or impossible to remove from the bag
McKlein USA Detachable Wheeled Briefcase: Most Options/Most Unique Wheel Design
In addition to having a very unique frame that lets you decide whether you need wheels or not, this briefcase comes in four sizes, plus several color options. Those include: black, red, green, orange, pink, brown, navy, leather red and mint. The company also offers several of these colors in “custom” versions with monogrammed initials. Those are: custom navy, custom brown, custom green and custom mint.
The Wheels and Frame System
McKlein USA uses a patented 2-in-1 wheel and frame system for this briefcase. Where some briefcases have telescoping handles that slide down to the case or even in to a hidden compartment when it is not being used, this one goes one step further. The entire ABS and metal frame slides off of the back of the briefcase completely. Two buckles are used to fasten or unfasten the case from the frame and are store in their own slots on the bag when not in use.
Other Features
Designed to be more narrow than other briefcases to fit down narrow aisles on airplanes and more, it still will fit a standard laptop computer. A stylish, flap over front pocket secures with a clasp and key lock. This briefcase can also be attached to the handles of other rolling cases with a smart zip attachment. It has top handles or an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap as well.
Without the frame, this briefcase weighs in at nearly 4 pounds. With the frame attached, the weight is just over 8 pounds.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
It is a unique design and can be very versatile which would work for people who use their briefcase in many situations. It is meant to be able to wheel through crowded areas and narrow plane aisles so that is a plus for the frequent traveler. It could be too heavy for some users, even with the wheels to help move it along.
- Lot of color and size options to choose from including custom options with monograms
- Patented detachable frame and wheel system is like nothing else on the market
- Designed to fit in narrow areas
- Still has features such as the adjustable/detachable shoulder strap
- May be too heavy for some users even with the wheels
- Some parts are not as durable as they should be
- The small clips that hold the briefcase to the frame are not very strong and are very easy to lose
Lavievert Cotton Canvas and Crazy Horse PU Leather Laptop Bag: Best Budget Friendly Briefcase
Priced in the low range, this briefcase is available in blue with brown trim or khaki with brown trim. It fits the standard sized laptop computer in an EPE foam padded compartment with a velcro closure. A second compartment, 2 interior slip pockets and a zipped pocket on the front of the bag give additional storage and organizational space.
The Materials
The majority of this bag is made of high density cotton canvas. The trim, handles and the remaining portions are Crazy Horse PU Leather. Crazy Horse leather refers to a type of smooth grained leather that has a special wax applied to bring out the unique qualities and features of the hide such as scratches and blemishes that make each piece unique. The same technique is used here with the PU leather.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
It is a decent bag at a more than fair price however, there are some issues with the listings in regards to sizing of this bag so be warned. Customer service is responsive to questions, concerns and complaints so if you need to return it, that should not be a problem.
- Good customer service
- Basic design with durable materials
- Excellent pricing
- The straps are not durable on this bag
- Listings are confusing with conflicting sizes listed sometimes within a sentence or two of each other
- PU leather can have an offensive odor when it is first unboxed
Bostanten Leather Briefcase, Laptop Bag: Best Genuine Leather Bag with Size Options
This briefcase comes in two sizes, listed as “medium” and “large” and 2 colors, black and coffee. It is genuine cowhide leather with heavy duty zippers, double top handle and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. The inside leathers a laptop compartment, 1 zippered pocket, 2 small, open pockets and an additional pocket for pens. The medium size holds a 14″ computer while the large will hold a 15.6″ laptop.
Is this a recommended briefcase?
Listed problems with this briefcase are minor and some can be attributed to consumer error rather than a real problem with the bag itself. It is designed well and has the professional appearance that most people are looking for.
- Two colors and two sizes to choose from
- Genuine cowhide leather
- Well designed bag
- Some problems with the interior lining
- Some complaints that this is not “real” leather. The company does respond to these comments
The Buying Guide
There are 4 things you should be looking for when choosing your briefcase. Those are:
- Appearance and Materials
- Function and Special Features
- Size
- Price
Appearance and Material
If you are supposed to dress for the job you want rather than the job you have, your briefcase should be the tool that binds the entire look together. You shouldn’t walk in to a power meeting in a high end suit and good shoes toting along a beat up laptop bags with faded stickers from your college days on it. You want to convey a sense of professionalism with a quality briefcase that lets you carry the things that you need in an organized manner.
For most people genuine leather is the first choice in a quality briefcase, however there are other, more reasonably priced options. Those options are perfect especially for someone who is a vegan and prefers not to use animal sourced products.
Function and Special Features
The briefcase should work as intended. If it is going to be used to carry a laptop computer there should be a dedicated compartment for that. This compartment should include padding and a strap or another type of closure so that the computer does not pop out if the bag is dropped. Other pockets and compartments should be easily accessed and make sense in their size and placement.
Special features should not be difficult to use. They should only enhance the functionality of the briefcase and not be used merely as a novelty.
Size
If the briefcase is going to hold a laptop it is important that it be of the correct size. Always assume that the marked measurements are going to be slightly off so if your computer is more than an inch larger than the stated size for the briefcase, go with a different option.
If used for traveling, the briefcase should still meet all of the airlines carry on bag standards.
Price
The more functions, the higher the quality of the materials and in some cases, the name of the company itself usually means a higher price tag. Opting for a lower priced bag does not always mean settling for lower quality though and if pricing is an issue it is always best to start with a clear budget and then do your research from there.
Most briefcases are used to hold everything from personal papers, to wallets to laptops and other electronics. They keep busy people on the go organized and help them keep track of their important items to and from work and while traveling.
