Leather attache case or aluminium attache case? Or attache case at all? Leather case always seems to be carried by men in a suit, whereas aluminium attache case certainly has more modern look and some are specially made to carry tools, photographic or AV equipment. Therefore not necessarily for office people.
Brief Case / Attaché Case
What I’m referring to in this page is a hard-sided, box style case. It’s called a briefcase because lawyers use it to carry briefs to present to a court, and also called an attaché case because it’s carried by attachés, officials under the authority of an ambassador or diplomatic agencies – person how is assigned/attached to such services.
However a “briefcase” can be a messenger bag type like the image on the right, also some examples from Amazon below. This type is versatile as you can use to carry anything from laptop to bulky A4 file binder, most likely to come with a shoulder strap and more pockets.
A box style “attache case” is not necessarily practical because typically with no shoulder strap, if you have other items to carry such as a gym bag or shopping, your both hands will be occupied while commuting. But the hard case will protect your laptop and tablet. And needless to say, carrying an attache case does make you look more professional.
Leather Attache Case
This is a typical, classic leather attache case with gold iron combination locks and hinges. Size 46cm (w) x 33cm (h) x 11cm (d). It has a suede interior lining and plenty of inner pockets for A4 documents as well as wallets and pen holders.
Personally I’m not too keen on “gold on black”. It is just me, and if you are like me, here is a black leather attache case with silver aluminium locks.
Size 45.5cm (w) x 32.5cm (h) x 10cm (d). It also has a suede interior lining.
Pratesi Italian Leather Tiziano Bruce – Valigetta Leather Attache Case, Brown
Now I had to show you this one – this beautiful Italian leather attache case, I so want it but can’t afford it! Size 44.5cm (w) x 31.8cm (h) x 11.4cm (d), it has three simple pockets on one side, and round corners. Looks great new, and will be great when aged too.
Aluminium Attache Case
45.5cm (w) x 34cm (h) x slightly bulkier 15cm (d), this one is ideal if you carry a laptop as well as files and other stationery items. Certainly durable.
This is another favourite of mine, ideal to carry a laptop.
MLINE Silver 15″ Slim Aluminium Laptop case. Size 40.6cm (w) x 31.8cm (h) x 6.4cm (d). With two chromed key latch locks. Anodised paint protects from scratch in a different colour. The case is stitched, not glued. With shoulder strap.
At first I couldn’t quite imagine a lawyer carrying this case, but why not? If you need to carry bulky books day-in, day-out, slim case like this one may not be ideal. This slick designed case is my personal winner.
Which one is your favourite? I hope you’ll find something that suits your style.
For me, I prefer the briefcase. However, both are very practical. I guess it really depends on one’s style and needs. I have been thinking of changing mine. Perhaps I will try a leather attache case this time. I like variety. The one is the picture is really nice. You have some nice choices here. Thank you!
Thanks for your comments! I too, like variety and, like to have all different styles. I guess it’s whether you need to carry paperwork and/or laptop, otherwise soft shoulder bag or rucksack would be more practical. Thanks for stopping by!
Howdy Raymundo. For someone who isn’t familiar what suits best when it comes to getting a brief case, there’s a risk of getting the wrong brief case.
I mean such research should be done to get a proper case, so I should thank you for providing this post.
I guess it depends on professions. Speaking of which, I think to have one makes you feel superior. That’s just what I think.
Talk about that sort of look of holding a case being highly respected by people in public.
Thanks for your comments, yes as you say it depends on professions and whether you “want to” feel & look superior too – personally I wouldn’t care, but in some circumstances better to carry a good professional looking case for sure (lawyers!)
Thanks again for your opinion!
I really didn’t know that these briefcases were called attache briefcses.
I saw these around so much when i was a little kid in 90’s. I think they were quite the hype those times.
Pratesi Italian Leather is my favourite among them. Really cool! I liked the sunburn effect of the leather.
Hi Tyler, thanks for your comment. I still see a lot of my colleagues carrying these attache cases, that’s probably showing my age! The cases have been around for a long time though (for James Bond to carry his weapons & multiple passports including USSR!)
Ray