There comes a point in every man’s life when a free tote bag won’t cut it. Nor will the tatty backpack you’ve had since university, or the nylon duffel that squeaks when you walk. At some stage – ideally sooner rather than later – you need a proper bag. Something with structure. Something that doesn’t shout, but doesn’t need to. Something like one of the best leather bags for men.
Because the right leather bag does more than carry your things. It says you’ve moved past disposable stuff. It suggests you value quality, and take care of your things, and aren’t afraid to pay for something once and keep it forever. Which, in a world of rolling trends and fast everything, is quietly impressive.
Whether you’re after a weekender, a crossbody, or something to take to the office, these are the leather bags worth investing in. Not just for now – but for good.
Table of Contents
The best leather bags for men
The weekender
It’s a bag that means business – but only the out-of-office kind. A leather weekender suggests you’re the sort of person who doesn’t need to overpack, who probably has a second pair of Goodyear-welted shoes in a dust bag and travels in a coat that works in more than one climate. One that’s well-made will look better after every trip, and most importantly, won’t rattle as you walk through the terminal.
The briefcase
Forget the old-school hard-case associations – today’s briefcase is less boardroom, more grown-up tote with a zip. The kind of thing you carry into a meeting when you want to look like you’ve got your act together. Slim enough to not feel like a throwback, sharp enough to signal that you're still playing the game.
The backpack
Useful, first and foremost. But done right – structured, minimal, made from proper leather – it works just as well with tailoring as it does with a heavyweight sweatshirt and jeans. The smarter option for anyone who actually does things in a day. It also keeps both hands free, which is more useful than we admit.
The messenger
If you’re not a backpack person and a briefcase feels like overkill, this is your middle ground. Especially if you’re commuting on foot, or on two wheels. Sling it across your body, throw in your laptop, book, notebook – it doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep the branding low and the leather soft.
The tote
When you think leather bags for men, a tote probably isn't the first thing to come to mind. But it’s not just for groceries. A leather tote is the unfussy solution to everyday carry – the kind of bag you leave by the door and take everywhere, whether it’s the gym or a lunch meeting. No frills, no structure, and no need to overthink it. Just make sure it’s not too stiff, and you’re sorted.
The crossbody
Useful if you’re wearing tailored trousers that don’t leave room for a phone, keys, and wallet. Even more useful when travelling. Think of it less like a bag and more like a layer – it sits close, adds texture to an outfit, and stops your pockets bulging. The right one can also make a fairly basic outfit feel intentional.
The washbag
There’s a difference between having a washbag and having this washbag. Leather, lined, zip that doesn’t snag – the kind of thing you don’t really notice until you’ve gone without. If you care about the grooming products you’re packing, the bag should match the tone.
The laptop sleeve
You don’t need one. Until you do. Pulling a leather sleeve out of your tote or backpack makes the whole ‘working remotely’ thing look a bit more considered. Doesn’t need bells or whistles. Just keep it slim, clean and ideally in a leather that’ll age well.
The folio case
When it comes to leather bags for men, a folio sits somewhere between a document wallet and a clutch, which sounds ridiculous but actually works. If you’ve got a meeting, or a dinner, and just need the essentials – phone, notebook, keys – a folio looks smarter than overstuffed pockets. Think of it as a soft power move.
The cabin bag
One of the few places where wheels are acceptable on a piece of luggage. The right one should be solid, unbranded, and organised enough that you don’t have to unpack your life at security. If it’s leather, even better – it’s going to get knocked about anyway, so it might as well look good while doing it.
Why leather?
Leather bags for men are, quite simply, the benchmark. If you care about how you look – and you clearly do – then leather should be the material you reach for when it comes to bags.
First, there’s the obvious: it looks better. A well-made leather bag carries a certain weight, both literally and metaphorically. It doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t date. And it ages well – arguably better than any other material. That patina you get after a few years of regular use? You can’t fake that. It tells a story. It becomes yours.
Then there’s the functionality. Good leather is durable. It can handle being thrown in the boot of a car, stuffed under an aeroplane seat, or slung over a chair in a bar. And unlike cheaper materials – canvas, nylon, synthetics – it won’t give up on you after a year. If anything, it improves with use. Provided it’s been tanned properly and stitched with care, it’s built to last.
It’s also versatile. Whether you’re carrying a weekender, a briefcase, or a crossbody, leather works across different parts of your wardrobe. It lifts casual outfits, but also blends into something smarter without shouting about it. That’s key. A leather bag doesn’t have to fight for attention – it just sits quietly, doing its job, making everything else look more considered.
And finally – and I say this as someone who’s spent three decades buying for men who understand taste – leather communicates a certain mindset. It suggests that you think long-term. That you understand value over cost. That you’re not interested in trends for trend’s sake. Which, in menswear, is about as stylish as it gets.
Leather bags for men: Buying considerations
Material
Start with the leather. Full-grain is the best – strong, durable, and develops a rich patina over time. Top-grain is a close second. Avoid anything marked “genuine leather” – it’s low-grade and won’t age well.
Construction
Check the stitching – it should be neat and reinforced at stress points. Hardware matters too: zips should glide, buckles should feel weighty, and linings should be durable (canvas, suede or leather are best).
Function
Buy for how you’ll use it. A weekender should fit a couple of days’ worth of clothes without being bulky. A briefcase needs to hold your laptop without feeling boxy. Look for sensible compartments and easy access. Straps and handles should feel right from the start.
Weight
Leather has weight, but a well-designed bag shouldn’t feel like a burden. If it’s heavy when empty, it’ll be worse when full. Try it on and check the balance.
Craftsmanship
Where it’s made is useful, but how it’s made is more important. Look for brands that talk about their tanneries, their workshops, their process. Transparency is usually a good sign.
Style
Stick to timeless design. Clean lines, minimal hardware, and neutral colours – black, chocolate, tan, olive. A well-made leather bag should last a decade or more and look better with every passing year.
Next up: The best luggage brands in 2025.
