The Case for Leather Briefcases

For well-organized carrying implements that are as long-lasting as it is stylish, a leather briefcase is what you need. A fine leather briefcases often indicates competence and opulence. It was then referred to as a budget, a limp shoulder bag used for carrying money and other important things. Budget came from the Latin word bulga, meaning a leather bag.

In the early 1800s, a designer named Godillot of Paris came up with an idea of making a carpetbag with a hinged frame made out of iron. Soon after came the Gladstone and Roseberry bags which were the predecessors of our modern briefcases. These then evolved into metal frames which finally turned into the modern men's leather laptop briefcase, which were named such because attorneys used to carry their legal briefs in them.

Briefcases has three basic types:

The leather portfolio is smaller than the regular briefcase and is normally used for storing forms and paper documents and usually carried under your arm or clutched. A portfolio has no handle. The word "portfolio" is derived from two Italian words "portare," which means to carry, and "foglio," which means a sheet.

Then there is the folio. This is actually a portfolio but with a retractable handle. This is also excellent for storing files and paper documents. This can either be carried by its handle or tucked under the arm like a portfolio.

Of the three varieties of briefcases, the attach case is the largest. It has a distinct boxy and bulky look and is made of stretched leather over a hinged frame. An attach was usually seen carried by diplomatic officers serving as military attachs or cultural attachs, hence the name.

From its coarse and bulky origins, wheeled briefcases went through a major makeover giving rise to todays modern designs. Briefcases took on a more modish and more efficient designs. We see them in different designs and makes and for different purposes. There are leather briefcases for both men and women made out of soft leather that provide more room for extra items and other personal stuff, laptop cases, even briefcases made out of aluminum.

The worlds best in leather today is either Napa or Milano. They are not just about attractive and high-grade leathers, they are also the most durable. For first-rate expandable leather briefcases, look for the Milano brand. It has two inner compartments with an outside flap to secure them. It has side pockets big enough to hold notebooks, even a small portfolio. It has a holder for a notepad, as well as slots for business cards. Both the center and outside pockets are zippered.