Briefcases, backpacks, messenger bags…are they not just bags?
While these bags all serve the purpose of carrying your items, there are definitely some stark differences between these bags.
A briefcase is a rectangular container with a handle that is used to carry documents and books. It is typically made out of leather or plastic.
Briefcases were highly popular among lawyers and businessmen as they add a touch of professionalism and class to one’s outfit.
When is an appropriate time to carry a briefcase?
You can carry a briefcase whenever you feel like. However, you might just stand out as the odd one if you are carrying a briefcase while dressed like a tourist on holiday.
As a general rule of thumb, if you are wearing an impeccable-looking suit and a potentially expensive one at that, it is best to carry a briefcase if you need to carry anything at all.
What are the various materials used to make a briefcase?
The materials used to make a briefcase varies depending on the store you are buying from. Briefcases may be made using leather, durable fabric, thin metal such as aluminium or even plastic.
Most briefcases that are made of leather or durable fabric may have external pockets or sleeves in addition to the main storage space. Some of these briefcases also come with a shoulder strap so that you have the option to sling it across your shoulder like a messenger bag instead of carrying it by its top handle. These days, some briefcases also double up as a laptop bag and come with padded internal pouches to protect your laptop or tablet.
If you are likely to be carrying your briefcase often, it is advisable to invest in a leather briefcase. A leather briefcase is typically the most sturdy, not to mention best-looking, as opposed to other types of briefcases.Â
Where I can find stores selling briefcases in Singapore?
Whether you are looking for versatile or professional briefcases for any occasion, check out these briefcase stores in Singapore:
Briefcase Store |
Faire Leather Co. |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts at $239 |
Website |
https://faireleather.co/ |
Address |
View stockists list here |
Contact |
+65 6385 3721 enquiries@faireleather.co |
Operating Hours |
View stockist opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
Gnome & Bow |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $309 |
Website |
|
Address |
View store locations here |
Contact |
65 6265 9027 |
Operating Hours |
View store operating hours here |
Briefcase Store |
Oxhide Leather |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $249 |
Website |
https://oxhideleather.sg/ |
Address |
#01-73 HabourFront Centre, Singapore 099253 |
Contact |
65 9060 1324Â / 65 9455 0724 cs@oxhideleather.sg |
Operating Hours |
Daily, 11am – 10pm |
Briefcase Store |
LAVNG |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $429 |
Website |
https://lavng.com/ |
Address |
Online store only |
|
support@lavng.com |
Briefcase Store |
Arden Teal |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $299 |
Website |
|
Address |
Online store |
Contact |
Contact via form here |
Operating Hours |
Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm |
Briefcase Store |
Picard |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $199 |
Website |
https://www.picard.com.sg |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
TUMI |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $590 |
Website |
|
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
Pedro |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
$189 |
Website |
https://www.pedroshoes.com/ |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
Dunhill |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $1,636 |
Website |
https://www.dunhill.com/sg |
Address |
290 Orchard Rd, Paragon Mall |
Contact |
6567348126 |
Operating Hours |
Daily, 11am – 7pm |
Briefcase Store |
Longchamp |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Check retail store for prices |
Website |
https://www.longchamp.com/en/en |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
Samsonite |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $220 |
Website |
https://www.samsonite.com.sg/ |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
The Bag Creature |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $99 |
Website |
https://www.thebagcreature.com/ |
Address |
57 Joo Chiat Pl, Singapore 427781 |
Telephone |
65Â 8815 8711 |
Operating Hours |
Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 6.30pm |
Briefcase Store |
Motherhouse |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $468 |
Website |
https://shop.mother-house.sg/ |
Address |
Online store only |
|
client@mother-house.sg |
Briefcase Store |
Brandless |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $29 |
Website |
https://brandless.sg/ |
Address |
Online store only |
|
hello@brandless.sg |
Briefcase Store |
Maverick and Co |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $194 |
Website |
https://www.maverickandco.co/?currency=SGD |
Address |
Online store only |
|
support@maverickandco.co |
Briefcase Store |
The Leather Goods Co. |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
$159 – $189 |
Website |
https://theleathergoods.co/ |
Address |
Online store only |
Contact |
87932340 theleathergoods.co@gmail.com |
Briefcase Store |
CARL & OAK |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
$238 |
Website |
https://carl.sg/ |
Address |
One Raffles Place, #04-22 (Office), Singapore 048 616 |
Telephone |
65 9626 2990 |
Operating Hours |
Monday-Friday: 11am to 8pm |
Briefcase Store |
Tocco Toscano |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $140 |
Website |
https://www.toccotoscano.com/ |
Address |
View store locations here |
Contact |
65)63852981 enquiries@toscano-intl.com |
Operating Hours |
Varies by store |
Briefcase Store |
Braun Buffel |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $699 |
Website |
https://braunbuffel.com/sg/ |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
Briefcase Store |
ZARA |
Speciality |
|
Pricing |
Starts from $79 |
Website |
https://www.zara.com/sg/en/man-bags-business-l571.html |
Address |
View store locations here |
Telephone |
View store contact details here
|
Operating Hours |
View store opening hours here |
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Tips to buying quality briefcases
Now that you have decided that you need (want) to purchase a briefcase, where should you start? They are not the same as any backpack or messenger bag. With the plethora of designs, materials and options available, how can you go about deciding which is best for you?
Here are some tips to help you look for quality briefcases:
Invest in leather briefcases
As mentioned earlier, leather briefcases are not only stylish, they are also one of the most durable as opposed to other materials. If you are going to be forking out hundreds of dollars on your briefcase, why not spend it on a good quality leather briefcase?
Ask about the materials used in the construction of the briefcase
The individual hardware materials used to construct the briefcase not only affect its price, but its durability and overall appearance as well. Things like the briefcase’s handle, zippers, buckles, locks and metallic rings come into contact with your hands on a daily basis. As such, these parts on the briefcase are likely to wear out the quickest.Â
Check that the materials used to make these parts of the briefcase are of good quality. If you are purchasing your briefcase from a retail store, study the details on the bag carefully and ask the retail staff for more details on the materials used. If you are purchasing your briefcase online, zoom in to the product pictures and observe the quality of the parts.Â
Remember, good quality briefcases that come with strong fittings are likely to be priced higher.Â
Soft-sided or hard-sided briefcase
Whether you should purchase a soft-sided briefcase or hard-sided briefcase ultimately depends on your occupation and lifestyle.
Hard-sided briefcases typically feature a rigid frame that is made of a sturdy cardboard, plastic or aluminum. It can only rest on its side and comes with a handle but without shoulder straps. Hard-sided briefcases often have dividers and pockets inside its storage compartment to keep the items inside neat.
Soft-sided briefcases are typically any case without any framing at the top of the bag. These briefcases have a top flap, in which the briefcase can be opened from the top so that documents and items inside can be easily stored and retrieved when the briefcase is upright. Soft-sided briefcases often come with a handle and shoulder strap. In some cases, the shoulder strap is detachable to offer a more professional look.Â
Compartments in the briefcase
Briefcases often look deceptively compact and slim. However, its interiors are often what matters. The interior of most briefcases are designed to have flexible and spacious compartments to store your essential items.Â
The key consideration when purchasing your briefcase should be what you will need to carry in it. Do you work on the go and need to constantly carry your laptop around? Then perhaps you may need a laptop compartment when buying your briefcase. Or perhaps you are someone that tends to carry small items such as wallet, keys or mobile phone, you will then need a briefcase that has enough compartments to store all these items.
Colour of the briefcase
Similar to your clothes, the colour of your briefcase is also dependent on your lifestyle and occupation. The most common colours that briefcases come in are brown, black and tan. These briefcase colours tend to be more versatile – they exude professionalism and are also appropriate for everyday casual use.
Tan or lighter briefcase colours tend to be more appropriate for workplaces that have a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere. As a rule of thumb, avoid loud colours or patterns as they can come off as overly-flamboyant.
Price point
Briefcases are not cheap. If you are looking for quality briefcases that can last decades, expect to fork out a price that falls within the upper end of the hundreds or even thousands.Â
While an inexpensive briefcase is less painful on the pocket, it may end up being replaced sooner as compared to a more expensive but durable briefcase.
A good guideline when purchasing a briefcase is to buy the highest quality briefcase that you can afford. For some, a briefcase is not only an essential equipment for work but also a style statement. Hence, find the right briefcase that is stylish and professional yet durable.
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