The best classic leather work bags for men

The perfect work bag depends on the individual at hand. Is your office more co-working than corporate? Do you cycle or catch a cab? From the classic briefcase to a contemporary backpack, there’s plenty of options to suit your needs.

We’ve narrowed it down to three timeless styles, each equally practical yet guaranteed to make the best impression.

Pick from our range of men’s leather work bags 

Whether you’re jetting off on a business trip or heading to the office, here are three classic work bags for men.

For the commuter: the leather Backpack

Whether you bike to the office or prefer to go hands-free, the backpack is a solid favourite for commuters. Dual shoulder straps make it comfy to carry with plenty of room to store your laptop and belongings.

Despite gaining a reputation for a casual schoolboy style, the backpack has made a proud comeback and is now one of the most stylish work bags for the modern man. Particularly those crafted from premium leather. The water-resistant material keeps your valuables safe onroute to work and is a smarter, more durable alternative to canvas or cotton.

At Billy Tannery, we’ve designed two leather backpacks for men, both made with our sustainable full grain goat leather. The Rolltop is our largest rucksack, providing an extra six litres of space when you need it, as well as a padded laptop compartment and two interior pockets. Whilst other large leather bags would deem too heavy to carry, our goat leather is naturally lightweight and therefore a comfortable option for carrying day to night.



For those seeking a smaller option, the Ziptop is an even lighter leather backpack. Closed with a Swiss-made copper zip, it’s the perfect men’s work bag that is both practical and sophisticated. Both designs have wide straps as well as dual handles for carrying in hand.

Discover more about our leather rolltop backpack and Ziptop real leather backpack.

For the socialiser: the leather Tote bag

If you often have post-work plans then the classic tote is a top choice. Its roomy interiors are large enough to store everything from your gym gear to overnight belongings, without compromising on style.



Meet the ‘Gote’, our large leather tote bag for work - and play. Combining timeless design with internal functionality, it’s the most versatile bag you can own.

Store your laptop in one of three slip pockets, each fully lined with UK-finished cotton. Solid brass fittings compliment our soft vegetable-tanned goat leather whilst a detachable shoulder strap offers the best of both worlds. For the corporate office, choose a classic black or chestnut brown. Or pick our shade of forest green for stand out style.

Disocver more about the Gote, our vegetable tanned leather tote bag.

For the businessman: the leather Briefcase

Nothing says ‘I mean business’ like a stylish leather briefcase. Whilst some think the boxy shape is a little old-fashioned, more contemporary styles are keeping this classic design alive.

We couldn’t originally find a quality leather briefcase that was both elegant and up to date - so we made one! Meet the Billy Tannery Briefcase, a leather work bag for the modern businessman. Whether you’re meeting a top client or impressing an interviewer, stand out with class at your 9 to 5.



Our slim fit design is created with laptops in mind. Store yours in a padded compartment whilst keeping your day to day valuables safe in a handful of internal slips and secure zipped pocket. An outer slip completes the bag’s ample storage, perfect for quickly accessing tickets and passes.

Like all our leather work bags, the briefcase is handmade in small batches of ten in our Somerset workshop. The soft material creates a less bulkier look whilst guaranteeing lifetime durability and a lighter bag to lug around - an important consideration whilst carrying heavy electronics.

Discover more about our soft leather Briefcase.

Looking to update your wallet or out of work wardrobe? As well as leather work bags, we design a range of modern men’s accessories from from credit card holders for men to laptop pouches - as well as collaborations with some of Britain’s luxury brands.

Each is handcrafted in our specialist microtannery where leftover goat hides are saved from landfill and turned into luxury leather goods.

Find out more about Billy Tannery and our full range of leather accessories.