Inspiring Workspaces
Working from home with Lucy Williams.
The briefcase traces its origins to the satchel-like bags carried by Roman soldiers, evolving over centuries into the structured silhouettes we recognise today. At Smythson, we have reimagined this classic accessory, drawing on over a century of expertise to combine timeless style, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtful functionality. Whether you’re searching for a leather briefcase or a lightweight work bag, our collection is designed to suit every professional lifestyle.
In this guide, we explore how to choose the best luxury briefcase for your workday, explore the defining features of our signature styles, and celebrate the details that make each Smythson briefcase an enduring companion for the working day.
Every Smythson briefcase begins with a careful selection of the finest materials and a dedication to craft honed over more than a century. At the heart of our luxury briefcase collection are two of our signature leathers: Panama and Ludlow. Ludlow calf leather, soft and supple like deerskin yet robust enough to endure daily use, forms the foundation of our more structured silhouettes. Each hide is embossed to create a natural grain, then tumbled by hand to soften the fibres, giving a rich, powdery look that deepens beautifully with age. Panama leather, meanwhile, takes its inspiration from the iconic diary created by Frank Smythson in 1908. Its lightweight, cross-grain texture is flexible and hard-wearing, perfectly suited to designs that move with you throughout the day.
Ludlow calf leather, soft and supple like deerskin yet robust enough to endure daily use, forms the foundation of our more structured silhouettes. Each hide is embossed to create a natural grain, then tumbled by hand to soften the fibres, giving a rich, powdery look that deepens beautifully with age. Panama leather, meanwhile, takes its inspiration from the iconic diary created by Frank Smythson in 1908. Its lightweight, cross-grain texture is flexible and hard-wearing, perfectly suited to designs that move with you throughout the day.
Each component, from the structured handles to the internal zipped pockets, is meticulously hand-assembled by skilled artisans in Italy, who ensure every stitch, edge and lining is perfectly executed. Inside, compartments are thoughtfully arranged to hold laptops, documents and daily essentials, reflecting a balance of form and function. The result is a handcrafted briefcase that balances heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design – made to last a lifetime of work and travel.
The right briefcase is more than a receptacle for documents and a laptop; it should complement your personal style and support the routine of your workday. Consider the practical requirements: whether you need to carry documents to meetings across the city, or a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials, and the frequency of business trips. Thoughtful details, from internal compartments to discreet trolley straps, are designed to fit naturally into your day, keeping everything effortlessly organised.
For the minimalist:
Ultra Slim Briefcase with Zip Front in Ludlow
Our most compact offering, the Ultra Slim Briefcase, is neatly proportioned to a slender silhouette that doesn’t compromise on utility. Crafted in grained Ludlow calf leather, it’s thoughtfully designed with internal and external zipped and slip pockets to keep order, and enough room to stow a 13” laptop. Finished with a handy leather shoulder strap, it’s an agile option for those who find themselves dashing around town.
For the everyday commuter:
Slim Briefcase with Zip Front in Ludlow
A slightly roomier iteration, the Slim Briefcase is a versatile weekday companion for those who value elegance and simplicity. Inside, its sleek profile provides ample room for documents and daily essentials, as well as a separate compartment to house a 15” laptop. Smooth handles, a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, and a luggage trolley strap are discreet details to move effortlessly with the rhythms of your day.
For the boardroom regular:
Large Briefcase with Zip Front in Ludlow
Spacious and structured, the Large Briefcase is ideal for those who carry more, whether for longer business trips or document-heavy days. Its dual zip compartments offer enough space for a 16” laptop, writing folders, files and other 9-5 necessities. Inside and outside, a plethora of zipped pockets provide easy-to-reach storage for smaller essentials, ensuring everything from pens to travel documents is kept neatly in place.
For the city dweller:
Lightweight Slim Briefcase in Panama
Sleek and discreet without scrimping on practicality, the Lightweight Slim Briefcase is the perfect option for navigating a busy urban schedule. Handcrafted in our signature Panama leather, its cross-grain texture is both sophisticated and resilient, remarkably resistant to scratches and water. Its streamlined form conceals a considered interior, roomy enough to store a 16” laptop. A detachable strap offers the freedom to go hands-free, while the trolley strap ensures effortless travel.
For the frequent flyer:
Lightweight Large Briefcase in Panama
Ideal for business trips, the Lightweight Large Briefcase combines generous storage and travel-friendly features such as the luggage strap. Remarkably light yet resilient, its cross-grain leather silhouette is crafted with two zipped compartments to hold a 16” laptop alongside other essentials, while the myriad interior pockets create further order.
For the modern professional
Slim Messenger Bag in Panama
The Slim Messenger Bag offers a contemporary take on the briefcase, crafted in resilient Panama leather. Its streamlined silhouette holds a laptop and essentials, while a detachable crossbody strap ensures effortless movement through the city, whether you’re navigating meetings or after-work drinks. Lightweight, durable, and refined, every detail is designed to blend practicality with sophistication.
For the weekend nomad:
Slim Briefcase in Norton Canvas
For those who need to switch effortlessly between work and travel, the Slim Briefcase in Norton Canvas combines lightweight durability with structured organisation. Crafted from our Norton Canvas and trimmed with grained calf leather, it offers a slightly relaxed silhouette that fits neatly under a seat or over a shoulder. With space for a 16” laptop and multiple packers, it keeps essentials secure and within reach, ready for a change of pace at a moment’s notice.
