Satchels to backpacks: The best leather bags for men to splurge on

As much as the importance of bags in a man's closet is undeniable, the value of statement-making leather pieces too can't be sidelined. Adding a luxuriously sophisticated allure to the complete look, leather bags for men are an absolute essential and a must-have fashion accessory.

From formal and dressy fits to casual outfits, there's a leather bag for all types of looks that one wants to pull off. While a leather laptop satchel or a backpack complements any workplace look tastefully, the uber cool vibe of a small messenger or sling bag, or even a backpack is enough to add to the dynamism of your streetwear looks. Similarly, a leather duffle can unquestionably elevate your airport look. Ranging across colour palettes, eccentric designs, silhouettes and patterns, the world of leather bags has a myriad of styles for men to choose from.

And if you are yearning to invest in a good-quality leather bag but are wondering about how and where to begin, our quick guide can be your saviour. While we have a quick checklist of things you should consider when splurging on a leather bag, we’ve also enlisted a few stunning designs to pick from. So, whether you prefer genuine leather bags or vegan-leather ones, this lookbook has all the options.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for leather bags.

Why or for what purpose you need a leather bag primarily outlines the kind you should opt for. If you’re looking for a rather casual piece, a messenger bag like the Boss Crossbody Bag (Buy it for Rs 23,800 on Tata CLiQ Luxury) will be a great choice. And, for the workplace, a satchel or backpack would be apt.

Another aspect to consider while buying a leather bag is the size. If you want a bag that holds more than just your laptop, a large-sized leather backpack or satchel would be ideal. If you want something for just your laptop, a sleek bag like the Da Milano Textured Bag (Buy it for Rs 8,999 on Ajio) would be perfect.

The material and its quality is of utmost importance when it comes to a leather bag. Do you prefer a genuine leather bag or one crafted in faux leather or vegan leather? From the quality and grades of the leather to its care and maintenance, everything should be adhered to before finalising a favourite.

If you’re someone who carries many things in their bags, you might want to consider a piece that has multiple compartments and pockets. However, if you don't carry too many things, a compact design with even a single compartment would be enough.

(Main Image Courtesy: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels ; Featured Image Courtesy: Jonathan Borba/Pexels)

Rs 29700

For men who’re always on the go and have an active lifestyle, the Coach Pacer Backpack comes as a perfect pick. Crafted in a lightweight, sporty design that feels comfortable all day, the bag is finished with the brand's retro patch. With a contoured shape, the interior of the bag lets you store your things in an organised manner owing to the various sections and pockets. It can also hold a 12 inch laptop.

Image: Courtesy Tata CLiQ Luxury

Rs 23800

And it's time to amp up your style with this crossbody, messenger brown bag by Boss when stepping out for errands or just a casual, leisurely hangout with friends. Fashioned in a compact make, this bag has enough space to hold your daily essentials including wallet, smartphone and earphones, and it adds a dynamic edge to your look along with.

Image: Courtesy Tata CLiQ Luxury

Rs 5369

A black leather laptop messenger bag is a forever staple that complements almost all work outfits. And hence, adding one to your closet is always going to be a fail-safe choice. In fact, such bags not only elevate office looks but can also accentuate casual looks equally. And this one by Tom Lang makes for a stunning pick.

Image: Courtesy Ajio

Rs 17425

Paying homage to the iconic blues music genre is the Ducorium Hampton backpack by Lapis Bard crafted in the finest leather. A sophisticated yet voguish design in a striking blue hue, this leather bag for men is designed by an expert craftsman, in semi-vegetable dyed leather, who hand-painted the edges to create an ombré effect. It has a structured shape that features a padded compartment for laptop, additional pockets for your essentials and an L-zippered closure.

Image: Courtesy Tata CLiQ Luxury

Rs 8999

If you’re looking for a smart and sophisticated laptop bag that's every-bit sleek and not bulky, then this gorgeousness by Da Milano should be your go to. It's almost as sleek as a sleeve and yet has the structure of a bag which makes it stand out. The bag features one padded compartment that can hold a laptop of up to 13 inches. It's crafted with genuine leather in a textured effect which lends it a formal look.

Image: Courtesy Ajio

Rs 15999

Quirk up your work style with a classic design like the Ryker Business Case by Tommy Hilfiger that also flaunts a distinctive edge owing to the embossed brand logo. This briefcase is curated in a practical design that features one divided compartment to hold your laptop and sliding pockets for other essentials. The front is equipped with an additional pocket with a flap closure.

Image: Courtesy Tata CLiQ Luxury

Rs 10000

Carry your laptop and other essentials to work in style with this black crossbody bag from Lacoste that stands out for its understated and fine looks. It's a perfect mix of space and voguish aesthetics which makes it versatile enough to be styled with both formal and casual looks. It has a double-buckle flap closure, making the design more secure.

Image: Courtesy Tata CLiQ Luxury

Rs 6286

If backpacks resonate the most with your style then this black bag by Woodland is what you should be opting for. With a spacious design, the bag has two main compartments, two front pockets and an inside pocket which allows you to carry your laptop, important papers and other workplace essentials. It also features a padded back to provide comfort.

Image: Courtesy Myntra

Answer: To clean your leather bag, start by emptying the purse and using a lint roller to remove dirt and debris from the inner fabric lining (if any). Make a mild solution of a leather soap and water and gently wipe the exterior of the bag with the solution using a clean, soft white cloth. Using another clean cloth, buff the bag dry and clean the hardware with a metal or brass polish using cotton swabs or Q-tips. Leave the bag to air dry post which you can condition your bag with a leather cream (or conditioner). Apply it with a soft and clean cloth in circular motions to keep it shining and in its best form.

Answer: Always store your leather bags in a low-light environment in dust bags. However, do not wrap the bag tightly or store in plastic bags to allow the leather to breathe. To maintain the bag's shape, you can stuff it with bubble wrap or crumpled butter paper. Avoid using newspaper if the insides of the bag are also made in leather and do not have a fabric lining.

Answer: To keep your leather bags from cracking, invest in a good quality leather conditioner as it greatly helps in maintaining them. Always store them in dark or low-light places where there's no exposure to direct heat or sunlight. Keep them clean and dry and always store in a light dust bag or scarf that lets it breathe.

With an academic background in Public Relations, Divya has a flair for writing about topics spanning genres like lifestyle, beauty, fashion, travel, FnB, tech and entertainment. She fancies everything that's a wholesome blend of contemporary finery and timelessness. Quirky earrings and tees are her weakness. When not creating content, you will find her devouring food, snuggling in with a book and a cup-a-chai, admiring skies or revisiting Hogwarts.

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