We Found the Very Best Bag for Men

After scoring a gig as an editor at a digital fashion magazine in 2012, I decided to splurge, really splurge, on a designer bag to celebrate a bright new start to my career. I eyed a Fendi leather messenger bag and Gucci leather backpack, but I landed on a Prada briefcase, the standard accessory to hold the essentials neatly: a laptop, documents, and, at the time, a whole lot of USB drives. I was instantly taken by the bag’s clean, minimalist look and the cross-hatched surface, which has proven very durable. The scratches it has accrued are hardly visible. There was even one instance when I found dry paint stains on one panel, which I easily wiped off with dish soap and a sponge. And the leather bag is also deceptively roomy. It can hold my necessities, particularly my 13-inch laptop, along with a sweater or even a pair of sneakers. Over the years, my Saffiano briefcase has accompanied me from one job to the next, retaining its shape and eye-catching exterior. I’m surprised that I’ve never felt the need to take it to a cobbler for repairs. The bag has really recouped its cost per wear, looking as good today as it did over a decade ago. It’s a testament to why Prada still offers the style. It has staying power.

• Style: Briefcase
• Material: Leather
• Dimensions: 16.5″ x 11.8″ x 4.7″