Head To Head Messenger Bag vs Briefcase | Which One Is Best For You

[@phillipmoodie9071]

John, I still use a handmade hardcase Condotti black leather briefcase that my late wife gave me in 1985 when she headed up two national chains of jewellers. It was the best and most expensive briefcase that you could buy in Australia in 1985 and it cost $US1,000 and it was worth every cent. I was dealing at Board level with the Top 20 ASX Companies, the Top 10 Government Departments and the Top 4 Banks and whenever I laid that very plain case on an Executives desk none of them ever commented on it. But whenever I opened it I always walked away with the multi-million dollar contract. Everyone had bespoke suits, silk ties and expensive watches, but none of them owned a plain black leather briefcase that simple said ------ I am in charge of this situation, but you have to be able to have the contract ready to sign, on the spot because it's really "All smoke and mirrors" and pure theatre. Phil.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Phil! That's awesome!

[@robertofont1878]

Personally I lean towards the messenger bag which I use for travel. I will take a look at Mahi based on your recommendation. If John recommends it, it has to be good. Thank you, John! OK...I just ordered a handsome messenger bag and I look forward to finally being able to use it once this pandemic is over. I think your sense of style is superior. You have such a sharp, discriminating eye.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks Roberto! I have several bags from them and they're great, especially for the price.

[@robertofont1878]

@@40OverFashion Just edited my comment. I did, in fact, order a tan messenger bag. Your sense of style is sharp and discriminating “in my opinion.”

[@Christopher-today]

I think the briefcase is ideal for any business function, messenger bags are just a bit too much of a preppy, university student look when used in the context of business. I also love messenger bags, actually I’m kind of a bag nerd, I won’t tell you how many I’ve bought looking for “the 1”. However I digressed, the messenger bag is great for everyday use. My rule of thumb is no bulky external pockets but at least one quick access and 1 on the back so securing certain items externally is easier. In both cases I prefer the slimmest bag that fits your needs but especially in the case of the messenger bag don’t get one too small or it looks like a man purse. So as slim as possible in front to back depth but at least wide enough to carry an iPad or what ever item is you biggest. I haven’t seen a hard case briefcase in use by anyone but lawyers and generally only the huge rolling document type that is actually hard to call a briefcases but I think technically is. If leather is not your thing check out BillyKirk. They’re a US manufacture and have a line that is inexpensive, built using a very high quality wax canvas and are made in NJ (I think). The quality is excellent. They have 2 main models, one super slim (my choice) and one a bit wider plus they have a good pretty colour selection. Your sponsors bags are very aggressively priced for all leather bags, it’s nice to see. Personally I’m a NO monogram on the bag kind of guy - I think it distracts from the clean lines you get in a briefcase, I just find it draws the eye a bit too much like logos on shirts. Final thought, rather than a ton of internal storage I prefer a few pockets for stuff I access all the time and a padded and elevated laptop pocket, that’s it. For everything else I use a pouch with all kinds of segmentation in it. This way just by moving just the pouch and a few other items I can quickly change bags when I need too. You also won’t need to remember which pockets has or is for what. Cheers, Christopher

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you Christopher! Well said!

[@bngr_bngr]

I take the train to work, so a messenger bag is ideal. I’ll take a back pack when it rains. If I drive into the office I’ll carry a briefcase. Most of my leather bags are from Infinity Firenze in Florence Italy. Or I use Billingham camera bags as messenger bags.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewbrown6163]

I switched from an attache case when I was at university after work. I switched to a brief case over time. I use the shoulder strap as it means I have both hands free & for handshakes - Pre Covid 19 of course. I have used this bag as an overnight work bag - slip in a spare shirt, socks, underwear & toiletries I am ready to go.

[@40OverFashion]

Yes! Absolutely universal usage!

[@BobsCreativeDays]

Love my Mahi messenger bag. I debated getting a briefcase but eventually decided for the messenger bag to start with. Now that I have been using my bag for some time I am looking into the briefcase as an additional bag. My Mahi messenger has been used and abused and still looks great. The leather requires minimal upkeep to keep looking great. I think I’ll be using that code of yours shortly. Have a great day John!

[@40OverFashion]

Sounds good Bob! I love mine as well.

[@payneok]

I have a leather briefcase from Saddleback Leather that I use for short trips and daily carry but when flying I have a leather Back Pack that is much easier to throw over a shoulder and can hold everything I need for a mobile office.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks for watching and commenting Tom!

[@karlsenula9495]

I have both a soft sided black leather briefcase and a canvas messenger bag that I bought a couple of years ago and which doubles as a carry on when going on vacation (vintage safari look). I also have an inexpensive backpack to use when hiking (don't care if it gets wet or dirty) - but definitely not for work. In addition many companies like their employees to use branded products so I have a material (doesn't feel like canvass) black padded computer/briefcase from work.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks for commenting Karl!

[@mikemikecohen]

John, what distinguishes a messenger bag from a briefcase? Wish you had delineated that at the beginning of your video. I assume it's more than whether there is a flap overlay closure.

[@40OverFashion]

Yeah, that’s pretty much it. The top flap closure versus the zipper.

[@Jebro439]

Both options are great. Thanks for the video

[@40OverFashion]

Glad you like them Johnra! Thanks for commenting!

[@pdeepak2002]

Can u do anything of how to manage under eyebags n dark circle

[@bwinms1]

More sleep, less pot 🤣

[@bernardtan1]

That black messenger bag looks fabulous! 👍💸💸💸

[@regsantotomas]

While stylistically, I would prefer to carry a briefcase by the handle, a hand injury prevents me from carrying anything too heavy which makes a messenger more practical. Also, I use a canvas to reduce the weight especially when I travel for work and walking long distances is sometimes necessary.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks! Appreciate your comment!

[@brianmarshall3931]

Please keep in mind that quite a few of us have been zeroed out this year - and no longer have the funds to be considering $500 to $1,000 "fashion" items. Nowadays we tend towards more economical and practical items...

[@40OverFashion]

Understood Brian.

[@canadafree2087]

$500-$1000? You can get Mahi bags just under $200 with discount codes.

[@dougbj40]

What orange watch is that? Me likes. Looks good with that band.

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! It's a Timex California - amzn.to/3kTNvUl

[@yankeedoodle6293]

@@40OverFashion cool watch 👍

[@dougbj40]

Thanks for the link. That’s a reasonable deal. I’m going to get one. 👍👍 cheers.

[@nukie404]

Excellent video John! I prefer leather totes as an everyday carry, would be interesting to hear your take on them! -Han

[@40OverFashion]

Great suggestion!

[@karlsenula9495]

Love the look of totes but The only issue with totes is the capacity - briefcases and messenger bags are meant to be functional and often mine are full of materials.

[@nukie404]

@@karlsenula9495 Understandable, it does get cluttered sometimes!

[@douglasvavra7423]

How small can a sling bag before it is a purse?

[@KRW628]

I've never liked carrying things in my pockets. For most of my adult life, I've carried a small bag to hold wallets, keys, phones (when they became small enough to carry with you); anything I thought I could use. Briefcases/early computer bags were too big, Camera bags didn't look right. Laptop bags were thin, but still too much bag.Then came the "man bag" (possible topic?). Right-sized for individual needs, stylish; just enough. I carry a NutSac satchel (yeah, I bought it for the name).

[@40OverFashion]

Haha! Love the name! Thanks Michael!

[@ronm6585]

Thank you. 😊

[@40OverFashion]

You’re welcome Ron!

[@benjaminbrown5245]

Well, I carry everything. I have backpacks messenger bags, briefcases, hybrid, briefcases the boxy Atasha case but as far as the briefcase and the messenger bag, lotta people get this confused let’s not get it confused a lot of people think that a messenger bag is the same as a briefcase which it is not The briefcase. You can carry it like a messenger bag that’s why people get it confused and call it a bag, but it’s not a bag if you want to see a bag a bag or a messenger bag has a flat and it has many different compartments in it and it is long, but there are also bags that sit tall, but the messenger bag is way different than even a hybrid briefcase. I actually am so glad I have all these briefcases and bags because I can tell things that I can’t see. I’m totally blind, but if you touch the bag and the briefcase, they’re two different things. Yes, you can carry a briefcase even a hybrid briefcase let’s say the hybrid briefcase you can carry it messenger bag, style, or backpack or briefcase like it’s meant to be. It’s not a messenger bag why because the briefcase is an actual case if it feels like a bag, but it’s not it actually is a case. How do you know you’re carrying a bag is that if you look at the bag it has a flap and it has buckles and zippers. Where is a briefcase a soft sided briefcase Looks like a bag but it’s not. It’s a case that just happens to be soft sided and I’m not saying that you got this wrong you got this right but I’m saying that a lot of guys think a briefcase is a bag so or even a lot of people do but that is so far from the truth because a briefcase in a bag are two different things they’re totally separate things a messenger bag, especially in a briefcase. The similarity they have is the way you can carry it because yes, the modern day briefcase does have a strap, however, it is not a messenger bag. A messenger bag has a different shape to it and it is designed way different And has a big flap. Where is a briefcase does not have that it’s a case style. It’s a soft sided case now a hybrid brief case is what it says a soft sided briefcase, which allows you to carry it like a messenger bag, and it also has the ability to be carried like a backpack, but still the hybrid briefcase is not a backpack nor is it a messenger bag a hybrid briefcase is a case that is soft that gives you the flexibility to carry it like a backpack. It looks like a backpack when it’s on your back, but that’s not really the way to originally carry it Even a hybrid briefcase. The original way to carry. It is like a traditional briefcase in your hand with the handle a messenger bag may have a handle has a strap that you can wear Crossbody, but it has a much different shape and it has laughs on the top of it to secure everything along with zippers Where as a hybrid briefcase is elongated like a briefcase and of course you have the tote bag, which is obviously different shape it’s open and it may have zippers, but there’s really no compartments in it. It’s just one big bag, but I think a lot of people get it wrong because they when they see a briefcase They assume that it is a bag and they call it a bag which is not through a bag and a briefcase are two different things. Yes they both transport things but the briefcase is a case. A messenger bag is mistakenly called a briefcase because you carry it like a modern day briefcase or you can, but it is not to be confused with a briefcase. A messenger bag is a bag not a briefcase.

[@ttop64]

Hi John. I don't have a need for either of these bags as I don't carry any of these items but I will say both bags are nice. BTW any chance for a critique video of holiday wear this year? Something like from refined to ridiculous. Peace. :)

[@40OverFashion]

Great idea, but my content calendar is pretty full all the way through the end of December.

[@alfacentauri3686]

Adapt the style and formality of your bag to your outfit - or rather to your shoes.

[@vikphoto5846]

Save time, 5:10 the rest is just an ad.

[@David-wo9un]

Stylistically, they look different but functionally the two bags appear to have little distinction.Both bags look great; I would have a hard time choosing between them.

[@40OverFashion]

Thanks David! They have slight differences, but yes, pretty similar in capacity.

[@yankeedoodle6293]

My daily bag is a “Jack Georges brown leather shoulder bag. Paid under $100 looks great 👍

[@yesmaam4273]

Just bought a high quality soft leather briefcase, switching from a messenger bag. Should have done it years ago, much more professional (in my opinion).

[@PeterPanMan]

John, I REALLY enjoy your channel but I have to express some strong disagreement here. To me, nothing says "low-status flunky" like a messenger bag. Can I just point out that they call it a MESSANGER bag for a reason? A man who carries a briefcase these days is sending a subtle message saying "Other people carry things for me.". In fact, I still carry the leather, soft-sided Coach briefcase my wife gave me at the start of my career over 30 years ago. It looks like it's aged well because I keep it well-oiled and clean and have had it re-sewn. Result: it provides a terrific contrast to my clothes which are always fashionable, age-appropriate, and up-to-date, thanks to your excellent advice.

[@dittybop4719]

I like the watch

[@40OverFashion]

Thank you! It's a Timex California amzn.to/3kTNvUl

[@1_Bad_Z]

The old box briefcases are outdated. Atleast from a stylist point of view. New modern hard briefcase with round corners are modern. There are some box briefcases like the discontinued Jack spade, but that's a modern briefcase that not only has style, but function.

[@SansAziza]

The reason why I use a messenger bag is because I used to be a messenger. I'm too accustomed to it now. No going back.

[@Narweeboy]

Sorry mate. A grown man over the age of 40 should not carry a messenger bag. Messenger bags are fine for folks under the age of 30.

[@sdn4134]

I just turned 40 today so here we are 😂

[@40OverFashion]

Happy birthday!

[@MrDucatiV4]

Bummer. Wish the video is longer

[@bwinms1]

Indian leather? From cowhide? No way

[@juantwo322]

I really don’t see a major difference in ☝️ to another.. 🤔 I’m just kinda confused 🤷🏼‍♂️ now, is the interior compartments the difference? 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@40OverFashion]

Organization is a little different and the outer pocket on the messenger bag is different. Zipper closure vs. flap and buckle also. Some differences, but pretty close.

[@juantwo322]

@@40OverFashion What quality luggage brand or leather goods do U recommend for travel & /or everyday use ? I have some Coach items but I’m thinking something more different without having to pay for the marketing that goes into some of those brands.. 👋🏻

[@canadafree2087]

A lot has to do with openings and carry options. Both have a shoulder strap (unusual on a regular briefcase), but the Mahi briefcase has long purse like handles that you don't need is using the shoulder strap. The briefcase zippers down the middle while the other has a flat on one side.

[@bobsimmons1470]

You're concerned about a bag being too high up that it might look like a purse? Who hurt you?

[@MelHegrat]

👍