Updated 02/09/2022.
Ah, the leather satchel. The perfect accessory for the classic man.
Giving you that timeless look from the moment you unbox it, you’ll find a good crossbody bag can be a companion for a lifetime.
But what should you look for in a mans satchel bag?
How can you know you’re getting something that will stand the test of time?
And most important of all, how can you know you’re getting the leather shoulder bag that is just right for you?
In this guide, we go through everything you’ll need to know about men’s leather bags – from styles to leather grains. Then we’ll tell you our top 7 picks for 2022.
Updated 02/09/2022.
Ah, the leather satchel. The perfect accessory for the classic man.
Giving you that timeless look from the moment you unbox it, you’ll find a good leather satchel can be a companion for a lifetime.
But what should you look for in a mans satchel bag?
How can you know you’re getting something that will stand the test of time?
And most important of all, how can you know you’re getting the leather shoulder bag that is just right for you?
In this guide, we go through everything you’ll need to know about men’s leather satchel bags – from styles to leather grains. Then we’ll tell you our top 7 picks for 2022.
What is a Leather Satchel?
The leather satchel is a real leather crossbody accessory bag. It’s built to hold the gear you need every day. They can be smaller and built just for your cell phone, tablet and any papers, or they can be larger and built for your laptop and multiple books and files.
Generally, you’ll want a leather shoulder bag that is made from premium leather. You’ll see a lot of full flap leather bags, but then there are some more in a messenger bag style, and others that look more like a briefcase. Read on for what to look for in these different styles.
Full Flap Leather Satchels
These are the most common type of satchel, and give a great minimalist, sleek look. No fasteners or buckles should be on display.
Full flap leather bags are typically used by urban, city-going folk. They’re usually on the compact side, and may be crafted to fit your 13 or 15 inch laptops. As the flap of the satchel is going to be protecting all your gear, look for a premium top grain or full grain leather in a full flap leather satchel.
The choice between going for a premium or a distressed look is going to be important here. The leather will naturally distress after use, but think carefully if this is how you’d like it to start out.
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Messenger Leather Satchels
Messengers will be a little on the larger side than a full flap satchel. They may hold up to 15 inch laptops and are likely to have fasteners or buckles on display.
We find these are typically more of a throwback to classic leather craftsmanship. These bags will usually have an older look. If you told someone your messenger satchel was decades old, they likely wouldn’t bat an eyelid.
If you’re looking for something a little larger and more retro than a full flap leather shoulder bag, these are a great option.
Are messengers right for you? Check out our messenger leather satchels.
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Briefcase Leather Satchels
If you’re looking for something a bit smarter for the office, briefcases can be a great go-to item.
These will again be a little on the larger side, and you may find some can hold up to 17 inch laptops.
You’ll usually find fasteners and clasps on these bags, and sometimes even security locking mechanisms.
If you want a quality leather bag that holds all the gear you could possibly need for the day, these are always a great option. Do be sure to look at the weight of these bags though. If you’ve never had a real leather bag before, you’re likely to find it heavier than you might expect.
Looking for a seriously professional leather briefcase satchel? Check out our collection of briefcase satchels.
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Picking the Right Size
Types of Leather
There are three main types of leather you’ll want to be aware of. The type of leather you choose will not only change the price, but also the wearability and the look of your bag.
Full Grain Leather
This leather basically comes straight off the animal onto your bag. It’s the very top layer of the hide, the most in demand and as natural as it gets. No chemicals processes are permitted.
Because no chemicals are permitted, this leather is really tough to work with – that’s why it’s the most expensive.
You’ll find full grain leather is super thick and maybe a little heavier than you’re expecting. This leather is 100% the natural skin, so you’re likely to find imperfections and blemishes – just like our own skin.
As no chemical processes are applied, full grain leather will usually be the longest lasting leather type.
Take a look here at our full grain leather laptop bags.
Top Grain Leather
This type of leather is still the top layer of the hide and super premium quality. However, this time chemicals and finishes are permitted.
This makes it easier to work with and means any blemishes and imperfections can be cleared away. You’ll find top grain leather bags have a perfect finish. If you’re looking for something smoother and blemish free, top grain leather is the way to go.
Most leather shoulder bags we see are top grain leather – it’s often the go-to fashion choice.
Top grain right for you? Look here at our top grain leather laptop bags.
Genuine Leather
This leather is made from the remaining hide once the top layer of the hide has been used for full and top grain leathers.
It’s still real leather and will appear so, however it’s unlikely to last as long as full or top grain.
Chemical processes are usually applied to give a look similar to top grain leather and as it’s the least in demand, it is usually the most affordable variant.
Check out our genuine leather laptop bags.
Want to know more about the different types of leather? Check out our full guide here: Different Types of Leather: A Buyer’s Guide.
Top 7 Men’s Leather Satchels in 2022
Feel like you know a bit more about the humble leather satchel now? We certainly hope so! With that said, here are our top 7 for men this year.
1. The Prime
The quintessential leather satchel purse, The Prime is likely to be everything you’re looking for in a man’s satchel. It’s made from full grain leather, premium hardware and has room for a laptop up to 16 inches.
Made from the finest quality leather available, this full grain leather messenger bag is passionately handcrafted by skilled artisans. Put together with quality brass buckles, heavy duty lining, a quality shoulder strap, durable stitching and YKK zippers, you’ll know this shoulder bag is a major upgrade on your everyday carry.
We’ve found The Prime has been one of our customer favorites since its launch in 2019.
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“The Prime is a beautiful, elegant bag in a really rich brown leather.” – Anonymous, The Prime customer
2. The Messenger
If you’re looking for a bit of a lighter colored leather, The Messenger can be a great companion. It’s finished perfectly in a top grain vegetable tanned leather and has a beautiful full flap finish. The padded laptop compartment will hold up to 15 inch screen display laptops.
Designed to fit up to a 15 inch laptop, The Messenger has three internal compartments, with a cushioned middle to protect your laptop. Two zippered pockets on the interior walls of the bag give that extra room you’re always looking for.
Premium brass hardware and magnetic closures give a feel of real fine craftsmanship; you can tell some real love went into this bag. Created with the finest vegetable tanned leather, this bag will be with you for years to come.
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“The bag replaced my old messenger bag that gave out after ten years. This one is absolutely stunning. The leather is so soft, the color is rich. I’m thrilled.
EDIT: I’ve now this bag for several weeks and wanted to come back and confirm that I still love it. My favorite part has to be the striking color.” – Joe, The Messenger customer
3. The West End
Named after the area where it all happens in old London town, The West End is about putting your best foot forward whether you’re on a night in the town, or a day in the office.
Made from the finest full grain cowhide leather, this vintage laptop satchel is ideal for business, pleasure and anything in between.
Featuring somewhat of a unique look, you’re sure to stand out with The West End in a tan color. It’s made from full grain cowhide leather and it’s built with multiple inner compartments.
This bag is built to be ultra-lightweight and easy to carry, fitting laptops up to 15 inches.
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“Great quality leather, really loving it so far. Thanks”. – Anonymous, The West End customer
4. The Buffalo
Compact, sharp and striking, The Buffalo is the perfect blend leather satchel bag.
Falling somewhere between the full flap and messenger satchel, The Buffalo is a truly unique piece. The top grain water buffalo leather gives a striking look, and the outer pockets are super convenient to get to.
Premium brass hardware and magnetic closures give a feel of real craftsmanship; you can tell some real love went into this bag. Created with the finest top-grain water buffalo leather, you’ll know it’s built to last.
Designed to fit a 15 inch laptop in the multiple inner compartments, The Buffalo is a wonderful everyday companion.
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“Purchased The Buffalo as a gift for my husband. He absolutely loves it! Beautifully and well made, and large enough to fit all his electronics. This is a bag that will only get better with time.” – Maretta, The Buffalo customer
5. The Kasilof
A full flap satchel designed to fit all your gear, The Kasilof is great for those days you need to carry a lot of stuff. Made from premium top grain water buffalo leather, this is one leather shoulder bag that won’t give out.
A small town of only 550 people; Kasilof, Alaska is rugged, majestic and full of life. There’s no better way to describe this leather messenger bag.
The Kasilof is clean, rugged and built to last. An invisible magnetic closure secures and protects your items and an extra-large interior gives ample room to store all your gear. Made from luxurious top-grain leather, this leather messenger bag screams wild and free, yet maintains that business professional look that stands out in the crowd. This makes it the perfect companion for adventures in the wild or the daily grind.
This extra-large shoulder bag will fit laptops up to 17 inches with no problem.
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Excellent bag, rich soft leather, lots of pockets, and the fold over flap is really cool messenger look and feel. this bag has many uses – i am looking forward to my next trip overseas having this luxurious bag over shoulder. there was a supply line delay for this particular leather; the company offered me a lighter color one faster, but i am very glad i waited – the company is quick to respond to customer questions, very helpful. thanks to all.” – Robert, The Kasilof customer
6. The Daily
An instant classic since launch, The Daily is more a messenger satchel. With outer buckles, zippers and a convenient top handle, this satchel is a real vintage throwback.
Let’s face it – every grown-up needs a good bag. We know the transition into adulthood is a shock to the system, and our inner-child often doesn’t know how to cut through the chaos and find the accessories we need to “adult” with confidence. Lucky for you, we’ve removed the guesswork and created the only work-and-life bag you’ll ever need ever again.
Store not only the standard paraphernalia like your 15” – 17” laptop, iPad, pens, journal, and wallet, but your lunch and spare clothes too. Thoughtful and neat compartments keep life’s essentials in reach. No more digging around. No more frustration.
You also have the option to wear this bag as a leather shoulder bag with the shoulder strap, but you can also use it as a briefcase due to the convenient top handle.
Made from top grain cowhide leather and built to fit laptops up to 15 inches, this leather messenger is perfect for those looking for an alternative to the traditional full flap satchel.
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“This is exactly what I wanted. Gorgeous, rugged and well built. Classic and sophisticated at the same time.” – Jonathan D., The Daily customer
7. The Jones
More along the lines of a briefcase satchel, The Jones is perfect for all occasions. It’s great for the office or a casual day out, but it’s also built big enough to hold all your gear for a weekend trip away.
Like the prominent explorer of the same name, this leather messenger bag is always up for an adventure. But you don’t need to be a college archaeology professor to rock this bag…whether you’re a lawyer, accountant, or just a regular human trying to adult, this bag proves not all heroes wear capes. Some simply sport premium leather while they explore the world from dawn ‘till dusk, with all their paraphernalia neatly and safely tucked away at arm’s reach.
With multiple interior pockets, this full grain leather satchel fits laptops up to 17 inches and is built for those who are at it from dawn til dusk.
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“Thank you Real Leather Company for making ordering on line so easy. I ordered the 18″ Jones bag but found out that it was too large when I received it. Your customer service was very easy to deal with and sent me a 16″ replacement that works perfectly for my needs. I appreciate not only your quality customer service but also the quality of the bag. Thank you!” – Charles, The Jones customer
So there’s our rundown of our favorite leather satchels this year. Be sure to find your style and go for either a full flap, messenger or briefcase satchel. Check the sizes and weights carefully, and be sure the bag you’re getting is made from a real premium leather.
If you do all those things, we’re sure you’ll get a leather bag that is not just perfect for you, but will also be with you for life.
Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
Ten articles before and after
7 Best Leather Laptop Bags for Men in 2022 – Junyuan Bags
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7 Best Men's Leather Duffle Bags for Travel in 2022 – Junyuan Bags
5 Classic Leather Messenger Bags for Professional Men in 2022 – Junyuan Bags
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5 Best Leather Bags for Men in 2022 – A Complete Buyers Guide – Junyuan Bags
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