Updated 02/10/22.
Here at The Real Leather Company, we love full grain leather messenger bags. But what does that really mean? And what should you be looking for?
If you’re thinking about buying a leather messenger bag, you already know there’s a lot to think about.
If you’re looking for something that lasts, you’ll be making a significant investment, and you want to make sure you’re making the right decision.
But there are so many decisions to make!
- Do you want top grain leather or full-grain leather?
- Do you need a luggage strap?
- Do you need a 16-inch bag or an 18-inch bag to fit your laptop?
- And what on earth is genuine leather?
We know you have so many questions before buying a leather satchel and at The Real Leather Company, we want to make sure you buy a bag that meets all of your needs.
Read on for the ultimate buyer’s guide to full grain leather messenger bags.
Updated 02/10/22.
Here at The Real Leather Company, we love full grain leather messenger bags. But what does that really mean? And what should you be looking for?
If you’re thinking about buying a leather messenger bag, you already know there’s a lot to think about.
If you’re looking for something that lasts, you’ll be making a significant investment, and you want to make sure you’re making the right decision.
But there are so many decisions to make!
- Do you want top grain leather or full-grain leather?
- Do you need a luggage strap?
- Do you need a 16-inch bag or an 18-inch bag to fit your laptop?
- And what on earth is genuine leather?
We know you have so many questions before buying a leather satchel and at The Real Leather Company, we want to make sure you buy a bag that meets all of your needs.
Read on for the ultimate buyer’s guide to full grain leather messenger bags.
Which leather should you choose?
Now, this is one we get all the time.
Different leathers will alter the look, feel, price and ultimately, the durability of your messenger bag. It’s important you get this one right.
Here are the main types of leather you’ll see when browsing leather messenger bags:
Full-grain leather
This is the highest grade available. It’s the top layer of the hide and is not sanded or buffed.
We think to think of full grain leather as the purest form available, because absolutely no chemical processes are permitted. Essentially, it’s straight from the animal, into the bag.
As a result, you’ll notice imperfections on the skin – that’s how you know its full-grain leather. As all the grain remains in this leather, full-grain leather has maximum strength and durability.
Full grain leather bags are some of our favorites, because they really are designed to be with you for life.
As this leather is the most difficult to work with, you may find full grain leather bags more expensive.
Click this link to see our full collection of full grain leather messenger bags.
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Top grain leather
This is the second-highest quality leather available and the one we see most commonly in leather messenger bags.
This leather is very high-quality top skin but has imperfections removed. The surface is sanded and given a finish coat, which reduces durability slightly, but protects from stains. This leather is more workable for the manufacturer and generally a little more affordable than full-grain leather.
Top grain right for you? Look here at our top grain leather laptop bags.
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Genuine leather
This is one to watch out for. Whilst it sounds high quality, genuine leather is actually the third class of leather. It’s produced from everything that remains after the top layers of skin are used for higher quality leather goods. Usually, artificial grain and dye is applied to make it look more natural.
Still reasonably durable and hardwearing, but not to the level or full or top grain, these leather bags are usually the most affordable.
Generally, we recommend you choose the best quality of leather that your current budget allows. The higher you go in quality, the longer your bag will last. If you’re looking for something that is going to last years, not months; go for something with full grain leather or top grain leather.
Does it fit your laptop?
This is one you need to be so careful with.
The key thing to remember here is that just because the bag is 15 inches wide, that does not necessarily mean it will fit your 15-inch laptop. What you’re looking for is the dimensions of the laptop sleeve.
Be sure to measure the diagonal screen size of your laptop (or go to your laptop manufacturers website), then look at the leather bag page for the size of laptop that is compatible.
We also recommend getting a bag that has a padded laptop compartment, just for extra peace of mind.
All of our leather bags have laptop size compatibility on the products page. If you’re looking at a bag somewhere else, be sure you know what size of laptop the bag fits before buying.
Check out our leather bags for:
- 13 inch laptops
- 15 inch laptops
- 17 inch laptops
Can it fit all your gear?
We encourage you to think about all the gear you’ll be putting in your full grain leather messenger bag before going ahead and buying.
Are we talking just a laptop and a few chargers? Or is it all your papers, files, books, gym gear, laptop and lunch?
If you’re looking for something that stores a bit extra, it’s a good idea to look for something that has a good internal organization system, extra width and more pockets on the outside too. In this case, we would recommend something like The Executive, which is a whopping 9 inches wide.
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What look do you want?
A leather messenger bag makes a statement. It tells the world you’re a little more grown-up, maybe even a little more refined. But after that, what look are you going for?
Want something smart that tells people you’ve arrived professionally? Something like The Morgan can be great for this.
Are you looking for something business casual? We find something very simple in design, perhaps in the style of The Prime is great for this.
What about something that tells people you’re rough, rugged and ready for anything? Something a bit more along the lines of The Distressed might be the way to go.
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What colors should you consider?
If you’re looking at high quality full or top grain leather bags, generally your choices will be between different shades of brown or black.
We find that black bags will go with everything, but if you really want to show off your style and make a statement, a lighter brown can really make an impact.
Although we do see many of our customers prefer lighter colors, be sure you pick a shade you are comfortable with and one that matches your outfits.
If you really want to stand out, something in a tan color like The West End can really catch the eye.
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Lightweight vs heavyweight
If you’ve never had a real leather bag before, you may find that it’s a little heavier than what you’re used to. Be sure to check the weight of a bag before buying.
We recommend weighing the standard everyday carry that you use now, perhaps your backpack or handbag; then compare that to the leather bag you’re looking at.
Whilst some bags like The West End can be only 1lb, some bags like The Jumbo can be up to 7lbs.
If you’re going to be carrying your bag around all day, perhaps look for something a little more compact.
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Do you need a shoulder strap or luggage strap?
Designed to make your bag easier to carry, shoulder straps are beneficial for most people.
Be sure to flick through photos from any leather bags to make sure an adjustable shoulder strap is included. Bonus points if it’s removable! Your leather bag can then double as a briefcase.
Luggage straps are another innovation that are a godsend if you’re travelling. Bags like The Belvedere are designed with back zippers so that your bag can slide onto a rolling suitcase handle. You then only need to pull along your suitcase, and not worry about your messenger bag.
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Has it got quality hardware?
If you’re looking for something that is going to stand the test of time, be sure to consider the hardware quality along with the leather quality.
Brass hardware is generally considered a good option for buckles and closures. YKK zippers are considered some of the best available.
If you go for something like full or top grain leather, often the hardware will wear out before the leather, so be sure to go for something that is going to last.
See The Prime for an example of a messenger bag with quality hardware.
Peace of mind guarantee
Whether or not you love your full grain leather messenger bag often comes down to individual taste. We encourage readers to choose a vendor that offers some kind of peace of mind guarantee. Therefore, if you order the wrong size or color, or even just change your mind, you’re looking at an easy return or exchange process – ideal for more expensive purchases like this.
At The Real Leather Company, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally happy in the first 30 days, let us know and we’ll provide a hassle-free return and give you a refund.
Price
With real leather messenger bags, you really are going to get what you pay for. A cheaper genuine leather bag for around $50 will do a job for a while but will wear out and you’ll find yourself replacing it before long.
We encourage you to think of your leather messenger bag as an investment in the last bag you’ll ever need.
Since full and top grain leather gets better with age, you’ll likely find you prefer the look of your bag as the years pass.
Top 5 Full Grain Leather Messenger Bags for 2022
Here at The Real Leather Company, we know full grain leather bags better than most. Below is our selection of our top 5 for 2022.
1. The Distressed
Purpose built to complement a rough and ready look, The Distressed is the ultimate in timeless fashion. Handcrafted from premium buffalo leather, and available in two sizes, this is one full grain leather messenger bag that won’t give out.
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“When I first saw this satchel advertised on the Real Leather Company site, I knew I had to have it. It’s even more exquisite in person. The leather is thick and substantial, with a distressed finish that makes it stand out among other business accessories. It’s a professional bag with an accent all its own.” – Roxanne, The Distressed customer
2. The Jones
New this year, The Jones is a classic tribute to everyone’s favorite archaeologist. If you’re at it from dawn to dusk, just like Indy, you’ll find this full grain leather laptop bag will keep up with you and more! With plenty of room for a laptop up to 17 inches, this is a real premium item.
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“This top quality briefcase is handsome in a subtle, elegant way. It’s perfect in its design, with compartments for every need from cell phone to laptop.” – C. Anderson, The Jones customer
3. The Retro
Designed to be a throwback to a time of expert quality and superior craftsmanship, The Retro is the quintessential leather messenger bag. Made from the finest quality leather available, this full grain leather briefcase is passionately handcrafted by skilled artisans.
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“A great bag, with many pockets, including a protected pocket for a laptop or iPad. Beautiful craftsmanship too.” – Linda, The Retro customer
4. The Noir
Dark, professional and with an air of mystery, The Noir is the ideal black leather briefcase for the classic professional. Made from premium full grain leather, this leather bag is passionately handcrafted to upgrade your daily work look.
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“Very nice bag. Just as pictured and described… very soft and subtle, but sturdy and plenty of capacity.” – Mark, The Noir customer
5. The Attorney
Initially created to be a best-in-class lawyer’s leather messenger bag, The Attorney has found itself a spectacular place amongst our leather laptop bag best sellers. Crafted to fit legal size files and either a 15 inch or 17 inch laptop, this is one leather messenger bag that really stands out.
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“This was an anniversary gift for my husband and he loves it. There is more than enough room for him to carry his laptop and other files” – Samantha, The Attorney customer.
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If it’s at all possible, at The Real Leather Company we recommend you invest a little more in something special that’s going to be with you for the long haul.
Check out our full collection of full grain leather and top grian leather messenger bags here.
Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
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Top 5 Leather Briefcases for Promotion-Ready Men in 2022 – Junyuan Bags
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