No longer are briefcases available only as a conservative black, square box. With so many styles available, the briefcase that works best for you will depend primarily on what you plan to carry. Consider whether you plan transport a few files, or if you may also add books or a laptop computer to your load. But there is much more to briefcases than utility alone.
Commonplace in many professions, the type and style of your briefcase has become a statement of image. Black, while still the standard, is not the only color choice for briefcases today. Tan is also a good choice, while red is becoming increasingly popular, especially among women.
A portfolio is designed to be carried under the arm or by hand; since they do not have handles. Folio cases are much like portfolios, except that they do have a retractable handle. Shaped like a box, an attach case is typically covered in leather, which opens into at least two different compartments. Increasingly, briefcases are designed with flexible, soft material, so that many items may be stored, while projecting a casual image.
Standard leather briefcases often contain compartments for small items, such as a cell phone, in addition to providing a keychain hook and shoulder strap, in many cases. If you plan to carry a laptop, be sure that whichever style you choose has a suitable compartment for your computer and its accessories.
Briefcase prices vary depending on the quality and style of briefcase. Cloth or vinyl briefcases will typically be less expensive than good-quality leather cases. Basic models start at approximately $20, while top-of-the-line models can retail for at least several hundred dollars.
Because there are so many styles available, the best way to go about choosing one that's right for you is to browse the stores and the links above.
