Choosing a laptop briefcase starts with one question: what size is your laptop? Get that right and everything else – how many compartments, how slim, how it travels – falls into place. Here is how our leather laptop briefcases compare, and which one suits the way you work.
First, measure your laptop (not just the screen)
Laptop sizes are quoted by the diagonal of the screen, but what matters for a bag is the width and depth of the machine itself. Two "15-inch" laptops can differ by a centimetre or more. Measure the closed laptop's width and depth, then compare it with the padded laptop compartment sizes below. As a rule of thumb:
- 13" and 14" laptops sit comfortably in any of our 15" briefcases.
- 15" and 16" laptops suit a 15" briefcase – check the width of 16" models against the bag.
- 17" laptops and mobile workstations need a dedicated 17" briefcase.
Our 15-inch leather briefcases
Slim Zip-Top Briefcase – for the minimalist commuter
The slim zip-top briefcase is our slimmest leather option at just 7cm deep and 1.2kg. A padded compartment holds laptops up to 15", with room for a tablet and A4 documents, plus organised pockets for your phone, cards and pens. It has an exterior quick-access pocket, a back strap that slides over a suitcase handle, and a detachable strap for shoulder or crossbody carry.
Measurements: 39.5cm W × 29cm H × 7cm D, 1.2kg.
Laptop Briefcase (dual compartment) – for carrying more without the bulk
If you carry a laptop plus files, chargers and accessories, the dual-compartment laptop briefcase gives you more capacity in the same footprint. The padded pocket fits laptops up to 15", there is space for A4 folders, and multiple external pockets keep cables and quick-grab items to hand.
Measurements: 39.5cm W × 29cm H × 8cm D, 1.5kg.
Slim Nylon Laptop Briefcase – the lightweight alternative
Prefer something lighter for the daily commute? The slim nylon laptop briefcase is made from ballistic nylon with full-grain leather trims and weighs just 0.7kg. It has a padded 15" laptop compartment, an RFID-protected card and passport pocket and a trolley sleeve.
Measurements: 37cm W × 27cm H × 8cm D, 0.7kg.
Our 17-inch leather briefcases
17" Laptop Briefcase – maximum capacity
Built for larger machines, the 17" laptop briefcase has an extra-large padded compartment for 17" laptops and two spacious zipped compartments for bulky documents and daily essentials. An internal organiser takes care of cables and stationery, and despite its size it weighs around 1.3kg.
Measurements: 41.5cm W × 29cm H × 10cm D, 1.3kg.
Large Multi-Compartment Briefcase – for the organiser
The large multi-compartment briefcase protects laptops up to 17" and adds a highly detailed organisation section with dedicated slots for tablets, folders, phones, chargers, cards and pens. Exterior zipped pockets keep business essentials quick to reach.
Measurements: 39.5cm W × 29cm H × 9cm D, 1.2kg.
At a glance
| Briefcase | Laptop | Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slim Zip-Top | Up to 15" | 7cm | 1.2kg |
| Dual-Compartment | Up to 15" | 8cm | 1.5kg |
| Slim Nylon | 15" | 8cm | 0.7kg |
| 17" Laptop | 17" | 10cm | 1.3kg |
| Large Multi-Compartment | Up to 17" | 9cm | 1.2kg |
What every Jekyll & Hide briefcase has in common
- Full-grain leather – our leather briefcases are made from full-grain cowhide that develops its own patina over time. Our leather explained.
- RFID protection – a shielded pocket helps protect your contactless cards and passport. What is RFID?
- Recycled lining – interiors are lined with fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. About our recycled materials.
- Built for travel – a trolley sleeve lets you slide the briefcase over the handle of your suitcase. Pair it with our 55cm carry-on or browse the full leather luggage collection.
So, 15" or 17"?
If your laptop is 16" or smaller and you value a slim, light bag, choose a 15" briefcase – the slim zip-top if you travel light, or the dual-compartment briefcase if you carry more. If you work on a 17" machine, or simply want the most room for documents and tech, go for the 17" laptop briefcase or the large multi-compartment briefcase.
Still unsure? Browse all leather briefcases – UK returns are free, so you can check the fit at home.
