Best Work Shoulder Bag 2019

The Best Work Shoulder Bag is a piece you can trust to keep you prepped and professional throughout the day. A bag that effortlessly blends practical design and work-ready aesthetics…

1st Place

Stuart and Lau Cary Double Briefcase

There’s a tough balance to strike in the briefcase world. Some brands tip way too high into luxury, whilst others skimp too much on the materials and aesthetics, when they matter most. But Stuart and Lau have landed the perfect balance, delivering a piece that has timelessness and class, smart features, capacity, and a price tag that feels like the right value proposition.

The Double smartly expands on their briefcase collection, offering an understated piece with added space. With Stuart and Lau paying attention to each aspect of the design, from the quality materials to the modern utility and handsome styling.

To ensure solid foundations, Stuart and Lau designed a durable nylon twill bonded to a thin layer of rubber foam on the back side. Fully waterproof, tough, yet lightweight, the material strikes a great balance of technical practicality and dapper looks. And this is paired with leather, where it works best, so you’ll find the briefcase handles and shoulder strap will soften and shape nicely over time.

You can also enjoy a variety of colorways to suit personal tastes and work environments. A classic navy and tan leather and tobacco for nailing that boardroom look, or more ‘quiet’ colorways like all-black and navy and black, better suited to more relaxed work settings.

Stuart and Lau have also focused closely on daily functionality. You’ll find a range of organization like dual compartments and multiple interior and exterior pockets to neatly store your tech, EDC and work tools. A magnetic key fob. Luggage sleeve. Phone pocket with soft microfiber lining. And an umbrella holder provides straightforward storage for transitioning from rainy commutes. While the strap and carry handles let you alternate between briefcase and shoulder carry as desired.

The Cary Double Briefcase is a life-long work partner. A piece that brings professional style to your work day, without weighing you down. A bag that looks right at home in the boardroom but adapts easily to more casual environments. Modern yet timeless. And backed by a lifetime guarantee so you’ll be enjoying its chic reliability for years to come. Top-notch work, Stuart and Lau!

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Incase Kanso Convertible Brief

Work needs change. Casual cafe meetings can transition to more formal office settings. Daily commutes can flow into airport trips. And the Kanso Convertible Brief is a compact piece that can accompany you every step of the way. Doing so with considered mix of clean, understated aesthetics, multiple carry options and useful organization to handle a range of work, EDC and travel essentials. The Kanso can be carried as a shoulder bag, briefcase or backpack, allowing you to carry in comfort when you need to cover more ground, or to exude a more professional air in work environments. The bag also includes a luggage handle attachment for convenient travel carry. And when it comes to organizing your gear, you’re well covered. Dual compartments including padded laptop storage are complemented by smaller pockets to stash day-to-day items within easy reach. If you’re seeking an adaptable work companion that glides effortlessly between diverse settings, keeps your gear neatly at the ready, and lets you switch up your carry style quickly and simply, the Kanso is hard to beat. Great job, Incase!

Vermilyea Pelle Tech Messenger

Vermilyea Pelle founder Dustin Spencer is a man obsessed by craft. But in a good way. From an early age he was intrigued by traditionally crafted leather goods and spent many years developing and refining his own crafting skills. That dedication is well displayed in the Tech Messenger. A piece that expertly blends classic and modern, tech and tradition. The bag is handcrafted with Wickett and Craig English Bridle leather, 1050D Cordura ballistic nylon and an X-Pac lining. AustriAlpin Cobra buckles enhance the satisfyingly rugged yet understated feel of the bag, not to mention serving up easy access on the go. The practical design is straightforward and versatile, with front pockets and a padded laptop sleeve. And you’ll also find a luggage handle attachment for smoother travels. The overall result is a bag that brings a luxurious touch to your work day. And a piece that finds that tricky balance between old-school charm and modern performance. Well done, Vermilyea Pelle!

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