Leather Bags for Business Scenes
with Sylist Akihiro Shikata
As a new season approaches, many find themselves looking for a new bag to match fresh routines. But what makes a great business bag? And how can you style it in a way that feels both polished and contemporary? Stylist Akihiro Shikata, a leading expert in business fashion, shares his insights.
Akihiro Shikata
Stylist
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1982. After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, he began his career as a stylist assistant before going independent in 2010. Known for his refined suit styling, he works widely across men’s fashion, and in recent years has also directed and produced original items.
Why? Why Choose a Leather Bag?
Elevating Your Looks with Leather
“Leather bags bring a natural sophistication and elegance that nylon or canvas can’t match. Adding a leather bag is incredibly effective as a styling technique—just that one piece can elevate the entire look, even if your suit isn’t an expensive one.”
“Many people assume leather is heavy or not ideal for rainy days, but the bags I’ve selected today are surprisingly light, and some are even waterproof. They combine functionality with a luxurious look; a balance I hope more professionals will come to appreciate.”
The Lasting Appeal of Leather
“Leather bags embody the idea of aging beautifully—something many men find appealing. Just like caring for denim or maintaining leather shoes, there’s a certain satisfaction in nurturing a leather bag over time.
Among the three types of bags I selected, the briefcase is the most formal, the backpack the most casual, and the tote sits comfortably in between. Each look I’ve styled aligns with the formality of the bag, offering ways to bring personality into businesswear.”
Style 1 The Leather Briefcase
A Suit Style That’s Not Too Formal
The briefcase remains the most classic of business bags—and at Tsuchiya Kaban, both its design and material are carefully considered, down to the smallest detail.
“While the briefcase is a business staple, Tsuchiya Kaban’s use of soft leather gives it a distinctly modern look. That’s why I’ve styled it with a suit and tie, but left out the pocket square and opted for loafers instead of lace-ups, for a slightly more relaxed impression. The shirt and tie are from Bryceland’s—both narrower in cut, giving the look a modern feel.”
The Ame Waterproof Smart Briefcase is crafted from supple waterproof leather, maintaining a soft feel while repelling rain with ease.
“This briefcase is crafted from soft, supple leather that lends it a relaxed, contemporary feel. That’s why I styled it with modern accents and a touch of playfulness, while keeping the overall look simple—to highlight the bag’s effortless charm.”
Bring Finesse to Your Business Look
“All three briefcases here share one thing in common—soft leather that gives a relaxed, elevated feel. Even when paired with a traditional suit, they add a touch of modernity. Each design can adapt beautifully to different business styles while signaling refinement and sensitivity to quality.”
Tsuchiya Kaban offers authentic briefcases in both waterproof and naturally aging leathers, allowing you to choose based on your needs and preferences. Of course, they also each deliver on the thoughtful functionality the brand is known for, such as dedicated compartments for laptops and documents.
Style 2 The Leather Backpack
“The Boxy Silhouette Is Key”
Once a casual accessory, the backpack has now become a staple in the business world—and it’s a category Tsuchiya Kaban takes seriously.
“Among the three styles, the leather backpack is the most casual, and pairs well with a jacket-and-pants style—like a blazer and cotton trousers. These days, it’s become popular to pair blazers with relaxed-fit trousers.”
“I picked up on that trend here through color and fabric. The double-breasted blazer is dressed down with a knit, while rubber-soled loafers balance the relaxed tone of the backpack. The result feels modern yet composed—perfect for the evolving business scene.”
The Vainno Round Backpack Waterproof features a structured, boxy silhouette—perfect for business settings.
“This backpack has a refined boxy shape suited for business use. I’m especially impressed by how lightweight, waterproof, and functional it is, despite the firm leather construction. It’s also designed with thoughtful details suited for professionals—even the straps are crafted from leather, which gives it a more polished look than bags with nylon straps. It pairs seamlessly with a suit while maintaining an understated sophistication.”
Leather Straps for a Business Look
“Backpacks have become a staple in today’s business-casual wardrobe. Tsuchiya Kaban offers a wide range of leather options that combine durability with functionality—lightweight builds, waterproof finishes, and timeless design. The boxy silhouettes are perfect for business use, while even lighter styles like the Rolltop Backpack remain office-appropriate thanks to their leather straps and refined construction.”
Style 3 The Leather Tote
Pairs Perfectly With Business Casual Styles
Leather totes are making a comeback for their refined look and versatility—equally at home in the office or off-duty.
“This leather tote pairs beautifully with business-casual styles built around a suit. I’ve styled a dressy la favola suit with a knit from Sloane and soft Spigola loafers that both bring a relaxed touch to the outfit. Beige suits pair well with brown bags, but I chose black to give the look a little edge.”
Akihiro chose the Diario Tall Tote, which features a boxy silhouette ideal for business scenes.
“The sharp corners create a formal impression, while the white stitch brings a stylish accent. My look today matches the playfulness of the stitches with the dressed-down effect the knit brings to this outfit. I personally enjoy bringing a playful or relaxed element to my outfits, so I enjoy the playful details of this leather tote.”
“The angular design gives this tote a formal look, while the white stitching adds a refined casualness. In this outfit, the stitching complements the knit’s laid-back feel perfectly. I prefer outfits with a bit of ease, so I’m naturally drawn to bags with playful details like this.”
Bring a Dressy Touch with Leather
Tsuchiya Kaban’s business totes come in a range of shapes and colors—from soft, relaxed styles to more structured designs.
“Canvas or nylon totes aren’t ideal for formal settings, but leather offers a natural sense of dressiness, even in softer shapes. For a more traditional business style, the Ame Waterproof Square Tote is an excellent choice.”
“Black and navy are timeless options, but if the suits you own are mostly in those tones, adding brown or olive can refresh your overall look.”
Related Items
Card case
How To Choose
The Perfect Design
Elevate First Impressions
“A card case may be small, but it carries great significance—especially in professional settings. When exchanging business cards, it’s often one of the first things people notice. A well-crafted leather case conveys reliability, attention to detail, and confidence. Investing in a refined card case is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for your work and the people you meet.”
Quality Leather and Refined Simplicity
“Tsuchiya Kaban offers an elegant range of card cases crafted from premium leathers such as bridle and cordovan—all designed to deepen in character with use, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of aging leather. A leather card case hints at sophistication and care, leaving a positive impression on colleagues and clients alike.”
“Tsuchiya Kaban’s color palette—black, navy, brown, and green—keeps things elegant and professional, and I also appreciate the lack of visible logos. For those who prefer a subtle twist, I recommend the two-tone designs that feature a natural brown interior for a discreet touch of individuality.”
Tsuchiya Kaban’s card holders are crafted with refined simplicity, showcasing the natural eleganceof premium leather. With a wide range of designs, it’s easy to find the piece that perfectly suits your style and preference.
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