How to choose your ideal work bag in 9 essential points (25-point checklist included)

Grid principle:

Each question = 1 point . You check 1 if it's OK, 0.5 if it's partial/doubtful, 0 if not.
Total: 25 points.

• 22–25 : excellent

• 18–21.5 : very good

• 15–17.5 : so-so

• < 15 : risky for intensive use

1) Comfort & Portability

You need to be able to go straight from the subway to the office to afterwork without feeling completely exhausted .

1. Weight when empty as indicated and < 1,000 g (shopping bag) or < 850 g (compact bowling bag).

2. Specified shoulder strap drop and ≥ 22 cm (enough to fit a jacket without getting stuck).

3. Shoulder strap thickness ≥ 30 mm or comfort pad present.

4. The photos confirm that: it doesn't seem to slip and doesn't hurt .

2) Capacity & organization

Volume is useless if the opening is tiny.

5. Usable opening (zip spread) indicated: ≥ 34 cm (13/14") or ≥ 37–38 cm (16").

6. Large zippered inner pocket : (passport + large smartphone).

7. PC compatibility 13/14/16" indicated and/or shown in the photo (it fits without forcing ).

8. Dedicated quick-access pocket (keys/headphones) + clear organization as seen in the photo.

3) Quick access

At security control as well as at the café: every second counts .

9. The zipper covers approximately the entire width (≥ 95%) — photo taken from above.

10. The mouth opens : you can see the inside without holding the edges.

11. The photos show: smooth zipper, no sticking points.

4) Stability & base

A bag that stands upright prevents mess and protects your gear.

12. Reinforced bottom (thickness ≈ ≥ 1.5 mm ) and/or useful metal feet .

13. Whether empty, half-full, or full , it remains vertical (photo or mention).

5) Materials & fit

You want something beautiful that ages well .

14. Type of leather : genuine leather or faux leather?

15. Light rain (15 min) : rain-resistant material and/or water-repellent treatment.

16. Corners/edges : you can see that they don't "purl" or fray, and that they stay in shape and are durable.

6) Sewing & Assembly

The basis of reliability .

17. Even stitching in close-up, no stray threads.

18. Reinforcements visible at the handle/shoulder strap attachments.

19. Reinforced/lined materials to maintain shape .

7) Hardware & Closures

A zipper that gets stuck = a ruined day.

20. Slides made of polished metal or high-quality nylon ; easy-to-grab handles.

21. Thick rings/carabiners , with no play and no peeling paint.

8) Interior protection

Your PC deserves better than a "junk drawer".

22. Padded PC compartment ≥ 3 mm + retention strap .

23. Multiple pockets : to keep your keys separate from your PC, we wouldn't want to damage it.

9) After-sales service & maintenance

The best bag is the one that makes us feel serene .

24. Clear and simple return policy.

25. Clear maintenance guide (weekly brushing, monthly cream/spray application, drying after rain).

How to use it in real life (before adding to cart)

• Open 2-3 product sheets, and check 1 / 0.5 / 0 for each question above.

• Add them up → /25 .

• Choose the best score (or the best price/score ratio if you are comparing different budgets).

Quick selection based on your profile (with helpful links)

• "Classic" office bag (13/14" laptop) : structured leather tote bag with opening ≥ 34 cm , handle ≥ 22 cm , light-colored lining.
  → Tote bags

• Nomad consultant (16" laptop, A4 files) : leather bowling bag with reinforced bottom , full-length zipper , wide shoulder strap .
  → Bowling Bags
  → For comparison : Le Montclair · Le Valbron

• Creative type (tablet, compact camera) : structured crossbody/mini-shoulder bag , quick access , modular pockets.
  → Shoulder bags

Quick tips "after receipt" (during the return period)

• PC : 3 inputs/outputs without forcing .

• Carrying : 5 min on the shoulder + 5 min across the body (no shearing).

• Stability : placed empty/half-full/full, standing for 60 seconds.

• Closures : 20 cycles, zero hard stops .

• Interior : Find your keys in < 5 seconds .

Why StylishStrap makes it easier

• Helpful descriptions (opening, strap drop, strap width, PC compatibility).

• Helpful photos : open overhead view, bright interior, worn (size reference), close-ups.

• Quality : full-grain leather / corrected-grain leather , reinforced bottom , clean seams , tested zippers .

• After-sales service : replaceable parts + clear maintenance guide .