Briefcases get their name from the briefs that lawyers carry in rectangular cases. Today, briefcases don’t just carry documents and papers, but also personal items and laptops. Briefcases can be fashionable too.
The word is derived from either the Latin “budget” or the Irish “bolg” as both words mean leather bag. Briefcases are also derived from the limp satchels used to carry money and valuables during the 14th century.
A hinged iron frame was originally found on a carpet bag used by Godillot of Paris in 1826. Gladstone and oval-top Rosebery bags followed and were predecessors of the modern metal-frame briefcases.
There are different types of briefcases. A portfolio is a case that has no handles and is carried under the arm. The word portfolio is derived from the Italian words “portare” and “foglio”, meaning “to carry a sheet”. A folio is like a portfolio, only with a retractable handle.
The third type of briefcase is an attaché. This word derives from the diplomatic profession of an attaché – an officer in an embassy who is either a cultural or military representative. An attaché is a rectangular case which opens on hinges with the leather stretched on a frame.
Briefcases will travel with you wherever you go so buying the right one is important. To start with, durability is crucial because briefcases are used heavily and should survive constant handling. Also, decide if you want a very formal or a casual look. If you are only going to buy one, it is better to buy a formal briefcase as it is likely to suit casual occasions too. The decision to buy a leather briefcase or a hard top one depends on the kinds of documents you carry. A soft briefcase will hold files well but a hard one will hold loose papers too.
A hard briefcase doesn’t have shoulder straps and carrying it in your hand all the time can be irritating. In the case of the leather briefcase, the shoulder strap leaves your hands free and, if the case becomes heavy, it can be carried by hand using the handles.
Briefcases should also be accessed for extra compartments to hold items like pens, pencils, diaries, keys and a mobile phone. A good briefcase should include these without making the bag look bulky and will save you the trouble of carrying another bag.
Briefcases should not only be functional but also suit the individual as your personality is reflected through your accessories.
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