The History of Briefcases

Briefcases date back to the Roman empire circa 100 – 300 C.E., when soldiers carried their belongings in a small satchel, or loculus. These bags are thought to have been made from a single goat or calf hide and were reinforced with diagonal straps. They were also outfitted with two bronze rings to fit onto a shoulder pole. By the 14th and 15th centuries, satchels had become part of daily life for most people and were used to carry money and other valuables. Over time, different designs became available, with some incorporating drawstrings, metal clasps, and even embellishments made from precious metals. After pockets were introduced to clothing around the turn of the 17th century, bags became less ubiquitous and more specialized; many carryalls were designed for those in specific professions, such as doctors. During the Napoleonic Wars, soldiers carried haversacks, which had some similarities to briefcases but featured straps; these bags were also used during the American Civil War. In 1860 in England, the tradition of holding the British budget papers in a red briefcase on Budget Day began. This helped draw a connection between briefcases and business/the economy. This association continued in the mid-20th century, when briefcases were routinely carried by male office workers in many countries, including the United States and Britain. At the time, the briefcases were seen as conveying a sense of professionalism and authority. Notably, they were especially popular because at the time, office dress codes were far more formal, and it was impractical to carry a shoulder bag with an expensive suit, as the strap could wear out the costly material over time. When offices became more casual around the turn of the 21st century, briefcases became much less common. The advent of the laptop also made them less useful, as traditional attaché-style briefcases aren’t typically well-suited to carrying heavy computers and other modern necessities. Wondering where the name comes from? It’s thought that the term "briefcase" started out as a nickname for the bags that lawyers used to carry their legal briefs to court. When most people think of a generic briefcase, they are picturing what is known as an attaché, a style of bag that itself is named after the diplomatic officers that first carried them. Today, briefcases are no longer a common sight (although they are still used in certain circles) and are generally considered more of a fashion statement than the robustly practical item they once were. In fact, the majority of American office workers now carry tote bags, backpacks, or messenger bags.