Whether it’s a spontaneous jaunt to the Cotswolds or a sleek city break in Berlin, a leather weekend bag is the modern gentleman’s calling card.
Forget the tatty gym duffels of yesteryear—these holdalls are a sweet combination of functionality meets high-octane style bags, crafted to carry your essentials with the kind of effortless cool you’d spot at a Shoreditch speakeasy or a Savile Row fitting. Here’s my curated list of the 10 best leather weekend bags for him, each designed to make every trip a masterclass in sartorial swagger.
Why Weekend Bags Matter
A weekend bag isn’t just a vessel for your shirts, laptop and grooming kit—it’s a statement. In an era where travel is as much about the journey as the destination, a well-chosen holdall telegraphs taste and intention. These bags are built for versatility, perfect for a quick overnight in Ibiza or a long weekend in Turkey, fitting neatly into overhead bins or car boots. Crafted from buttery leather, they age like a fine whisky, developing a patina that tells the story of your adventures. Stylish enough to pair with a tailored blazer yet rugged for a hike through the Lake District, the leather weekend bag is your ultimate travel wingman.
1. Forbes & Lewis Somerset Holdall
Inspired by rustic getaways, the Forbes & Lewis Somerset Holdall is a masterclass in understated luxury. Handcrafted from waxy buffalo leather, this bag develops a unique patina with use, making every scuff a badge of honour. Measuring 36 x 55 x 25 cm and holding a 50-55L capacity, this is a carry-on compliant bag with a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve, spacious zip pockets, and a water-resistant coating for those drizzly British weekends. The Forbes & Lewis Somerset Holdall includes a cotton dust bag that doubles as a laundry separator too. This is the bag for the man who wants true craftsmanship without the fuss. Buy yours now at forbesandlewis.com
2. Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender
For the minimalist with a taste for luxury, Carl Friedrik’s Compact Weekender is a gem. Made from full-grain nubuck leather, its 38-litre capacity and clamshell opening make packing a breeze. A padded laptop sleeve and trolley pass-through scream business-class chic, while the sleek navy or black finish pairs perfectly with a tailored overcoat. Ideal for a 48-hour city escape, it’s the bag you’ll spot in the hands of a Hoxton creative. Shop at carlfriedrik.com.
3. Mulberry Scotchgrain Holdall
Mulberry’s Scotchgrain Holdall (£1,250) is as British as a Sunday roast. Crafted from eco-conscious scotch grain and flat calf leather, this 40-litre bag exudes timeless elegance. Its soft structure and Argyle silk lining make it a tactile delight, while multiple compartments keep your kit organised. Perfect for a wedding weekend in the Highlands, it’s a splurge that screams permanence. Shop at mulberry.com.
4. Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall
Detroit’s Shinola brings American grit to the table with the Canfield Classic Holdall. Made from supple tumbled full-grain leather, its 45-litre capacity and fabric shoulder strap add a pop of intrigue. The minimalist design—available in black or cognac—makes it a versatile pick for a music festival in Bristol or a business trip to New York. Shop at shinola.com.
5. Luca Faloni Leather Weekender
Handcrafted in Northern Italy from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, Luca Faloni’s Weekender is pure sprezzatura. Its 50-litre capacity and detachable shoulder strap make it ideal for a long weekend in Florence. The rich tan hue and clean lines pair as well with chinos as they do with a cashmere jumper, embodying Mediterranean effortless cool. Shop at lucafalon.com.
6. Connolly Sports Bag
Known for upholstering Rolls-Royces, Connolly’s Sports Bag is a flex for the motorsport enthusiast. Crafted from premium leather with palladium-plated hardware, it features a hidden passport pocket and a padded laptop compartment. The green option is the standout piece, and the racing red option is a bold nod to Aston Martin, but the tan version keeps things understated for a Chelsea brunch. Shop at connollyengland.com.
7. Aspinal of City Holdall
Aspinal’s City Holdall is a love letter to British craftsmanship. Made from full-grain leather with a silk lining, its 42-litre capacity and internal zip pockets keep your essentials in check. The navy and tan colourway feels like a nod to a classic Jaguar, perfect for a weekend at a Cotswolds manor. Shop at aspinaloflondon.com.
8. Gant Slouchy Leather Bag
Gant’s Slouchy Leather Bag channels preppy #OldMoneyAesthetic with its slouchy silhouette and pure leather construction. Two pockets—one internal, one external—add practicality, while the 40-litre capacity suits a quick trip to Cambridge. Its understated design makes it a go-to for the man who pairs loafers with tailored trousers. Shop at gant.co.uk.
9. Quince Nappa Leather Duffle
For the budget-conscious gent, Quince’s Nappa Leather Duffle punches above its weight. Crafted from full-grain leather, its 35-litre capacity and removable shoulder strap make it a steal. The black finish and minimalist design are ideal for a low-key weekend in Brighton, proving you don’t need to break the bank for style. Shop at quince.com.
10. Paul Smith Signature Stripe Holdall
Paul Smith’s Signature Stripe Holdall adds a splash of colour to the leather game. Made from lightweight polyamide with leather accents, its 45-litre capacity and vibrant stripe down the middle scream British eccentricity. Perfect for a festival in Glastonbury or a creative retreat in Margate, it’s the bag for the man who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Shop at paulsmith.com.
A leather weekend bag is more than luggage—it’s an extension of your personal style. From the rugged charm of the Forbes & Lewis Somerset Holdall to the opulent Connolly Sports Bag, these picks cater to every taste, from the Brixton artist to the Mayfair mogul. Each bag is built to last, designed to turn heads, and ready to accompany you on every adventure. So, pack light, travel right, and let your holdall do the talking. Let’s go!
