MacCase Flight Jacket: Voted "Best MacBook Pro Bag - 2023"

What is a Good Leather MacBook Bag for Men or Women?

It's been called the "The Greatest Laptop Case Ever Designed". When MacCase Chief Creative Officer Michel Santoro created the MacCase Flight Jacket he was not aware he was creating an icon. It has gone on to be one of the most memorable and best-reviewed MacBook Pro laptop bags ever. The fact that it's been in consistent production for over 15 years is a testament to it's timeless design and outstanding value.

Let's take a look at why this MacBook Pro laptop bag is so popular with both men and women since it was introduced in 2008.

The MacCase Premium Leather Flight Jacket has carved a niche as an exemplary leather MacBook bag that transcends gender distinctions. It's both a men's leather laptop bag and a women's leather laptop bag.

Since its inception, its enduring popularity can be attributed to a combination of timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and functional elegance that appeals to both men and women. One of the key factors contributing to this leather MacBook bag's universal appeal is its commitment to a minimalist and gender-neutral aesthetic.

The sleek and sophisticated design of the Flight Jacket doesn't adhere to stereotypical gender norms. Its clean lines, ethically sourced, premium leather exterior, and lack of excessive embellishments create a MacBook Pro laptop bag that seamlessly complements various styles, from business formal to casual chic.

This adaptability allows users to seamlessly integrate this MacBook Air computer bag into their wardrobe, irrespective of gender. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Flight Jacket excels in practicality. The custom-fit compartment specifically tailored for Apple laptops ensures a secure and snug fit.

This level of protection is universally appreciated by individuals regardless of gender, as everyone seeks to safeguard their valuable Apple portable during transit.

Moreover, the Flight Jacket's compact design strikes a balance between functionality and portability, catering to the needs of both men and women who are constantly on the move.

Its lightweight construction ensures that it doesn't become a burden during daily commutes or professional engagements, offering convenience without compromising style.

Importantly, the MacCase brand itself has cultivated a reputation for quality and durability, fostering trust among a diverse customer base. This reputation, coupled with the timeless design of this MacBook Air computer bag, has made it a reliable choice for individuals who value longevity and style in their accessories.

In essence, the MacCase Premium Leather Flight Jacket has become an enduring symbol of gender-neutral elegance in the realm of MacBook Pro bags.

Its design philosophy goes beyond fleeting trends, providing users with a reliable and stylish accessory that complements their professional and personal journeys, regardless of gender. The Flight Jacket's sustained popularity since 2008 is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times while maintaining its timeless charm.

Are Leather Bags Good for MacBooks?

Leather bags, when designed with precision and intent for MacBooks, offer a combination of style, protection, and durability that can significantly enhance your overall experience.

The MacCase Flight Jacket, in particular, exemplifies why opting for a bag purpose-built for MacBooks is crucial.

1. Tailored Fit and Protection

The MacCase Flight Jacket is not a generic leather bag; it's a meticulously crafted MacBook Pro bag. Its size-specific, custom-fit compartment cradles your laptop with precision, ensuring a snug fit that minimizes unnecessary movement during transit. This tailored fit is vital for protection—preventing scratches, dents, and potential damage that can occur in a one-size-fits-all bag.

2. Style Meets Functionality

An expensive Apple portable computer is not just a device; it's a statement. This MacBook Pro computer bag's premium leather exterior isn't just about aesthetics; it's a deliberate choice that blends style with functionality.

The timeless and sophisticated design of this leather MacBook bag complements the sleek profile of any laptop, creating a cohesive and professional look. This is a level of synergy that's hard to achieve with a bag not specifically designed for your device.

3. Durability and Longevity

Quality matters, especially when it comes to leather MacBook bags. The MacCase Flight Jacket, made from premium, ethically sourced hides, ensures durability that stands the test of time.

Its robust construction is a testament to MacCase's commitment to producing accessories that not only look good but withstand the rigors of daily use. This longevity is an essential consideration when investing in a leather MacBook bag for your Apple laptop.

4. Functional Design

This MacBook Pro laptop bag isn't just about protecting your Apple portable; it's designed to make your life easier. Thoughtful features like additional pockets for accessories, a removable front pouch, a backpack option, and a minimalist yet functional design contribute to a seamless user experience. This attention to detail sets the Flight Jacket apart.

5. MacCase Brand Trust and Reputation

MacCase has built a reputation for excellence in crafting accessories for Apple devices. When you choose a leather MacBook bag designed by MacCase, you're aligning with a brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

This trust in the brand ensures that your investment is well-placed, and you're getting a product that meets the high standards set by Apple enthusiasts.

Leather MacBook bags like the MacCase Flight Jacket, are not just good; they are the ideal choice. The emphasis on tailored fit, the fusion of style and functionality, the assurance of durability, the thoughtful design, and the trust in a reputable brand make these bags an investment that goes beyond mere utility—they become an integral part of your digital experience.

What's the Best Leather Laptop Bag?

The best leather laptop bag is the one that best meet's you're individual needs. It should provides a level of protection your laptop needs and the level of style and sophistication you need.

Given that our Flight Jacket was voted "Best MacBook Pro Bag" by iPhoneLife magazine, let's explore how this iconic MacBook Pro bag was first conceived over 15 years ago.

Today we are talking with Michael Santoro, President and Chief Creative Officer of MacCase on the 15th anniversary of the launch of one of the company's most iconic case designs, the MacCase Flight Jacket.

JKD: As a designer who's had a lot of success throughout your career, what does this 15th anniversary of the MacCase Flight Jacket mean to you?

MS: It's astounding actually. I never in a million years dreamed that these little leather MacBook bag for what was then the 13", 15" and 17" PowerBooks would still be going strong in production 15 years later. Sometimes, you just get it right.

JKD: What was the inspiration for the Flight Jacket's iconic design?

MS: It was a combination of things. The time I spent designing Jeeps at Chrysler taught me a lot about how to implement certain elements of a design vocabulary.

There were heralded details like the round headlights, the vertical bars for the grill opening and a certain stance the vehicle needed to have that were a challenge to use in a way that would never get old or look dated. These were some great, real-world design lessons I put into these leather MacBook bags when I first sat down to start sketching.

Another big influence on the Flight Jacket was the teachings of Professor William Fogler. I studied with him at Pratt. He taught me things about how elements should relate to each other within and across a design that is in everything I've done since then. These ideas are all over the Flight Jacket too.

Lastly, I would say living in California, in the West in general. It's a big, beautiful place, big in land mass but also spirit. I think about the people who came out here 150 years ago. How brave they must have been. I've tried to channel a bit of that spirit into the design as well.

If you put those things together with some of the best quality, richest and aromatic hides available, you better not mess that up! (laughing). In the end, I sat down to design the best case I could. The MacCase Flight Jacket was the right combination of elements, influenced by the right things, filtered through a career of trying to do good work.

MacBook Air Computer Bag

JKD: With the introduction of the large Air model, do you see the Flight Jacket becoming "the" MacBook Air computer bag for another generation of users?

MS: Well, I certainly hope so. It's the perfect laptop bag for MacBook Air, no matter the size. The case is sleek and compact, just like the Air. The design philosophies of the two products are very much aligned.

There is a minimalism about the Air and a minimalism about the Flight Jacket, again making it a perfect MacBook Air computer bag. I think that is partly the explanation for the success of the Flight Jackets over the last decade. It's able to adapt. It's always seems to fit into people's lives in such a positive way.

Pragmatically, as a MacBook Air computer bag, the laptop actually sits a bit lower down inside the main compartment. It's better protected here. That's a nice feature for Air users.

The Timeless MacBook Pro Bag

JKD: You talk about MacCase's first principles of design, one of them being timelessness. Flight Jackets have been out on the market for 15+ years now yet they seem to have not aged at all aesthetically. How were you or are you able to create a timeless MacBook Pro bag?

MS: I don't really know. I know I'm supposed to know, but it's not like there's a button or a setting on an app that you just push and a design that never gets old pops out. I wish it was that easy!

I think if you commit to doing creative work at a certain level, and you keep pushing yourself and your abilities and stay open to the voices that keep you humble, every once in a while, all the pieces come together and you can achieve something special. I believe that's what happened here.

Another major thing I had going for me when I sat down to design this MacBook Pro bag is that the job it needed to do lent itself to my visual skill set. I always make the analogy to music.

Some artists have a long career and have some good albums and some not so stellar ones. But the great artists are able to pull all the pieces together to do a St. Pepper, a Born to Run or an American Idiot. Those are the moments you hope, wait and work for. The MacCase Flight Jacket is one of those moments.

The other thing I want to say about the idea of creating a timeless design is, you don't know it when you're doing it because time has to pass before it becomes this iconic thing. Timelessness can only be viewed after the passage of time. Kind of ironic, isn't it?

MacCase Flight Jacket: Designing an Icon

JKD: The thing that strikes me about the MacCase Flight Jackets is that they do not look old. What I mean is that there are so many bags out there that look like they were designed in 1808, not 2008. Their overall aesthetic is extremely dated. Somehow the Flight Jackets look contemporary. How were you able to achieve this and was this a conscious choice?

MS: Let's start with the easy one first. Yes, it is always a conscious choice. The only reason I can think of why bag manufacturers make their designs look like they are from the 1800s is because they don't have anything new to say. If they did, wouldn't they?

Would you buy a car that looked like it was from the 1930s? Or wear a suit or dress from the 1910s? Yet bag makers somehow feel it's OK to purposefully make their products look old and dated. Customers pony up and pay for bags that have no innovation in them at all. It's crazy.

So yes, it was most definitely a conscious choice to not make the Flight Jacket or any other MacCase look old, as you put it. Of course, it's infinitely harder to make a design new, contemporary, innovative and beautiful, or in this case, timeless as well.

Best Leather Laptop Bag

As a MacBook Pro bag or even a general leather laptop bag, the design is still contemporary. It's not some throwback to a bygone era. It's not "retro". People can relate to the proportions and the detailing. It makes sense to them in this new century.

Yet you take this contemporary design and finish it in our warm, inviting, romantic vintage hides and you have something that speaks to the past as well as the present. The vintage hides speak to the time of handmade things or a certain quality. A MacCase Flight Jacket in vintage evokes this.

I think this is one reason the design of our MacBook Pro bag is still so popular after so many years. It's a blend of everything that people perceive as positive about the past within a compact modern, well-proportioned form. That's a tough combination to beat.