Laptop sleeves

A laptop sleeve is a soft case, without a strap or handle, that protects the device from scratches and light impacts inside a bag. It should be chosen based on the exact diagonal, 13, 14 or 15 inches, and it closes with a zip, a magnetic flap, or a simple elastic opening.

Measure your device before choosing a laptop sleeve

A laptop sleeve should be chosen based on the actual size of the chassis, never just on the advertised diagonal. The 13-inch laptop sleeve remains the most requested size, but two laptops sold as 13 inches can differ by a good centimetre in width depending on the thickness of the screen edges. A 14-inch sleeve often fits a chunky 13-inch laptop, while the opposite is rarer. Measure the width, height, and thickness, then compare with the advertised interior dimensions.

Neoprene, felt or leather for a portable computer

Neoprene cushions and returns to its shape; it can handle being compressed in a bag full. Wool felt is thinner and smarter but shows marks with use and attracts dust. Leather mainly protects against scratches but less so against impacts and needs padded lining to be effective. A 15-inch laptop sleeve requires thicker padding at the corners, as this is where the device takes the falls. Pay attention to the internal lining as much as the outside; a fluffy fabric prevents micro-scratches on the cover.

• Interior dimensions announced, and not just the compatible diagonal
• Double-slider zip with padded stop at the end
• Flat outer pocket for the charger and a cable
• Reinforced base on the lower edge, the one that touches the ground

Slip a sleeve into a backpack or suitcase

This is the main use; the sleeve acts as a middle layer when the bag doesn’t have a dedicated compartment, or when the device travels in hand luggage. Two reflexes avoid disappointment. Choose a model without lateral bulk; otherwise, it won't fit in the intended slot. And prefer a closure that remains flat; a thick flap creates a hard point against your back. A laptop sleeve is ultimately the only slim format that can be tucked under the arm while crossing an open space.