The Most Professional Padfolios

Just like the right pair of shoes will complete your outfit, the right padfolio can complete your business look. This accessory has been around for ages, and with good reason. Even with the advent of the cloud, there's no replacement for the organizational power of a compact, portable padfolio. Below, we've rounded up a few of the best padfolios on the market today. So what are you waiting for? Jump in, and let this versatile accessory help you organize your work life.

Wundermax Three-Ring Padfolio

Organizational bliss

Keep your files in place with a sturdy, classy three-ring padfolio.
Best Overall

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This padfolio truly has it all. The exterior is made from vegan leather, creating a sleek, professional look that is perfect for the office. Inside, the binder comes with three rings that allow you to organize your loose papers easily. The padfolio comes with a letter-sized notepad, a trio of pen holders, and pockets that are specifically designed for your tablet. The leather exterior is professional enough for work and client meetings. Gone are the days when you have to shuffle through a stack of papers to find the one you need.

Pros:

  • Notepad included so you can immediately start using the padfolio
  • Extra pockets will fit your tablet, business cards, pens, and more
  • Convenient handle option makes it even easier to take your work on the go

Cons:

  • When closed, the padfolio is still rather thick

Stylio Padfolio and Resume Folder

Modern design

This contemporary padfolio is the perfect accessory for today's businessperson.
Runner Up

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There couldn’t be a more appropriate portfolio for the professional on the go than this pick from Stylio. Thin, sleek, and durable, you can simply tuck this into your purse or briefcase and be on your way. It’s the perfect gift for a new college grad or a friend who recently changed careers. Inside, there are multiple compartments to hold pens, papers, resumes, business cards, a legal pad, and more. The timeless black matte finish on the portfolio makes it a great accessory for your professional or business casual outfit.

Pros:

  • Made from water-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about the weather
  • Sleek black matte finishing gives a versatile, professional look
  • Two stylish finishes available

Cons:

  • This portfolio is not made from real leather, but the faux leather still looks luxurious

Cossini Business Padfolio with Zipper

At your fingertips

Keep everything right where you want it with this zippered padfolio.
Best Vegan Leather

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This padfolio from Cossini is built to impress. The exterior is a stylish, supple PU leather alternative that’s durable and easy to clean, and it sports a built-in pocket for those documents you need easy access to. Unzip the sturdy zipper to reveal multiple folders and pockets ready to store your most important information. But what seals the deal for us — and anyone who works with numbers every day — is the super-convenient and super-slick built-in solar calculator perfectly positioned for quick calculations during meetings.

Pros:

  • Spacious pockets keep your documents from being wrinkled
  • Internal zippered pouch for added security
  • Relatively sleek profile, especially considering all the features

Cons:

  • Only available in black, but we love the finish

Mymazn Padfolio Clipboard

Versatility is key

Take notes your way with this versatile design.
Best With Clipboard

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If you work more with individual documents and less with notepads, a padfolio might not seem like a great fit. But thanks to Mymazn’s clipboard-style option, there is no need to miss out on the convenience and practicality of these handy tools. The internal spring clip can hold up to 80 sheets of standard paper, and unlike a regular clipboard, the folding cover and snap closure protect your documents as you go about your busy day.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and thin design makes it easy to carry or put inside a bag
  • Clipboard style allows you to use it with individual sheets of paper
  • Several color options available

Cons:

  • Paper and pen not included

Samsill Classic Collection Business Padfolio

Ever elegant

Class meets comfort with this timeless option.
Best Classic

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Available in two stylish colors, this classy padfolio by Samsill may remind some of us of our parents’ portfolios. It sports a thin, sleek cover exterior and dedicated spaces inside for all the essential business accessories. The portfolio comes with a refillable notepad on one side and a sleeve on the other to store your documents, business cards, etc. Although it’s not made from real leather, the spine is durable, and the sturdy cover makes a great writing surface.

Pros:

  • Outside gives off the timeless appeal of genuine leather
  • Multiple pockets for organization

Cons:

  • Not as plush as some more modern options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a padfolio used for?

A padfolio is used to organize papers, business cards, and related miscellany, usually for professional purposes. Like carrying around a pad of paper and a pencil, a padfolio will allow you to always have a place to take down notes while also acting as a holder for any relevant paperwork, hard drives, tablets, and more.

What should I keep in my padfolio?

A padfolio is an ideal place to hold your professional accessories. If you’re interviewing for new jobs, keep a copy of your resume. You can carry a tablet and a stylus, your business cards, a legal pad, some pens and pencils, and whatever else you need to put your best foot forward at work.

What’s the difference between a padfolio and a portfolio?

Padfolios are usually designed with a simpler, minimal interior, while portfolios contain a variety of pockets and sections to hold your business cards, writing utensils, pads of paper, and more. Think of a padfolio as a straightforward pad-and-pencil holder, while a portfolio has a lot more bells and whistles — almost like a tiny, portable office.

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