What is a Laptop Sleeve? Frequently asked questions on laptop sleeves

What is a Laptop Sleeve?

A laptop sleeve, also sometimes called a laptop pouch or bag, is typically a sleeve/bag/pouch manufactured from a material such as neoprene or leather, that is slightly larger than the laptop, and designed to protect the device from bumps, scratches, water and dust in everyday use. They are a small and simple way to protect a Laptop (or tablet) without carrying a larger more traditional laptop bag.

They can also fit into larger bags, whether they be work bags or not. This way a laptop in its sleeve can fit into another carry bag and reduce the need for two bags. Lastly, laptop sleeves are also often seen as a fashion accessory, which can add to the style of an individual or company. In the latter case, company laptop sleeves are often customized with a logo or design, thus personalizing the sleeve not only in the style that reflects the company branding, but also with their branding. This can be an excellent way to achieve a greater brand recognition. Custom laptop sleeves with a logo or design, when purchased in bulk, are also often less expensive than when bought stock standard from shops. There are multiple places to buy custom laptop sleeves with a logo and in bulk online.

Should I get a laptop sleeve? Is it a necessary accessory? What are the benefits of laptop sleeves?

The big question, now you know what they are, do you need a laptop sleeve?!?!

Most companies offer a laptop sleeve as part of onboarding new employees, because they know that lots of employees don’t like to carry around another laptop bag. In this same sense, most people are the same. Unless you already carry a laptop bag or briefcase with an inner lining especially made for a laptop, then we’d suggest to use a laptop sleeve, and carry your laptop either in your preferred bag, or by itself. The other benefit with modern laptops is that the battery life can last up to a day, so you don’t need to carry around a power cord or other accessories (also due to the cloud). So this means you can also just carry the sleeve with the laptop by itself.

What are laptop sleeves made from?

Laptop sleeves are made from a number of materials, some of which may be better in different situations and for different styles than others.

Neoprene is the most common and traditional material laptop sleeves are made from, and for a good reason. Neoprene is thicker than most materials, and has a sponge-like feel to it, so it does offer more protection.

Leather and Polyurethane (PU) Leather are other materials which laptop sleeves are made from. Real leather sleeves are often more expensive, but can exude a more sophisticated style. PU/Vegan leather sleeves quite often look and feel exactly the same as real leather, but are quite a bit less expensive than real leather, and have the advantage of being vegan friendly.

Other materials are being used for the production of sleeves now as well, such as materials made from organic and recycled materials, which is great to see.

How do I choose a laptop sleeve?

When you are looking at sleeves, you need to take into account your preferences, such as how you will use the sleeve on a daily basis, whether you will use it by itself or in a bag, how much protection you need for your laptop or tablet, and then whether you’d like to look at custom colors and customization. Map out a few options in your head and then head over to your favourite search engine and do a few searches. This should give you a good start and some solid leads on how and where to buy your laptop sleeves from.

What is the best laptop sleeve?

The best laptop sleeve is the best for your use. Figure out how you would use your sleeve, and the style or customization that you might like, and go from there!

What about custom laptop sleeves with my company logo or design?

Most companies and stores will sell a stock standard sleeve or sleeves, in a range of colors and sizes, but usually don’t have the option of printing or embossing. This is more of a specialist service. Some companies sell stock sleeves that can be printed in a color, and there are some companies that specialize in selling customized sleeves with a logo or design. Depending on if you’re looking for just one for yourself, or multiple for your company, you may want to tailor your search around ‘B2B’ or ‘Bulk’, as some companies will be able to sell higher quantities at lower prices, and with more customization options, such as the zippers, the material type, finish and colors, and more.

Can I print my own laptop sleeves?

Printing on your own laptop sleeves is definitely possible, you should look for a local printer, and ask them if they can do this for you. Some will be able to, and it will depend on the material of the sleeve, where and what you’d like printed on them, and the logo or design. There are multiple print methods that can be used, some better than others in different situations.

Are laptop sleeves waterproof?

Laptop sleeves would mostly be considered water-resistant. Most will repel water or liquid qhen it comes into direct contact, but not in an immersion. Ie, it’s going to be ok to spill coffee on most laptop sleeves (also depending on the material), and if you remove the laptop straight away, it most likely won’t be damaged.

Can you wash laptop sleeves?

Depending on the style and material, you may or may not be able to wash your sleeves. They are more often better spot cleaned with a special cleaning product than washed entirely. But if you do decide to wash them entirely, please check with a small area of the sleeve first, that it won’t be damaged by washing.

Can I emboss laptop sleeves?

Leather and PU leather laptop sleeves can usually be embossed. If they are a spongy sleeve, it can be more difficult, but still possible. An embossed laptop sleeve is a discreet and some would say more stylish was to brand a laptop sleeve.

What’s the difference between a laptop sleeve and a case?

Laptop cases are typically a hard casing like you may see on a phone. They are device specific, so don’t fit multiple devices, and are more of a scratch protection than anything else.

What size laptop sleeve should I get?

Laptops come in a range of sizes now, more so than ever. You just need to ensure that the sleeve size listed, will fit your laptop. If in doubt, the larger size may be the best solution.

How to measure a laptop size for a sleeve?

Two ways, the first is to look at your laptop and check which size it is, and then check the packaging or ask the manufacturer. The second would be to measure your device, and ask the manufacturer or supplier, or check online, as to if it will fit. Some manufacturers if the quantity is larger, will be able to custom make sleeves in a custom size (CustomLogoCases does this).

How much does it cost for custom laptop sleeves with a company logo?

From experience in manufacturing custom laptop sleeves for companies, we know that the costs vary hugely. The main factor of cost is the volume, ie the more you order the less they cost. The other main factor that influences the cost of the sleeves is the size. A larger sleeve is made with more material, and with the input cost being higher, the cost price is as well.

I hope this has answered a few questions about laptop sleeves for you, if you have any more, please get in touch with us and ask us your questions.

Alternatively, here is a link to another article we wrote that will help you to choose a laptop sleeve to suit you, online and with having to search your local area: The Top Places to Buy Custom Laptop Sleeves online.

We make lots of custom laptop sleeves on a regular basis so have lots of experience and knowledge in laptop sleeves. If in doubt, get in touch and ask us any questions you may have, we’re always happy to help.

Bhushan Lele

Bhushan spent the last 15+ years building businesses and learning what really matters to customers. At Custom Logo Cases, we help brands turn everyday tech accessories into high-quality, on-brand marketing tools.