To choose the right laptop sleeve, measure your laptop with the lid closed (width, depth and thickness) and compare those figures with the sleeve's, rather than relying on the inch size alone. A sleeve labelled 13 and 14 inches fits most ultraportables; a 15 or 16-inch laptop needs its own format, such as the Wouf Heartbeat Laptop Sleeve 15 & 16. At Appart 17 in Brussels, we explain how to measure, which protection to go for and how to carry it all in a tote or a backpack.
In short
- Measure the laptop closed: width, depth and thickness, with a tape measure.
- Add 1 to 2 cm in width and depth so the zip closes without strain.
- One format per screen size: a 13-14-inch sleeve will not close around a 15 or 16-inch laptop.
- Padded against knocks, tucked into a waterproof bag against the Brussels rain.
1. How to measure your laptop
The inch figure is the screen diagonal, and one inch equals 2.54 cm: a 13-inch laptop therefore has a diagonal of about 33 cm, a 14-inch about 35.5 cm, a 15-inch about 38 cm and a 16-inch about 40.5 cm. Yet two laptops with the same diagonal are not necessarily the same size: the bezels around the screen, the hinge and the thickness all make a difference. That is why, in the shop, we always measure the device itself.
- Width: side to side, lid closed, at the widest point.
- Depth: from the hinge to the front edge.
- Thickness: at the thickest point, rubber feet included.
- Protective shell: if your laptop lives in a hard case, measure it with the case on.
Then compare those figures with the sleeve's dimensions, or simply ask us, keeping the margin mentioned above. A sleeve that is too roomy lets the laptop slide around inside; one that is too tight pulls on the zip and presses on the screen.
2. Which sleeve for a 13, 14, 15 or 16-inch screen?
- 13 and 14 inches: the most common format, suited to most ultraportables and many 14-inch models with slim bezels. From Wouf, we carry the padded 13" and 14" laptop sleeve in recycled polyester, in five prints, as well as the Wouf Laptop Sleeve 13 & 14 and the Cherry Sky, Feline and Circus models.
- 15 and 16 inches: a 13-14-inch sleeve will not close. You need a sleeve made for larger screens, such as the Wouf Heartbeat Laptop Sleeve 15 & 16, or a backpack with a padded compartment of the right size.
Models and prints change with each delivery: see what is in at the moment on our Wouf page.
3. Padded sleeve and waterproof bag: the winning pair
A padded sleeve mainly guards against knocks and scratches: it cushions the blow when your bag falls or gets wedged into a locker, and stops the laptop rubbing against keys or an umbrella. For rain, it is better to rely on the bag itself.
For the downpour between the tram and the office, which every Brussels commuter knows, we suggest slipping the sleeve into a waterproof Rains bag, for example the Rains Backpack W3 or the Rains Rolltop Rucksack W3: that way you are covered against both knocks and water. The whole brand is gathered on our Rains page, and we cover it in depth in our guide to Rains bags and rainwear.
4. Carrying it in a tote or a backpack
A sleeve lets you carry your laptop in a bag that was not designed for one, provided it fits inside. In a tote, it stops everything else in the bag from scratching the lid; in a backpack, it adds an extra layer of protection, especially if there is no padded compartment. Before buying, check that the closed sleeve really fits: a narrow tote or a short backpack forces you to squeeze the corners in. You will find totes and shoppers in our women's bags section, and styles for everyone among our backpacks. If you like the Wouf look, the large padded SHOPPER tote in recycled polyester is a natural partner for the sleeve; here too, check that everything fits without forcing.
Think about the small accessories that travel with your laptop, too. From Wouf, the large XL zip pouch in recycled polyester holds cables and small accessories, while the small zip pouch keeps earphones or a USB stick close at hand; each comes in three prints.
5. A gift idea for students and remote workers
A laptop sleeve is one of those gifts that gets used every day: for a student moving between lecture hall and library, for someone who splits the week between home and office, or simply for the start of term. Expect roughly €50 to €60 for a Wouf sleeve, and around €20 to €30 for the zip pouches, which make lovely extras; for a student, the COZY pencil case from Wouf, in the Oursons print, rounds off the set nicely. You will find more ideas in our gifts under €50 selection.
Want to know the size without spoiling the surprise? Quietly note the laptop model, or run a tape measure over it while its owner is not looking.
6. Frequently asked questions
Will a 14-inch laptop fit in a 13-inch sleeve?
Sometimes, but not always. Wouf sleeves sold as "13 and 14 inches" are designed for both sizes. With a strictly 13-inch sleeve, measure your closed 14-inch laptop and compare before you buy.
Which sleeve should I choose for a tablet?
Measure the tablet with its case and keep the same margin as for a laptop. A large tablet can go in a 13-inch laptop sleeve; a small one would rattle around and is better protected in a snug format that stops it sliding.
Can I try a sleeve with my own laptop in the shop?
Yes, and we actually recommend it: bring your laptop and we will check together that the sleeve closes without strain. In a few minutes, the size question is settled.
The easiest option, then, is to drop by Rue des Grands Carmes, a stone's throw from the Grand-Place: our shops are open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 7 pm, and all the addresses are on our shops page. The full selection is also online in our laptop sleeves and iPad cases section: in-store pickup is free and ready in 1 hour, delivery is free from €75 in Belgium, France and the EU, and returns are accepted within 14 days (return postage at your expense, or free drop-off in the shop).
