Which laptops a 13-inch sleeve fits
These sleeves are made for laptops sold as 13 and 13.3 inch, and many laptops with screens a little larger, from 13.5 to 13.8 inches, sit close to them. They are the smallest everyday laptops, often thin and light, so a slim sleeve is often all they need on the way to work or a lecture. The screen size is measured across the diagonal, so it does not tell you the laptop's outside size. The 13-inch MacBook Air, for example, has a 13.6-inch screen and measures 30.41 by 21.5cm.
Why the depth matters at this size
A 13.3-inch screen in the wide 16:9 shape is about 29.4 by 16.6cm, while the same diagonal in the taller 16:10 shape is about 28.6 by 17.9cm. Laptops with a 3:2 screen are deeper again: the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop measures 301 by 220mm. So two "13-inch" laptops can need different sleeves. Measure the depth, front to back, as well as the width.
Most sleeves are made in several sizes, so the same sleeve appears in more than one size range. Choose your size on the product page, and where it gives the inside measurements, compare them with your laptop's width, depth and thickness. The guide to laptop sleeve sizes shows how to measure.
The kinds of 13-inch sleeve
- Slim PU leather and envelope sleeves, several of which fold out as a mouse mat, suit thin laptops that go into another bag.
- Felt and neoprene sleeves are soft and light, and neoprene stretches a little for a close fit.
- Padded sleeves with a handle, often with a front pocket for the charger, can be carried on their own.
- Stand sleeves have a panel that folds under the laptop to tilt it on a desk.
- EVA sleeves have a firmer body for more protection from knocks.
Questions people ask about 13-inch laptop sleeves
Will a 13-inch sleeve fit a 13.6-inch MacBook Air?
Usually, but compare the Air's 30.41 by 21.5cm with the sleeve's inside size. Several sleeves here name MacBook Air models in their size choices.
Will it fit an 11 or 12-inch laptop?
It will be loose, and a laptop that slides about is less protected. Several of these sleeves are also made in 11 and 12-inch sizes, so choose that size on the product page.
Will a 13-inch sleeve fit over a hard-shell case?
A MacBook shell adds a little to every side. A stretchy neoprene sleeve, or one with some room inside, is the safer choice. Measure the laptop with the shell on before you compare sizes.
Can it hold the charger too?
Sleeves with a front pocket take a small charger and a cable. Otherwise keep them in a tech pouch.
More to look at