Laptop Sleeves

What a laptop sleeve is for

A sleeve is a close-fitting padded cover with a zip or a flap. On its own it keeps scratches, dust and light knocks off a laptop, and inside a bag it stops the laptop rubbing against keys, chargers and books. It adds little bulk, so the laptop still slips into a bag's laptop compartment, a drawer or a desk tray. A sleeve is not a bag: most carry the laptop and perhaps a charger, not the rest of your day. For that, look at the laptop bags.

The five sizes

• 13-inch sleeves are made for 13 and 13.3-inch laptops, and many with 13.5 to 13.8-inch screens, such as the 13-inch MacBook Air.
• 14-inch sleeves are made for 14-inch laptops, such as the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
• 15.6-inch sleeves are made for 15 and 15.6-inch laptops.
• 16-inch sleeves are made for 16 and 16.2-inch laptops, such as the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
• 17-inch sleeves are made for 17 and 17.3-inch laptops, and that range also has larger bags for them.

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.

Materials and extras

PU leather sleeves are slim and wipe clean, and several open out flat to make a mouse mat. Felt is soft and holds its shape. Neoprene and lycra stretch a little, so they fit closely. Padded polyester and canvas are light and come in the most colours and prints, and EVA sleeves have a firmer moulded body that takes knocks better. Many have a carry handle or strap, a front pocket for the charger, or a panel that folds into a stand to tilt the laptop on a desk. Lots are described as waterproof or water resistant: that keeps off a shower or a spilt drink, but a soaking will find its way through the zip.

Questions people ask about laptop sleeves

Should a sleeve be snug or roomy?

A snug sleeve holds the laptop still and adds the least bulk. A roomier one has space for a hard-shell case. To carry a charger too, choose a sleeve with a separate front pocket, so the plug is not pressing on the lid.

Will a sleeve go over a hard-shell case?

Often, if the sleeve is not tight. A hard-shell case adds a little on every side, so allow for it when you compare sizes.

How do I find my laptop's screen size?

Measure the screen from one corner to the opposite corner, in inches (an inch is 2.54cm). Or look up the model: on Windows it is under Settings, System, About, and on a Mac under About This Mac.

More to look at

• 13-inch laptop sleeves
• 14-inch laptop sleeves
• 15.6-inch laptop sleeves
• 16-inch laptop sleeves
• MacBook hard-shell cases
• Tech pouches
• Guide: How to choose a laptop sleeve or bag: the UK buying guide
• Guide: Portable monitors and screen extenders