Most laptop sleeves are boring or ugly, but after years of searching I discovered my favorite line of leather sleeves to protect my MacBook.

Twelve South makes MacBook cases that look like beautifully aged antique leather books. The cases are expensive, but they have kept my MacBook dent-free and maybe even prevented a mugging.

Unlike most cases, the Twelve South versions look better with use. They develop a unique patina that personalizes the case and makes it uniquely yours. Light scratches in the leather add character, rather than making it look cluttered.

I use the BookBook, which costs $99.99. This model also has an internal pocket to store papers. Somehow the case doesn’t feel bulky or heavy, even though it’s 14.9” x 10.4” x 1”. I had the same model for my previous 13-inch MacBook Pro, and it performed just as well.