20 Best Luggage Brands For Traveling In Style
With 2022 coming to an end, we can safely say that travel is back in style and maybe even hotter than before. It seems like everyone we know is booking trips to far-flung locations and making reservations at premier boutique hotels and resorts throughout the globe. Before we take that journey, however, we’re going to want to get our hands on some mighty fine suitcases from some of the best luggage brands in the biz.
Get rid of any old baggage and step into 2023 with some new luggage. There are plenty of options, from lightweight, hardshell suitcases that can contend with years of pent up wanderlust, to shiny aluminum rollers to match the shiny new outfits we recently scored with vacation on the mind.
The best luggage brands offer all these kinds and more. This is why you need to know about ’em, the companies you can trust to encase and protect your stuff like travel gadgets during long-haul flights, weekends away, excursions into the unknown, and every other type of travel. And in 2023, there's no skimping on travel style. It's time, people. Get the right luggage, and then get moving.
Samsonite
SHOP AT SAMSONITE.COM
SHOP AT AMAZON
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
Editor's Pick: Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage
Samsonite has long reigned as one of the biggest names in luggage. For some brands, that'd be a detriment, bogging them down in old-school looks and tech. But Samsonite's still churning out smart, modern roller bags like this one, which weighs less than 7 pounds and is designed to not show wear on the exterior. For just over $100, you'll get a tough suitcase that'll look great now—and a couple dozen trips later.
Calpak
Editor's Pick: Hue Carry-On Luggage with Pocket
Launched in 1989, Calpak has been devoted to travel essentials at accessible prices since the founders of some of the brands on this list were still toddling around in diapers. Its best-selling Hue carry-on features a front pocket so you can get to your laptop, passport, and anything else you might need quickly and easily. Clever.
Herschel Supply Co.
SHOP AT HERSCHEL.COM
SHOP AT ZAPPOS
Editor's Pick: Trade Suitcase
You might already have—and love—a Herschel duffle bag, which is all the more reason to consider a suitcase. They have the same sort of everyday, sporty feel as the duffles, but don't require a shoulder to lean (okay, hang) on.
Filson
Editor's Pick: Ballistic Nylon Duffle Pack
You already know Filson makes good everyday bags, weekenders, and the like. If you haven't yet become familiar with the brand's proper luggage, now's the time to do it. This duffle-pack is made from a durable nylon that can stand up to all kinds of turbulence, so you can throw it in the car or hand it over to the airline luggage crew without anxiety.
Away
Editor's Pick: The Bigger Carry-On Flex Suitcase
If you're not yet on the Away train, it's time to be. The brand's main goal is to make traveling less complicated and stressful. The bags are simple, well-made, and come in a variety of colors and sizes to choose from. There's truly one for everybody.
Tumi
SHOP AT TUMI.COM
SHOP AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
SHOP AT NORDSTROM
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
Editor's Pick: Alpha Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On
If you're a traveling businessperson, there's nothing more classic than Tumi luggage. The brand's options run the gamut, but it's hard to beat a polycarbonate hardshell case equipped with an expandable section that'll accommodate all the extra stuff you picked up on the road.
Paravel
Editor's Pick: Aviator Carry-On Plus Suitcase
Paravel is relatively new to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. Founded by a Vogue alumn, the brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but made of recycled plastic water bottles, too. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.
Horizn Studios
SHOP AT HORIZN-STUDIOS.COM
SHOP AT MR PORTER
Editor's Choice: H5 Cabin Suitcase
Berlin-based Horizn Studios first introduced its sleek, streamlined luggage in 2015, and has since teamed up with a slew of partners drawn to its clean lines (not least of which: the fellow Germans at BMW). While the basic components—smart internal organization, tough polycarbonate exterior, whisper-quiet wheels—are pretty common throughout this list, the combo of function, price, and aesthetics is a winning one.
Arlo Skye
Editor's Choice: The Frame Carry-On Max Suitcase
Arlo Skye's suitcases are as high-quality as they are attractive. First of all, it just looks good. The subtle piping makes it stand out on the conveyer belt, and the durable polycarbonate won't get too banged up. Thumbs up to extra-protected corners, too.
Roam
SHOP AT ROAMLUGGAGE.COM
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
Editor's Pick: The Carry-On Suitcase
You won't ever question whether or not a suitcase is yours at baggage claim, because Roam offers a wide range of color options that can mix and match according to you specifications—right down to the color of the zipper. The brand's collection is also lightweight, features a secure locking system, and, though it may look compact, is impressively roomy.
Briggs & Riley
SHOP AT BRIGGS-RILEY.COM
SHOP AT NORDSTROM
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
Editor's Pick: Compact Carry-On Expandable Spinner
The brand makes an array of different luggage options, but this expandable carry-on—a signature product from the lineup—is especially well suited to guys who have a tendency to overpack. It gives you extra space when packing, then compresses back down to its original size for overhead storage. Handy.
Rimowa
SHOP AT RIMOWA.COM
SHOP AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
Editor's Pick: Classic Cabin Carry-On
Rimowa is the ultimate fashion-person suitcase. The signature silver aluminum is a standout—feel free to slap some stickers on it, and don't fret about the occasional dent or scrape—and the handmade leather handles won't fail you mid-trip.
Kenneth Cole
SHOP AT KENNETHCOLE.COM
SHOP AT AMAZON
Editor's Pick: Madison Square Chevron Hardside Expandable Large Checked Suitcase
In case you need to refresh your knowledge, yes, Kenneth Cole makes luggages too. Damn handsome, and damn cost-effective ones that are a rave on Amazon as well. Though its case and trunks aren't exactly lifetime-level, some, like the Madison Sqaure Chevron, do bring hardside exterior and tear-resistant lining to the table for better protection.
Monos
SHOP AT MONOS.COM
SHOP AT NORDSTROM
Editor's Pick: Carry-On Pro
Monos may not be the biggest name in the luggage game, but the young and masterful brand brings a familiar balance of utility and luxury to its line of carry-on and checked-in suitcases, in terms of looks as well as quality. Its Carry-On Pro, however, is a refresher to those same old silhouettes: A built-in front compartment for quick, seamless access to your travel essentials. And overall, the brand is outfitted with super-tough, super-light polycarbonate shell for good measure.
Solgaard
Editor's Pick: Checked-In Closet
Solgaard's genius invention is a slap on the face to airlines' luggage sizing requirements; it allows travelers to unapologetically bring their entire closet with them through the TSA, courtesy of the brand's patented shelving system—i.e., a whole closet within the luggage—in each of its suitcases. Solgaard's largest model, specifically, can fit over a dozen outfits. And once you arrive at your destination's hotel, simply open and unpack in seconds.
July
Editor's Pick: Carry On Pro
July is more of a newcomer, yet it's managed to manufacture suitcases that are nothing short of sleek and glossy—exactly the sort of vibe you want to give off for getting back to traveling in style. But the brand's more than a looker. Take its Carry On Pro, for instance, which is outfitted with a detachable sleeve for stuff like a laptop, and even an ejectable battery with USB. Hence, July is damn nifty as well.
Delsey Paris
SHOP AT AMAZON
SHOP AT BLOOMINGDALE'S
SHOP AT WALMART
Editor's Pick: Chatelet Air Hardside Luggage
Delsey Paris has been in the biz for over 70 years. Thus, aside from its emblematic look, its luggage has a sort of vintage aesthetic to it that makes it a delight to look at (the leather accents, such as). But, of course, it backs that old-timey look up with modern necessities, like polycarbonate shell and TSA-approved locks.
Victorinox
SHOP AT VICTORINOX.COM
SHOP AT AMAZON
Editor's Pick: Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On
It's no big surprise that the company behind the iconic Swiss Army Knife also knows a thing or two about durable, versatile luggage. Still, it's welcome news. Victorinox's 29-inch checked roller bag is made from polycarbonate that's both break- and scratch-resistant, so you don't need to break out in a cold sweat when you're handing it over to the bag checkers who will, without a doubt, beat the hell out of it. Don't worry; it won't be any worse for wear.
Zero Halliburton
SHOP AT ZEROHALLIBURTON.COM
SHOP AT AMAZON
Editor's Pick: Continental Carry-On Case
The brand behind the most iconic of aluminum briefcases also happens to make some damn good luggage. One the coolest features of the Continental Carry-On? The concave edges, which protects against damage by absorbing shocks and helps prevent dents. A little road-worn appeal is great and all, but a busted suitcase isn't.
Longchamp
Editor's Pick: Boxford Suitcase L
Did you travel abroad in college during the aughts? Do you frequent terminals at international airports? Have you been to Europe lately? If the answer is yes to one or all three, Longchamp's Le Pliage carryall needs no introduction. But what you might not be familiar with is the brands line of four-wheeled, soft-sided luggage made of canvas in an array of colors. It is built to withstand wear and tear, and will serve as a worthy travel companion for many, many years to come.
What to Consider When Choosing a Luggage Brand
Of course, luggage brands have many tricks under their sleeves, which might or might not be similar to the other's. Thus, a signature look like that of Monos, Away, or Rimowa can really spruce up one's traveling style. But let's not be shallow here. Luggage is more about practicality. And indeed, there are many factors to consider.
• Softside or hardside: Softside luggage, usually in polyester, nylon, or canvas, can expand to fit a few extra souvenirs or compress into tight spaces in a pinch. It also, more often than not, has more pockets and organizational compartments. But hardside luggage is the winner when it comes to thorough protection and durability. Often made of polycarbonate or aluminum, bags with solid shells are often lighter and much more hardwearing. They are also much easier to clean, too.
• Size: Thankfully, most luggage brands offer both carry-on as well as checked-in dimensions. So, we won't rattle too much on sizing here. Get one for the kind of trip you'll take demands is what we recommend. Or, get a set of suitcases and stack them like Russian nesting dolls, in preparation for all kinds of jaunts you'll trek on in the future.
• Mobility: You should opt for suitcases with wheels—any other kind is going to burden your movements—preferably ones that can swivel 360 degrees for the smoothest maneuvering.
• Extra feats: Attachable/detachable sleeve. Front compartment or pocket. Built-in shelving. TSA-approved locks. Telescopic handle... The list goes on as more luggage brands swerve into the innovative side of things. Even straightforward trimmings like side handle for easy lifting and aluminum outer for the upmost protection are worth considering.
From: Esquire US
