The 14 Best Luggage Brands You Should Know

Luggage has certainly evolved over the years. First, there was the steamer trunk which eventually gave way to the suitcase, all leading to today's smart luggage. Arranged alphabetically from Away to Valextra, these are the top luggage brands that have been trusted by jet setters through the years.

1. Away

The American travel brand was founded in 2015 by Stephanie Korey and Jennifer Rubio. Away is known for its suitcases with features such as polycarbonate shells, removable charging batteries, and spinner wheels. Since launching, the startup has raised more than $81 million and sold over 1,000,000 travel products.

2. Bric's

The Italian brand was established by Mario Briccola in the Como region in 1952. Bric's story began from Briccola's dream to create fine luggage and leather goods, and has since become known for its sophisticated use of Tuscan leather and heavy-duty nylon.

3. Ghurka

Ghurka, which was founded by Marley Hodgson, got its start when Hodgson encountered gear that was once owned by a British Ghurka in an estate sale. From there, he was inspired to create a collection of bags using the finest leather. Today, Ghurka makes an assortment of luggage pieces including carry-ons,  duffle bags, rolling luggage, garment bags, and travel accessories.

4. Globe-Trotter

Established in 1897, Globe-Trotter is an English luggage manufacturer that is known for using vulcanized fibreboard for its products. The treated layers of bonded paper make its pieces better at resisting both water and abrasion than leather. Members of the British royal family including Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, and Kate Middleton have been known to favor the brand.

5. Goyard

IMAGE COURTESY GOYARD

The French brand was established in 1853, and is known for its trunks and leather goods. One of the brand's signatures is the Goyard canvas called the Goyardine, a chevron pattern that was created around 1900. Through the years, Goyard's customers have included royalty, celebrities, and socialites.

6. Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton first set up shop on Rue Nueve des Capucines in Paris in 1854. The designer quickly revolutionized traveling by introducing flat-topped trunks with canvas compared to the bulky rounded top trunks that were more commonplace. From a travel goods store, Louis Vuitton has become one of the world's leading fashion houses.

More: Luxury At Its Best: Fabulous Brands Owned by the LVMH Group

7. Mark Cross

Mark Cross was founded in 1845 as a bridle, harness, and saddle maker. The American brand soon shifted to leather goods, and rose to prominence after Grace Kelly used an overnight case in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window.

8. Moynat

Octavie and François Coulembier founded Moynat in Paris in 1849. Though they specialized in making trunks, the two partnered with travel goods specialist Pauline Moynat to further the company. The brand was considered one of the finest leather houses of its day along with Louis Vuitton and Goyard. It has since expanded to bags, small leather goods, and more.

9. Rimowa

IMAGE COURTESY OF RIMOWA

Founded by Paul Morszeck and Heinrich Görtz in 1898, Rimowa is now one of the most popular luggage manufacturers. The manufacturer is known for its innovative use of materials such as aluminum, polycarbonate, and duraluminium.

10. Samsonite

IMAGE SAMSONITE

Samsonite was founded in Colorado by Jesse Shwayder in 1910. It wasn't until 1965, however, that the suitcase would be its most best-selling product. Currently, Samsonite makes a range of products that includes large suitcases, briefcases, backpacks, and other travel accessories.

11. Smythson

Frank Smythson established the British brand in Bond Street in 1887. Though known for its stationery and diaries, Smythson's leather goods and luggage have been favored by royals, celebrities, and other prominent figures.

12. T. Anthony

The American luggage house was founded by Theodore Anthony in 1946. T. Anthony has had its place in history through its many famous customers. These included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and Elton John, to name a few.

More: Jackie Kennedy's Signature Packing Tip

13. Tumi

IMAGE TUMI

Founded in 1975, Tumi is known for its use of ballistic nylon. To date, there are over 120 Tumi stores and 200 shops around the world. In 2016, Samsonite acquired Tumi in a transaction worth $1.8 billion.

14. Valextra

Italian luggage maker Giovanni Fontana founded Valextra in 1937. The brand specialized in crafting luggage and other accessories using alligator, hippopotamus, and elephant leather since the beginning. Through the years, the most stylish women have carried Valextra. These have included Gianni Agnelli, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Kennedy.