Luggage says more about a person than most things they wear. A good coat might turn a head at the hotel bar, but the suitcase you roll through the lobby tells the full story – where you’ve been, how you travel, and whether you’ve ever truly mastered the art of packing light.
The best luggage doesn’t just hold things. It has presence. It glides rather than drags, zips shut with a satisfying finality, and looks just as composed wedged into the back of a taxi as it does at the check-in desk. Whether it’s leather and heritage or hard-shell and highly engineered, a good suitcase or weekend bag makes travel feel like something deliberate, not chaotic.
These are the brands that understand that. The ones that treat bags and cases like tailoring – built to perform, designed to age well, and always ready to go.
What to consider when choosing luggage
Hard or soft luggage?
There is no straight answer to the hard or soft luggage question, it's quite simply a matter of personal preference. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Hard shell suitcases tend to be more durable and sturdy, which means they can protect your belongings much better. However, soft luggage may appeal more to over-packers, as they can usually squeeze in a bit extra. Plus, their soft construction means they can mould more easily to small spaces, which is especially handy for carry-on luggage that you want to fit in the overhead carrier of a plane.
TSA locks
The best luggage brands ensure their suitcases feature a built-in TSA lock. This is a global security system that allows passengers to lock their luggage, while enabling security authorities to inspect them without damage. Essentially, having a bag that's installed with a TSA lock will make your travel experience easier, safer and more convenient.
Smooth wheels
There's nothing worse than running through the airport for your flight only to have to keep stopping to realign the wheels of your suitcase. Avoid this issue by investing in luggage with high-quality, super-smooth wheels. Keep an eye out for suitcases with four 360-degree spinner wheels.
Warranty
The very best luggage brands will offer an unconditional lifetime warranty on their luggage, which means they'll fix any damage to the luggage regardless if it was the due to airline negligence, misuse, or an accident. However the majority of luggage brands offer limited lifetime warranties, which means that the warranty will be valid only for “normal use" and won't cover airline damage. Some brands will only offer a warranty that's limited to manufacturing defects – it's best to avoid these brands.
Dividers
Whether you're a folder or a roller, suitcase dividers are always helpful. Look out for luggage that features full compression dividers, which neatly compress your belongings to make it easier to close your suitcase. Some suitcases will also include handy pockets and zips to secure smaller bits and bobs.
Best luggage brands in 2025
Floyd
Floyd is a German luggage label that boldly claims to be "giving modern travel its mojo back". Drawing inspiration from Californian skateboard culture and the bohemians of 1970s Venice Beach, Floyd's design language is all about spirit, style and character. This is made evident by the bold colourways and super-sleek silhouettes of its suitcases. They also happen to be ultra-durable, crafted from premium hard-shell polycarbonate with sturdy and silent polyurethane wheels that promise a remarkably smooth ride.
Lundi
French brand Lundi takes a refined, minimalist approach to travel gear, offering premium weekend bags, backpacks and briefcases designed with equal care for aesthetics and function. Crafted from full-grain leather and waxed cotton, each piece is built around modern travel needs – think padded laptop sleeves, hidden compartments and compact, expandable silhouettes. With a muted palette and sharp, architectural lines, Lundi’s soft luggage is ideal for those who like their travel accessories understated, elegant and built to last.
Aspinal of London
If your travel style leans classic, Aspinal of London is an excellent place to start. The British brand is known for its handcrafted leather goods, including structured weekenders and elegant travel bags finished with brass hardware and hand-stitched detailing. Expect vintage-inspired silhouettes in vegetable-tanned leather, built to improve with age and designed to make a lasting impression – whether you’re escaping for the weekend or arriving at a country hotel.
Mismo
Danish brand Mismo blends Scandinavian design restraint with a distinctly functional approach to soft luggage. Its holdalls, backpacks and totes are made using water-repellent Italian fabrics, full-grain leather trims and sturdy brass hardware. The overall aesthetic is utilitarian but elevated – ideal for short city breaks, long weekends or daily commuting. Clean lines, thoughtful compartments and rugged elegance make Mismo’s bags a quietly confident choice.
Rimowa
Rimowa is a household name in the world of luggage, responsible for making the first ever polycarbonate suitcase in the year 2000. The German brand, which was founded in 1898, is renowned for its iconic grooves, which give its suitcases a distinctive industrial aesthetic. Choose from a range of designs, from the Original – the brand's iconic aluminium model – to the cutting edge Essential Lite, its lightest suitcase ever, weighing 30% less than the Essential suitcases.
Samsonite
Samsonite is a leading luggage label with a wide range of luggage styles for every type of travel. From soft duffle bags to hard-case suitcases. Particularly impressive is Samsonite's eco range. It includes an array of suitcases made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic waste and Roxkin™, an exclusive multi-layered material developed by Samsonite that is 100% recyclable. No matter which Samsonite suitcase you opt for, you can rest assured it will stand the test of time.
TUMI
With functionality at its core, TUMI creates some of the toughest luggage around, designed to withstand whatever adventures you have in store. It's no surprise, given that each product is put through a combination of 30 stringent tests before hitting the market, from the zipper tensile test – which ensures your zipper will never break – to the tumble test – in which bags are packed to capacity and put in a large tumbler that tosses them around relentlessly.
Velasca
Velasca, known for its handmade Italian shoes, brings the same artisanal approach to its compact luggage range. Its leather-trimmed weekend bags and backpacks are crafted in Italy using high-quality canvas and full-grain hides, offering classic silhouettes with refined finishes. These are pieces designed to travel well and age beautifully. Ideal for those who appreciate heritage materials and understated design in equal measure.
Steele & Borough
Founded in Stockholm, Steele & Borough creates durable, design-led travel bags that balance style and practicality. Its offering includes waxed canvas holdalls, nylon backpacks and leather-trimmed accessories that are ideal for everyday use or short-haul escapes.
Roderer
Roderer designs travel gear with a focus on timeless design and luxurious materials. Based in Dubai, the brand produces a tight collection of full-grain Italian leather backpacks, weekend bags and document holders, each finished with subtle branding and precise detailing. Everything is designed to feel refined but not flashy – a reliable option for those who prefer their travel kit understated, elegant and quietly luxurious.
Taking a work trip? Check out our pick of the best work bags for men right now.
