The best suitcases
The five best suitcases in this guide look as great as they perform...
The best suitcases should be strong and durable as a bare minimum. A suitcase quite possibly gets more wear and tear than any other item you’ll own: it gets dropped; it rubs against conveyor belts and other suitcases; it will get rained/snowed on at some point. A suitcase, therefore, has to be tough and long-lasting to make it onto a ‘best of’ list.
And – a modern suitcase has to glide effortlessly across sidewalks and airport floors, without you having to put in any effort. If doesn’t glide across the floor like butter, it’s not good enough in our books.
Having said all of that, the best suitcase, in our opinion, will deliver on looks as well as practical features. A truly great suitcase will look like a glamorous accessory in keeping with your overall look. The best suitcases in this guide look as great as they perform.
The best suitcases
Livingetc knows design.
1. Beis 21-inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Superior comfort:
The design of this suitcase is so well thought-through: there are so many spacious zip compartments for your various items, you’ll never lose anything again. The handle has a very comfortable grip, and the 360-degree wheels are so smooth that we were literally able to push this suitcase with one finger.
Additional features:
The TSA-approved lock will give you additional peace of mind, and the telescopic handle makes it easy and quick to prepare the suitcase for inspection at check-in. What we really like about this suitcase, though, is the weight indicator: you’ll know if you’re going over before leaving the house, which saves a lot of trouble having to pay for extra weight at the airport.
Good to know
While the beige color is very pretty, we’d probably go with black, because the light color inevitably will scuff and get market.
2. Calpak Ambeur 2-Piece Spinner Luggage Set
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
This sleek set is designed with effortless travel in mind. The multi-directional wheels are super-smooth on this set, and the suitcases themselves are lightweight. The gel-padded handles make it very comfortable to handle.
Spacious
You’ll be surprised by how much these suitcases fit – especially the larger one, which features an expansion sleeve to fit in even more of your stuff. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s possible to fill the larger suitcase completely and still not exceed 50lbs.
Can scuff
Like most other light-colored suitcases, this set is prone to scuffing from rough handling at the airport. If you want to preserve the beautiful finish, you may want to purchase clear suitcase covers for the set.
3. Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 28" Suitcase
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Large capacity, superb quality
We do like us an expandable suitcase, and this one is of a superior quality. The corner guards on this suitcase a godsend for protecting it against rough handling. They’re not a guarantee against dents and scratches, but they do help prolong the life of the suitcase. And, with the two inches added to the capacity with the expandable section, we were amazed at just how much stuff we were able to fit in there. The large selection of colors is a bonus.
The only downside with this model is that, if overfilled, it will struggle a bit when being pushed – not because of the wheels (which are excellent), but because of the handle, which doesn’t feel sturdy enough for the task.
4. Brics Capri 32-inch expandable rolling suitcase
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A luxury investment
The suitcase to end them all? Quite possible: it does look spectacular and has some exciting features you won’t find in most suitcases out there. The Japanese Hinomoto swivel casters are one such feature – the gliding is unbelievably smooth with these ones, and they are almost unbelievably silent, which is just so much more pleasant than the rattling sound made by so many suitcase wheels.
For the very generous 32-inch size, this suitcase is very lightweight. It’s made from Makrolon polycarbonate, which is no ordinary plastic: they make store fronts and train glazing out the stuff, it’s that tough. What we really like, though, is the beautiful quality of the water-resistant lining. Should anything spill inside this suitcase, you can just wipe clean afterwards. Oh, and we almost forgot the Italian calfskin detailing. It is expensive for a suitcase, but it would make an amazing gift.
5. DELSEY Paris Chatelet Soft Air Luggage Under-Seater
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Travel in style
This is probably the best-designed suitcase on our list; the attractive cream and camel color combination will go with everything and elevate your business travel look. Look inside, and the textured, ruby-red lining is irresistibly pretty. It’s not style over substance, though: inner zip compartments make sorting through your stuff easy, and the laptop/tablet sleeves are particularly useful if you’re travelling for work.
Only two wheels
The retro design has only two wheels – we wouldn’t recommend putting anything overly heavy in this suitcase or walking long distances with it, as it won’t cope.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SUITCASE
Soft of hardshell?
These days, hardshell suitcases are made from durable and lightweight materials, so, unless you’re getting a small cabin-size bag, there’s really no need for a softshell. Hardshells protect your things better, and clothes won’t crease as much in them as in soft bags.
Size
You have to be honest with yourself about how much you tend to pack: if you’re always overstuffing your cabin luggage, just get a large suitcase and check it in. Also bear in mind that carry-on luggage size differs between countries (even for going to Canada), so if you’re a frequent traveler to a particular destination, check that your carry-on bag won’t be too large.
Extra features
Obviously, the wheels are a huge aspect of suitcase design. Especially with larger suitcases, the wheels need to be top notch, preferably 360-degree rotation, so that the suitcase doesn’t get stuck when turning corners.
The other important feature to consider is the number of compartments inside the suitcase. The more the better, and the less the likelihood your items will get creased or damaged in transit. Look for high-quality, robust fabric that’s easy to wipe should something spill inside the suitcase.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Anna is a professional writer with many years' experience. She has special interests in architecture, photography, and high-end interior design. Her work has appeared in Homes & Gardens, Gardeningetc, and many other publications.
-
After Trading in their Bachelor Pad, This Homeowner Now Embraces Calm and Collected Energy on the Upper West Side
GACHOT used deep colors, modernist sensibilities, and calm vibes in a serene home for a growing family with a penchant for get-togethers
By Keith Flanagan Published
-
The Best Carry-On Luggage for the Design-Conscious Traveler — So You Can Roll into the Holidays in Style
Whether you're looking for minimalist or instantly recognizable suitcases, we've rounded up our favorite hand luggage options for a stylish and comfortable trip
By Gilda Bruno Published
-
Best Drip Coffee Makers of 2024 — 9 Design-Led Machines That Make the Perfect Brew
Our barista-turned-style-expert tested the best drip coffee makers on the market. From minimalist to eye-catching these are the best machines
By Laura Honey Last updated
-
This color has quickly become the 'new neutral' for our homes – and IKEA's latest launches are really nailing the trend
This color trend is adding a touch of elegant luxury to our designs, and IKEA's ranges make buying into it budget-friendly
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
IKEA’s Memorial Day sale has 40% off outdoor furniture ranges – including the best privacy screen we've seen this year
To help you sift through all the products on offer in IKEA's Memorial Day sale, we've selected a few of our favorites
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
The 12 best round rugs - a designer's secret weapon to create relaxed and welcoming rooms
These are my favorite round rugs to buy now, bringing curves into your home in style
By Oonagh Turner Published
-
The Best Home Fragrances — 12 Exquisite Scents Our Editors Can't Live Without
Conjure up your home's signature mood with these delicious buys
By Gilda Bruno Last updated
-
Best Outdoor Rugs — 12 Buys to Make Your Backyard Cozier
The best outdoor rugs make for major backyard impact. I’ve read the reviews so you don’t have to — here are the only outdoor rugs you need to consider this season
By Oonagh Turner Last updated
-
Best handheld vacuum 2024: 8 small vacuums for all level cleaning
Discover the latest and best handheld vacuum from top brands in our expert guide
By Jennifer Oksien Published
-
Best vacuum for pet hair 2022: 7 of our favorite vacuums for taming pet hair
The best vacuum for pet hair will keep your home fluff, fur and dirt-free. See our vacuum reviews for Shark, Bissell, Dyson and more...
By Jennifer Oksien Last updated