Everyone knows travel is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and having a suitcase that blends function and form goes a long way to improve the journey. Investing in a quality case from one of the best luggage brands is a purchase that won’t go amiss, with the best suitcases, carry-ons, and overnight bags standing the test of time.
Beautiful luggage was once a luxury, but that’s when the only options on the market were a utilitarian Samsonite shell or a full set of Louis Vuitton trunks clad in monogram canvas… and basically nothing in between. The advent of smaller, primarily e-comm businesses has democratised the luggage market, with aesthetically pleasing options available at a range of price points. From vintage-inspired options that induce a healthy bout of nostalgia to fun and funky iterations destined to make spotting your suitcase at baggage claim a breeze, these are the 14 best luxury suitcase and luggage brands at every price point.
1. SteamLine Luggage
Founded in 2005 with the intention of bringing old-world elegance back to modern travel, SteamLine Luggage combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary innovations like telescopic handles and silent glide wheels. Evoking the allure of a bygone era, SteamLine Luggage has a wide array of leather travel trunks, carry cases, hatboxes, and round train cases with smartly named collections like ‘The Editor’ and ‘The Diplomat’.
2. July Luggage
Australian brand July combines quality and aesthetics with affordability, resulting in luggage with an unbeatable value proposition. Crafted from German polycarbonate and laden with thoughtful details like laptop sleeves and device charging ports, the July range includes checked and carry-on suitcases as well as weekenders and accessories. Available in a wide array of colours with regular seasonal releases, there’s a shade for every mood. The July Carry On Light is the world’s lightest double-wheel suitcase; at just 1.8kg, it’s perfect for short journeys. Meanwhile, the Checked and Carry On Trunk exude classic heritage appeal, making a style statement wherever you go.
3. Rimowa
A luggage brand that transcends generations, Rimowa suitcases are built to last. Part of the LVMH stable, Rimowa was founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany and became known for its signature grooved aluminium shells. The sleek designs are so durable that Rimowa suitcases have been known to be passed down through generations, making it a true investment piece. While Rimowa is best known for its slick, no-nonsense designs, the brand has been branching out stylistically, through collaborations with the likes of Dior, Adidas, Supreme, and Off-White, as well as creative in-house colourways.
4. Victorinox
Swiss brand Victorinox is best known for its selection of army knives. However, Victorinox also has a selection of high-quality travel gear, with an array of practical hard-shell carry-on and checked luggage, as well as backpacks, weekenders, and duffle bags.
5. Tumi
Founded in New Jersey in 1975, Tumi is named after a Peruvian ceremonial knife. The brand prides itself on its commitment to functionality, becoming renowned for its ballistic nylon travel bags. That’s not to say Tumi products sacrifice aesthetics; the hard-shell aluminium and polycarbonate suitcases take on an unfussy, streamlined approach, ideal for the normcore traveller or buisnessperson.
6. Zero Halliburton
When it comes to the silver screen, Zero Halliburton is undeniably the most famous luggage brand. Founded in 1938, cases by the American company have appeared in over 200 films, including Inception and Touch of Evil. Designed to survive the American Midwest oil fields, Zero Halliburton — along with Rimowa — was one of the first brands to introduce travellers to the durability and security of aluminium cases. Today, Zero Halliburton still sells its signature aluminium personal and checked cases, as well as lightweight polycarbonate suitcases and ballistic nylon bags and backpacks. The case of choice for anyone wishing to channel a charming yet mysterious spy.
7. Carl Friedrik
Favoured by the Roy family in Succession, Carl Friedrik exudes stealth wealth. Despite only launching a decade ago in 2012, Carl Friedrik takes a vintage approach to its cases. Understated yet sophisticated, Carl Friedrik luggage is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate and features heritage-inspired leather details.
8. Globe-Trotter
Globe-Trotter is to Britain what Rimowa is to Germany. Originally founded in Saxony, Germany in 1897, Globe-Trotter moved to England in 1932 and has been handmaking quintessesnially British luggage since then. Globe-Trotter’s singular aesthetic has led to collaborations with Tyler the Creator’s Golf le Fleur, Gucci, Berluti, Casablanca, and even fellow British icon 007, with a dedicated No Time To Die collection.
9. Aidan
The newest brand on this list, Aidan was founded just last year. The homegrown brand has already caught the eye of stylish travellers, with its luggage offering a luxurious feel at an affordable price point. Designed and patented in New York, each Aidan suitcase features a patented push-and-release braking system, making it easy to come to a smooth standstill in the terminal. Both the checked and carry-on suitcases are made with a polycarbonate outer shell and aluminium framing, creating hardwearing luggage that looks good on the conveyor belt. The range of everyday backpacks and weekend duffle bags is equally as chic, with each item featuring an all-over geometric pattern accented by leather details.
10. Paravel
Style meets sustainability in every Paravel suitcase and bag. Suitcases are made from recycled polycarbonate with nylon lining composed using upcycled plastic bottles, while duffle bags are made from upcycled canvas and zipped together with a recycled zipper. The leather-look details on each piece of luggage are all vegan-friendly, making Paravel a standout option for eco-conscious travellers.
11. Bric’s
Italian leather goods company Bric’s has been operating since 1952, with its fashion-forward approach to luggage garnering attention from celebrities and the style set. Today, its polycarbonate hard-shell suitcases feature leather corners and details, a nod to its artisanal roots.
12. Louis Vuitton
Ah, the original go-to for chic luggage. While the French house now dominates the fashion and lifestyle spheres, its origins are in luggage, with Louis Vuitton (the man) — who started his career making trunks for Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo — establishing his eponymous brand in 1854. Louis Vuitton became known for its then-groundbreaking flat-topped stackable cases, with the instantly recognisable LV monogram introduced by Vuitton’s son Georges in 1892. To this day, LV monogrammed trunks are an undeniable status symbol and an eternally stylish way to travel.
13. FPM Milano
Placing functionality and great design at its forefront, FPM Milano suitcases combine technological innovation with heritage details. The Bank collection derives inspiration from vintage trunks and sees contemporary aluminium shells meet leather details and thoughtful interior compartmentalization.
14. Echolac
Responsible for creating the world’s first ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a hard composite plastic) attaché case, Japanese brand Echolac was founded in 1964. Today, Echolac offers hard- and soft-shell suitcases with architecturally inspired geometric details. Pairing a trademarked EchoLite polycarbonate shell with an aluminium frame, Echolac suitcases are built to last and are equipped with thoughtful features like smooth double-wheels and ergonomic handles.
Words by AR Staff
