15 best suitcases 2025, according to frequent travellers
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
The best suitcases offer more than just practicality – they’re style statements in their own right. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you're gearing up for that one big holiday of the year, the luggage you wheel through the airport says as much about you as the outfits you've neatly packed inside. Indeed, no one wants their carefully planned city-break wardrobe overshadowed by a tired, scuffed-up case that’s seen better days. Your suitcase needs to pull its weight – both literally and figuratively.
Beyond aesthetics, a great suitcase is all about functionality. It should glide smoothly through crowded terminals, be lightweight enough to hoist onto that overhead rack, and durable enough to handle the not-so-gentle embrace of baggage handlers. (Ahem!) Extra points if it has clever features like expandable compartments or a built-in weight indicator to save you from dreaded excess charges. Because, we'll be honest, packing light isn’t in our vocabulary, especially when holiday shopping is on the agenda.
And then there’s the sheer joy of owning a piece of luggage that just feels right. Whether it’s a glossy hard shell that screams chic minimalism or a soft-sided case with endless pockets to keep you organised, the best suitcases make travelling less of a hassle and more of an experience. Current luggage trends focus on sustainable materials, customisation, and quiet luxury – this one's all about eschewing flashy labels and opting instead for refined style.
Investing in one of the best travel suitcases is undeniably wise – as long as you've got a luggage tracker in tow. Spend a little more on some top-quality luggage and your holiday companion will last you a lifetime, no matter how many trips along the trusty baggage carousel it takes (and scuffs it picks up along the way). So, we've rounded up the best suitcases from the best luxury luggage brands on the market to buy for your upcoming getaways – as loved by GLAMOUR editors, influencers and travel experts alike.
SKIP TO: What should you look for in a suitcase? | What luggage is best, hard or soft? | What to consider when shopping for the best luggage? | Which brand of luggage is the most durable? | Best suitcase brands | How we tested | Suitcase FAQs | What are some different types of suitcases + the best for 2025 - the GLAMOUR pick |
The best luggage brands 2025:
Based on overall quality, cost, aesthetics, durability and customer feedback, these are the luggage brands to know this year:
- Antler
- Samsonite
- Carl Friedrik
- M&S
- Monos
- Delsey
- July
- American Tourister
- TUMI
- Tripp
- Away
- The North Face
- TravelPro
- Victorinox
- Amazon Basics
- Briggs & Riley
- RIMOWA
- Herschel Supply Co
- IT Luggage
- Eastpak
- BRICS
- Globe-Trotter
- Beis
What should you look for in a suitcase?
When it comes to choosing a high-quality suitcase, it’s all about balancing practicality and style – after all, your luggage is like your travel sidekick. Whether you're jetting off on a dreamy getaway or a whirlwind business trip, here’s what to keep in mind when picking the perfect case.
Size matters: Think about the kind of trips you usually take. If you’re a weekend warrior, a compact cabin bag might be enough, but longer holidays call for something with a bit more room. Always double-check airline size restrictions, especially for carry-on luggage, as they can vary wildly. No one wants that awkward gate-side repacking moment.
Lightweight but durable: A suitcase needs to be sturdy enough to survive being chucked onto a conveyor belt but light enough that you’re not sweating bullets before you’ve even started your trip. (The dreaded weight limit looms large). Materials like polycarbonate are great for hard-shell cases — they’re tough but won’t weigh you down. Fabric options are often lighter, but you’ll need to be mindful of scuffs and stains.
Compartments and Organisation: If you’re the kind of person who lives for neat packing cubes, look for a suitcase with built-in compartments. Interior dividers, zippered sections, and even a separate space for shoes can be lifesavers when you’re trying to stay organised on the go.
Security features: A built-in TSA-approved lock is a big plus – especially if your travel takes you through the States. It keeps your belongings safe but won’t cause a fuss with security. Bonus points if it comes with anti-theft zippers or hidden compartments.
What luggage is best, hard or soft?
It's a matter of personal preference, though there's definitely a preference for hard-shell luggage among the frequent travellers who reviewed the brands below.
Hard luggage (also known as a hard shell or hardside suitcase) is typically constrained to one size and shape – so there's less give when you're trying to squeeze in that final pair of shoes. That said, hard suitcases do tend to be significantly more durable, waterproof, easy to wipe clean and lightweight. Hard luggage will also protect your belongings much better. Most of the hard shell suitcases in this edit are made from polypropylene, which is a durable yet lightweight material first bought to the luggage world by Rimowa in 2000. See, for example, the Rimowa Original Check-In M.
Soft, or softside luggage is beneficial if you're after something that can mould to small spaces, like the overhead carrier of a plane, and these type of travel bags are better for over-packers. And if you need something even smaller, we've got more underseat luggage and women's travel backpack options this way.
How we test suitcases
As a team of fashion, interiors, travel and beauty experts, we happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the check-in and cabin-worthy business. We've tested each of the below suitcases over weekend breaks and full-blown two-week holidays to bring you the creme de la creme of luggage, scoring each on style, weight, size, functionality, durability, customer service and extra features. Read our full Antler luggage review here, as an example.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Keep scrolling for our full edit of the best suitcases (from our favourite luggage brands) to take to checkout.
Suitcase FAQs
Which brand of luggage is the most durable?
When it comes to durability, a few luggage brands consistently stand out. Rimowa’s aluminium suitcases are a go-to for their robust build and timeless design. (But they have a price tag to match). Briggs & Riley impresses with its lifetime warranty that even covers airline damage – perfect for frequent travellers. Tumi’s ballistic nylon cases combine sleek aesthetics with resilience, while Samsonite offers reliable options for every budget, blending innovation and strength.
At a more reasonable price point, the M&S Vienna range combines style and strength with its tough and bouncy plastic exterior together with a lightweight user friendly makeup. It's been selling out fast in 2024 and customers have described it as “light but strong,” “durable," “sturdy” and, of particular note, very similar to a recognisable branded one, one buyer remarked.
What else to consider when shopping for the best luggage?
TSA Locks: This is a global security system which allows passengers to lock their luggage, while permitting security authorities to inspect them without damage. The best suitcases will feature locks that have been TSA-approved, and are highly recommended for international travel.
Smooth wheels: Often, the defining feature of an expensive suitcase over something on a budget is the quality and smoothness of the wheels. The best luggage brands will serve up four 360 degree spinner wheels on their suitcases, making it easy to weave in and out of people (in all directions) in an airport terminal.
Compression dividers: At the very least, make sure your suitcase has luggage straps which stretch over your clothes and keep the contents of your suitcase in place. If you can, opt for something with full compression dividers which compress your clothes, keep everything safe and make it easier to close your suitcase. Some compression dividers will have additional pockets with zippers on them.
Material quality: Choosing the right luggage can be narrowed down by the type of materials best suited for your travels. Depending on whether you want hard or soft suitcases, this will be a big deciding factor. For frequent flyers seeking durability and resilience, hard-sided luggage crafted from polycarbonate or aluminium are good options, as they're able to withstand rough handling and can protect your fragiles. Soft-sided luggage made from ballistic nylon or polyester are lighter options suitable if you're prioritising flexibility and additional storage pockets. Water-resistant materials like coated fabrics or water-repellent treatments are beneficial for travels that may involve extreme weather conditions.
Warranty: If you travel a lot, make sure you're clued up on the luggage brand-in-question's warranty. Do they cover everything you need them to? “Limited warranty” is ideal, while “limited lifetime warranty” means it's good for a certain number of years, and “limited to manufacturer's defects” is what you want to avoid. That basically means the luggage brand will cover nothing and will attribute the damage of your suitcase to you or the airline. Not what you want.