Finding the best luggage is no mean feat, especially when factoring in baggage restrictions, storage needs, durability etc. Once you’ve found the right suitcases and travel bags though, going away is a breeze. Because there’s no such thing as a one-case-fits-all scenario.
So we’ve done the hard work for you and scoured the internet and even tested some cases to find the best luggage money for you, no matter your budget. This way, you’re good and ready when those countries finally all appear on the green list (and do check out our how to pack a suitcase guide while you’re at it).
Pressed for time? Shop our top 3 best suitcases:
- The Bigger Carry-On, £235 at AWAY
- Portobello large in silver, £125.40 at Antler
- Essential Trunk Plue, £860 at RIMOWA
Keep scrolling to shop everything from the best carry on luggage to large suitcases and travel bags.
Best carry on luggage
The Carry-On, £215 at Away
The Carry-On suitcase is sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, and is compact enough for train and car trips alike. With a durable polycarbonate hard shell and 360° spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride, this suitcase is built to last.
For those looking for a lightweight carry-on suited for all of your travel needs, this suitcase features an interior compression system and hidden laundry bag that make it even easier to pack all of your essentials.
If you’re going on a short weekend away, or you’re lucky enough to be a light packer, then a carry-on suitcase or bag is for you. Cabin size luggage is usually 56cm x 45 x 25cm, which is the allowance permitted by most airlines including British Airways. However it’s always worth checking with your airline for the luggage options, as they can vary.
For example Ryanair’s allowance is smaller at 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, so make sure your suitcase is the right size, or you might incur additional costs. Scroll down to shop my favourite carry-on luggage.
Best large suitcases
Galli Large Suitcase, Forest Green & Brushed Brass, £79 at MADE
The Galli large suitcase lets you travel on trend. Brushed brass accents elevate the forest green lightweight shell, giving you one stylish suitcase. Interior dividers, pockets and packing straps make travel prep easier, and the push-button trolley system, easy glide wheels and integrated TSA lock bring function to form.
Long-haul destinations call for large suitcases, which saves you whittling down your holiday wardrobe too much. The best ones come with four wheels for easy handling, and separate zip-up compartments for your more delicate items. Though fabric suitcases are generally lighter, for long trips I recommend hard shell cases as they’re more durable and are less likely to get damaged in transit.
Best luggage for clothes
The Garment Bag, £175 at Away
The Garment Bag can fit two suits or three full-length garments, and features an exterior zip pocket for easy access to travel essentials as well as interior zip pockets for shoes and accessories. A zip-out hook makes it easy to hang in a closet or over a door, while the luggage clip secures it seamlessly to any Away suitcase.
If you’re not a fan of rolling up your clothes in a case (this does save loads of space), then a garment bag such as the below Away one is for you. It’ll allow you to keep dresses and suits relatively flat. A carry-on closet suitcase is another great option to keep clothes organised.
Best travel bags
Barbour Highgate Leather Holdall, Chocolate, £249 at John Lewis
Perfect for overnight stays, the Barbour Highgate leather holdall showcases a large external zip for a secure and protected fastening. A front zip pocket adds handy storage while a removable shoulder strap offers an alternative carry method.
Internal pockets ensure easy storage and protection while you’re on the move, with the full-grain leather design finished with an embossed leather badge to the outer front.
Though less easy to drag around than a suitcase, a travel bag is a great space-saving choice, especially if you’re heading on a mini break by car. Thule, Rimowa and Longchamp have some great classic options.
Best light suitcases
Eastpak Tranverz 2-Wheel 79cm Large Case, Triple Denim, £119 at John Lewis
This Eastpak Tranverz Case allows you to carry everything you need and more. Made from a tough water-resistant polyester, the Tranverz features large double deck compartments to organise all your souvenirs and a front zippered pocket for your travel documents. There are compression straps with clips to optimise volume, double stitching for strength.
Finally, if you’re worried about weight allowance or simply want to save your arm strength, then there are plenty of lightweight suitcase options around, especially those made of fabric shells. Keep scrolling to buy those, and more of my best luggage buys.
Best carry-on luggage: Essential Cabin, £530 at RIMOWA
The world’s first ever polycarbonate suitcase. RIMOWA's Essential collection is designed in Germany to provide the best in high-tech functionality. Designed with purposeful travellers in mind it fits in most airline overhead compartments and is perfectly sized for 2-3 days of travel.
Best carry-on luggage: Tripp Mint ‘Retro II’ Cabin 4 Wheel Suitcase, £42 at TRIPP
The 4 wheel cabin suitcase is made from tough and durable ABS. This sleek collection comes in a high gloss finish. This cabin luggage fits most major airlines including Easyjet, British Airways and Ryanair priority.
Best carry-on luggage: Candy Case, £895 at Aspinal of London
Crafted from pebbled Italian leather this compact yet spacious style is lined in a monogrammed silk-blend. With a handy exterior pocket for instant access to your passport and boarding pass. The ideal travel companion, whether you’re heading to the Cornish or Amalfi coast.
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Best carry-on luggage: Clifton Cabin with Pocket, £179 at Antler
The Clifton with Pocket has all the features of our best-selling Clifton cases, with the added benefit of a chic but practical front pocket. The spacious front pocket allows for easy access to your travel essentials, with a padded slip pocket inside to secure a tablet, and another for a 15.6” laptop.
Best carry-on luggage: The Bigger Carry-On, £235 at AWAY
This is slightly bigger than a normal carry-on, is lightweight and sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, or pop easily onto a train or into a car. With a durable polycarbonate hard shell, and 360° spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride, this suitcase is built to last.
It also comes with a removable battery that can charge your phone up to 4x, is TSA-approved, and safe to fly with.
Best carry-on luggage: Barbour Wax Cotton Travel Explorer Holdall, Olive, £249 at John Lewis
This Barbour waxed cotton bag is elegant and practical for your weekends away. It's an ideal size for a short trip and features brass studs underneath to protect the bottom of the bag, two strong leather top handles and a webbed shoulder strap for your comfort. Press stud tabs on either side enable you to expand the bag and the striking Barbour tartan lining means you can be practical and stylish on the move.
Best large suitcases: Portobello large in silver, £125.40 at Antler
A lightweight polypropylene suitcase, Portobello has a stylish silhouette and is strong and secure. It includes premium features such as internal pockets, robust zips and an expander zip.
Best large suitcases: PROXIS Spinner (4 wheels) 81cm, £395 at Samsonite
The outer shells are made from Roxkin™, an exclusive multi-layered material developed by Samsonite. It bounces back into shape, offering remarkable strength, resilience and lightness.
Best large suitcases: Essential Trunk Plue, £860 at RIMOWA
Inspired by the silhouette of RIMOWA's original trunks this timeless style is oversized, yet super-lightweight. Offering travellers optimum capacity for either long weekends which require extra outfit options, a two-week retreat or a month-long sabbatical. In this sunshine hue, you'll never miss it at baggage reclaim.
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Best large suitcases: Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case, £575 at TUMI
This extra-large expandable case is ideal for extended business and leisure trips, or for group packing. Packed with style and designed to last, our TUMI V4 collection is lightweight, durable, and ready for the journey ahead. It's made using recycled fabrics.
Best luggage for clothes: The Garment Bag, £175 at AWAY
The Garment Bag can fit two suits or three full-length garments, and features an exterior zip pocket for easy access to travel essentials as well as interior zip pockets for shoes and accessories. A zip-out hook makes it easy to hang in a closet or over a door, while the luggage clip secures it seamlessly to any Away suitcase.
Best luggage for clothes: Carry-On Closet, $295 from SOLGAARD
Engineered with a patented built-in shelving system, USB charging port, and an indestructible polycarbonate shell, the Carry-On Closet will keep you organised anywhere your travel takes you.
Best travel bags: Thule Crossover 2 Wheeled Duffel 76cm/30″, £340 at Thule
Separate items from the main packing space with a spacious interior mesh pocket. Belongings are held securely in place with internal compression straps. Prevent unauthorised access and keep contents safe with a TSA lock.
Best travel bags: Never Still backpack, £780 at RIMOWA
It features two front zipped grooved pockets in leather, adjustable shoulder straps, and bespoke metallic pieces that showcases the RIMOWA monogram and logo. Inside, a large double zipped compartment and an internal laptop-sized pocket easily accommodate daily essentials. Includes a complimentary removable leather address tag.
Best travel bags: Longchamp Boxford Large Travel Bag, Black, £220 at John Lewis
Generously spacious in design and subtle in style, this travel bag keeps all your travel essentials securely tucked away thanks to its zip fastening. Carry over your shoulder for hands-free ease, or remove the long strap and simple grab by the top handles as you stroll out the door.
Best light suitcase: Aerolite British Airways Jet2 easyJet Plus & Flexi Max Allowance 60L Lightweight 2 Wheel Carry On Hand Cabin Luggage Suitcase 56x45x25 Black, £39.99 at Amazon
The outer casing is made from ultra-light but hard-wearing rip-resistant polyester – making the case as light as possible, while also maintaining flexibility, allowing you to really cram in those last few belongings.
Best light suitcase: IT Luggage 2 Wheel Soft Cabin Suitcase, £20 at Argos
This Airline Business Cabin Case from IT Luggage features a robust, compact design with a soft polyester shell for minimal weight, making it ideal for long-distance journeys. With a 39L capacity and a pocket on both the inside and exterior, it's easy to organise your belongings: the front pocket is zippable for security and can be used to store smaller, essential items.
Best light suitcase: Flight Knight Lightweight 4 Wheel 800D Soft Case suitcase, £39.99 at Amazon
This medium suitcase features an adjustable push button 3-step telescoping handle system, a fully lined interior and the multi-use organisational pockets make packing clothes easy. 4 wheel design for full 360 degree manoeuvrability tested extensively on different surfaces and conditions to ensure endurance and strength.
