The best luggage brands in the UK according to our editors
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If you've ever travelled with a temperamental suitcase, you'll know that choosing the right style, size and quality of luggage can make all the difference to your journey. The best suitcase is one that is reliable, easy to carry and looks good. It can store everything you need for your trip while also surviving the wear and tear of the journey, from baggage claim to bumpy cobbled city streets. Not every suitcase is up to the task, which is why we've narrowed down the best styles to invest in, tried and tested by our editors.
The best luggage brands in the UK at a glance
- Best value luggage brands: Antler, Away, July and Nere
- Most stylish luggage brands: Carl Friedrik, Paravel, Brics
- Best luxury luggage brands: Rimowa, Tumi, Victorinox
How we tested the best luggage brands
Every luggage brand on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill. We run each piece of luggage through a test in office, and then pass the cases on to members of the wider team to take with them on a flight for further testing. When deciding which are the best luggage brands, we test multiple cases and bags from their range, looking at quality, design features, value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.
How do I choose a suitcase?
There's a lot to consider when buying a suitcase, particularly in regard to carry-on luggage restrictions, as they vary greatly between airlines. In addition to weight and dimensions, the best type of suitcase depends on the kind of travel you are planning. Some things to look for include:
- Durable spinner wheels – especially for travel in the UK and Europe where there are cobblestone streets
- Internal storage pockets and compression features
- External pockets – for easy access to laptops and documents
- Expandable zips – for flexible storage
- TSA approved lock
- Texture of casing – whether it's prone to scuffs, dents and scratches
- Whether there’s a lifetime warranty, especially on pricier high-end cases
For more luggage advice and recommendations, the following guides feature more top picks:
- The best carry-on luggage
- The best hard shell suitcases
- The best suitcases on Amazon
- The best timeless suitcases
- The best under-seat cabin bags
- The best travel backpacks
- The best packing cubes
- The best travel tote bags
Away
Away was founded in 2015 by Jen Rubio and Stephanie Korey, who met while working together at American glasses brand Warby Parker. The New York based start-up originally launched with their classic hard shell polycarbonate carry-on luggage which cleverly feature an inbuilt charger for your personal devices. Today it's one of the most popular direct-to-consumer luggage brands, with a cult following on Instagram.
According to our editors: “It was easy to pack, with plenty of storage options and an expandable zip. It was a dream to navigate through a busy airport thanks to its spinner wheels and sturdy frame. I’m such a convert, that I’m considering investing in the matching carry-on and packing cubes for my next trip home." Abigail Malbon, who moved to another country using the Away Large Flex suitcase
Price range: from £245 for the cabin bags, £665 for the large aluminium checked luggage, the cabin and the medium set together is £510.
Our pick: The Medium Flex.
Antler
This British heritage luggage brand was originally established in Lancashire by John Boultbee Brooks in 1914. Today Antler is based in London, while its colourful hard shell Clifton suitcases are a best-seller around the world. Their packing cubes are known to sell out regularly, too.
According to our editors: “I have the Clifton luggage set in mineral and absolutely love it. The cute cabin case is the perfect bag to take on any weekend getaway. All of them are lightweight while still being sturdy and are a dream to whip around busy airports. Each case within the set sits neatly within one another too, so it's very easy to store.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Price range: from £170 for the cabin bags, £240 for the large checked bags, sets of three start at £527.
Our pick: the Clifton cabin with pocket is one of our top-rated carry-on luggage options. The useful exterior pocket for a laptop makes it a great choice for business travel. We've also reviewed the Antler overnight bag and think it makes a great under-seat carry-on bag when flying on easyJet.
Carl Friedrik
Since it launched in London in 2012, Carl Friedrik has become best known for its beautiful and high-quality Italian leather bags and accessories. Its hard-side luggage range is made from polycarbonate while featuring signature leather as trim details. Their cases are also zipper-free and instead are secured with an aluminium lock frame. Each case comes with a lifetime guarantee and a 100-day trial period.
According to our editors: “I travel regularly with the carry-on pro style, and love the way it looks and navigates. The organisational pockets are really well thought out and designed. What really sets the brand apart is the aluminium lock frame, which feels incredibly safe and secure – although can be a little tricky to lock in place if the case is really full." Sophie Knight, visuals editor
Price range: from £385 for the cabin suitcases to £565 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Carry-on Pro is one of our favourite tried and tested carry-on suitcases.
July
The team behind Australian luggage brand July read over 4,000 reviews of existing cases before creating a range designed to tackle the usual sticking points. The result? Stylish, lightweight hard shell luggage in a range of chic colours, with a lifetime quality guarantee and 100-day returns. Their suitcases are made from polycarbonate, with additional reinforcement at the weakest points, and finished with whisper-quiet spinner wheels. The diverse range of customisation options is a key selling point – you can even personalise your case with a picture of your pet.
Price range: From £195 for the smallest cabin suitcase to £295 for the largest check-in rolling case.
According to our editors: “My July carry-on is by far the lightest suitcase I’ve ever tried. Struggling to wrangle my case in and out of the aeroplane’s overhead compartments is now a thing of the past. If you’re looking for a new lightweight carry-on, you won’t get better than this. But my favourite aspect is how quiet the wheels are in use, even over bumpy cobblestones. The good quality telescopic handle makes life easier when manoeuvring around busy airports, too.” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Our pick: Their zippy Carry On Light, the world's lightest carry-on suitcase and our recommendation for best lightweight suitcase.
Monos
If the spinner case you’re eyeing at the airport is especially sleek and minimalist, it’s probably a Monos. The Vancouver-based premium luggage brand has been winning over a fashionable crowd with its selection of pleasingly minimal cases and bags since its inception in 2019. Timeless design is key, and these pieces are built to last, with aerospace-grade polycarbonate shells and recycled elements wherever possible. Monos is also the first luggage brand to earn climate-neutral certification, meaning it’s achieved net zero carbon emissions as a company – clever stuff.
Price range: From £260 for the smallest carry-on case to £460 for a rolling trunk.
According to our editors: “I’ve had a couple of Monos suitcases, and I’ve always been impressed with the number of internal pockets – something I'm grateful for as a consummate over-packer. The brand’s large check-in case is no different, boasting more inner compartments than any other suitcase I’ve owned, giving me space for my laundry bag, toiletries, electricals and all the just-in-case bits and bobs I please. The compression system and dividers help squeeze everything in neatly. The textured casing is lovely, but it does get marked rather easily. However, it’s nothing a brief wipe down with a damp cloth can’t sort.” Charley Ward, commerce writer.
Our pick: The Check In Large.
Paravel
For high quality that does no harm, look to Paravel's Aviator, the world's first carbon-neutral suitcase. The concept is achieved via sustainable sourcing and manufacturing methods along with the use of recycled materials – the polycarbonate case is made from recycled water cooler tanks, and the internal organisation pouches are made from recycled plastic bottles. Even the zippers are recycled. Paravel also offset all of the carbon emissions generated from the production of the suitcase right through to the delivery and even its first trip (based on an average flight). The credentials are admirable, but we also think this is one of the most stylish check-in cases at this price point, available in five different colours and featuring smart recycled vegan leather accents.
Price range: from £435 for the cabin suitcases to £525 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: The Carry-on Plus vegan leather trimmed hardshell suitcase.
Rimowa
As part of the LVMH group, German designer luggage brand Rimowa has some of the slickest suitcases on the market. While they’re probably best known for their aluminium cases, the check-in medium case is made from an ultralight polycarbonate shell that comes in four different glossy shades and one matte. While not every traveller will be open to the high price tag, if you’re a frequent flyer looking for the best in looks and function, this is a worthy investment.
Price range: from £465 for the cabin suitcases to £1,340 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Essential cabin bag.
Nere
Another luggage brand to be born out of Australia, Nere has recently made its way to the UK with its trend-led selection of bags, suitcases and travel accessories at surprisingly pleasing price points. We can see why they’ve become a favourite with the Instagram crowd; the range comes in a selection of pretty sorbet shades that will stand out on your social feeds and the luggage carousel alike. Considering their very reasonable price points, it's impressive the brand also offers a 10-year warranty.
Price range: from £119 for the cabin suitcases to £119 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Stori 75cm suitcase
Horizn Studios
Engineered in Germany, Horizn Studios specialises in luggage with a lifetime warranty, made from all-vegan materials, and sent to you using neutral shipping. There's a lot to choose from – their Circle One range is made from a plant-based hard shell – but in terms of quality, price and function, our pick is the M5 cabin bag, a partly recycled hardshell case with a front laptop pocket, recycled polyester lining and enough space to last a five-day trip.
Price range: from £360 for the cabin suitcases to £490 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: their classic H5 cabin luggage.
Victorinox
With functions inspired by the Swiss Army Knife, it’s no surprise Victorinox's sleek cases are built to last. For a strong and spacious option, we love the large Lexicon hard-side case, featuring the latest advances in moulding technology plus a 100 per cent virgin polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved combination lock and super-recessed spinner wheels that allow for more packing room. All Victorinox luggage is covered by a warranty that lasts up to eleven years. If you travel often and don't pack light, this one is worth the investment.
Our pick: the Lexicon hardside.
American Tourister
Established in 1933, this Samsonite-owned luggage brand is best known for its affordable lightweight suitcases in vibrant colours, as well as its collaborations with Disney and Marvel. Many of its popular styles fit within budget airline allocations and are available on Amazon, making it a quick and affordable option if you need a suitcase in a hurry.
Price range: from £139 for the cabin suitcases to £185 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the holiday heat spinner hand luggage.
Tumi
Launching in 1975, American luggage brand Tumi gained a popular following in the 1980s with its collection of soft ballistic nylon travel bags. Today Tumi is at the forefront of innovative and sustainable design, with a strong focus on testing each and every aspect of its luggage and bags (sometimes up to 30 unique tests), as well as utilising recycled materials and offering a global repair network programme. True to their heritage, the suitcase brand also offers some of the best soft-sided luggage on the market today. But the luggage brand is best known for its signature aluminium cases, as well as its limited-edition collaborations, most recently with supercar maker McLaren.
Price range: from £540 for the cabin suitcases to £1,580 for the largest aluminium rolling case.
Our pick: International Slim Super Léger Carry-On.
Bric's
For a bag that prioritises style without sacrificing function, our readers love Bric’s, which has been crafting travel bags and leather goods out of the Lake Como region since the 1950s. For their Bellagio case, the Italian brand has modernised the vintage-style travel trunk by adding practical features like a front compartment with a USB port, a zipped interior and four 360-degree spinner wheels.
Price range: from £465.
Our pick: the four-wheel cabin suitcase.
Samsonite
Light and secure, Samsonite's S'Cure range of luggage is one of our best budget-friendly options, and it’s a bonus that it's available on Amazon. The hardside spinner is light but sturdy and scratch-resistant and comes with a three-point locking system. What makes these really stand out are the colour options. There are seven in total, including bright shades of red, yellow and blue, so they're very easy to spot in a crowded airport.
Price range: from £97 for the cabin suitcases to £425 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the Samsonite S'Cure Eco.
BÉIS Travel
American luggage label BÉIS has a cult global following thanks to their thoughtfully designed bags and hard-side suitcases available in a range of fashionable colours. One of their best sellers in The Weekender is a clever travel tote bag with a separate bottom compartment for storing shoes separately, as well as a zipper pocket that can slide over a luggage handle. At just 4.2kg for the 26” check-in suitcase, we’re crowning this the best lightweight luggage on our list. There’s also a built-in weight limit indicator, so you’ll never be hit with an additional charge at the airport.
Price range: from £223 for the cabin suitcases to £335 for the large check-in cases.
Our pick: the carry-on roller with the matching weekender bag.
Louis Vuitton
For arriving in style there’s no finer choice than a Louis Vuitton case, and the legendary LV logo always gets the fashion nod of approval. This particular design exudes innovation with its wheels, ultra-light canvas and leather trim.
Price range: from £2,200.
Our pick: the classic Horizon 50 MY LV Heritage case.
Briggs & Riley
Luxury US travel brand Briggs & Riley has been crafting its meticulously created bags and suitcases from its New York base since 1993. The prices are premium, but the brand offers one of the most impressive lifetime guarantees we've found, promising to repair damaged bags free of charge, for any reason, with no proof of purchase required – even if it was damaged by the airline. NHS staff can save 15% on buys in the UK, too.
Price range: From £179 for duffel bags to £869 for its formalwear case
Our pick: The large expandable spinner
According to our editors: "I’ve been using a rickety hand-me-down suitcase from my parents for my whole life and, as a travel journalist who is nearly 30, it’s not the chicest look. This Briggs & Riley suitcase ticks all of the right boxes. It has a durable, water-resistant hard shell and looks sleek and contained in spite of the undoubtedly overloaded contents. I like the in-built expansion and compression system, which increases packing capacity by a very handy 17 per cent, and the three inner compartments perfect for splitting up clothing – a must for a packing cube obsessive like me. The TSA-approved lock reassures me that my belongings are secure in the hold, as well," Olivia Morelli, senior writer
Steamline
Fashionistas will know vintage-leaning luggage brand Steamline, whose pretty matching suitcase sets hark back to a more stylish time. Case in point: we've spotted Margot Robbie using these cases during Barbie promotion, not least during a Vogue cover shoot. With eye-catching leather trims on the outside and vibrant patterned finishes inside, we've not found a more photogenic selection of cases to date.
Price range: From around £200 for a crossbody to around £500 for a check-in case
Our pick: The Editor Carry-on in brown
Which suitcase is better, hard or soft?
Looking for new luggage? The best type of suitcase for you will depend on whether you plan to check in the case or carry it on the plane.
For check-in suitcases: We recommend opting for a hard-shell suitcase. While they tend to cost more, these suitcases are often the most durable, offer better protection for valuables and are easier to clean than soft-sided luggage.
For carry-on suitcases: If you're after maximum packing space, soft-shell suitcases are the better option as you can often fit more in. Equally, if you're travelling with just an under-seat cabin bag, a soft weekender or backpack is a better option. For a quality case to fit in the overhead bin, hard-shell carry-on cases are the better investment. We love hard shell cases that come with an external pocket, like the best-selling Clifton cabin case with pocket, so you can use it as your sole travel bag if needed.
What size suitcase do I need for my trip?
Brands usually offer suitcases in carry-on, medium and large sizes. Some also have trunk-style and extra-large options as well. For most travellers, unless you’re in the habit of setting off on month-long jaunts, a set of three – carry-on, medium and large – should be all you need for the majority of trips. Most brands’ offerings slot inside each other for neat storage. Remember you have an under-seat bag allowance, too, for all your in-flight necessities.
For trips of up to three days, a carry-on suitcase will likely be sufficient. See our full guide to the best carry-on luggage for more recommendations.
For holidays of up to a week, a medium suitcase – usually with a capacity of 50 to 120 litres – provides a good balance between being large enough to house all you need without being unnecessarily unwieldy or heavy. The exception would be if you’re bringing a lot of specialist kit, such as diving or ski gear or bulky cameras, for example. In those instances, switch out your regular checked bag for a larger suitcase.
Two week-plus getaways will require a large check-in case, especially if you’re partial to bringing back souvenirs. These cases tend to have a capacity of around 55 to 140 litres. To maximise space efficiency, packing cubes or even vacuum bags is a game-changer. I travelled to Iceland for three months during winter – ie lots of bulky jumpers – using just one large suitcase thanks to the use of vacuum bags. Think cleverly, and you’ll be surprised what you can get packed into just one suitcase!
Is it a good idea to lock your checked luggage?
In a word, yes. All of the cases in our best luggage guide have TSA-approved locks, which ensure that security can open your case without damaging it should it be necessary. Locking your case provides peace of mind that your items will remain secured inside and protected as best as possible against theft, especially if you’re travelling with valuables. Modern built-in TSA locks mean you don't need an additional bulky padlock either, so your suitcase remains looking chic and as lightweight as possible.
How much should I spend on check-in luggage?
This will depend entirely on your own budget and tastes. However, we’ve found that the best luggage brands’ prices tend to start from around £200 for cabin cases, £300 for medium and £400 upwards for large suitcases. You can make savings by buying a luggage set – Antler offers a 15 per cent discount on sets, and you can save up to £80 at July and £150 at Monos when you buy three, for example. We’ve also found some brands that offer great-value luggage options – Nere has medium check-in cases for under £150, as does American Tourister.