The Best Luxury Luggage for Every Kind of Traveler
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When you're traveling, it's the little details that can take the experience from good to great. A plane seat that lays flat instead of just reclining? Major upgrade. A luxe outfit that you can mix and match so you can can go carry-on only ? Game changer. And then, of course, there's luggage. While any old bag can hold your clothes from place to place, a bag made with the right materials and the organizational forethought can make your average packing job into a luxury experience.
From well-laid-out carry-ons for the "no checked bags ever" crowd to bigger options for the chronic overpackers, not to mention personal item bags that will fit under the seat in front of you and weekenders for short jaunts, we've put a slew of luggage options through their paces to come up with the most luxurious luggage options for all of your travel needs.
Best Hardshell:Rimowa Cabin Twist
Best Softside Luggage:Bric's X-Travel 21" Carry-On Spinner
Best Carry-On:Carl Friedrik the Carry-on X
Best Weekender:Ghurka Cavalier 1. 96
Rimowa Cabin Twist
There is a reason Rimowa remains the gold standard of luxury luggage. It might also be singlehandedly responsible for the popularity of hardshell cases, not to mention laying the groundwork for countless copycat designs. The 127-year-old German brand's mastery of its signature hardy metal happened by accident: Back in the 1930s, a fire destroyed most of the materials in Rimowa's factory. All that remained? Aluminum.
While the brand's polycarbonate suitcases are arguably a more frequent sighting on baggage belts, the aluminum is still highly coveted—and for good reason. It's lightweight and built to last. And there is a certain frequent flier flex in toting around an appropriately patinaed Cabin.
T&C 's Leena Kim is also fan of Rimowa's suitcases and calls its carry-on "perfect for long weekend summer trips, to really commit to the carry-on life, in all seasons."
Bric's X-Travel 21" Carry-On Spinner
Although the Lake Como brand's hardshell Bellagio series often wins points for its elegant design and celebrity fans (Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton among them), T&C 's executive travel editor Klara Glowczewska—a steadfast devotee of softside luggage—swears by the Bric's X-Travel model.
The pros and cons of hardshell versus softside suitcases can be debated ad nauseum, but fans of the latter will often point to its nimble construction (which translates to both the ability to pack more inside, as well as cram it into tight spaces), lighter weight, and, as is the case with this Bric's, a top-load zipper design, which means you can reach in for things without having to open up your entire suitcase in the middle of JFK Terminal 4.
Louis Vuitton Horizon 55
Long before there were tunnel fits, there were airport fits. And a cart stacked high with Louis Vuitton luggage was de rigueur for any A-lister doing a pap walk out of baggage claim. It still is, and for good reason—Louis Vuitton's storied heritage begins with steamer trunks after all. This version retains the design signatures of the classic LVs, but with a modern twist: the bright leather corners and accents come in hues like yellow (seen here), bright pink, turquoise, red, and indigo blue.
Ghurka Cavalier I No. 96
Ghurka founder Marley Hodgson was inspired by military campaign gear when launching his luggage brand in 1975. That pretty much ensures each piece, handcrafted by artisans in the USA (and bearing a unique registration number per bag), is of the highest quality and basically meant to last forever, developing a lovely aged patina as time goes on. This model is the smallest of the Cavalier series and is perfect for a long weekend getaway upstate or out east.
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On X
If it's good enough for Logan Roy & Co., it's certainly good enough for the rest of us. As fans of Succession already know, the members of TV's most dysfunctional billionaire clan were partial to subtle markers of extreme wealth—and Carl Friedrik happened to be their choice luggage. And for good reason: understated, sleek, and a perfect way to transport all that Loro Piana cashmere.
T&C' s Kim is also a fan and calls the suitcase an " excellent travel companion ." Per her Tried & True review: "It's quite lightweight, even for a (German-engineered) polycarbonate shell; the wheels have proved worthy of harsh urban terrain, like the cobblestoned streets of Rome; nearly an inch of expansion power means I can squeeze in a few more stuffed Paravel packing cubes; and that front laptop pocket gives this model a serious edge over its competitors. But my favorite part? The butterfly TSA locks, especially for the way they close with a satisfying click."
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip Packing Case
Since its inception in 1975, Tumi has become practically synonymous with quality travel goods at a relatively reasonable price point. Take the 19 Degree Aluminum case: it boasts a durable aluminum construction with fluid-looking contours, two TSA integrated combination locks, a telescoping handle system, and a massive interior compartment for 7+ days of outfits.
Like the design but not so sure about the weight of an aluminum piece this big (it's 16 lbs)? The 19 Degree model also comes in a polycarbonate shell that runs at about 12 lbs, as well as an even lighter plastic-blend material that runs at just 10.8 lbs.
Globe-Trotter Centenary 20" Leather-Trimmed Carry-On Suitcase
British heritage luggage company Globe-Trotter was established in 1897, so it has had a lot of time to hone the most exquisitely crafted suitcase. If that is not enough to convince you, consider this: Queen Elizabeth exclusively used Globe-Trotter luggage (as do many members of the royal family), and did so since her honeymoon in 1947.
While the brand's check-in size luggage may be more suited to private jet travel, the carry-on version is a less risky and more versatile choice—and, like all Globe-Trotter pieces, reinforced with refined buckle straps and protective bumpers for extra protection.
T. Anthony 26" Lightweight Wheeled Case
If Rimowa showcases the best of German luggage design and Globe-Trotter the best of England's, T. Anthony is quintessentially American: Chic in its simplicity, practical and durable, and a trusted travel staple for generations of moneyed elite, among them the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Sir Elton John, the Reagans, Jackie Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. One might argue it's the ultimate #IYKYK signifier in luxury travel.
While the brand has forayed into polycarbonate hardshell models too, the OG is, well, the OG for a reason (and counts ( T&C 's Deputy Feature Director Adam Rathe as a fan). And apart from its external reputational merits, it's also spacious, lightweight, and reinforced with thoughtful touches, like well-placed zippered compartments both inside and out.
Wool and Oak Nova
This editor-loved bag brings a little bit of column A and a splash of column B to create the most versatile, multi-functional bag for all kinds of travel. Made with full-grain leather, it can be carried over-shoulder as a duffle or rolled like a carry-on, and when fully-unzipped folds out into a hanging garment bag that keeps dress clothes neat and tidy. The perfect size for a business trip or weekend getaway, it can also has a built-in shoe compartment and pocket-laden padded tech pouch for all of your gadgets.
SteamLine Luggage The Editor
For a more cost effective take on the vintage silhouette, there is SteamLine. Since 2005, the brand has put a fresh, contemporary spin on the heritage aesthetic with designs that often feature a classical exterior that opens to reveal an interior lined in an exuberant print. This particular teal model features a lush, hand-painted botanical print by Eoin Dillon and Meryl Pardoen.
The other perk of SteamLine is that you can coordinate an entire set. Like this style? Add a carry-on, a hatbox, and even a purse to the arsenal.
Gucci Savoy Small Cabin Trolley
Would you prefer your travel gear to be more maximalist luxury than sotto voce eleganza? Gucci will always reliably help with that—and, more importantly, it won't get lost in the shuffle of identical suitcases at baggage claim. The house's iconic double G insignia and red/green web remains a perennial classic, while this suitcase's durable canvas construction, 360-degree wheels, and exterior pocket details will make navigating through any airport a (very stylish) breeze.
Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Some define luxury luggage by its designer label and high-end features. For others, it's simply a suitcase so well-made it will literally last forever. Briggs & Riley often scores top marks among frequent fliers in that regard. It's not so precious, but still crafted with enough care, that you won't have to worry about it surviving many, many journeys.
And then there's all the impressive tech features. This spinner suitcase, for instance, has a dedicated one touch button for expansion or compression, garment folders and panels that minimize wrinkles, a proprietary handle system that further prevents creasing, tons of thoughtfully placed pockets and additional storage (like mesh compartments for shoes), and zippers that won't get stuck.
Naghedi St. Barths Large Woven Tote
For a personal item you can tuck under the seat or in a storage compartment, but still stylishly carry through the streets, legions of Naghedi fans turn to the brand's woven St. Barths tote. The soft (and washable!) neoprene construction makes it ideal for stuffing with all of the travel essentials you need to have in easy reach, and still looks elegant enough to carry wherever your travels take you.
What to look for when buying luxury luggage
The best luxury suitcases are built to last, convenient to travel with, and designed with form and function in mind.
When shopping for designer luggage, look for options made with aluminum or polycarbonate or premium leather—these materials tend to be heavy duty and water-resistant.
It's what's on the inside that counts, too. A great luxury travel bag should feature an extra roomy main compartment, space-saving compression pads, and interior zippers for additional storage.
Don't forget the functional details, either: Look for options reinforced with TSA locks for extra protection.
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