The best luggage brands can mean the difference between dreading the need to pack for your next trip or making it a quick chore before you’re able to switch your brain to vacation mode. We think luggage (think: rolly bag, suitcases, whatever you want to call them)—above duffels or backpacks—is the best companion to travel with by land, sea, or air.
There are tons of brands out there doing high-quality luggage really well at the moment, but above them all are a few mainstays that are definitely worth prioritizing—even some on Amazon. The best part about the huge onslaught of the brands in the space is that it’s incredibly easy to find a top-tier case made with quality materials that also puts an emphasis on functionality at a range of price points. Even budget options tend to have 360-degree spinner wheels and some degree of ergonomic handle that’ll make international travel a breeze. That said, there are a few considerations you should remember to take into account when looking at all of the options.
Below, we’ve rounded up a range of brands that offer products at different price points.
The Best Luggage Brands, According to GQ
Tumi International Carry-On
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Monos Hybrid Check-In Large
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July Casesafe Checked Plus
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Rimowa Original Cabin
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In This Guide
Known for their straightforward designs, Away is a female-founded brand that is almost omnipresent in every single airport (and best carry-on bag list). While the brand now offers soft shell cases and even rolling bags, they’re most well-known for their durable, minimalist hardside luggage that can withstand scratches and wear. They also offer an array of muted colors and occasionally pop off with a brightly hued collab—though be warned, you will see a few of these making their rounds on the carousel.
Your parents’ favorite luggage brand has stood the test of time—and they’ve undergone some major aesthetic upgrades through the years. Founded in 1910, it’s added aluminum and hard shells alongside duffles, soft shell cases, and just about anything else you could want. The brand even offer tons of travel accessories like packing cubes and luggage locks—all of which are as durable as their actual suitcases, ready to take you to your next getaway in Europe.
This brand was created by a pilot, so go ahead and expect all of your needs, wants, and expectations to be exceeded. Many of their features are patented specifically for this brand—including the contoured grip handle that’s lined with rubber and adjusts to four different heights. All of their cases feature 360-degree magnetic spinner wheels that are incredibly durable and provide the smoothest glide in the game.
The Rough-and-Tumble Pick: Tumi
When you think of high-end luxury luggage, Tumi probably comes to mind. The brand was one of the first to offer luxe luggage that came with a pretty luxe price point to match. That said, they’ve more than earned their stripes when it comes to durability and looks. Tumi puts all of its designs through 30 durability tests, including tossing them in a tumbler 125 times and putting major miles on the wheels.
Another luxury brand, Briggs and Riley bases their unique features on feedback they’ve received over the years from customers—so it’s all super functional. For starters, they have an external handle so that you have a smooth packing surface inside your bag. In keeping with this customers-first theme, they are also known for their incredible warranty and coverage plans. They’ll fix or replace your luggage regardless of when you bought it or what happened.
For Unique, Good-Looking Luggage: Delsey
Founded in 1946, Delsey is known for combining high-end leather with their super protective luggage pieces. While you can still find beautiful designs with leather lining, the brand also offers incredibly lightweight hardshell luggage pieces made from polypropylene. All of their luggage options have superior design features, and they often do collaborations with other brands that result in extra-fun, bright color options.
A Stray from the DTC Norm: Monos
Monos makes beautiful, sleek luggage—but the best part is that it’s reasonably priced thanks to their direct-to-consumer model. The brand puts a lot of effort into sourcing quality parts, and they list all of the quality tests that they go through with each design. They also offer lifetime warranties, which speaks to their faith in their products.
For Luxuriously Taking to the Skies: Rimowa
Rimowa began in 1898, and they started creating early versions of the aluminum trunks they’re known for today in 1920. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with both style and quality, and while their prices certainly reflect that quality, remember that any luggage piece from Rimowa will last for years to come. Each piece of luggage from the brand also includes a lifetime warranty so that you never have to worry about any mishaps.
For Nearly Indestructible Baggage: Calpak
Founded in 1989, Calpak is known for its streamlined and clean design as well as its luggage, smaller bags, toiletry bags, and carrying cases. All of their pieces feature carbon steel bearing wheels that won’t break no matter how much pressure you put on them.
Luxe Essentials Without the Markup: Quince
Quince brings the kind of quiet luxury that feels more “business class” than “budget airline.” Their luggage line features sleek, minimalist pieces crafted with premium materials like recycled polycarbonate, all offered at impressively affordable prices. Think durable, functional designs in a refined color palette that won’t leave you wincing at the price tag. Bonus: Quince is big on sustainability, so you can travel guilt-free while looking like a jet-setting pro.
Fashion-Forward Functionality: Béis
Founded by actress Shay Mitchell, Béis is proof that you don’t have to choose between style and practicality. With clever details like weight indicators, expandable compartments, and water-resistant materials, this brand serves up everything you didn’t know you needed in a suitcase. From its iconic beige tones to bold seasonal hues, Béis makes luggage so chic, you’ll almost hope for a delay just to show it off longer.
Customizable, High-Tech Luggage: July
This Aussie brand combines modern engineering with a playful, personalized touch. July’s sleek, unbreakable cases come in a rainbow of shades and can even be monogrammed for a bespoke look. The ultra-quiet wheels and hidden laundry bags make every trip smoother, while the optional ejectable battery ensures you’ll never be stranded with a dead phone at the gate again.
Eastpak is the go-to for travelers who need their luggage to keep up with their adventurous lifestyle. Known for their durable duffles, backpacks, and wheeled bags, this brand has a no-nonsense approach to travel gear. With military-inspired designs and a reputation for lasting decades, Eastpak is built for the explorer who values utility over flashy features.
Eagle Creek doesn’t mess around when it comes to durability and performance. Whether you’re trekking through the Amazon or navigating a busy city, their bags are up to the task. With water-resistant fabrics, lockable zippers, and ingenious compartments, these are the bags that will survive everything from red-eye flights to rugged backcountry adventures—and look good doing it.
Dagne Dover takes the chaos out of travel with its sleek, hyper-organized bags that are as functional as they are stylish. Known for their thoughtfully designed totes, backpacks, and carry-ons, the brand excels at providing storage solutions for every scenario—whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a work-to-gym marathon. Crafted with durable, water-resistant materials and available in a range of neutral and seasonal colors, Dagne Dover bags bring effortless polish to your travel routine.
Between cameos in Succession and The White Lotus, Carl Frederik might actually be the most famous suitcase brand right now. The London-based brand makes beautiful baggage that’s sits perfectly in place whether you’re in first class or premium economy.
What to Look for When Picking Your Luggage
In general, size and the material of the outside of the luggage are two of the biggest choices you’ll have to make. While hardshells have been more popular in the past few years, brands like Away have started offering pieces with telescopic handles and soft, nylon exteriors that still manage to look great in line at the airport bar or in the office on business trips. If you’re trying to decide between hard and softshell pieces of luggage, keep in mind that hardshells provide a bit more protection for your personal items. That being said, soft-sided luggage tends to offer a bit more give if you’re the type of packer who constantly finds themselves shoving just one more thing in your bag. Hardshell pieces of luggage can also be more lightweight to tote, since most brands are making them with aluminum or polycarbonate—materials that are both strong and almost weightless.
Warranties are another important consideration when looking for luggage or travel bags that will last for years to come. One advantage to going with a more luxe brand like Rimowa is that they tend to offer extensive—even lifetime—warranties that will cover any problem that may come up over the years. There are also plenty of brands that are now publishing their quality-testing processes so that it’s easy to gauge their products’ durability.
FAQs
How Long Should Luggage Last?
A good piece of luggage should last anywhere from five to 10 years with regular use, but this largely depends on the quality of materials and how often you travel. Hard-shell suitcases made from polycarbonate or aluminum are generally more durable over time than soft-sided options, which are prone to wear and tear at the seams. Frequent fliers might see more wear, especially on wheels and zippers, while occasional travelers can stretch their luggage’s lifespan significantly with proper care, like cleaning after trips and avoiding overpacking.
What Features Are New in Luggage?
Modern luggage is all about making travel easier and more efficient. Many brands are now incorporating ejectable battery packs to keep your devices charged on the go, as well as TSA-approved locks for added security. Features like self-aligning spinner wheels, expandable compartments, and even weight indicators are becoming more common. Sustainability is also a growing trend, with brands like Paravel and Patagonia offering options made from recycled materials.
What Are the Dimensions of Carry-Ons vs. Stow-Away Luggage?
Carry-on luggage is designed to fit in overhead bins, with most airlines adhering to dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including wheels and handles. However, international carry-ons might run slightly smaller, often maxing out at 21 inches in height. Stow-away luggage, or checked bags, varies widely in size but typically ranges between 24 and 30 inches in height. For reference, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends checking your airline’s specific size restrictions, as they can vary depending on the carrier and type of aircraft.