Overall, choosing from the best luggage brands is one purchase you rarely regret. Whether you’re heading to Milan Fashion Week, planning a long weekend in Copenhagen or catching a flight to New York, good luggage makes every journey smoother. The best suitcases glide effortlessly through airports, survive countless baggage handlers and keep everything organised from take-off to touchdown.
However, not every luggage brand deserves a place in your wardrobe. While many promise lightweight construction and premium durability, only a handful consistently deliver on quality, design and long-term reliability.
To help you choose, we’ve researched the brands trusted by frequent flyers, airline crew and travel editors alike, testing build quality, wheel performance, warranties, organisation, value for money and overall design. Whether you’re looking for luxury aluminium luggage, a dependable cabin suitcase or something stylish without the luxury price tag, these are the luggage brands worth your attention in 2026.
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Best Luggage Brands: Quick Look
| Brand | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Away | Best Overall | £££ |
| 🇬🇧 Antler | Best British Brand | £££ |
| Rimowa | Best Luxury | £££££ |
| Sterling Pacific | Best Engineered Luxury | £££££ |
| Samsonite | Best Value | £££ |
| Briggs & Riley | Best Warranty | ££££ |
| Tumi | Best Business Travel | ££££ |
| Carl Friedrik | Quiet Luxury | ££££ |
| Travelpro | Frequent Flyers | £££ |
| Delsey Paris | Stylish Value | ££ |
| Monos | Minimalist Design | £££ |
| American Tourister | Family Holidays | ££ |
| Tripp | Budget Buy | £ |
How We Chose the Best Luggage Brands: Our Testing Criteria
Every suitcase on this list comes from a brand with an established reputation for quality. We looked beyond marketing claims and considered independent reviews, long-term owner feedback, repair policies and overall value, scoring each brand across five weighted categories:
- Durability – shell strength, zip and handle quality, how the case holds up to repeated baggage handling
- Wheels & handling – spinner smoothness, straight-line tracking, manoeuvrability on uneven ground
- Organisation – interior layout, compression systems, pockets and packing efficiency
- Warranty – length of cover, what’s included, and how easy claims are in practice
- Value – quality and features relative to price point
Style also mattered. As a fashion publication, we wanted luggage that looks as good in an airport lounge as it does in your hallway — your suitcase is one of the first accessories people notice when you travel.
1. Away — Best Overall Luggage Brand 9.4/10
Few travel brands have reshaped the luggage market quite like Away. Since launching in 2015, the New York label has become the modern benchmark for stylish, practical suitcases that appeal to everyone from first-time travellers to seasoned frequent flyers.
What makes Away stand out is its ability to balance premium quality with sensible pricing. The polycarbonate shell feels reassuringly solid without becoming heavy, while the Japanese-engineered spinner wheels are among the smoothest you’ll find at this price point. Even after navigating cobbled European streets or endless airport terminals, they continue to glide with very little effort.
Inside, the thoughtful layout immediately sets Away apart. One side uses a compression system that genuinely creates extra packing space, while the opposite compartment keeps clothes organised with zipped dividers. Every suitcase also includes a removable laundry bag, helping separate worn clothing during longer trips.
Sizes, Style and What to Buy
The Bigger Carry-On has become something of a modern classic, comfortably fitting several days’ worth of clothing while remaining compact enough for most airlines. Meanwhile, the Medium and Large cases are excellent companions for one or two-week holidays.
Beyond the product itself, Away has also mastered understated design. The colour palette feels contemporary without chasing trends, meaning today’s suitcase is unlikely to look dated in five years’ time.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Away The Bigger Carry-On — best-selling cabin case
- Away The Medium — ideal for 5-7 night trips
- Away The Large — best for long-haul or family packing
Best for: Notably, frequent travellers, weekend breaks, carry-on luggage and design-conscious travellers
Pros: In short, excellent build quality · superb wheel performance · clever interior organisation · minimalist styling · excellent value for premium luggage
Cons: More expensive than Samsonite · Polycarbonate won’t last as long as aluminium
Editor’s Verdict: If we could recommend just one luggage brand for most people, Away would be it. It combines premium styling, thoughtful design and dependable quality at a price that feels justified. For the majority of travellers, it’s the easiest recommendation on this list.
2. Antler — Best British Luggage Brand 9.2/10
British heritage counts for something, particularly when a company has spent more than a century refining its products. Founded in 1914, Antler has quietly become one of Britain’s best luggage success stories, producing stylish suitcases that compete comfortably with brands costing considerably more.
Recent collections have elevated Antler into genuine premium territory. The Clifton range, in particular, offers clean lines, lightweight construction and beautifully engineered spinner wheels that feel remarkably smooth in everyday use.
The appeal lies in the balance. Antler doesn’t chase unnecessary gimmicks or flashy collaborations. Instead, it focuses on producing elegant luggage that works just as well for business travel as it does for city breaks and long-haul holidays.
Build Quality and What to Buy
The polycarbonate shells strike an excellent balance between weight and durability, while the interiors feel thoughtfully designed without becoming overcomplicated. Compression straps, zipped dividers and quality linings all contribute to a premium experience.
Perhaps most importantly, Antler consistently undercuts many luxury competitors while delivering a similarly refined product, making it one of the strongest value propositions in premium luggage today.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Antler Clifton Cabin — sleek, lightweight carry-on
- Antler Clifton Medium — versatile mid-size case
- Antler Prestwick Large — checked luggage with expandable capacity
Best for: Specifically, British travellers, luxury looks without luxury pricing, frequent holidays and stylish travel
Pros: In short, excellent value · beautiful design · lightweight construction · smooth wheels · strong warranty
Cons: Smaller range than Samsonite · Fewer retail locations
Editor’s Verdict: If you’re looking for premium luggage without spending four figures, Antler is difficult to beat. It delivers sophisticated styling, dependable engineering and excellent value, making it one of our favourite British brands.
3. Rimowa — Best Luxury Luggage Brand 9.6/10
In many ways, Rimowa occupies the same position in luggage that a top Swiss watchmaker holds in horology. Consequently, it’s instantly recognisable, beautifully engineered and aspirational without feeling overly fashionable.
The German brand pioneered grooved aluminium luggage decades ago, and that signature design remains largely unchanged today. Instead of avoiding scratches, Rimowa owners often embrace them. Every mark becomes part of the suitcase’s story, much like a well-worn leather jacket develops character over time.
Performance matches the aesthetics. The telescopic handle feels incredibly solid, the wheels remain among the smoothest in the industry and every latch closes with reassuring precision.
Although the price will understandably deter many buyers, Rimowa is one of those products that frequently justifies its reputation. If you fly several times each month, it’s likely to outlast numerous cheaper alternatives.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Rimowa Original Cabin — the brand’s most iconic silhouette
- Rimowa Original Check-In M — versatile mid-size aluminium case
- Rimowa Original Check-In L — best for long-haul travel
Best for: Namely, luxury travel, frequent international flights, business travellers and long-term investment
Pros: In short, outstanding engineering · iconic design · excellent wheels · lifetime guarantee
Cons: On the downside, very expensive · aluminium marks easily
Editor’s Verdict: Few suitcases feel quite as satisfying to own as a Rimowa. While it’s undoubtedly a luxury purchase, it remains the gold standard for premium luggage.
4. Sterling Pacific — Best Engineered Luxury 9.5/10
Admittedly, most luggage brands sell you a feeling. By contrast, Sterling Pacific sells you a specification sheet, and that’s precisely the point. This is a company that talks about grades of aluminium and shear strength of rivets rather than campaign imagery, and once you understand why, it’s hard not to respect it.
Start with the body: 5000 Series aluminium, the same family of alloy prized for its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The corners — the part of any hard case that takes the worst of a baggage handler’s day — are 1.5mm 5052 aluminium. The wheel and trolley housings are die-cast A380 aluminium, chosen because it holds its shape under repeated load rather than cracking. The frame is extruded 6063 aluminium, and it’s held together not with glue or plastic clips but with more than a hundred individually set SAE 304 stainless steel rivets, each rated to a shear strength of around 26,000 pounds per square inch.
Built to a Spec, Not a Slogan
That’s an unusual thing for a luggage brand to lead with, and that’s exactly why it works. Away sells you a colour palette. Rimowa sells you a groove pattern people recognise from across an airport lounge. Sterling Pacific sells you a materials list, and invites you to check it against anyone else’s case. The handles are Italian full-grain leather, sourced from an independent tannery in the Veneto region, which ages rather than degrades. The wheels are metal-capped rather than plastic, the latches are TSA-approved, and every case is covered by a lifetime warranty with a supply of spare parts, not just a lifetime guarantee in name only.
The brand’s real credibility, though, comes from who actually carries it. Sterling Pacific cases are built with, for and by frequent flyers and pilots, and it shows in small, unglamorous details — the way the case latches shut, the way the trolley locks in place, the way the wheels track in a straight line after a year of hard use rather than six months. Pilots and road warriors have taken to calling the Carry On the “Rolls Royce of Luggage”, and the brand has quietly earned shelf space at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Printemps, FWRD and the Four Seasons — retailers that don’t take on luggage lines lightly.
The Trade-Offs — and What to Buy
That said, none of this makes Sterling Pacific the easiest recommendation on this list. Full-aluminium construction is heavier than polycarbonate, the pricing sits well above Away or Antler, and this is a brand for people who care as much about how a case is built as how it performs. But if you want luggage engineered the way a well-made watch or a bespoke shoe is engineered — where every component is specified, not just styled — it’s difficult to find a rival that goes into this much detail, or backs it with a lifetime warranty to match.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case — the brand’s signature carry-on, in aluminium or polycarbonate
- Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case — a roomier cabin option, including a titanium finish
- Sterling Pacific 90L Check-In Travel Case — full-aluminium checked luggage for longer trips
Best for: Namely, pilots and airline crew, frequent flyers, buyers who want engineering specifics over marketing and long-term aluminium luggage investment
Pros: In short, fully specified, publicly documented materials · SAE 304 steel rivets and die-cast A380 hardware · Italian full-grain leather handles · metal-capped wheels and TSA-approved latches · lifetime warranty with spare parts
Cons: Heavier than polycarbonate rivals · Premium pricing · Smaller retail footprint than Samsonite or Away
Editor’s Verdict: Sterling Pacific isn’t trying to be a lifestyle brand, and that’s what makes it credible. If you want to know exactly what alloy is holding your suitcase together, this is the brand built for you — and the reason pilots keep calling it the Rolls Royce of luggage.
5. Samsonite — Best Value Luggage Brand 9.0/10
If Away is the modern disruptor, Samsonite is the trusted veteran. Indeed, the brand has spent more than a century refining its luggage, earning a reputation for reliability that few competitors can match.
One of Samsonite’s biggest strengths is choice. Whether you’re looking for a compact cabin case, lightweight family luggage or premium aluminium designs, there’s almost certainly a Samsonite collection that fits your budget.
In particular, the C-Lite range deserves praise. Constructed using Curv material, it offers exceptional strength while remaining impressively lightweight — especially valuable if you’re trying to maximise airline baggage allowances without sacrificing durability.
On top of that, Samsonite benefits from one of the widest service networks in the industry, making repairs and replacement parts far easier to obtain than many smaller competitors.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Samsonite C-Lite Spinner Cabin — ultra-lightweight carry-on
- Samsonite C-Lite Medium — great all-rounder
- Samsonite C-Lite Large — best value checked case
Best for: Namely, families, regular holidays, first-time buyers and reliable everyday luggage
Pros: In short, excellent value · huge product range · reliable quality · widely available · lightweight collections
Cons: On the downside, less distinctive styling than Away or Antler · premium collections can become expensive
Editor’s Verdict: Overall, Samsonite continues to offer some of the safest luggage purchases available. It may not always be the most exciting brand, but few companies combine reliability, value and innovation quite as consistently.
6. Briggs & Riley — Best Warranty 9.1/10
Briggs & Riley isn’t always the first luggage brand people mention, yet among seasoned travellers it’s often considered one of the very best. The reason is simple: confidence.
Specifically, the American brand backs every suitcase with what it calls its Simple As That® lifetime guarantee. Unlike many warranties, it even covers airline damage — something very few luggage manufacturers are prepared to offer.
As a result, that level of support reflects the quality of the product itself. Briggs & Riley suitcases are built for constant travel, with exceptionally robust handles, durable ballistic nylon or polycarbonate shells and wheels that continue performing year after year.
Packing System and Who It Suits
Meanwhile, the CX Compression Expansion System is another standout feature. It allows travellers to temporarily expand the suitcase for packing before compressing everything back down, creating extra capacity without exceeding airline dimensions.
Admittedly, these aren’t the lightest cases on the market, nor are they the most fashion-forward. Instead, they’re designed for travellers who value longevity above everything else.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On
- Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable Spinner
- Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner
Best for: Namely, weekly travellers, business travel, long-term ownership and maximum durability
Pros: In short, industry-leading lifetime warranty · exceptional durability · excellent organisation · expansion system works brilliantly
Cons: On the downside, premium pricing · conservative styling
Editor’s Verdict: Ultimately, if your suitcase spends more time in airports than your wardrobe, Briggs & Riley is one of the smartest investments you can make.
7. Tumi — Best for Business Travel 9.0/10
Indeed, Tumi has spent decades perfecting premium business luggage, and it shows in almost every detail. From precision-engineered telescopic handles to intelligently organised interiors, these are suitcases designed for travellers who spend as much time in airport lounges as they do at home.
For instance, collections such as Alpha 3 have become favourites among executives thanks to their ballistic nylon construction, exceptional durability and understated appearance. Meanwhile, Tumi’s aluminium cases compete directly with Rimowa for those seeking a more contemporary aesthetic.
In particular, organisation is where Tumi really excels. Laptop compartments, removable garment sleeves, expandable sections and integrated pockets make packing noticeably easier for work trips.
Additionally, the addition of TUMI Tracer®, a unique recovery programme that helps reunite owners with lost luggage, is another thoughtful touch.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Tumi Alpha 3 International Carry-On
- Tumi Alpha 3 Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On
- Tumi Latitude Extended Trip Packing Case
Best for: Namely, business travellers, luxury travel, frequent flying and smart packing
Pros: In short, premium materials · excellent organisation · business-friendly designs · outstanding durability
Cons: On the downside, expensive · less fashion-led than Away
Editor’s Verdict: In short, if your travel calendar revolves around client meetings, conferences and international flights, Tumi remains one of the strongest luggage investments available.
8. Carl Friedrik — Best Quiet Luxury Luggage 9.0/10
Given that luggage trends have embraced the rise of quiet luxury, Carl Friedrik sits comfortably at the centre of it. The London-based brand has built its reputation around refined Scandinavian-inspired design paired with premium materials and understated branding.
In particular, the Carry-on X is a highlight. Constructed from aerospace-grade polycarbonate and finished with elegant Italian leather detailing, it looks every bit as premium as many luxury competitors while remaining significantly more affordable than Rimowa.
Performance also impresses: silent Hinomoto spinner wheels glide beautifully across airport floors, while the interior offers thoughtful organisation without unnecessary complexity.
As a result, Carl Friedrik feels less like traditional luggage and more like a beautifully designed travel accessory, making it especially appealing for style-conscious travellers.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Carl Friedrik Carry-on X
- Carl Friedrik Check-in L
- Carl Friedrik Cabin Bag — for personal-item packing
Best for: Namely, luxury aesthetics, weekend travel, minimalist design lovers and premium carry-on luggage
Pros: In short, beautiful design · premium materials · excellent wheels · luxury finish
Cons: On the downside, smaller range · premium pricing
Editor’s Verdict: Overall, few brands balance style and engineering as successfully as Carl Friedrik. If aesthetics matter almost as much as performance, it’s an outstanding choice.
9. Travelpro — Best Airline Crew Favourite 8.7/10
While some luggage brands focus on aesthetics, Travelpro has earned its reputation through reliability. Originally developed by an airline pilot, the brand has become one of the most trusted names among cabin crew and frequent flyers.
For example, its Platinum Elite collection combines durable construction with practical features such as external USB ports, expandable packing capacity and exceptionally smooth MagnaTrac wheels that naturally roll in a straight line.
Admittedly, Travelpro cases may not attract admiring glances in hotel lobbies, but they consistently perform where it matters most. Ultimately, if your priority is dependable luggage that can withstand years of regular travel, few brands come close.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 — budget-friendly lightweight option
Best for: Namely, frequent flyers, long-haul travel, practical travellers and cabin crew
Pros: Exceptionally durable · Smooth wheels · Excellent functionality · Reasonable pricing
Cons: On the downside, less stylish than competitors · limited colour choices
Editor’s Verdict: After all, if airline professionals trust Travelpro to survive hundreds of flights each year, that’s a compelling recommendation in itself.
10. Delsey Paris — Best French Luggage Brand 8.5/10
Founded in Paris in 1946, Delsey brings a distinctly European approach to luggage design. Its suitcases combine elegant styling with practical features, making them a strong alternative to Samsonite for travellers who want something a little different.
Consequently, the brand has built a reputation for producing lightweight hard-shell cases that remain competitively priced. Collections such as Chatelet Air 2.0 blend vintage-inspired details with modern materials, while the SECURITECH zip system adds an extra layer of protection against forced entry.
Delsey also performs well when it comes to weight: many of its medium and large cases are lighter than comparable rivals, helping maximise airline baggage allowances without compromising durability.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Cabin
- Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Medium
- Delsey Turenne Large
Best for: Namely, European city breaks, style-conscious travellers and value-conscious buyers
Pros: In short, elegant styling · lightweight construction · good value · strong security features
Cons: On the downside, smaller UK retail presence · warranty varies by collection
Editor’s Verdict: Overall, Delsey quietly produces some of the best-looking luggage in the mid-market. If you like classic European styling without luxury pricing, it’s well worth considering.
11. Monos — Best Minimalist Luggage 8.8/10
In recent years, Monos has rapidly become one of the most talked-about luggage brands thanks to its minimalist aesthetic and premium feel. Think of it as the luggage equivalent of Scandinavian furniture: clean, functional and beautifully finished.
Its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shells, whisper-quiet wheels and vegan leather detailing all contribute to a premium experience. Likewise, the interiors are equally impressive, with antimicrobial linings and compression panels that make packing simple.
Although Monos isn’t as widely available in the UK as Away or Samsonite, it’s a brand worth watching.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Monos Carry-On Pro
- Monos Check-In Medium
- Monos Hybrid Backpack — for combined city/travel use
Best for: Namely, minimalist travellers, carry-on luggage and premium aesthetics
Pros: In short, beautiful design · quiet wheels · excellent interior · premium finish
Cons: On the downside, limited UK availability · premium pricing
Editor’s Verdict: Overall, if you appreciate understated design, Monos offers one of the cleanest-looking collections currently available.
12. American Tourister — Best for Family Holidays 8.2/10
Owned by Samsonite, American Tourister delivers dependable quality at a more accessible price point. As a result, the colourful designs and affordable pricing make it particularly popular with families, students and occasional travellers.
Although the materials aren’t quite as premium as Samsonite’s flagship collections, the overall quality remains excellent for the money.
Standout pieces to shop:
- American Tourister Soundbox Cabin
- American Tourister Soundbox Medium
- American Tourister Bon Air Large
Best for: Namely, families, budget-conscious travellers and holiday luggage
Pros: In short, affordable · reliable · fun colour options · wide availability
Cons: On the downside, less premium finish · basic interiors
Editor’s Verdict: Ultimately, American Tourister proves you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to buy reliable luggage.
13. Tripp — Best Budget Luggage Brand 8.0/10
Even if your budget won’t stretch to Away or Antler, don’t worry. Tripp has been one of Britain’s favourite affordable luggage brands for years, offering dependable suitcases that regularly outperform their price tag.
In fact, the Holiday collection has become particularly popular thanks to its lightweight shell, practical interiors and broad range of colours. It’s proof that buying on a budget doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality.
Standout pieces to shop:
- Tripp Holiday Cabin
- Tripp Holiday Medium
- Tripp Holiday Large
Best for: Namely, budget travellers, students and occasional holidays
Pros: In short, excellent value · lightweight · wide choice of colours · easy to find in the UK
Cons: On the downside, basic features · shorter warranty than premium brands
Editor’s Verdict: Overall, for under £100, it’s difficult to find better luggage than Tripp.
Which Luggage Brand Is Right for You?
Choosing the right suitcase isn’t simply about spending more money. After all, the best luggage brand for a weekend city break may not be the best choice for someone who flies internationally every month.
If you’re travelling a few times each year, brands like Away, Antler and Samsonite offer an excellent balance of quality and value. However, if you’re regularly checking luggage on long-haul flights, investing in brands such as Briggs & Riley or Rimowa can make sense over the long term.
Likewise, business travellers often prioritise organisation and durability, while holidaymakers may prefer lightweight suitcases that maximise airline baggage allowances. Keeping those priorities in mind will help narrow your shortlist.
Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Luggage
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to choose a hard shell or soft shell suitcase.
Hard shell luggage offers better protection for fragile items and generally feels more modern. Indeed, most premium brands, including Away, Antler and Rimowa, now focus heavily on polycarbonate or aluminium shells because they combine strength with relatively low weight.
Soft shell luggage, on the other hand, remains popular with business travellers thanks to its flexibility and external pockets. Brands like Briggs & Riley and Travelpro continue to produce some of the best examples available.
Overall, for most leisure travellers, we’d recommend hard shell luggage. It tends to be lighter, easier to clean and better equipped to cope with the realities of modern air travel.
Our Top Picks by Traveller
| Traveller | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Overall Winner | 🏆 Away |
| Best British Brand | 🇬🇧 Antler |
| Best Luxury | Rimowa |
| Pilots & Engineering-Obsessed Buyers | Sterling Pacific |
| Best Value | Samsonite |
| Business Travel | Tumi |
| Frequent Flying | Briggs & Riley |
| Style Lovers | Carl Friedrik |
| Cabin Crew Choice | Travelpro |
Best Luggage Brands Compared: Weight, Warranty, Shell Material & Price
| Brand | Approx. Weight (Cabin) | Warranty | Shell Material | Price | Editor’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Away | ~3.1kg | Limited lifetime | Polycarbonate | £££ | 9.4/10 |
| Antler | ~2.7kg | 10 years | Polycarbonate | £££ | 9.2/10 |
| Rimowa | ~4.3kg | Lifetime (Original line) | Aluminium | £££££ | 9.6/10 |
| Sterling Pacific | ~5.5kg | Lifetime (with spare parts) | Aluminium (5000 Series) | £££££ | 9.5/10 |
| Samsonite | ~2.3kg | Up to 5 years (varies) | Polycarbonate/Curv | £££ | 9.0/10 |
| Briggs & Riley | ~3.6kg | Lifetime (incl. airline damage) | Ballistic nylon/Polycarbonate | ££££ | 9.1/10 |
| Tumi | ~3.9kg | 5 years | Ballistic nylon/Aluminium | ££££ | 9.0/10 |
| Carl Friedrik | ~3.3kg | 2 years | Polycarbonate | ££££ | 9.0/10 |
| Travelpro | ~3.4kg | Limited lifetime | Polycarbonate/Nylon | £££ | 8.7/10 |
| Delsey Paris | ~2.6kg | 2 years (varies by range) | Polycarbonate | ££ | 8.5/10 |
| Monos | ~3.0kg | Lifetime | Polycarbonate | £££ | 8.8/10 |
| American Tourister | ~2.4kg | 2 years | Polypropylene | ££ | 8.2/10 |
| Tripp | ~2.5kg | 1-5 years (varies) | Polypropylene | £ | 8.0/10 |
Note that weights and specifications refer to standard cabin/carry-on models and may vary by collection. Always check the retailer’s current listing before buying.
How to Choose the Best Luggage Brand
First, before buying your next suitcase, think about how you actually travel rather than how you’d like to travel.
If you mainly take weekend breaks, a premium carry-on from Away or Antler is likely to offer the best balance of size, quality and practicality. However, if you’re flying every week for work, investing in Briggs & Riley or Tumi could save money over time thanks to their durability and excellent warranties.
It’s also worth checking airline cabin baggage dimensions before purchasing. After all, while many brands describe their cases as cabin-friendly, not every airline uses the same size restrictions.
Finally, don’t overlook the wheels, since four high-quality spinner wheels will make a far bigger difference to everyday use than an extra zipped pocket or clever marketing feature.
Cabin Luggage Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
- Dimensions — confirm the case fits your usual airline’s cabin allowance, including the handle and wheels
- Weight — an empty case under 3kg leaves more of your allowance for packing
- Wheel type — four-wheel spinners generally offer the smoothest, most manoeuvrable ride
- Expandability — useful for one-off trips where you might need a little extra capacity
- Warranty — check whether airline-caused damage is covered, not just manufacturing faults
Where to Buy the Best Luggage Brands in the UK
Most of the brands featured in this guide are available directly from the brand’s own website, as well as through major UK department stores and specialist luggage retailers. Indeed, buying direct often gives you access to the full colour and size range plus the brand’s official warranty, while department stores can be useful for seeing and testing a case in person before you buy.
Final Verdict: The Best Luggage Brands of 2026
Overall, there’s no shortage of luggage brands competing for your attention, but only a handful consistently justify the investment.
If you’re looking for the best all-round suitcase, Away remains our top recommendation thanks to its outstanding combination of quality, design and value. Meanwhile, Antler follows closely behind, offering beautifully designed British luggage that punches well above its price point.
Those seeking true luxury should consider Rimowa, or Sterling Pacific if you want that luxury spelled out in materials and rivet counts rather than branding, while Samsonite continues to be one of the safest all-round purchases for families and regular travellers. Meanwhile, frequent flyers who prioritise durability above everything else will struggle to find better options than Briggs & Riley.
Whichever brand you choose, investing in quality luggage is one of the simplest ways to make every journey more enjoyable. After all, a well-built suitcase should last for years, making it one of the few travel purchases that continues to pay for itself every time you leave home.
Best Luggage Brands: Frequently Asked Questions
Which luggage brand is the best overall?
For most travellers, we recommend Away. It combines premium build quality, stylish design and excellent value, making it our overall Editor’s Choice.
Is Antler better than Samsonite?
Both are excellent. Antler offers more premium styling, while Samsonite has a wider range and longer track record. If appearance matters, we’d choose Antler; if you want the broadest choice, however, Samsonite is hard to beat.
Is Rimowa worth the money?
If you travel frequently and appreciate premium engineering, yes. Rimowa remains one of the finest luxury luggage brands available. That said, Away and Antler offer better value for most people.
What is the best luggage brand for business travel?
Specifically, Tumi and Briggs & Riley both excel thanks to their durability, organisation and premium build quality.
Should I buy hard shell or soft shell luggage?
Overall, for most leisure travellers, hard shell luggage is the better choice. Specifically, it protects belongings more effectively, is easier to clean and generally offers better long-term durability.
Is Sterling Pacific a good luggage brand?
Yes, particularly if you want luxury luggage justified by materials rather than marketing. Specifically, Sterling Pacific publishes exactly what its cases are made of — 5000 Series aluminium bodies, A380 die-cast hardware and Italian leather handles — and backs every case with a lifetime warranty. It’s heavier and pricier than Away or Antler, but it’s a genuine rival to Rimowa for buyers who prioritise engineering.
What is the best luggage brand under £200?
Overall, Delsey Paris, Tripp and American Tourister all offer strong quality-to-price ratios below £200, without asking you to compromise heavily on style or durability.
