Our top airport tip? It has to be manifesting an upgrade by wheeling your way through the airport with one of the best designer suitcases. Providing the perfect balance of fashion and functionality, nothing says “I was born to board First Class” quite like showing up at the check-in desk with a sleek and fashionable suitcase from a luxury luggage brand. It’s just common sense.
In all seriousness, distinguished globe-trotters know that investing in a luxurious piece of luggage will not only see you through heaps of future holidays — but also simplify the packing process, and even make the whole dreaded airport experience run that bit smoother. After all, spending the morning dragging a cabin case with sub-par spinner wheels or a sticky telescopic handle through departures or duty-free isn’t going to help you ease into holiday mode.
True examples of expert craftsmanship, most best-selling designer cases are minimalist and modern in appearance, but boast impressive high-end features like TSA-approved locks, compression straps for over-packers, and a super durable outer shell that’s resistant to scuffs and dents. So, whether you’re eyeing up a last-minute winter city break, or planning ahead for a long-haul holiday in 2025, there will definitely be a few designer luggage options in this edit that are worth checking out ahead of your next trip away.
The best designer suitcases — at a glance:
- Best luxury luggage overall: Antler
- Best for carry-on cases: July
- Best for range of colours: BÉIS
- Best for sartorial standing: Louis Vuitton
1. Antler
Not just nice to look at, all Antler suitcases come with a lifetime warranty, and are put through a rigorous 12-point testing system to ensure high standards. In fact, five lucky members of our team got the chance to road-test some bestsellers from the Clifton and Stamford ranges last year — and they had nothing but nice things to say about the famous British brand in our Antler Luggage review.
With so many different sizes and styles to choose from, the classic Icon Stripe range is probably their most popular. And the star of the show has to be the Icon Stripe Pocket — which is our favourite for short-haul trips thanks to its hardwearing polycarbonate shell, and practical front pocket that's perfect for storing all the essentials. We're also big fans of their smaller travel bags, backpacks, and holdalls — like the best-selling the Chelsea Backpack.
When it comes to longer trips and getaways, we love the recently-released Large Single Stripe Case — which is the brand's lightest hard-shell suitcase yet — and the Stamford 2.0 Large Case, which features an expander zip that's able to give you an extra 5cm of space. Keen to cover all your possible travel needs with one purchase? Luggage sets are well worth exploring.
2. July
Founded by Melbourne friends and frequent travellers Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li – July was started over a love of a good getaway and its founders' struggle to find a decent suitcase. Digging deep into the research – they read more than 4,000 suitcase reviews – they set about finding out what really makes a high quality piece of luggage and put their insight into action.
The result? They created a unique, eggshell shaped-case designed to create more bounce back on hard knocks. They reinforced the case with custom aluminium bumpers for added protection, and added a scratch-proof texture on the outer casing. They sell everything from checked cases to packing cubes, but are definitely best known for their iconic range of carry-on luggage cases — ranging from smaller and more basic models, to bigger carry-on cases with more features and larger capacities.
As for our top product pick, that'd have to be the Carry On Light. Dubbed the world’s lightest double-wheel carry-on suitcase, it comes in at just 1.8kg, half the weight of the average empty carry-on suitcase. We also love the Carry On Pro. Approved for stowing in the overhead bins on all flights worldwide, key features include a hardshell front compartment, a hidden laundry bag, and — best of all — a built-in power bank that can charge both a phone and a laptop on the go. It's definitely one of the best carry-on cases out there.
3. BÉIS
Founded by actress Shay Mitchell, BÉIS is one of the most talked about luggage brands on social media. Designed with the modern traveller in mind, think super cute colours, and actually useful features that solve real problems. They're probably best known for their iconic weekend bags — with the original dubbed as ‘the perfect piece for packing light, but packing lots’. With clever design features like a laptop sleeve, wide frame opening, and a separate zipped compartment for shoes or laundry, it’s the ultimate bag for overnight stays and weekends away.
Looking for cases? When it comes to cabin luggage, our favourite has to be The Carry-On Roller — which comes in a gorgeous range of both matte and glossy colours. Not just nice to look at, features like expandable zips, an AirTag pocket, TSA-approved locks, and a clever built-in weight capacity indicator make it a suitcase that truly takes the stress out of travelling. And you can expect the same kind of features from their check-in cases — which come in both medium and large sizes.
Finally, there's no way we can talk about BÉIS without paying homage to some of their most iconic collaborations and limited-edition releases. Last summer it was a Barbie™ Pink collection in celebration of the hit movie — and now we're gearing up for BÉIS X Wicked. Think: bewitching backpacks, totes, and toiletry kits, and suitcases in iconic ombre pink and green hues.
4. Carl Friedrick
The suitcase brand of choice for the Roy family of Succession, it’s no wonder this brand is one mentioned time and time again when it comes to discussing the phenomenon that is quiet luxury.
This understated yet aspirational leather goods and luxury luggage brand is the brainchild of two London-based brothers who back in 2013 noticed a gap in the market for timeless leather goods. Their products are truly built to last and are backed by a lifetime guarantee. Thoughtful and conscious production is also a top priority and they embrace sustainable materials, reject seasonal collections and provide full supply-chain transparency alongside working with artisans that leverage centuries of knowledge to work with the finest materials.
Our top product picks? The Carry-On. If it’s good enough for Logan Roy, it’s good enough for us. This stylish yet durable suitcase is made with lightweight polycarbonate, an aluminium lock frame and leather detailing. Also note The Check-in: offering the same sturdiness and stylish design of the carry-on, the bigger suitcase offers that extra room and much like all the brands products, a 100 day trial to give the product a whirl and see if it is for you.
5. BRICS
Founded in 1952 by Mario Briccola, Bric has stuck to its guns throughout the years and still produces its quality leather suitcases in its family-run factories on the shores of Lake Como. With a legion of loyal fans, the Clooneys, Middletons, and Jessica Alba have all been spotted wheeling Bric suitcases.
The four-wheel Bellagio Trolley is a retro case which nods to the Italian brand’s heritage with its chic leather trims — while the rigid polycarbonate case ensures longevity and protection from those unavailable knocks on the road. But if you're after something that's guaranteed to stand-out on the luggage carousel, we're big fans of the Positano Large Expandable Suitcase, which comes in a range of different candy-coloured hues.
6. Louis Vuitton
When it comes to the most iconic of luxury luggage, French fashion house Louis Vuitton undoubtedly takes the crown. Vuitton actually started out as a trunk-maker, and continues to craft the same, premium style of celeb-adored luggage today.
Carried by the likes of Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve back in the day, today they are hit with everyone from Kim Kardashian West and Sarah Jessica Parker, to Rihanna and the Hadids. Whether you're hankering after one of the fashion house's classic trunks, a more modern carry-on suitcase, or a chic duffle bag, the extensive range runs the full gamut.
Stars of the show? The Keepall Bandoulière 50 has been icon since its first appearance in 1930: it's a generously-sized cabin bag which comes with a strap for wearing cross-body. Plump for the signature Monogram Canvas, or pick from the selection of updated colour-ways. Elsewhere, the Horizon 55 case from the brand’s latest tech-led collection is a lightweight four-wheeled carry-on which comes with all the mod-cons. A discreet TSA lock and comfortable spinning wheels included.
7. Paravel
A brand that values sustainability and style in equal measure, Paravel uses upcycled and recycled materials in 100% of their products. In fact, they even designed the world's first carbon-neutral suitcase — the Aviator — which now comes in a range of different sizes and styles, and happens to be their hero product.
Designed to fit two to three weeks worth of clothing, and up to six pairs of shoes, the Aviator Trunk is their most spacious case yet — making it ideal for long trips and extended stays. Inside, you'll find smart interior compartments, a removable laundry bag, and an interior compression board to help you squeeze in as much as possible. Essentially just a smaller version of the same case, the Aviator Carry-On is a great cabin-friendly alternative that fits in airplane overhead compartments.
8. Samsonite
This storied designer suitcase brand dates back to 1910 and began business as a trunk manufacturing company. Today they are making strides to become more green by marking their 110th anniversary with the launch of a global strategy to become the most sustainable luggage company in the world.
Their creation of Recyclex™, an innovative fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, is a great example of this. With sturdy yet stylish suitcases and personalisation options to engrave or emboss your initials or name on the case means you will never pick up the wrong bag again.
The C-Lite Spinner is one of their most universally popular cases. It comes in six different sizes and colours, boasts an integrated USB port, and can be personalised with stickers or an engraving for a small additional cost. But if you're looking for something a little more affordable, you'll find heaps of popular Samsonite cases on Amazon — like the basic yet best-selling Base Boost.
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9. RIMOWA
Best known for their sleek and sturdy aluminium cases, all pieces of RIMOWA luggage come with a lifetime guarantee — so you can guarantee that they'll be with your for the long-haul. Super chic and classy, their silver and black cases are arguably the most popular in terms of colour — but the Hybrid Check-In Large in the newly-released lilac hue is a truly gorgeous muted tone.
The Original Suitcase Collection is instantly-recognisable with its sleek lines and signature grooves, and case sizes span from Compact for overnight stays, to the Trunk XL that has space for over three weeks worth of items. Crafted from high-end anodised aluminium, all sizes boast premium features like an interior divider system for organised packing, and a stage-free and seamless-to-adjust telescopic handle.
10. Gucci
For some seriously treat-yourself luggage, the Italian luxury fashion house has quite the range. As seen in Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s famous ad campaign from last year, the Gucci Savoy range remains one of the designer brand's best-selling collections.
Emblazoned with the iconic GG Supreme archival design, the Gucci Savoy Small Cabin Trolley is the perfect carry-on case for anyone looking to exude truly luxurious vibes in transit. Best of all, it's available in three different colour variations, and can even be embossed with your initials for added elegance.
11. TUMI
Priding themselves on practical and technology-first design, TUMI has trunks, cases, and duffels for every single type of trip you can possibly imagine. Expect a wide range of both checked and cary-on cases — including the popular 19 Degree International Expandable Carry-On, which is fitted with compression straps and zipper expansion, an anti-microbial treated shell, and a built-in USB charger.
After something a little more specific? The Alpha 3 Collection is definitely their most technical and innovative. The Alpha 3 Golf 2 Wheeled Duffel is great for overnight golf stays, while the best-selling Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access Expandable Carry-On is ideal for short business trips with its built-in USB-C charging port, and removable garment sleeve that'll neatly store one suit.
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