Just as important as SPF, a good beach read, and your passport, luggage can make or break your summer trip. With school holidays looming, a sturdy suitcase and a capacious carry-on become more important than ever. The best luggage brands help you cruise through the airport with ease, from hard-shell cases that withstand battering on the baggage carousel to soft-shell cases with pockets for easy access.
Best luggage brands at a glance
- Best overall – Antler
- Best sustainable brand – Nortvi
- Best stylish brand – Carl Friedrik
- Best for hand luggage – Away
- Best for suitcases – Bellroy
On the luxury end, Rimowa – which built the world's first aluminium suitcase in 1950 – is an A-lister favourite, while Carl Friedrik is the stylish luggage brand spotted in Succession and The White Lotus. Elsewhere, Samsonite and Antler are practically synonymous with luggage: both pioneered wheeled cases in the late 20th century. Contemporary innovation has led to more seamless travel and weight reduction than ever before, alongside tech integration (July launched the first built-in trackable suitcase this year). But with so many brands vying for your attention, where should you start when upgrading your luggage for 2026? From content creators to world-wise editors, I asked travel experts to reveal the best luggage brands, from Nortvi to Troubador and Briggs & Riley.
Best luggage brands for 2026
Antler
Antler has been making luggage since the mid-20th century, but its stylish designs feel thoroughly contemporary. Callie leans towards darker-coloured luggage. “I love the brand Antler for offering darker-coloured suitcase alternatives to typical black. I have the icon set in Indigo Blue, and it just looks so chic – plus I can always spot it on the baggage conveyor.” Suzannah Ramsdale, lifestyle director at The Standard, uses the same Antler icon trio set. In the last few months, Gina has travelled to Mallorca, Malaysia and the South of France – adding that her suitcase “has to be able to take a bit of battering, because I travel a lot.” Fitting the brief, Antler has been her go-to for years. New for this season, fashion-forward rattan tote bags have joined its roster of soft shell and hard shell cases. The brand's packing cubes are excellent, too.
Away
Sister company to Antler, Away's luggage appeals to a more Gen Z audience with brightly coloured cases and playful hand-luggage options. The New York-based brand combines durable polycarbonate construction with practical details such as compression systems, laundry bags and smooth-rolling wheels. Beyond suitcases, Away has expanded into bags, accessories and travel essentials such as packing cubes, creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem that emphasises convenience, durability and contemporary design.
Carl Friedrik
Move over Rimowa, Carl Friedrik's sophisticated suitcases have been spotted in two shows about the one per cent: Succession and The White Lotus. Starting from £475 for a carry-on case, its luggage is an investment – but a worthwhile one. I've got the classic large case and the luxurious weekender. Both are excellently crafted, durable and robust. Combining high-quality design with an elevated aesthetic, Carl Friedrik luggage also makes beautiful gifts for the frequent flyers in your life.
July
This Aussie luggage brand made headlines this year for creating what it claimed to be the world's first built-in trackable case. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating premium travel products that balance style and functionality. Its hard-shell suitcases are made from durable polycarbonate and come equipped with smooth spinner wheels, integrated TSA locks and cleverly designed interiors. With a minimalist aesthetic available in a range of contemporary colours, the brand has positioned itself as a stylish alternative to more established luggage names.
Katie Loxton
British accessories brand Katie Loxton creates airline-approved luggage with a fashion sensibility. Perfectly oversized for overhead cabin allowance, its stylish cabin bag combines elevated design with smart functionality. Inside, you'll find spacious interiors with clever compartments for easy organisation, plus a luggage sleeve that slips neatly over suitcase handles. The brand's Oxford case is crafted from smooth pebble vegan leather, featuring 360-degree wheels, a combination lock and a luggage tag. Available in light taupe, black, mink, navy and cognac, every colourway is designed to be timeless and neutral enough that you'll never get sick of it.
Samsonite
One of the most recognisable names in travel, Samsonite has been producing luggage for more than a century. Founded in 1910, the brand has built its reputation on durability, innovation and a broad product range that caters to every type of traveller. Samsonite offers everything from lightweight carry-ons to large checked suitcases, using advanced materials such as polycarbonate and Curv technology to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Known for reliability, the brand remains a favourite among business and tourists alike, who have had their cases for decades.
Briggs & Riley
American brand Briggs & Riley is synonymous with premium craftsmanship. Best known for its industry-leading lifetime guarantee, which covers damage even if caused by airlines, the company has cultivated a devoted following among frequent travellers. “When it comes to carry-on suitcases, my most-used option is the Briggs and Riley expandable spinner, which is especially useful if you expect to return with more than you packed, as it expands and can effectively double as checked luggage if needed,” Alessia says. Its luggage is designed with practicality in mind, featuring innovations such as the patented CX compression-expansion system that maximises packing space.
Bellroy
“When I want a classic hard-shell carry-on, I often reach for my Bellroy transit, which is ideal for shorter trips and exceptionally durable,” Alessia says. Originally known for its wallets and accessories, Australian brand Bellroy has successfully expanded into the travel category with a collection of thoughtfully designed luggage and bags. Sustainability is central to Bellroy's philosophy, with many products incorporating recycled materials and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. The brand focuses on smart organisation, lightweight construction and minimalist aesthetics that appeal to modern travellers.
Brics
The Standard's Suzannah loves Brics. It's a “great brand that looks more expensive than it is.” Founded in 1952, the family-owned company is celebrated for its sophisticated designs that reflect Italian craftsmanship and style. From its stylish underseat bags to carry-on suitcases, Bric's collections often feature premium materials such as leather trim, high-quality fabrics and durable polycarbonate shells, creating a distinctive look that stands apart from more utilitarian competitors.
Roam
“I just ordered a custom case from Roam that I can't wait to put through its paces,” Gina says. The US brand is all about personalisation and performance. Its carry-on and check-in cases feature durable polycarbonate shells, smooth-rolling wheels, and thoughtfully organised interiors built to withstand frequent travel. Allowing travellers to create unique luggage with a wide range of colour combinations and design choices, Roam focuses on quality craftsmanship, functionality, and durability.
Nortvi
Loved by travel editors far and wide, Nortvi is lifestyle director Suzannah's favourite sustainable luggage brand. Known for its minimalist Dutch design and exceptional functionality, its luggage is crafted from lightweight aerospace-grade polycarbonate. Nortvi suitcases are built for durability without compromising on style, from the aluminium carry-on case to the weekender totes. The brand is particularly known for its attention to detail, including silent spinner wheels, high-quality finishes, and thoughtfully designed interiors that make packing effortless. Sustainability is central to Nortvi's philosophy, with environmentally conscious materials and responsible production practices.
Loeffler Randall
Callie relies on the Loeffler Randall tote as her carry-on bag. “It has a panel for slipping onto a suitcase handle, which is such a game-changer compared to bags that fall every two minutes when you're rolling your suitcase through an airport or train station,” she says. “It is so spacious inside and has lots of sections and compartments (laptop, water bottle, zips for bits and bobs) which keep everything separated, so I am not digging in a panic for things when I board the plane.” Loeffler's minimalist approach appeals to travellers who prefer understated elegance over flashy branding. With a focus on functionality, comfort, and contemporary design, the brand offers a refined luggage solution.
Troubador
“When I'm looking for a duffle bag, backpack, or duffle-to-backpack hybrid, I always reach for my Troubadour collection,” Armenise recommends. “The apex travel duffle is hands down one of the best in its category, while their elemental backpack has accompanied me on every trip I've taken since its launch.” Renowned for its sleek, minimalist designs and commitment to sustainable innovation, Troubadour products are crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, many of which are made from recycled sources, reflecting the company's focus on reducing environmental impact.
