A good suitcase can make or break a holiday. Rimowa created the first aluminium suitcase in 1950, while Samsonite and Antler introduced wheeled cases in the late 20th century. This year, July launched the first built-in trackable suitcase. Travel experts were asked to share their preferred brands for 2026.
Best luggage brands at a glance
- Best overall – Antler
- Best sustainable – Nortvi
- Best stylish – Carl Friedrik
- Best for hand luggage – Away
- Best for suitcases – Bellroy
Expert insights
“In general, comfort comes first, as I need a suitcase that rolls smoothly over cobblestone streets, is easy to lift, and is comfortable enough to carry on my back or by hand when necessary,” Alessia Armenise, a travel writer and editor, says. “Capacity and versatility come second (I hate packing and love buying local souvenirs), so I appreciate a bag that can fit a lot into a small space and/or expand when needed,” she adds. “Third is durability: good suitcases are expensive, and I expect them to stand the test of time, even when subjected to steep staircases and Stansted Airport.”
Callie Thorpe, a travel content creator, says: “As a frequent traveller, I need a suitcase that stands the test of time and heavy handling, as it sees a lot of baggage carousels.” Her preference? “A hard case to protect my things in all weather conditions, and to make it easy to keep clean from any accidental sun cream or toiletry bag spillages.”
Gina Jackson, a travel writer and content creator, says her “ideal suitcase has to be both stylish and seriously functional: light, with thoughtful compartments inside and wheels that glide easily.”
Antler
Antler has been making luggage since the mid-20th century. 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 (£670), 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. New for this season, fashion-forward heritage tote bags (£175) have joined its roster of soft shell and hard shell cases. The brand’s packing cubes (£55) 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 (£258). 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 (£138), accessories and travel essentials such as packing cubes (£48), creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem.
Carl Friedrik
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. The classic carry on (£445) and the luxurious weekender (£795) are both excellently crafted, durable and robust.
July
This Aussie luggage brand made headlines this year for creating what it claimed to be the world’s first built-in trackable case (£275). Founded in 2018, the company focuses on premium travel products. Its hard-shell suitcases (£305) are made from durable polycarbonate with smooth spinner wheels, integrated TSA locks and cleverly designed interiors.
Samsonite
One of the most recognisable names in travel, Samsonite has been producing luggage for more than a century. Founded in 1910, the brand offers everything from lightweight carry-ons (£379) to large checked suitcases (£439), using advanced materials such as polycarbonate and Curv technology.
Briggs & Riley
American brand Briggs & Riley is synonymous with premium craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee. “When it comes to carry-on suitcases, my most-used option is the Briggs and Riley expandable spinner (£479), 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.
Bellroy
“When I want a classic hard-shell carry-on, I often reach for my Bellroy transit (£279), which is ideal for shorter trips and exceptionally durable,” Alessia says. Originally known for wallets and accessories, Australian brand Bellroy has expanded into travel with thoughtfully designed luggage and bags (£185). Sustainability is central to its philosophy.
Bric’s
Suzannah loves Bric’s expandable suitcase (£620). “Great brand that looks more expensive than it is.” Founded in 1952, the family-owned company is celebrated for Italian craftsmanship, from stylish underseat bags (£125) to carry-on suitcases (£209).
Roam
“I just ordered a custom case from Roam that I can't wait to put through its paces,” Gina says. The US brand focuses on personalisation and performance. Its carry-on (£372) and check-in cases (£413) feature durable polycarbonate shells and smooth-rolling wheels.
Nortvi
Loved by travel editors, Nortvi is Suzannah’s favourite sustainable luggage brand. Known for minimalist Dutch design, its luggage is crafted from lightweight aerospace-grade polycarbonate, from the aluminium carry-on case (£479) to weekender totes (£119). Sustainability is central to its philosophy.
Loeffler
Callie relies on the Loeffler tote (£149) 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. It is so spacious inside and has lots of sections and compartments.”
Troubadour
“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 (£269.99) is hands down one of the best in its category, while their elemental backpack (£249.99) has accompanied me on every trip I've taken since its launch.”
