Excess baggage: The luxury suitcases your summer holiday needs
Wherever your travels take you, start them in style
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
The Cotswolds or Costa Rica? Bath or Barbados? If there’s anything the travel woes of the past few years have taught us, it’s that any holiday can be brilliant as long as you’re doing it in style. So, with your Cornwall hotel or chic European escape booked, it’s time to turn your attention to your luggage. True, you might not be travelling far, but surely any five-star hotel deserves more than the dusty, beaten bag that’s been languishing in your loft? From limited-edition collaborations to timeless cases you’ll be carrying for years, here are the best luxury suitcases to invest in now.
Samsonite Lite-Box Aluminium spinner suitcase
Looking for a hard-wearing case that’s going to see you through many a holiday and business trip to come? Samsonite is the brand for you. Its lightweight aluminium cases are best sellers for a reason: they’re tough as nails and won’t eat into your weight limit. Plus, they come with a 10-year warranty so you can fly with peace of mind. If you’re not sure where to start, Piccadilly’s Case Luggage, which has been meeting the capital’s suitcase needs for a century, is a great place to begin browsing.
Globe-Trotter x A BATHING APE Centenary Suitcase
British heritage brand, Globe-Trotter, teams up with Japanese fashion label, A Bathing Ape, to decorate one of its flagship Centenary suitcases with the signature camouflage print of the cult streetwear label. As with all Globe-Trotter suitcases, this large, check-in variant is constructed from the brand’s proprietary vulcanised fibreboard. Made by bonding 14 layers of recycled paper with zinc, the material is lighter than aluminium, yet tougher than leather. It comes with a leather luggage tag in the shape of the A Bathing Ape’s recognisable ape-headed logo. A case you won’t have trouble spotting on the baggage carousel.
Rimowa Check-In
German luggage brand Rimowa has released a slew of chic new hues for summer 2024 all, of course, complete with the expert engineering it’s known for. Featuring all the practical touches you’d expect from Rimowa – TSA-approved locks, a multi-wheel system and telescopic handle – this British racing green case is sure to turn heads on the lugagge belt.
Tanner Krolle Soft Trunk
Hankering after the glamour of the Golden Age of travel? There are few better brands to turn to for your luggage than Tanner Krolle then. Founded in London in 1856, the brand has made cases for everyone from Cary Grant and Princess Diana to the British Army, and is now helmed by fashion designer Tabitha Simmons. This tan trunk case may not come with the mod-cons of some of the others on this list but, when it looks this good, does it really matter?
FPM Milano Bank spinner case
Rendered in a chic metallic hue, this aluminium case by FPM Milano is all about blending Italian sophistication with modern design touches. Utilising the brand’s eight decades of accessories expertise, its sturdy, studded outer shell is finished with Japanese-engineered wheels and an interior complete with handy straps and pockets to make packing a breeze.
Bric’s Bellagio 2
Despite being a proud Made In Italy brand since 1952, Bric’s suitcases really shot to fame when they were chosen by George and Amal Clooney for their much-photographed wedding in Venice. Make like the stellar couple and invest in the brand’s classic Bellagio 2 design. Available in black and cream, and finished with tan leather accents, its polycarbonate shell is a brilliant modern take on heritage luggage.
Horizn Studios M5
Of course, no luggage edit would be complete without a smart case and Berlin-based brand Horizn Studio makes some of the best. Equipped with USB charging ports, as well as an Italian leather front pocket designed specifically for holding a 15-inch laptop, this is the perfect case whether you’re travelling for work or play.
DB Ramverk check-in suitcase
Blending stylish form and function, this hard-shell case is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester and rendered in an array of trendy shades including sage green, mustard yellow, red, beige and black. The lightweight suitcase benefits from the brand’s signature features including custom designer telescopic trolley handle and Japanese Hinomoto wheels for smooth manoeuvring. Plus, it stores the matching carry-on inside neatly for easy storage.
Away Carry-On Flex
Take a quick glance around the departure lounge next time you’re at the airport and chances are you’ll see a number of Away’s chic hard-shell cases. Known for their thoughtful, practical design touches, minimalist silhouettes and solid construction, they’ve rather taken the world’s travellers by storm. The Carry-On Flex is ideal for those who like to do a little shopping while away. As well as interior compression compartments, 360-degree wheels and a colour palette ranging from red and clay pink to black and navy, it also features a flexible design which will give you up to 2.25 inches of extra space.
Antler Icon Stripe large hard-shell suitcase
British luggage expert Antler has been designing stylish and durable luggage since 1914, so you know you’re in good hands with its new Icon Stripe suitcase. The hard-wearing shell will withstand being flung around on the airplane or in the car boot while 360-spinner wheels and and comfortable grip on the handle make travelling a breeze. Tend to go overboard with the souvenirs? You’ll be grateful for the expandable design that instantly increases packing capacity.
Timothy London Burlington suitcase
Looking for a suitcase that’s as elegant as it is robust? Look to Timothy London’s Burlington range. Available in ivory, titanium and black, the suitcase is made with ultra-tough polycarbonate and equipped with every functional element you could hope for – ergonomic telescopic handle, silent wheels, and a key and combination dial lock. While it’s designed to last, should any manufacturing defects come up, Timothy London’s lifetime guarantee means they’ll be repaired or replaced for free.
