12 Pieces Of Summer Luggage We Rate
Image: RIMOWA
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12 Pieces Of Summer Luggage We Rate

There’s no excuse for tatty luggage when there are so many cool, affordable and stylish brands around these days. From sustainably-made carry-ons to robust check-in suitcases, here are some of our favourites – and what makes them worth the money.

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

THE BIGGEST SPLURGE: Classic Cabin, £870 | Rimowa

Weight: 4.3kg

Packing capacity: 36 litres

Measurements: 55cm x 40cm x 23cm

Designed for the most discerning travellers, the Rimowa Classic Cabin effortlessly combines luxury with functionality. Each piece features a high-end anodised aluminium alloy, riveted high-gloss aluminium corners, and hand-made leather handles – plus, it’s designed to fit in most airplane overhead compartments. Made in Germany, it comes with a five-year warranty if you register your purchase online.

Available from Rimowa.com

THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE: 100% Plant-Based Hard Shell, £650 | Circle One

Weight: 2.7kg

Packing capacity: 35.5 litres

Measurements: 55cm x 40cm x 23cm

The ultra-durable hard shell of this carry-on is biodegradable, while the zips are made from recycled fabric and the handles are nutshell-infused and bio-filled. Made in Europe and approved by animal rights charity Peta, anyone under the age of 30 should take advantage of the brand’s ‘Next Generation’ 30% discount to snap up this eco-friendly piece of luggage for less. 

Available at Horizn-Studios.co.uk

THE AFFORDABLE PIECE: Girona Cabin Case, £45 | John Lewis & Partners

Weight: 2.6kg

Packing capacity: 35 litres

Measurements: 55cm x 35cm x 20cm

Ideal for business trips or city breaks, the Girona range has a durable hard shell, while its unique exterior and horizontal line details make it easily identifiable in the overhead bin. Secured with a TSA lock, the half and half packaging and elastic compression straps keep your essentials secure, while the mesh zipped divider means smaller items like passports, phones and boarding passes can easily be accessed on the go.

Available at JohnLewis.com

THE LARGER OPTION: Capri Trolley Silver, £177.40 (Was £253.40) | Bric's

Weight: 2.5kg

Packing capacity: 45 litres

Measurements: 55cm x 38cm x 23cm

With four free-rotating double wheels and one handle made of cognac-coloured leather, this slightly larger carry-on has a 45-litre capacity. It also has a USB port for connecting a power bank and a smart beige lining with a zippered main compartment, and an additional main compartment with plug closure. Smart and functional, its outer shell is also highly durable to protect your items.

Available at Fashionette.co.uk


THE PRACTICAL WINNER: Next Spinner, £299.95 | Travelite

Weight: 6.4kg

Packing capacity: 100 litres

Measurements: 77cm x 52cm x 29cm

This larger check-in suitcase comes with protective plastic feet and closes with snap lock – which is better theft protection. The 360° wheels are quiet when in motion, and inside there’s a compartment for clothes and three zip pockets – all in a smart navy blue. If you really want to push the boat out, we suggest picking up the matching beauty case to go with it.

Available at Wardrow.com

THE ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION: StackD Spinner, £225 | Samsonite

Weight: 4.3kg

Packing capacity: 96 litres

Measurements: 75cm x 50cm x 30cm

If you're looking for a modern suitcase with an eco-friendly touch, Samsonite’s StackD collection is where you’ll find it. With cases made from recycled plastic, polycarbonate and a sophisticated texture makes this unisex line highly scratch-resistant and durable. All suitcases also come with double wheels and a double tube pull handle, with two smart cabin sizes and a variety of voluminous check-in models available, too. The interior textile is also made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles. 

Available at Selfridges.com

THE ROOMIER PIECE: Chatelet Air Spinner, £422 | Delsey

Weight: 5.2kg

Packing capacity: 129 litres

Measurements: 77cm x 52.5cm x 32 cm

This stylish case comes with an ID code to ensure your possessions stay safe and secure in transit. Plus, there’s a detachable address label in the event things do go missing. Inside, there’s a structured polyester lining, tie-down straps, a divider, a mesh pocket, shoe compartment and a compartment for clothes – all secured in three zip pockets. We love the leather-look detailing on the front.

Available at Wardow.com

THE SMART CHOICE: The Large Flex, £365 | Away

Weight: 5.6kg

Packing capacity: 99.2 litres

Measurements: 73.7cm x 52.1cm x 31.8cm

Away’s largest suitcase just got a little more room, thanks to a flex feature that expands to give travellers an additional 1.75in of space. Whether you’re bringing back souvenirs or just hoping to squeeze in a few more outfits, you can pack more into every trip with this case. Plus, it has all of the same features as Away’s other cult cases, including smart interior organisation, 360° spinner wheels, a hidden laundry bag and a TSA-approved lock.

Available at AwayTravel.com

THE LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION: The Check-In Roller, £251 | Béis

Weight: 4.6kg

Packing capacity: 81 litres

Measurements: 72cm x 41cm x 25cm

The brainchild of actress-turned-influencer Shay Mitchell, Béis makes chic luggage in a variety of styles and sizes. Finally available to UK customers via Revolve and the Béis website, the smooth-rolling 26” model holds everything you need without going over the baggage weight limit, thanks to the handy weight limit indicator that lets you know when your baggage may need to lose a few kgs. There’s also two inches of optional expansion, compression flaps, and straps with pockets to keep everything organised. The TSA-approved combination lock is the cherry on the cake, and there’s also a lifetime warranty.

Available at Revolve.com


THE FASHION FAVOURITE: The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition, £585 | Away

Weight: 5kg

Packing capacity: 40.9 litres

Measurements: 57.6cm x 36.8cm x 24cm

Away’s Aluminum Bigger Carry-On suitcase still fits in the overhead bin of most major airlines, and is compact enough for train and car trips alike. With a striking aluminium hard shell, 360° spinner wheels and an interior compression system, this piece is built to last. It comes with an ejectable USB charger that can power your phone up to four times, is TSA-approved, and safe to fly with. There’s also a hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate on the return journey. 

Available at AwayTravel.com

THE BEST ALL ROUNDER: Stamford Cabin In Putty, £199 | Antler

Weight: 2.77kg

Packing capacity: 37 litres

Measurements: 54cm x 40cm x 20cm

A perfect blend of timeless British design and Japanese innovation, the wheels on Antler’s Stamford Cabin Case guarantee whisper-quiet gliding. Meanwhile, the robust yet lightweight polycarbonate shell has a smooth, matte surface, making scratches less visible. The removable packing divider comes with a pocket and sits under compression packing straps to help prevent clothes from creasing. Finally, a TSA-approved combination lock keeps your possessions safe and there’s even an in-built USB port.

Available at Antler.co.uk 

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