Searching for the best luggage of 2023 is boring. But do you know what's worse? Trying to identify your soulless box of fabric among a homogenous blob on a carousel last deemed fit for purpose in 1973. There are many things we enjoy about the airport experience, but the anxious suitcase hunt is certainly not one of them.
The solution is simple: upgrade your luggage to something that'll stick out. Look for quality too, to eliminate any nervousness about your clothes, fragrances, grooming gadgets etc. getting damaged.
And since you'll likely keep your suitcase (or similar) until the zipper breaks, the wheels give in and dragging it around becomes the ultimate cardio challenge, it’s only right that you dedicate a good amount of time to finding the right option for you. To help out, we've put together this list of the top luggage picks for 2023.
Carl Friedrik
Carl Friedrik’s Carry-on X is a hard-working bit of kit. The hard-shell front pocket is designed to make your time at the airport easier; the aluminium lock frame is secure and hard-wearing; the silent Japanese spinner wheels are easy to manage, and save an earache! The list goes on, and on, and on.
£445; carlfriedrik.com
Lipault
Minimalism is often affiliated with neutral hues, but Lipault is proving that simple designs can be vibrant too with its collection of colourful, clean-cut cabin spinners.
£195; fenwick.co.uk
Away
Away's sleek carry-on luggage – pictured here in 'sand', but also available in several other colours – is installed with a detachable battery pack to keep you juiced up until you're scrolling through the in-flight entertainment.
£235; awaytravel.com
Floyd
There’s much more to this bit of kit than its hot orange paint job. For starters, the wheels are inspired by that of a skateboard, able to glide in any direction with ease.
£435; endclothing.com
Rimowa
Rimowa's Cabin S is super chic, and a lot lighter than your usual luggage. That means extra pairs of trainers you probably won't wear, and a suitcase that makes the whole cumbersome experience of long-haul travel little less, well, cumbersome.
£400; rimowa.com
Herschel
That ubiquitous backpack brand does luggage too. And it’s worth checking out its line of suitcases – which includes this large 'black tortoise' design – since each is just as fashun as it is affordable.
£170; mrporter.com
Tumi
There's been a recent slew of contoured, shapely luggage, and Tumi is leading the charge. Our favourite of its offerings is the International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On complete with PROTX2® anti-microbial-coated lining that helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
£540; uk.tumi.com
The North Face
The Long Haul Roller from The North Face could easily be mistaken for a backpack. But this rugged, outdoorsy accessory boasts two large wheels, a solid back-panel structure and an angled handle for easy pulling.
£315; thenorthface.co.uk
Horizn Studios
Sounds like a hip-breaking dance class in eighties New York, actually a very nice luggage brand. Horizn Studios focuses on minimalism, with Japanese-designed wheels that won't cause an injury claim at Terminal 2.
£370; horizn-studios.co.uk
Globe-Trotter
This one is very much toward the top end of the top end. Each is handmade in Hertfordshire using high grade leather for its trim, straps and corners, and while the look is timeless there are discreet wheels built into the body to make sure your getaway is smooth.
£2,095, mrporter.com
Montblanc
Montblanc's prowess doesn't end at watches and writing instruments. True to form, its luggage line is just as well-made, boasting a hard-wearing polycarbonate construction and soft leather detailing throughout.
£520; montblanc.com
Dr. No x Globe-Trotter
Last year, Globe-Trotter celebrated the 60th anniversary of Dr. No with this recreation of James Bond's luggage. You'll have something which Q Branch never fitted Bond out with, though: little wheels on the bottom.
£1,895; mrporter.com
Eastpak
Eastpak began life in 1952, designing gear for the US military under the name Eastern Canvas Products USA. The American brand has broadened its appeal a lot since then, but the reassuring ruggedness of its products hasn’t changed. Best known for their backpacks, Eastpak utilises light materials for its suitcase line-up too: the Tranzshell is made with a mix of foam and canvas, with 360-degree wheels and a telescopic handle. That’s not to mention the dual-compartment interior. Lovely stuff.
£190; eastpak.com
Samsonite
There's a reason Samsonite has endured. Tough, spacious and without unnecessarily frills, it's luggage that'll get you from Heathrow to holiday villa without effort. And better yet, it'll outlast the next big travel trend (and the one after that, too).
£215; samsonite.co.uk
Crash Baggage
If your suitcase is going to get bruised and battered, then you might as well do it on your own terms. Crash Baggage’s “artfully dented” Icon suitcase is crafted from durable polycarbonate and features an incorporated lock and 360° wheels.
£300; matchesfashion.com
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