Treat yourself to one of these stylish cases.
Finding the best luggage is no mean feat, especially when factoring in baggage restrictions, storage needs, durability etc. Once you've found the right suitcases and travel bags though, going away is a breeze. Because there's no such thing as a one-case-fits-all scenario.
So we've done the hard work for you and rounded up some the most stylish bags from our favourite luggage brands. All of these brands have been tested by team Marie Claire UK, on various trips over the years. We've included everything from carry-on bags, weekend holdalls, large suitcases and more. Whether you're heading off on a two week trip or a short weekend away, we've got you covered.
Pressed for time? Shop our top 3 best suitcases:
- The Bigger Carry-On, £265 | AWAY (opens in new tab)
- Clifton Large in Taupe, £229 | Antler (opens in new tab)
- Transit'R L Browsing Burgun, £160 | Eastpak (opens in new tab)
Don't forget to check out our guide on how to pack a suitcase while you're at it for lots of tips and tricks. We've also rounded up the best beauty travel kits to save you at airport security. You're welcome.
Best carry-on luggage:
If you're going on a short weekend away, or you're lucky enough to be a light packer, then a carry-on suitcase or bag is for you. Cabin size luggage is usually 56cm x 45 x 25cm, which is the allowance permitted by most airlines including British Airways. However it's always worth checking with your airline for the luggage options, as they can vary.
For example Ryanair's allowance is smaller at 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, so make sure your suitcase is the right size, or you might incur additional costs. Scroll down for more options.
Best large suitcases:
Long-haul destinations call for large suitcases, which saves you whittling down your holiday wardrobe too much. The best ones come with four wheels for easy handling, and separate zip-up compartments for your more delicate items. Though fabric suitcases are generally lighter, for long trips I recommend hard shell cases as they're more durable and are less likely to get damaged in transit.
Best light suitcases:
If you're worried about weight allowance or simply want to save your arm strength, then there are plenty of lightweight suitcase options around, especially those made of fabric shells.
Our Ecommerce Writer, Grace Lindsay (opens in new tab), has had her Eastpak suitcase for years, and always uses it for travelling abroad. "This suitcase is ideal for me as I want to be able to pack a lot without running the risk of my luggage being over the weight limit. My Eastpak case fits so much in, but thanks to the fabric shell, it never feels like it's weighing me down."
Best luggage for clothes:
If you're not a fan of rolling up your clothes in a case (this does save loads of space), then a garment bag such as the above one is for you. It'll allow you to keep dresses and suits relatively flat. A carry-on closet suitcase is another great option to keep clothes organised.
Best travel bags:
Though less easy to drag around than a suitcase, a travel bag is a great space-saving choice, especially if you're heading on a mini break by car. In fact, our Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas (opens in new tab), loves using her Barbour luggage for exactly that.
"I use my Barbour holdall when I'm going away for the weekend back to the country. It's the perfect accompaniment to muddy wellies and cosy jumpers. The fabric is always hardy and long-wearing and I never worry about longevity. I've had mine for years and it's still going strong." So, there you have it. Keep on scrolling for more top picks.
The Clifton case is everything you could possibly want from a suitcase. Each feature is designed to last longer and function better than ever before. This polycarbonate design is strong, light on its feet and wheels like a dream. Clifton is also colour-fast, so any inevitable scratches will stay true to the colour of the shell.
First of all, how gorgeous is this colour? This case is slightly bigger than a normal carry-on, but is still lightweight and sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines. It comes with AWAY's durable polycarbonate hard shell and 360 degree spinner wheels, plus a removable battery that can charge your phone up to 4x, that is TSA-approved and safe to fly with. Win win.
Featuring top handles for grab-and-go appeal, this lightweight piece is one to take with you on your weekends away - fill it with your necessities or fold it down to a compact size and simply unfold when you need it. "I have almost every version of the Le Pliage (I've got my eye on the Filet and Re-Play next) and my favourite thing to do when travelling is to match my luggage, which is incredibly easy to do with Longchamp. It's perfect for a short city break - the backpack for meandering during the day, the leather for the dinners out in evening, the original for holding all of your market buys, and the travel bag to keep it all together." Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
Stamford fuses Antler’s timeless British design with modern Japanese innovation. Hinomoto’s 360-degree rotating wheels offer enhanced control and a muted tread, thanks to their Lisof tyre fabric, developed with Mitsubishi. In-built functionality keeps these wheels well-greased for longer, lengthening your luggage’s lifespan. A removable packing divider with a pocket sits under compression packing straps to help prevent creasing and keep clothes flat, whilst an expander zip on the case adds 5cm space. A TSA-approved combination lock keeps treasures safe. What more could you want?
This 28 inch suitcase is made of lightweight and durable ABS material, providing long-lasting usage and safety. Plus, the fully lined interior and the multi-use pockets make packing clothes easy. It comes with a three digit combination lock to keep your valuables secure, and solid spinner wheels that have been tested extensively on different road conditions with emphasis on endurance and damage resistance. "I bought one of these Kono suitcases on a whim before my holiday a few years ago, as it was affordable and had lots of good reviews. Since then, it's taken me on multiple trips with no issues whatsoever. It might not be as sturdy as the other models, but for the price, you can't go wrong." Grace Lindsay, Ecommerce Writer
The H7 Check-In Luggage features a lightweight and durable hard shell, four 360 degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, a multi-stage telescopic handle and flexible mesh screens.
The sleek and smart update of Eastpak's wheeled luggage stands out in classic camo print with a vibrant flash of colour. Load up the double compartments and secure your belongings with the integrated lock. This durable suitcase features aluminium tubes and protective skids, and stylish finishes including contrasting grey trims, mesh details and diamond embossing on the handle.
This compact, ultra-lightweight carry-on is designed to meet the size restrictions of most international airlines. Perfect for short to medium-length trips or for packing your onboard essentials, this must-have bag features a two position adjustable PowerScope Lite handle with comfortable Contour Grip and four spinner wheels that provide an effortless 360 degree roll. Two exterior compartments, full-length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable interior hold-down straps keep you organised, while the high-tensile-strength expandable zipper maximizes packing space. "This is my go-to case for shorter trips. It fits lots in thanks to the expandable zipper, and is easy to transport. I've taken it pretty much everywhere, and it has truly stood the test of time." Grace Lindsay, Ecommerce Writer
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