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The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Sizes: What Size Should You Get?

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Did you know that choosing a suitcase (or multiple cases, for that matter) in the right size can save you some money in luggage fees and help you become a more organized traveler?

On one end, unused space in your luggage will result in wrinkled clothes and a messy suitcase. Not to mention the extra weight and possible luggage fees. And on the other – having too little space will limit your packing capacity. That’s why nailing the correct luggage size is very, very important.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about all the different luggage sizes, restrictions, and more, so you can understand what size luggage is better for you. Make sure to check out our FAQ section at the bottom if you still have any questions!

Luggage Size Chart

But before we begin this article, down below you can check out our infographic and table with the most common luggage sizes, which will offer an easier way to grasp the differences between them.

Measuring Luggage

Basically, each airline has different size and weight restrictions for hand and checked luggage. Usually, premium airlines will allow slightly larger bags, and cheaper ones will allow smaller ones with tighter weight limits. Your job as the passenger is to find out the restrictions yourself because they change all the time, and it would be impossible for us to list and update each airline individually.

There are two types of size restrictions that you need to know. The first one is dimensions – height (top to bottom), width (side to side), and depth (front to back). It will usually be applied for personal items and carry-ons and could be stated as follows: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Airlines will usually offer measuring boxes inside airports, where you can put in your bags to check if they fit.

The second measurement is linear inches. Linear inches just means the total sum of height, width, and depth, and it’s mainly used for checked luggage, which needs to be under 62 linear inches. So to get linear inches, measure the height, width and depth individually and add them all up.

To measure the dimensions of your suitcase, you can place it next to a wall and measure the height, width, and depth by placing a measuring tape next to the wall. To get a more exact measurement, you can place a book or something flat on the other end of the measuring tape. Make sure to include the wheels, handles, and anything else that’s sticking out! Another thing to keep in mind is that fabric suitcases might become a bit larger once they’re packed to the brim, so before measuring, pack your suitcase full and measure in the widest end.

Hand Luggage

Hand luggage means all the bags that you’re allowed to take with you on the plane without checking them in. Usually, it’s a carry-on, a personal item, and any other items that aren’t counted towards the allowance, such as duty-free items .

Hand luggage has to be stored under each passenger’s front seat or in the overhead compartments, which are located above each seat. You won’t be able to access it during take-off and landing because they have to be tucked away securely in case of an emergency.

When you arrive at the airport, you won’t need to go to the check-in desks if you have just hand luggage, and you’ve already printed your tickets back home. You’ll be able to go straight to security , where TSA (Transport Security Agency) will screen your hand luggage for any prohibited items. After that, you’re free to do duty-free shopping or wait at the designated gate until boarding starts.

Carry-on Luggage vs Personal Items

The main difference between carry-on luggage and personal items (other called “underseat luggage”) is that carry-ons need to be stored in the slightly-larger overhead compartments and personal items under each passenger’s front seat. Usually, most people choose smaller rolling suitcases as their carry-ons and backpacks, duffels, or tote bags as their personal items. That said, you can use any type of bag as a carry-on or a personal item, whether it’s a briefcase, rolling suitcase, duffel bag , backpack, tote, or even a regular shopping bag.

You won’t really be able to access stuff from your carry-on during the first and last 15-30 minutes of the flight, as well as any turbulence, so pack your most necessary items in your personal item, such as your laptop , headphones, e-reader , any medicine, e.t.c.

Personal Item Size and Weight Requirements

Most airlines won’t specifically mention an exact size requirement for personal items, and instead, they’ll just say that it has to fit under the front seat. On average though, it should be 6-9 inches in width, 10-14 inches in height, and 17-18.5 inches in length . They avoid stating the exact measurements because each airline has different types of aircraft in their fleet and each aircraft has a different amount of space under each seat. To get the exact personal item size requirements, you should probably ask the airline directly, or check our list where we compiled personal item restrictions for most popular airlines .

Some airlines also have individual weight restrictions for personal items. But most of them just have some kind of weight limit for the total weight of your personal item and carry-on.

Tip: Looking to purchase a personal item? Check out the Matein Travel laptop backpack , which I’ve used as my personal item on multiple flights without any issues. It always fits under the front seat and it’s surprisingly spacious.

Carry-on Size and Weight Requirements

On average, carry-ons usually have to be 8-10 inches in width, 13-15  inches in height, and 19-23 inches in length. Each airline has different carry-on size requirements, however, the most popular one is 22 x 14 x 9 inches . The restrictions are so different between airlines because the overhead compartments tend to differ in capacity across different aircraft.

In terms of weight, each airline has different weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Most airlines in America don’t have any weight requirements for hand luggage but some do, especially budget airlines. If the airline has a carry-on weight limit, it’s usually between 15-35 lbs (7-16 kg) . Some airlines will also have a specific weight limit for the total weight of carry-ons and personal items.

Tip: Looking for a new carry-on? I’ve used the Travelpro Maxlite 5 19-inch fabric carry-on for a while now and I love it. It’s spacious, lightweight, and very durable. Even though it’s slightly over the limit in width, I’ve never had any issues with that on international flights.

Domestic Carry-Ons vs International Carry-Ons

When you’ll be shopping for a new carry-on, you’ll notice that some of them will be marked as “international carry-on” and some as “domestic carry-on.” That’s because carry-on size restrictions are usually stricter for international flights and looser for domestic ones. If you’re flying domestically, you might get away with a 23-inch (longest side) carry-on, but on an international flight, you’ll probably be limited to 19-21 inches.

So essentially, domestic carry-ons will be slightly larger than international ones. If the carry-on is too large , you will be asked to check it in, and you’ll have to pay additional fees. That’s why it’s important to buy a smaller carry-on if you’re planning on flying internationally. Usually, international carry-ons will have to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches .

Hand Luggage Fees

Almost all airlines will allow bringing one personal item completely for free. When it comes to carry-ons though, most airlines allow bringing one for free, but budget airlines might charge a fixed fee depending on your class, which could be anywhere from 10$ to 50$. For instance, Spirit airlines will charge 31-50$ for carry-on luggage and Ryanair will charge about 6-20 EUR.

Keep in mind that most of these items are usually allowed for free in addition to other hand baggage:

• Assistive devices for the disabled
• Other wearable clothes
• Walking canes
• Food in disposable containers meant to consume on the airplane
• Child restraint seats
• Duty-free items
• Reading materials
• Cameras ( some airlines consider cameras as personal items, while others don’t. )
• Pet carriers ( Some airlines consider pet carriers as personal items, while others don’t. )

Read Next : 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2022

Hand Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Using only hand luggage and avoiding checked luggage altogether is a technique used by many, me included because it offers many benefits:

• No need to wait in line at the check-in counter
• Most of the time, completely for free
• Less likely to be stolen or lost because it’s on you at all times
• Easier to carry around, especially if you use a backpack as a personal item together with a carry-on suitcase
• The best place for keeping valuables and fragile items
• You can access all of your items during the flight
• Less likely to break because it isn’t exposed to baggage handling

However, there are some drawbacks to using only hand luggage, such as:

• Less packing space
• Harder to manage for families because they usually need to bring more items
• It needs to be lugged around the airport after security instead of being handed over at the check-in desks
• Usually, has much stricter weight limits

Tips for Buying Hand Luggage

• If you’re flying on short flights, consider using only an underseat rolling suitcase or backpack. People who fly for business often only need to fly out domestically for a quick meeting, so a lot of them travel with only a personal item. You can easily fit a spare shirt in there as well as some toiletries and a laptop, which is really all you need.
• For up to two-week vacations, a carry-on and a personal item offer more than enough space. Personally, I’m a light packer, and I can travel for up to three weeks or even a month using only a carry-on and a personal item. For most people, this offers enough space.
• Consider getting a backpack with a back strap as your choice of personal item. That way, you can secure it around the retractable handle on top of your carry-on, which makes it incredibly easy to lug around. Especially in crowded areas, such as public transport and airports.
• If you’ll be flying internationally, get a carry-on under 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles included. On domestic flights, you’ll probably be able to use something larger, but if you want to avoid paying extra fees down the line, make sure your carry-on is under this limit.
• Make sure to get lightweight hand luggage. The weight restrictions are pretty strict as it is already, so make sure to get a lightweight carry-on and personal item. Especially the carry-on, because you’ll have to stow it in the overhead compartments. So instead of going with a hardside carry-on, get a fabric one instead, which will most likely be lighter.

Read Next: Airport Travel Terminology 101 – The Ultimate Guide

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage is all baggage that’s too large or too heavy to be carried on the flight, and has to be checked in instead. This means that you’ll need to hand it over at the check-in counters at the airport. The baggage will then be transferred over to baggage handling and it will be loaded in the cargo hold of the airplane . When you land, you’ll have to pick up your checked luggage from the luggage conveyor belts in the baggage reclaim area.

You can use other kinds of baggage as well for checked luggage, not just suitcases. You can also use large backpacks, duffel bags, totes, musical instruments in their cases, large trunks, and other oversized items. A lot of times, you’ll have to check in specialty items, such as large musical instruments and all kinds of sporting equipment, such as bicycles, snowboards, golf clubs, e.t.c.

Read Next: What to Put in Carry-on and What in Checked Luggage (Guide)

Checked Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

Most commonly, checked luggage will have a size restriction of 62 linear inches (height + width + length) and a weight limit of 50 or 70 lbs. These are the IATA guidelines that are enforced in the EU and US which are there to keep the baggage handlers from handling too heavy bags. Oversized and overweight baggage will be accepted, but it will be labeled as oversized/overweight and you’ll have to pay a fee for that unless it’s sporting equipment. For instance, American Airlines will accept oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm) and overweight bags up to 100 lbs (45 kg.)

Small vs Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

Checked luggage comes in different sizes, and usually, the longest dimension is 23-32 inches long. Depending on the longest side, checked luggage is usually divided into three sizes, which are small, medium, and large. Small checked suitcases usually are 23-24 inches on the longest size, medium ones 25-27 inches, and large ones in 28-32 inches. Quite often, suitcases above 30 inches will actually be oversized, because they’re over 62 linear inches with wheels and handles included.

For most people, a medium checked suitcase will be the best option, because it will be just within the checked luggage size limits and offer a large amount of space for all of their items.

Read Next: 8 Best 62-Inch Checked Suitcases in 2022

Checked Luggage Fees

On most international flights, airlines will allow you to bring one or two checked bags completely for free. On domestic flights, usually, they’ll offer either one free checked bag or none at all. This depends a lot on the airline though. Additional bags will cost on a per-bag basis, starting with cheaper rates and continuing with more expensive ones. For instance, for American Airlines on domestic flights, the first checked bag will cost 30$, the second 40$, and the third one 100$ .

If you aren’t flying alone and you’re carrying a lot of checked bags, it’s usually a better idea to split them evenly among all the passengers to save some money on the checked baggage fees. It also isn’t advisable to bring more than two checked bags because the fees start to get pretty costly after that.

The fees for overweight and oversized luggage can get very expensive, upwards of 100-200$ for each bag, so before you arrive at the airport, make sure that each bag is under the weight limit.

Checked Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Although there are a lot of disadvantages for flying with checked luggage, there are some advantages as well, such as:

• Checked bags offer much more space
• Better for families who carry a lot of items
• Checked bags don’t need to be carried around the airport after checking them in
• No need to worry about size and weight, as the restrictions are pretty hard to reach
• You should be able to get away with a slightly oversized checked bag because they’re rarely measured

However, there’s a reason why I don’t travel with checked luggage. In my opinion, it has more disadvantages, such as:

• With a personal item, carry-on, and a checked suitcase, it’s much more difficult to use public transport
• Checked luggage is mostly a paid service, especially with budget airlines
• There’s just too much space if you’re a light packer
• Checked bags can get damaged from baggage handling
• Items get lost or stolen much more frequently when packed in checked luggage
• You won’t be able to access the contents of checked luggage during the whole flight
• In case checked baggage gets lost, you’ll be left without a lot of items and your trip might be ruined
• You’ll have to wait in the check-in line at the airport

Tips for Buying Checked Luggage

• Avoid plastic checked suitcases. Hardside ABS, Polycarbonate, or Polypropylene suitcases can crack pretty easily. When they’re thrown in the baggage area under a pile of other suitcases, this can happen very easily. That’s why you should choose an aluminum checked suitcase or a fabric one, which will be much less likely to break.
• Before buying a checked suitcase, double-check that it’s below 62 linear inches.  Oversized checked luggage fees can get pretty expensive, usually between 100-200$. To avoid this hefty fee make sure that your suitcase is below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth) with handles and wheels included. A very large amount of large checked suitcases, in fact, about 50-80% of them are oversized, so pay close attention to the dimensions.
• A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you’re looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
• Get a bright or patterned checked suitcase. Checked luggage gets lost much more frequently. So when you’re shopping for a new case, make sure to get one that’s colorful and easy to recognize . It will be much easier to spot on the baggage carousel and if it gets lost, the chances of finding it will be much better because you’ll be able to describe it better. If you already own a dark checked suitcase, get a colorful patterned luggage cover .
• Avoid checked luggage with spinner wheels. Rolling, inline (2 wheels) suitcases are better options for checked suitcases because they’re much less likely to break while the bag is checked in. Spinner wheels are much more likely to fall off because they’re extended out from the main shape of the suitcase. It’s actually one of the most common things that break on checked bags.
• Consider getting a pelican trunk instead of a typical checked suitcase. They’re basically indestructible and they’re one of the most popular choices for climbers, camera crews, and other people who need to bring a lot of expensive checked gear.

What Size Luggage Should You Get?

There are all kinds of different factors that determine what kind of suitcase you should get. Before buying any luggage, you should understand how often and where you’ll be traveling, how many people you’ll be flying with, what are your packing traditions, and so on.

Are You an Over-Packer?

There’s nothing wrong with being an over-packer, but it will affect what kind of luggage you should choose and how much you’ll be paying in fees. Most over-packers like to travel with a checked suitcase and a personal item, such as a small backpack, skipping the carry-on entirely. You’ll be able to pack your valuables and essentials in the personal item and be left with a very large amount of space in your checked suitcase, where you can pack all of your clothing and anything else you’d need. A medium checked suitcase will usually offer about 90-100 l of space while a carry-on only 35-50 l, so the difference is pretty significant.

How Long You’ll Be Traveling?

The length of your trips/vacations also determines what kind of luggage you should get. If you’ll be traveling for months, unless you’re an extreme minimalist, you’ll need to bring some kind of checked luggage. But for two to three-week trips, it’s perfectly fine to bring only a carry-on and a personal item, unless you’re an over-packer or you need to bring other kinds of gear for your job, planned activities, e.t.c.

Where You’re Flying to and What Are Your Planned Activities?

Think about what you’ll be doing and what gear you’ll need. Do you need scuba diving or skiing gear? Are you into photography and need to bring a large tripod? Are you flying to a cold-weather country and you need to bring a lot of extra warm clothing? The kind of travel that you’ll be doing, determines what size luggage you should get.

Think about valuable and fragile gear specifically. Try to keep the most valuable items in your hand luggage. If that isn’t possible, remember to ensure your gear and invest in a durable, large enough, checked suitcase or trunk. A good option for that is the pelican trunk , which is the industry standard for professionals.

Tip: It’s Better to Buy a Smaller Suitcase, Instead of a Larger One

Many people will probably disagree but I personally think that it’s always a smarter choice to buy a smaller suitcase instead of a larger one. This will make you become a lighter packer, which could end up saving you some money in the long run on checked baggage fees.

A lot of times, people are bringing gear that they don’t really need and end up with heavier, oversized suitcases. Remember that you’ll also have to carry your luggage around the town and to the airport. You’re on a vacation to get new experiences, not buy a lot of unneeded stuff, and be exhausted from carrying an oversized suitcase. Of course, if you’re traveling for work, that may not be true, but for general leisure travel, it’s a better idea to get a slightly smaller suitcase than you think you’d need.

What Size Luggage I Use Personally

I usually travel one or two weeks at a time, so a personal item (backpack) and an international carry-on are more than enough to fit in everything that I need. I rarely use checked luggage because I’m a minimalistic packer.

My favorite has become the B06XZTZ7GB ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Matein laptop backpack’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B06XZTZ7GB ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Matein laptop backpack’>Matein laptop backpack for a personal item, which fits perfectly under the front seat and has many neat compartments for everything that I need. It’s 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches large, but I never pack it full, so it always fits under the front seat.

And for the carry-on, I use the B07BM9DFX9 ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B07BM9DFX9 ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’>Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on , which is pretty light and small enough for domestic luggage restrictions. It’s 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches large with wheels and handles included, so sometimes it’s a little bit above international limits, but I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve tried squeezing it inside the measurement boxes myself, and I managed to fit it in with a tight squeeze.

My laptop backpack has a rear strap that wraps around the carry-on’s retractable handle so my backpack can be secured on top of it. It’s handy because my carry-on has spinner wheels, and it’s super easy to move around. In tight spaces, for instance, in the subway, it’s much easier to store the backpack on top of the carry-on.

If you’re a light packer like me, I’d suggest going with a backpack and a carry-on. It’ll be enough for 1-2 week trips, but if you wash some clothes midway and don’t buy too many souvenirs, you can stretch that to three weeks or even a month. If you’re traveling longer than that or you’re an over-packer, you should get a 25-27-inch medium checked suitcase instead of the carry-on.

Also check out: Airplane seat upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Sizes

What’s the largest luggage size for checked-in luggage ( 62-inch luggage ).

In order to comply with the 62-linear-inch checked luggage size requirement, you shouldn’t get a suitcase larger than 29-30 inches (longest side.) Almost all 31 and 32-inch suitcases will be oversized. Even a lot of 28-30-inch suitcases are oversized, so you have to double-check the product description and find out how large they really are. Count the total sum of the height, width, and depth, with wheels and handles included to get the true linear-inch measurement. The largest suitcases within the 62-linear-inch restriction are about 100-120l in volume.

To maximize the amount of space that you can have inside, choose a fabric suitcase, which will open from the top, instead of the middle, as you see on most hardside cases. This means you’ll have a larger main compartment. Also, make sure to get it with inline rolling wheels, instead of spinner ones, which results in a lot of unused space.

Tip: If you want to maximize the amount of space you get from a 62-linear-inch checked suitcase, get the Pelican 1615 travel case , which is exactly 62 linear inches in size and is virtually indestructible.

What’s the largest size for hand luggage?

When we talk about hand luggage, there are different restrictions for personal items and carry-ons. There are also different restrictions for each airline. In general, personal items should be below 17 x 10 x 7 inches in dimensions and carry-ons under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

The largest size restriction for personal items that we found was on Southwest airlines, where personal items need to be under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The largest size restriction for carry-ons was on Alaska Air, which was 24 x 17 x 10 inches. Generally, more expensive airlines will have looser restrictions for hand luggage.

What are the 3 luggage sizes?

If we’re talking about dimensions, the three luggage sizes are height (from top to bottom), width (from side to side), and depth (from front to back).

If, however, we’re talking in terms of luggage types, what people most likely mean with the 3 luggage sizes is personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage, which have three different size and weight restrictions.

What’s the best luggage size for 20 and 23 kg?

The most common weight restriction for checked luggage on budget airlines is 20 or 23 kg (44 or 50 lbs). The best luggage size for this weight restriction is between 25-29 inches (longest size) . That’s because 20 or 23 kg checked luggage has to be under 62 linear inches (157 cm). You can calculate the linear inches by adding up height, width, and depth. Most suitcases above 29 inches will be over this limit, which means you’ll have to pay oversized baggage fees. You should always include the wheels and handles in these measurements.

Can I use backpacks and duffel bags as hand/checked luggage?

Yes, you can use backpacks and duffel bags as checked luggage. Theoretically, you can use any type of bag as checked luggage, as long as it’s durable enough to withstand baggage handling. You could even use a cardboard box , although it may not be a wise idea.

Personally, I’ve only traveled with a large backpack as my checked luggage. That’s because I do a lot of hiking and my hiking backpack is much larger than a carry-on. It’s pretty common for people to travel only with a large backpack (not only hike) and keep their essentials in a plastic bag or a tote bag during the flight. This gives you a lot of freedom because everything you need is packed inside one large backpack.

Do I need to include wheels and handles when measuring luggage?

You always need to include wheels, handles, and other elements that are sticking out when measuring luggage. A lot of people don’t know this and they end up purchasing oversized luggage, only to regret it later. You also need to take into account that if you’re buying an expendable suitcase, it will become a few inches wider when expanded.

What size luggage should I use for a week-long trip?

For a week-long trip, everyone should be able to fit everything they’d need in a carry-on and a personal item. Some people struggle with over-packing and end up using checked luggage for week-long trips, which can be avoided with smarter packing choices. When packing for your trip, always lay everything out and re-evaluate each individual item individually. Ask yourself if you’ll be using these items on your trip. And if the answer is “Maybe” you should leave that specific item at home. Personally, I can fit everything I’d need for 2-4 weeks in a single carry-on and a personal item.

What if my checked luggage is oversized?

IATA, which is the largest worldwide airline regulator, states that checked bags can’t be over 62 linear inches in order to keep the baggage handlers from working with oversized bags. Anything over 62 linear inches will be labeled as “oversized” and will cost you an extra 100-200$, depending on the airline.

Even if you pay the hefty oversized luggage fees, there is a limit to how large checked luggage you can bring. Each airline considers this individually, and, for instance, American Airlines will allow oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm).

The rules are slightly different for sporting equipment, though. Bicycles, for instance, will almost always be allowed, even if they’re oversized, and their luggage fees won’t be as expensive.

What if my checked luggage is overweight?

Overweight checked luggage is allowed, but will be marked as overweight and will cost an additional 100-200$, depending on the airline. IATA states that checked baggage can’t weigh over 70 lbs (31 kg), to protect the baggage handlers from working with overweight items, so anything over that will be marked as overweight. Each airline has a different limit on overweight checked luggage. For instance, American Airlines will allow checked baggage up to 100 lbs (45 kg).

Do carry-on measurements need to be exact?

Unfortunately, carry-on measurements need to be exact. Most airlines have measurement boxes inside airports, which are in the exact measurements of their restrictions. If your carry-on looks oversized, they’ll ask you to put it inside the measurement box. Carry-on suitcases aren’t really flexible, so you won’t be able to get away with an oversized carry-on. If, on the other hand, you’re using a duffel bag or a backpack as your carry-on, then you might get away with a slightly oversized bag, as you’ll be able to squeeze it inside the measurement box.

Should I get hard or soft luggage ?

There are pros and cons for both, but I personally tend to lean towards fabric luggage. It’s lighter, less likely to crack or break, and you can extend it slightly outwards if you’ve over-packed. On the other hand, hardside luggage offers more protection to your items and is better-looking in my opinion. Modern hardside suitcases made from Polycarbonate are also pretty durable and don’t weigh much more than comparable fabric alternatives. So it doesn’t really matter that much whether you choose a hardside or softside bag – it’s more a matter of preference.

The only real instance where I wouldn’t use a hardside plastic suitcase is in checked luggage. They’re put under a lot more pressure from baggage handling and quite often, they get thrown around and placed at the bottom of a pile of checked suitcases. They’re much more likely to each up with cracks or dents, so using a fabric-checked suitcase would make more sense.

Should I get a rolling or spinner suitcase ?

There are advantages to both, but generally, it’s better to stick with spinner suitcases for carry-on luggage and rolling ones for checked luggage. That’s because while spinner suitcases are much easier to move around, they’re much easier to break off the suitcase. And in checked luggage, they’re much more likely to break off from luggage handling.

Rolling suitcases will usually be more spacious because the wheels are somewhat integrated within the main frame. On spinner suitcases, they’ll extend outwards of the suitcase, which results in a lot of unused space underneath the suitcase. Remember that the wheels are counted towards the total measurements.

But if you’re having back problems or in general lugging around a suitcase gives you hard time, then a suitcase with spinner wheels might make more sense. Compared to inline rolling suitcases, they’re much, much easier to move around – they practically roll by themselves.

How much luggage can I bring on international flights ?

Most airlines will allow one personal item and one carry-on for free on international flights. As for checked luggage, most airlines will allow one or even two checked bags for free for each passenger, and the rest will need to be paid for with additional fees, ranging from 30-100$. In general, the fees increase for each next checked bag and could be as follows: 30$ for the first checked bag, 40$ for the second, and 100$ for each next one.

You’ll be able to bring up to 10 checked suitcases (even though it’ll cost a small fortune!) but on some international destinations, a bit less. Airlines operate within the rules set by airline regulators, and in some countries, each passenger can have only two or three checked bags.

How many pieces and what size should a luggage set be?

Most luggage sets come in three pieces: one carry-on (19-23 inches), one medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches), and one large checked suitcase (28-32 inches). I would advise against getting a 3-piece luggage set like this because quite often, the largest piece in the set is oversized, which means that it’s above the 62 linear inch limit and you’ll have to pay oversized luggage fees.

Instead, it would be much more beneficial to get a 2-piece set containing a carry-on and a medium checked suitcase, or a 3-piece set that also contains a personal item (underseat bag). If you’re getting a 3-piece set with a large checked bag, make sure that it isn’t oversized.

Luggage sets are often cheaper to get than buying each piece individually, so it’s quite often a smarter choice to buy a whole set.

Final Words

Getting the right size luggage is really important because if it’s oversized, you might end up paying extra in fees, or just end up with a lot of unused space. For anyone new to traveling, I’d advise getting a small backpack as a personal item and a carry-on that’s within 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is more than enough for most trips, and I’m usually able to squeeze in everything needed for 2-4 weeks in there. If you’re an over-packer, you might need to swap that carry-on with a medium checked suitcase, which would be 25-27 inches in size (longest end).

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For a long trip (or an over packer) a large suitcase is essential. Find some of the biggest luggage options with upright bags—whether on two wheels or set up as  spinners . As for construction, lightweight design makes no difference in capacity, but it can aid in the maneuverability of such a big bag. The same goes for  hard-sided suitcases . When a big bag is filled to the brim, it may get tossed around with some force. Protect the contents with a hard exterior.

A large suitcase doesn’t have to sit upright. Find high capacity luggage in duffle form as well, still with the convenience of wheels. A  rolling duffle  might reach heights of three-feet, but maintains maneuverability thanks to those wheels. When need be, handles allow it to be picked up for the voyage.

No matter the structure of luggage, fill a large suitcase to the brim. Keep amenities and little knickknacks in interior compartments or exterior pockets. Roll clothes (rather than folding) to fit all the more within. Pack a bag chockfull of travel gear, but still keep that big bag portable by starting with  lightweight luggage . Don’t get bogged down on the way to a big adventure. Whether packing for a long trip to a far off land or a short visit with plenty of gifts in tow, turn to Macy’s to pick out the large  suitcase  ideal for the venture.

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The Best Suitcases for Checking

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

For many travelers, the frequently discussed dream is to never check a bag. But life doesn’t always cooperate—sometimes you need a bigger suitcase.

After researching 30 pieces of checked luggage and testing eight finalists over many years, we can still say that the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who plan to check a bag. The bag easily holds two weeks’ worth of clothes, and it looks and feels fantastic. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty against airline damage.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner

Same suitcase, but bigger.

If you need a checked bag that gives you the maximum allowable space, and you don’t mind paying an overweight-bag fee, the 29-inch model is the way to go.

Away The Medium

The best hard-sided checked suitcase.

This great-looking, relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage matches our hard-sided carry-on pic. It has the same top-of-the-line components—including wheels that roll as smoothly as any we’ve tested.

Away The Large

The best large hard-sided checked suitcase.

If you need to maximize your allowed space, and you aren’t worried about weight limits, this bag is, as the name implies, the largest one Away makes. Apart from its extra capacity, it’s identical to The Medium.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 26″ Spinner

Hefty luggage for a heftier price.

This bag provides the most satisfying packing experience money can buy. It can fit an additional week’s worth of clothing, when compressed, in the same amount of space as the Travelpro Platinum Elite bag offers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable 31″ Spinner

The same durable bag, but bigger.

This bag is for anyone who needs a somewhat ludicrous amount of space. Fully expanded, this bag is the biggest we’ve found. Fair warning: If you fill it full of clothes, you’re all but guaranteed to exceed airline weight limits.

Monos Hybrid Trunk

This type of luggage brings back the classic silhouette of upright steamer trunks. Due to their design, trunks are considered by some to be easier to pack and to maneuver.

Use promo code MOM

Testing takeaways

We’ve found that the stated dimensions and weights of checked suitcases tend to be more accurate than those of their carry-on counterparts.

Wheel quality can affect how well carry-ons roll, but this is less true for checked bags—their weight smooths out the ride.

Handle shape and size often dictate a carry-on’s usable space. In roomier, checked bags, however, they’re less of a factor.

We considered how well a suitcase handles when it’s fully packed, how durable its materials are, and whether it’s comfortable to use.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the larger, checked-luggage version of our Travelpro carry-on top pick , and everything we like about its diminutive sibling applies again here.

It’s made of a hard-wearing nylon that’s both sleek and durable. And it looks and feels like a bag that costs a lot more than it actually does.

For a checked bag, it’s also surprisingly nimble. That’s thanks to the height-adjustable handle and the magnetically locking MagnaTrac wheels, which make the bag noticeably easier to maneuver—especially when it’s loaded with 50 pounds of stuff. And this suitcase is protected by a lifetime warranty, with stated protections against airline damages.

Internally, the Platinum Elite is well organized, and it includes a built-in garment folder for formalwear, with a removable folding board (similar to the one in our upgrade pick ). If you need a little more space, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner .

Note that with luggage this capacious, it’s easy to overpack and exceed the 50-pound (22-kilogram) weight limit imposed by most airlines. But if you’re willing to pay the fee, the Platinum Elite can easily withstand the extra weight.

For anyone who enjoys the look and simplicity of hard-sided luggage—as well as the comfort of knowing that this one is virtually impossible to overpack— The Medium suitcase from Away is an excellent choice with an excellent warranty.

Soft-sided luggage typically has a longer lifespan than hard-sided bags, typically made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. And soft-sided luggage typically has features like exterior pockets, making organization easier. However, the differences in durability and utility between hard- and soft-sided luggage are increasingly marginal, and plenty of people prefer the aesthetic and additional color options of polycarbonate suitcases.

Away builds its luggage with high-quality components. We tested the Away bag for three years before first recommending it. This suitcase has been our pick for over six years now, and we are confident in its long-term durability and the reputation of Away’s limited lifetime warranty . Away also makes a bigger checked-luggage model, The Large . We’ve found, however, that it’s very easy to overpack suitcases of this size, even ones that are hard-sided.

If you identify as a frequent flier or a serious overpacker, or if you have a large family and are willing to invest in higher-quality luggage for traveling, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner .

Although the Travelpro Platinum Elite is great for the price, the Briggs & Riley Baseline bag is great, period. Every detail is made to the highest standards of any luggage maker—from the zippers to the wheels to a unique compression system (which lets you fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into the same volume as offered by the Travelpro bag).

You won’t get the unique styling that other luxury brands specialize in, but Briggs & Riley’s reputation for reliability and durability is unmatched. The bag also includes a garment folder, as the Travelpro bag does.

If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for any kind of damage. We’ve traveled with this durable bag for six years now on multiple national and international trips. And it’s still in great shape and a dream to pack. Also, its expanding capability has rescued us more than once when we wanted to bring something extra home.

Trunk luggage, including the Monos Hybrid Trunk , replaces the 50/50 split of a clamshell design with a deeper central compartment. It’s a small change, and it makes packing this type of case very pleasant.

However, this luggage seems best for destination travel, when you pack up once and unpack once. Living out of a trunk requires more layers of packing and unpacking. So using trunk luggage across multiple stops could seem potentially onerous, compared with using a bag that has a typical clamshell design.

Monos continues to impress us with its luggage lines and construction. But the Hybrid Trunk stands out for its reinforced aluminum frame and denser-feeling polycarbonate, and it has a lifetime warranty for any damage that renders the luggage unusable.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, the best checked luggage: travelpro platinum elite 25" expandable spinner, our pick for the best hard-sided luggage: away the medium suitcase, upgrade pick: briggs & riley baseline expandable spinner, the best trunk pick: monos hybrid trunk, other good suitcases for checking, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel-bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years, we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts : flight attendants for major airlines; product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies; and travel writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

We’ve spent more than 160 hours researching luggage, continually testing to understand what makes good luggage. In the nearly eight years we’ve covered this category, the products have evolved—and so has our thinking about what kind of luggage is best for most people. Based on what’s available and what different travelers prefer, we think the following travel bags are the best checked luggage you can currently find.

There may be thousands of different types of checked luggage available for sale. Even after we excluded models that didn’t meet our basic criteria—a reliable warranty, reputable luggage reviews, and quality materials—we found hundreds of bags worth testing. And we went on to evaluate the choices between nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more.

Besides the suggestions from our experts, we researched editorial and user reviews of luggage, making sure to include popular brands, such as Samsonite and Tumi, as well as more-esoteric names, like Hideo Wakamatsu. In addition to our interviews with experts, we’ve spoken with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks, to make sure we found the best models from each company.

If you want a general rundown of our testing process, check out the corresponding sections from our best carry-on luggage review , since our testing of the larger bags mirrored that process. But we did uncover some differences—mostly having to do with the larger size of checked luggage—that led us to modify our analysis.

The smaller the luggage, the more intricate the design must become to accommodate travelers’ needs. While testing carry-on luggage in the past, we found that company claims of luggage weight and measurements weren’t exactly precise, with capacities exaggerated and weights minimized. Oddly, for checked bags, we didn’t find so much fudging of the numbers. Our best guess is that with the looser size and weight restrictions for checked luggage, manufacturers aren’t as motivated to manipulate their figures when advertising their larger bags.

When we tested carry-ons, we noticed the varied and individual way that each bag handled rough surfaces, depending on their wheels and build quality. With checked bags, this wasn’t a problem. When any checked bag was fully packed, the weight carried it over the roughest of surfaces, without a strong discernable difference between models.

With bags this large, the subtler points of comparison aren’t as pronounced. For instance, the handle’s size and shape can significantly change a carry-on bag’s usable space and your overall packing experience. But when space limits aren’t an issue, this doesn’t really matter. As a result, we focused on the obvious design comparisons, including how these bags handled when full, how durable their materials were, and whether the bags were comfortable to use.

For the majority of families who fly less than 25,000 miles a year together, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best choice for checked luggage.

It’s the bag to compare others against. The Platinum Elite suitcase is a durable, attractively styled, well-organized bag for a reasonable price. It holds a full seven days’ worth of clothes for two people, and it’s protected by a warranty that covers carrier damage, as long as you register the bag within 120 days of purchase. (The registration is a very simple process, and it can be done in 5 minutes with a smartphone: Simply take a picture of the registration code, which comes with the luggage; send that picture to a number Travelpro provides; and fill out the form in the response link .)

During a trip to New Zealand, our tester was able to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes—without a laundry stop—and several pieces of camera equipment into the Platinum Magna (the previous, largely identical model of the Platinum Elite) without issue. Like every large piece of checked luggage we tested, the Platinum Elite comes only in a four-wheel (or “spinner”) configuration. More wheels mean more bits with the potential to break (as well as some reduction of interior space), but that’s a necessary compromise for bags this size, if you want any hope of managing them in a busy airport.

It shrugs off wear and tear. The Platinum Elite’s exterior is made of ballistic nylon, which can take more overall abuse than polycarbonate and will show less wear in the long run. As we’ve said with regard to carry-ons , we don’t think polycarbonate hard-shell bags are as versatile or durable as soft-sided nylon bags. (Travelpro tests its bags by filling them with 70-pound loads and passing each handle through 7,500 automated lift tests.)

Hard-shell bags usually weigh about 4 pounds less than soft-sided equivalents. However, their increased failure rate and affinity for displaying scratches and wear aren’t worth it, unless the bag’s contents really need the extra protection from sharp jabs.

The soft fabric design allows for extra flexibility and the inclusion of exterior pockets, for quick access to small items. The Platinum Elite has two pockets: a flat one (suitable for documents and boarding passes) and an accordion-style one (which provides extra storage for miscellaneous small items; this can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids and need quick access to extra-small toys, coloring books, clothes, or other supplies).

Organization makes the dream work. During her three-week trip in New Zealand, photographer Caleigh Waldman said of the earlier, nearly identical model in the Platinum line, “On this trip I never stayed in the same location for more than three days and was forced to constantly unpack, repack, and maneuver [the bag]. Usually living out of any suitcase makes me crazy, but the many zip compartments [of this bag], both inside and out, make it easy to compartmentalize your things. The pockets, zippers, and interior liner seemed sturdy, and the large pull-back cover allowed me to access everything I had in the bag with ease.”(Full disclosure: Years later we married, but I don’t think that influenced her review.)

Similar to its smaller Travelpro sibling, the Carry-On Rollaboard , this suitcase has a built-in garment folder (or “suiter”). Additionally, a 2-inch-wide expansion zipper runs along three sides of the Platinum Elite, allowing the bag to accordion-open a touch, if you need the extra space (though we found this more useful as a way to compress what you’ve already packed than as an additional-space-providing feature).

It moves through the world with ease. The Platinum Elite handles beautifully for its size. Its aluminum handle extends to three different heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42½ inches). Although every bag we tested for this guide had similar levels of maneuverability, the Premium Elite’s MagnaTrac wheels, which align in the same direction, rolled past the rest of the competition with ease. On smooth surfaces, like those found in airports, it felt as if the bag were almost directing itself across the floor.

During her trip, Caleigh appreciated this suitcase’s smooth rolling, even when the bag was overpacked, saying, “It was not always easy to maneuver on rough or gravelly surfaces. Overall, though, given the limitations of traveling with this much stuff, I thought [this bag] did a great job moving through a variety of environments.” And it has sealed wheel bearings; these extend the wheels’ life by preventing dirt and grime from entering and breaking down the components as quickly. That’s a feature not usually found on cheaper bags. And chances are good that if a bag isn’t clearly advertising sealed bearings, you should assume it doesn’t have them. If, for whatever reason, the wheels do break, you can easily swap them out yourself with Travelpro’s readily available replacements .

It’s light yet cavernous. The Platinum Elite weighs 9 pounds 8 ounces when empty, which is average to heavy among checked bags. That’s a workable weight, though, for the bag’s spacious, 6,982-cubic-inch interior—twice what its carry-on sibling can hold! But when you’re selecting luggage this large, weight shouldn’t be your primary concern because all of the bags we tested felt about equally heavy once fully packed. The important thing is that, in our testing, the Platinum Elite swallowed up a week’s worth of clothes for two people with no problem, with a good deal of room to spare.

Travelpro also sells a Platinum Elite model that’s 29 inches tall . It’s important to emphasize just how absurdly large this suitcase is for most people. Given its capacity of 7,710.6 cubic inches (143 liters), the challenge here is to pack without breaking airline weight limits. I suppose if you were on a (very) long cruise, a bag this size might make sense.

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After my wife’s world travels, a neighbor borrowed this bag for their children’s college travels (Hawaii to New York), making several trips over the past few years. The Platinum Elite is still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We should note that bags of this size can hold almost too much. The Platinum Elite bag already weighs over 9 pounds. So when you pack it to its limits, it may be hard to keep it below the 50-pound weight limit of most airlines—and that means extra fees. But this is true of all checked luggage.

During her New Zealand trip, Caleigh Waldman packed the Platinum Magna 2 (29-inch model) for two weeks, with enough clothes, toiletries, and different types of shoes and activewear for the terrain. Though she didn’t fill the bag completely, she still found that her luggage came in over the 50-pound limit. “Every flight I took, I had to cough up the overweight-baggage fee, and it was a monster to carry up stairs and toss into car trunks,” she said.

We still think most travelers would be better off with one of our soft-sided picks than with a hard-sided carry-on. That’s because soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But if you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage, or you want the security of knowing you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Medium is the one we recommend.

From wheels to warranty, it’s the best polycarbonate option. Its wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than its hard-sided competitors. And it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

It provides more than enough space. The Medium weighs 9.9 pounds and measures 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches—a fairly standard weight and size for checked luggage this size. (By comparison, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch bag weighs 9.8 pounds and measures 28 by 18.5 by 11.75 inches.) If you need extra room,  Away’s The Large offers the maximum allowed space in a piece of checked luggage. The Large weighs 11.6 pounds and measures 29 by 20.5 by 12.5 inches. But with bags this big, it’s easier to overpack and exceed airline weight limits, which is why we recommend the Away Medium for most people.

Don’t sweat the flex. The Away bag’s modern and minimalist look comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately—according to every luggage designer we’ve ever interviewed—more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks is to tear. Still, the shell feels similar to those of higher-end (and significantly more expensive) suitcases, such as the $1,000-plus Rimowa Essential Check-In M ; it’s strong and flexible, and the Away bag itself feels good in your hands.

Away builds its luggage with impressive components. The wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we’ve tested. We’ve rolled these wheels across every conceivable surface, from cobblestone streets to the smoothest airport surfaces, and they were always a pleasure to use. When we first started testing The Away bag, in 2016, we found that flexibility to be a liability, especially on airport carpets. The first version of this bag that I tested tended to flex into itself and jam up its own wheels when I pushed it in front of me. But I haven’t had that issue with any of this suitcase’s latest models.

Its interior matches its minimal exterior. The Away bag’s interior is almost as bare-bones as its exterior. Unlike our other picks, this bag has no included suiter or suit folder, but you can buy one for $85 . The interior is split in half: One side closes with a zippered flap, and the other side has a built-in compression panel and straps, which work decently well.

It’s better to stick with the basics. We tested Away luggage for three years before making our recommendation. We traveled with it ourselves across the country, and we lent models of the bag to several testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using them. Away makes two similar models of checked suitcases with an expandable zipper: The Medium Flex and The Large Flex . For all intents and purposes, these are the same overall bags as the standard Medium and Large, except for the expanding center zipper and the price (they each cost $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers. They feel like potentially just one more thing to break. Also, they can increase the likelihood of exceeding the airline’s weight limit. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

Like our other picks, the Away pairs with its matching carry-on : The models are virtually identical, except for their sizes. Matching your luggage sets is visually appealing. But the real value in matching your carry-on to your checked luggage is that the smaller suitcase can, when you’re back home, nest within the larger one. (This holds true for every set of luggage we’ve ever tested. Here’s why: Nesting luggage is the most economical way for luggage manufacturers to ship their wares from their factories overseas.)

The lack of a suit panel for important items, like dresses and suits, may limit this suitcase’s appeal for some travelers. With a bag that has this much space, though, there are other ways to pack fancy clothes (video) without wrinkling them.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worth investing in luggage that goes beyond the minimums and somehow improves your travel experience. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner is that kind of bag. It costs more than twice as much as our top soft-sided pick, but after using all of these bags side by side, I’m sure there’s more than twice as much value hidden within this luggage: This is one of the best checked luggage systems we’ve found for international travel.

It has the best compression system. This suitcase’s most impressive feature is its compression system. Briggs & Riley’s proprietary compression system is superior to anything else we’ve seen—it allows you to fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into a bag with the same external dimensions as those of the Travelpro Platinum Elite suitcase. To manage it, you pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag; this extends its depth by a full 2½ inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed without putting stress on the zippers. Then you simply push on the bag to compress it back down again, and a latch mechanism keeps it securely in place. Unlike cheaper zippered expansion systems, which are either fully open or closed (like the Delsey bag’s ), this one can lock in at variable degrees of expansion or compression. This suitcase is unique and satisfying to use. (If you prefer a polycarbonate shell, Briggs & Riley has designed a similar compression system around a hard-shell case, for its Sympatico Spinner line. Still, we prefer the pliability of a soft-sided shell for any compression system.)

Measuring the extra capacity of the Baseline isn’t exact. The bag’s base (that is, where the wheels are) measures an inch deeper than the top of the bag (where the handle is); this design is, I believe, to make the base of the bag heavier when fully packed. At the base, the exterior of the Baseline Medium measures 25 by 18.5 by 10 inches; expanded, it measures 25 by 18.5 by 12 inches.

It takes hits like a brick. The Baseline Medium’s exterior is wrapped in 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which is durable and puncture resistant. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) But even more impressive is what’s underneath the nylon. The Baseline Medium’s frame is the strongest we’ve seen among any of the soft-sided luggage we tested. This bag can take considerable pressure from any angle. Like the Travelpro Platinum Elite, the Baseline Medium has two external pockets: a small one for tickets and passports and a larger one for small items or light outerwear. Briggs & Riley also makes a 31-inch Extra Large version of this bag, with nearly 10,000 cubic inches of interior space. It’s a good bag, but we can’t see the point of something this large. As it is, you can easily exceed most airlines’ weight limits packing the Medium to capacity.

Similar to its carry-on version, the Baseline Medium’s handrail tubes are on the outside of the bag; this makes the inside back wall almost completely flat, so packing is easier because there are no crevices to work around. We liked this feature for lighter carry-on luggage, since exterior plastic handrail tubes can protect the bag when it’s going over an edge, without risking too much damage. However, that all changes when you’re bouncing a 50-pound bag over a curb; in that case, an exposed handrail system seems like an unnecessary risk, especially since there’s so much room for an internal rail system.

Trunks are a welcome new addition (reimagined from a somewhat older tradition) to checked-luggage lines. Longer than they are wide, modern travel trunks—including our pick, the Monos Hybrid Trunk —stand out against the more-common squat, square luggage of the last few decades.

It has a pleasant shape, and it’s easy to maneuver. The Monos Hybrid measures 30 by 15.7 by 14.3 inches, with a capacity of 6,735.3 cubic inches, and it weighs 13.2 pounds. Imagine something like a small steamer trunk, except without the team of stevedores to move it.

In our early testing, we’ve found that the Monos Hybrid, with its taller, narrower shape, is easier to wheel around than other checked luggage. There’s something about the four wheels’ relative proximity to one another that gives the trunk a remarkable agility across most surfaces. Its wheels make it handle more like a carry-on bag than the other checked luggage we tested.

It’s a pleasure to pack. This element is harder to explain. Packing the trunk somehow just feels more pleasant than packing other types of luggage. Maybe it’s the main compartment’s higher walls, which give a comforting feeling of placing your clothes deep within the confines of a box. Or perhaps it’s the shape’s somewhat vintage appeal, bringing up nostalgia for a type of travel you’ve never experienced except in movies. Packing clothes into the Hybrid Trunk for a long journey is like stepping back in time just for a moment.

That said, unlike the steamer trunks of yore, the modern Monos Hybrid doesn’t have a ton of extra organization. One side has a fabric cover that completely zips in the contents; the other side has a compression panel with two zippered pockets. That said, for most modern travelers using (I hope) a good set of packing cubes , these simple dividers should be plenty to keep everything in the right place.

The Hybrid Trunk does away with the standard zipper closure, opting instead for an aluminum frame that runs along the seam of the luggage, where a zipper might have been. The case has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch. We’ve reviewed a few bags with latches like this, and they’re great. Our only concern is that these locks have lots of small moving components, which could be a weak point over time.

It’s made for long, tough journeys. The only trunk models we’ve seen so far are made of polycarbonate. The Monos Hybrid immediately stands out with three details: an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, aluminum corner guards, and a reassuringly robust polycarbonate.

The Monos Hybrid Trunk, like our other picks, is protected by a lifetime warranty.

• The one potential flaw we’ve found so far (we’ve tested trunks for only a few months) is that a trunk design may require more packing and unpacking to find what you need if you’re making lots of stops while traveling. A suitcase with a clamshell design, on the other hand, has both sides more or less open to you for easier access.
• Like the Away, the Monos Hybrid Trunk doesn’t have a dedicated suit folder or suit compartment for dresses or formal wear. Again though with this much space to pack in, there are a number of ways to protect clothes like this.

If the Monos Hybrid Trunk is unavailable: Consider Away’s The Trunk , which has a similar design (apart from having a zipper, instead of latches) for a similar price. However, though we’re generally fans of Away’s luggage, The Trunk isn’t as satisfying to use as the Monos Hybrid . The Away Trunk’s shell is flexible and its body is light, so it lacks the robust feel of the Monos Hybrid.

The Delsey Helium Aero , our previous hard-sided pick, comes in a 25-inch and a 29-inch version, so you can choose how much capacity you need. Like the Away suitcase, this bag is made of 100% polycarbonate, so it should last longer than cheaper, less-durable ABS plastic suitcases. However, Delsey’s 10-year limited warranty doesn’t match Away’s limited lifetime warranty.

Briggs & Riley makes excellent luggage, but we don’t think you need to spend this much on a hard-sided case without any extra frills, like the Briggs & Riley Torq Medium Spinner .

The Delsey Peugeot Large Trunk Spinner has a similar zipperless design as the Monos Hybrid, but the Peugeot bag lacks the corner guards and, more importantly, the lifetime warranty. Instead, the Peugeot is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Rimowa defined hard-sided luggage in the 1940s and redefined it in 2000, when it introduced polycarbonate luggage. But paying just over $1,000 for “virgin German polycarbonate” is silly. These bags, including the Rimowa Essential Check-In M , are smart-looking, though.

If you’ve ever wondered how much people pay for those handsome aluminum pieces of luggage, we’ll tell you: at least four figures. The Rimowa Classic Check-In M is twice as expensive as a ticket to Europe, yet it’s little more than a status symbol.

We also tested and dismissed Pelican and Samsonite suitcases that have since been discontinued.

We’re taking a look at the Level8 Voyageur Check-In . Its standout feature is the unusually wide handle, which seems to help its handling. The Level8 bag is less expensive than other luggage of its size and apparent quality. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. To make a decision, however, we do need to study the handle and the build quality a bit longer.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

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How to Maximize Your Luggage by Understanding Suitcase Sizes

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Table of Contents

Check in luggage size chart

How to measure luggage size, how to get free checked luggage, luggage sizes recapped.

Odds are you're going to bring along some luggage with you on your next trip. This is true whether you're boarding a plane, train or automobile — but the mode you choose could impact the bags you bring, especially when taking to the skies.

Let's look at each airline's luggage size restrictions, how to measure your bags and ways to get free checked luggage on airlines. 

If you're traveling on an aircraft, where you're traveling may impact how large your bags can be. Also, international sizes aren't necessarily the same as domestic sizing requirements, so double-check your suitcase size before bringing your bags along. 

Here are the measurements for check-in luggage sizes when flying with airline carriers in the United States. 

Note that some airlines may also have different baggage policies based on where you're traveling. American Airlines, for instance, allows passengers flying to Australia or New Zealand to check bags up to 70 pounds. This is great news if you're traveling with a large suitcase.

» Learn more: Which airlines have the best (and worst) fees?

Large checked luggage sizes can be problematic, especially if traveling on a low-cost carrier like Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines.

To avoid oversized baggage fees, you'll want to measure any checked luggage before your flight. This includes both the size and the weight. 

Luggage scales are a cheap and effective way to get an accurate weight measurement on your suitcases. 

Measuring the size of your luggage isn't tricky. Most airlines require that your bag be 62 linear inches or less. Therefore, your bag's length, width and height cannot exceed 62 inches. This measurement includes the wheels and the handle of your luggage. 

To measure your bag, you'll want to grab a tape measure. First, lay your bag flat on the ground, then measure its height. Next, you'll want to measure how long and wide it is. 

If your bag has an expandable feature that you plan to use, be sure to expand it before you measure. 

Once you've gathered all three data points, add them together. For example, if your bag is 24 inches tall, 20 inches long and 18 inches wide, its total linear length is 62 inches. 

Note that using modern spinner bags, which include four wheels on the bottom of your suitcase, means you'll have less space within your actual bag. This is thanks to the requirement to include wheels and handles in your measurements. 

If this all sounds a little overwhelming, don't worry. Most luggage companies design their bags to fit within these standards. So if your bag isn't huge or a strange shape, the odds are that it'll fit within the dimensions required by airlines. 

» Learn more: Ways to avoid paying checked baggage fees

Want to avoid checked luggage fees? There are a few ways to do so. 

Elite status

The first way to avoid those fees is to achieve elite status with a specific airline. Often, even the lowest elite status tiers have the advantage of free checked bags. 

Active duty military and veterans can take advantage of complimentary checked bags on many airlines. 

On United Airlines, for example, Silver elite members get one free checked bag on all flights, even when flying basic economy. Even better, their baggage allowance is bumped up to 70 pounds — an additional 20 pounds over those without elite status.

» Learn more: The beginner's guide to airline elite status

Co-branded credit cards

Many airlines offer co-branded credit cards that'll give you a free checked bag on flights. This includes airlines such as:

Alaska Airlines .

American Airlines .

Delta Air Lines .

United Airlines .

These cards may charge an annual fee, but if you fly just a few times yearly, it pays for itself with free checked luggage. 

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Travel cards

Don't want to commit yourself to a single airline but still want free checked bags? A few different travel cards come with an annual airline fee credit.

This credit will reimburse you for expenses you incur while traveling, including checked luggage fees, seat assignments and lounge access. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one, as is the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card . 

Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

No matter how you're traveling, it's essential to understand the size of your suitcase. After all, you don't want to be maxed out on a trip before you even depart — where would you put your souvenirs?

If you plan on hopping on a plane, look at our detailed checked luggage size chart and recommendations for avoiding checked luggage fees. 

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Luggage shop by size

LARGE CHECKED LUGGAGE AND SUITCASES

Not Sure What to Choose? Read our Guide to Checked Luggage

Explore Our Other Luggage Guides: Guide to Luggage Size Softside vs. Hardside Luggage

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Large-sized check-in luggage should never weigh you down. These hardsided and softsided rolling bags are lightweight but ultra-resilient and adhere to published size restrictions for checked luggage on most commercial airlines. Choose from 4-wheel and 8-wheel spinners that roll easily in all directions or 2-wheeled Rollaboard bags that glide over most any terrain, all sized for packing plenty, longer trips, or multiple people.

Styles range from rugged to refined and ultra-light to ultra-durable, with available features like customizable organization, TSA locks, zippered expansions, and storage for wet or soiled items. Flexible hardsides resist cracking, softsideds are treated to repel moisture, and ECOFAB™ linings made from recycled plastic bottles reduce landfill waste to protect the planet. Plus, every bag is built to last, so you can check in with confidence that your luggage will handle the trip.

Luggage Sizes Chart: Ultimate Guide to Suitcase Dimensions and Travel Needs

Josephine seale.

Traveling requires thorough planning, especially when it comes to your luggage. Here’s a guide to understanding the common luggage sizes to help you pack efficiently.

Table of Contents

Luggage Sizes Chart

Why Do Luggage Size Limits Matter?

Consequences of exceeding luggage size limits.

Wheels and Handles in Luggage Measurements

Exceptions to common luggage size limits, carry-on luggage size standards, prohibited items in carry-on luggage.

Checked Luggage Size Essentials

Oversized checked luggage fees, how to measure the luggage, oversized luggage consequences.

Packing Techniques

Deciphering luggage sizes: a comprehensive guide.

• Consumer Reports – Luggage Buying Guide ( https://www.consumerreports.org ): This guide is an all-encompassing resource for those looking to understand the world of luggage. From the diverse types of luggage available to nuanced features that can enhance your travel experience, Consumer Reports breaks it down seamlessly. Their emphasis on quality, durability, and value gives a well-rounded perspective. If you’re a first-time buyer or even someone seeking an upgrade, this guide is an excellent starting point.
• American Airlines – Carry-On Baggage Rules ( https://www.aa.com ): This official resource from American Airlines provides concise information on their carry-on baggage regulations. It’s straightforward, user-friendly, and offers clarity on what you can expect when flying with them. While it is specific to American Airlines, it provides a benchmark of what major airlines might expect.
• American Society of Travel Advisors ( https://www.asta.org ): ASTA offers an array of insights, not just on luggage, but on the entire travel spectrum. It serves as a hub for travel advisors, offering insights, news, and guidelines. While it may seem like a deep dive for someone merely looking for luggage guidelines, it offers an enriched perspective for frequent travelers or those looking to understand the travel industry more deeply.

About Post Author

Josephine Seale is the perfect tour guide!

She loves interacting with people of all ages and enjoys escorting individuals or groups on sightseeing tours. Josephine has a professional manner and appearance, and she always maintains a positive attitude.

Her good organizational, critical thinking, and time management skills make her an ideal candidate for this position. In addition, she is able to read, write, and communicate effectively in Spanish.

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A comprehensive guide to hard-shell suitcase & luggage sizes

With so many suitcase sizes available, it might be difficult to choose the ideal cabin baggage, lightweight suitcase, or travel backpack for your specific needs. Do you require a large or small suitcase? What is the optimal size, and why is it the optimum size? Which suitcase can hold how many clothes? Do you need to buy hard-shell baggage or just lightweight carry-on luggage?

Choosing the right size suitcase is crucial for a smooth and convenient travel experience. This comprehensive guide will explore the various sizes available for hardcover suitcases, providing the information you need to make an informed decision. From standard sizes to extra-large options, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s dive into the world of luggage dimensions and find the perfect fit for your travel needs.

Understanding luggage size charts

Luggage sizes are typically measured in inches and refer to the dimensions of the suitcase. The standard measurements include length, width, and height. It’s important to note that each airline may have specific size restrictions for checked baggage, so it’s essential to check with your airline before purchasing a suitcase.

Even though their volume is the same, it’s crucial to realize that hard-shell baggage has a lower capacity than soft-sided luggage. This is because loading soft-shell luggage may expand somewhat, allowing you to store more clothes.

A four-wheel spinner has a somewhat lower capacity than a two-wheel suitcase, but its dimension is frequently larger. This is because the suitcase’s size is measured from the ground and includes the wheels. The wheels on two-wheel luggage usually are recessed, but four-wheel spinners have their wheels completely extended.

Finally, remember to verify the weight of the luggage before purchasing it online. A lightweight suitcase is ideal, especially if you purchase a large or extra-large one. These will be tough to carry when filled, so opt for the lightest ones.

Luggage Sizes

Compact and handy for air travel, carry-on luggage adheres to size regulations and can be brought on board. It has enough room for personal belongings and is ideal for short travels.

• Small Cabin Suitcase: An ideal alternative for single travelers or short business travels, this tiny suitcase (45x32x18cm) with a 30-40 liters capacity provides enough room for 1-2 days of basics while remaining convenient and simple to use.
• Large Cabin Suitcase: Ideal for small families or weekend excursions, this roomy cabin suitcase (50×36.5×23.4cm) with a 40-45 liter capacity contains 2-3 days’ worth of clothing and things, guaranteeing a pleasant and organized trip.
• X-Large Cabin Suitcase: With plenty of space for everyone, this cabin suitcase (56x38x24.5cm) has a capacity of 40-50 liters, making it ideal for family holidays or longer journeys of 2-4 days.

Check-in luggage is designed for more extensive travel needs and is checked in before boarding. It has plenty of room for clothing, accessories, and things, making it ideal for extended journeys and family holidays. Keep in mind, though, that airlines may have weight restrictions for checked bags, so double-check the limits before packing.

• Medium Suitcase: Ideal for medium-sized families or travelers planning 4-7 day vacations, this suitcase (60x43x26cm) with a capacity of 60-75 liters provides ample storage space for clothing, accessories, and other necessities.
• Large Suitcase: This large suitcase (69x47x35.5cm) with a capacity of 100-117 liters is ideal for extended family excursions or longer holidays, accommodating 7-10 days’ worth of clothing and travel supplies, ensuring you have all you need without sacrificing ease.
• X-Large Suitcase: Ideal for large families or longer holidays, this extra-large suitcase (81×55.8×35.5cm) with a capacity of 120-130 liters has plenty of storage for goods and is suited for 7-14 day journeys, enabling you to pack everything you need for a pleasant and organized journey.

Choosing the right size

When selecting a suitcase size, consider the length of your trip, the items you plan to pack, and your personal preferences. A smaller carry-on size may be suitable if you prefer to travel light and avoid checked baggage fees. On the other hand, if you frequently travel for extended periods or have specific packing needs, a larger check-in size or an extra-large suitcase may be more appropriate.

• Journey Length : The length of your journey will impact the size of luggage you require. Smaller carry-on luggage may be required for shorter journeys, whereas bigger checked-in luggage may be required for longer travels.
• Trip Type : The particular goods you need to pack will depend on the nature of your trip, such as a business trip, beach vacation, or hiking experience. Larger baggage may be required for specialized equipment or bulky items.
• Number of Travellers : Smaller luggage may be adequate if traveling alone. On the other hand, traveling with family or a group may necessitate larger bags to accommodate extra sets of clothing and things.
• Personal Packing Habits : While some people prefer to pack minimally and effectively, others prefer carrying more goods. Your unique packing style will influence the size of the baggage you purchase.
• Luggage Policies : Each airline has its own set of rules and regulations regarding luggage size and weight. It is critical to check the baggage limitations of your preferred airline to verify that your luggage fulfills its standards.
• Travel Mode : If you are mostly traveling by automobile, you may have greater leeway in selecting more oversized luggage. Smaller and more maneuverable luggage may be preferred if you must use public transit or negotiate busy areas.
• Individual Preference : Ultimately, the size of your luggage is determined by your preferences and comfort level. Some people prefer smaller, more compact baggage for easy carrying, but others value having enough room for their possessions.

In conclusion, picking the ideal size suitcase is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience. Understanding luggage size charts, knowing the standard sizes, and considering your travel needs will help you make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a compact carry-on or a spacious check-in size, finding the perfect fit will ensure your belongings are well-organized and protected throughout your journey.

Travel confidently with our SO-FLY 3-piece baggage set , which comes with a 3-year warranty. This high-quality set has suitcases that nest within one other for simple storage and combines durability and lightweight design. They come in three sizes and are ideal for any travel, with features like a TSA lock and smooth maneuverability. Our anti-crack hard shell structure provides dependable protection for your possessions.

 Travel in style with So-fly !

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Suitcase sizes in comparison: How to find the right luggage for your trip

Traveling is exciting and fulfilling, but choosing the perfect suitcase can be a real challenge. The selection of suitcase sizes can be overwhelming, and it's important to choose the right size for your needs. After all, the suitcase is more than just a container for your belongings - it's your trusted travel companion, ensuring that your most important possessions are safe and organized during your trip as you explore the world.

Why choosing the right size suitcase is important

In a world where travel is becoming more accessible and diverse, suitcase sizes vary enormously to meet the different needs and styles of travelers. From compact carry-on luggage for weekend getaways to medium-sized suitcases for extended vacations to large suitcases for longer stays or moves, the choices are endless. Each size has its merits and offers different options in terms of capacity, mobility and comfort.

Choosing the right suitcase can make the difference between a stress-free trip and a trip full of luggage problems. While we often focus on choosing a destination, booking flights and hotels, the importance of choosing the appropriate suitcase size often goes unrecognized. Here are some reasons why choosing the right suitcase size is so important.

• Simplified organization: A good sized suitcase can help you organize your luggage better. A suitcase that is too small can cause you to leave things at home by necessity, while one that is too large can cause your items to get jumbled and damaged. A suitcase of the right size will ensure that everything has its place and is safely stowed away.
• Cost savings: Excessive or oversized luggage can cause additional fees, especially with airlines. By choosing the right size suitcase, you can ensure that you comply with airline baggage regulations and avoid unnecessary costs.
• Convenience and comfort: A suitcase that is too large and difficult to handle can make traveling a hassle. Likewise, a suitcase that is too small and doesn't hold everything you need can cause stress and frustration. Choosing the right size suitcase will ensure that your luggage is easy to carry and handle, and that you can comfortably fit all of your necessities.
• Safety: A suitcase that is too full can tear or burst, while a suitcase that is too empty can cause your belongings to be thrown around and damaged. By choosing an appropriate suitcase size, you'll protect your belongings and make sure they get to your destination safely.

Choosing the right size suitcase is an essential part of travel preparation and should not be overlooked. It's about finding the size that meets your needs and makes your life easier when traveling.

Case sizes and their designations

• Hand Luggage : The hand luggage is ideal to be taken into the cabin of an airplane. The exact dimensions for hand luggage vary depending on the airline, but are usually a maximum of 55x40x20 cm. This size is ideal for short trips or business trips where you only need to take the essentials.
• Small suitcases : Small suitcases are ideal for short trips or weekend getaways. With their compact dimensions, they provide enough space for essentials without being bulky or cumbersome. The typical dimensions of a small suitcase are usually between 40x20x25 cm and 55x35x20 cm, although the exact dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer. 
• Medium-size suitcases : Medium-size suitcases are larger than carry-on luggage and offer more space for clothes and other items. Their dimensions are usually between 60x40x25 cm and 70x50x30 cm. They are a good choice for a trip of 7 days maximum....
• Large Suitcases : Large suitcases are ideal for long trips or when you need to take a lot of luggage. They usually have dimensions of about 75x50x30 cm to 85x60x35 cm. With a large suitcase you can accommodate enough clothes, shoes and other necessary items for a long stay or a trip to a colder environment.

The right suitcase size for your next trip

Before you decide on a suitcase size, it's best to give some thought to the circumstances of your trip and the things you want to take with you on your trip. We give you a assistance , so that you certainly find the right suitcase size for your next adventure. 

Evaluate the duration of your trip: The duration of your trip is one of the most important factors when choosing a suitcase size. For a short trip or weekend getaway, a carry-on suitcase is often sufficient. For a one to two week vacation, a medium sized suitcase might be ideal. However, if you're traveling for several weeks or even months, you'll probably need a large or even extra-large suitcase.

Consider your destination:  If you're traveling to a tropical paradise, you'll likely need fewer and lighter clothes than for a trip to colder climates. The type of place you're visiting can therefore have a significant impact on the amount of luggage you need to take, and therefore the size of suitcase you'll need.

Inform yourself about the regulations of the airline: Travel by plane is bound by the strictest rules of all means of transport. Different airlines have different regulations for size and weight of luggage. Before buying a suitcase, find out the regulations of the airlines you travel with most often. A suitcase that complies with the regulations can help you avoid unwanted excess baggage fees.

Know your packing habits:  Some people tend to pack minimalistically, while others like to be prepared for all eventualities. If you're someone who likes to have an extra selection of outfits or take special items like sports equipment or camera gear, you may want to consider a larger suitcase size. Remember that the right suitcase size for you depends not only on the length of your trip and your destination, but also on your personal preferences and habits. With a little advance planning and thought, you can find the perfect suitcase size for your next trip and make your travel experience even more enjoyable. We hope you have fun on your next adventure.

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The Best Hardside Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These durable suitcases are built to last and look good, too.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Whether you're a frequent flier or an occasional jet-setter, you'll always be glad to have sturdy, dependable luggage that safeguards your belongings. With a rigid frame, the hardside variety helps prevent things from breaking or crushing. It can also be easier to wipe clean than a softside design and has a sleek, modern appeal.

If you want the crème de la crème of hardside suitcases, you've come to the right place. But what makes a top-notch model? Besides a high-strength exterior that protects your stuff and withstands wear and tear, it's about maneuverability, capacity, standout features, and, yes, style.

The Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage, including checked bags and carry-ons, to see which ones stack up. During our various luggage tests, we pack the suitcases with clothes, shoes, and toiletries to see how spacious they are; spin them through obstacle courses to test the wheels and handles; and give them a few good whacks with a baseball bat to check durability. We also recreated an airplane set in our lab to lift carry-on suitcases into overhead bins, place them underneath seats, and roll them down carpeted aisles to see how portable and lightweight they are. These are our favorite hardside suitcases.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Earning perfect scores across the board, this standout suitcase is compact yet spacious, with a high-strength thermoplastic shell and smooth-gliding wheels.

It doesn't have a laundry bag or any smart features.

We tried dozens of suitcases, and while many are worth considering, the Freeform Spinner was an all-around favorite. Earning perfect ratings in every testing category, this hardside carry-on is lightweight and compact but also spacious enough to fit everything you need for a four-day getaway. It expands if you need extra wiggle room, though we were able to pack everything on our packing test list without this feature. While there are multiple pockets in the main compartment and a separator for dirty shoes, we wish it had a removable laundry bag.

We're big fans of the minimalist-modern design, which is available in more than 12 colors ranging from sage to lilac to everyday neutrals. After smacking the Freeform Spinner with a bat during testing, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) exterior was free of scuffs, scratches, and dents. We wouldn't worry about spilling a drink on it or accidentally dragging it through a puddle either.

This suitcase is a breeze to maneuver on two wheels or four, and it glides smoothly on both hard floors and carpets. The expandable, lockable aluminum handle feels sturdy, too. Considering the accessible price point, reliable construction, and smooth-rolling wheels, we'd recommend Samsonite’s Freeform Spinner to frequent fliers and anyone in the market for a durable carry-on.

The Details: 5.6 pounds | 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 34-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

This affordable carry-on is lightweight yet sturdy, with a scratch-resistant exterior and an unexpectedly spacious capacity.

There are limited color options, and it doesn't have any smart features or a TSA lock.

For something a little easier on your wallet, look no further than Amazon. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner has an extra-thick thermoplastic shell that promises to protect your belongings and resist scratches. We're pleased to report it showed no signs of damage from our bat hits and drop tests. It's easy to maneuver, even on carpeted flooring and over bumps.

We could fit every last item on our packing list, including shoes, clothes, jackets, and toiletries. There's also an expander that increases the capacity by 15 percent. This wasn't necessary for our test, but we appreciate that there's room to spare. Although this affordable carry-on suitcase doesn't have smart features or a TSA lock, it really exceeded our expectations. We'd love a few more color options but like the pared-down appearance.

The Details: 6.3 pounds | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Built-in Compression

Away the carry-on flex.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5

This compact bag holds a lot thanks to its compression straps, zippers, and an expansion feature.

The flex feature adds an extra 2.25 inches of space, but it also makes the bag too large to qualify as a carry-on.

This Away bag has a surprising amount of space for a carry-on, with two large interior compartments (one on each side), compression straps, and dividers that keep your clothing from falling out when you open the bag (everything stayed in place even after we threw the bag multiple times off a table). While we were packing the bag during our lab tests, we loved how all of the interior zippers and pockets helped keep everything organized, allowing us to maximize space even without packing cubes. There is also a handy zipper expansion that adds an extra 2.25 inches of space, which is useful, but it does make the bag too large to use as a carry-on, and you’ll be forced to check it. Even when packed full, the zippers all ran smoothly, and we found it easy to maneuver the luggage over concrete tiles, carpet, and around our obstacle course full of bystanders. The wheels rotated smoothly throughout testing, and the bag will even roll on its own without getting stuck if you give it a shove. 

The Details: 8.15 pounds | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | 39.8-liter capacity; 46.7-liter capacity when expanded | 4 dual spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Carry-on

Delsey chatelet air 2.0 21-inch spinner.

The Chatelet Air 2.0 is super functional and durable — plus, it's a sight for sore eyes.

Since it's not expandable, it's best for short trips or strategic packers.

Delsey's Chatelet Air 2.0 is our favorite hardside carry-on. The compact yet spacious design features a zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other. While it doesn't expand, you can fit a decent amount of stuff inside and have peace of mind knowing everything will stay in place. We also like that there are multiple interior pockets and a USB port you can hook up to a portable charger .

Even when packed full, the zippers open and close smoothly. And the four dual-spinner wheels glide effortlessly across hard flooring, carpet, and even stone pavers. This suitcase also passed our durability test with flying colors, sustaining no visible damage when we hit it with a bat and shoved it off a table. During three months of travels, we even checked this carry-on for two different international flights and it still looks perfect after just a bit of cleaning.

The Details: 7.74 pounds | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 44-liter capacity | Smart | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Checked

Samsonite winfield 2 hardside.

The Winfield 2 seems nearly impossible to damage, plus it's spacious and super easy to maneuver on various surfaces — even gravel.

It doesn't have any smart features and weighs 11.5 pounds when empty.

If you're in the market for checked luggage , the Samsonite Winfield 2 might be your best bet. The polycarbonate shell took our hits, shoves, and drops like a pro, looking just as glossy and scratch-free after the test as when we pulled it out of the packaging. We're big fans of the expandable design; compression system; and zippered divider, which you can use to separate your shoes or clean and dirty clothes. Even when stuffed full, this hardside suitcase maintained its shape and size.

The Winfield 2 was easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and even performed well on carpet and gravel. The handles will also come in handy when grabbing it from baggage claim or lifting it into a car. All things considered, this no-nonsense spinner bag is an excellent choice for overpackers and international trips .

The Details: 11.5 pounds | 31.5 x 20.5 x 13 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best Lightweight Carry-on

Samsonite omni pc carry-on.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

The Samsonite Omni PC is just over six pounds, with an expandable capacity and a rigid exterior that won't dent or scratch.

The wheels can get caught in ruts, and it rolls a little better on two wheels than on four.

This lightweight carry-on weighed in at just 6.1 pounds and fit snugly into an overhead compartment. The dual compartments, pockets, and cross straps make it easy to pack and organize your stuff. There's also an expander if you need extra space. After whacking it with a bat, we can confirm its scratch-resistant, dent-defying durability.

This suitcase rolls smoothly and turns on a dime. And stuffing it full doesn't seem to make it any harder to maneuver. Having said that, the small wheels sometimes get stuck in grooves, and it's not as easy to push as most spinners. Still, we think the price is sharp and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to overpackers, frequent fliers, and anyone who doesn't want to worry about premature wear and tear.

The Details: 6.1 pounds | 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Expandable | 4 wheels

• Travel and_leisure/Tamara Staples

Best Lightweight Checked

July checked plus light.

This 105-liter suitcase holds a ton while weighing in at under 10 pounds, so it won’t add unnecessary bulk.

The luggage is not expandable.

Hardside bags can get heavy quickly, so we always appreciate when we can find a checked hardside that weighs under 10 pounds. The July Checked Plus Light feels very lightweight for its size and features a curved eggshell design that maximizes space and keeps it durable. Even though this bag is large, it felt slimmer and more compact than some Away checked bags we tested because of the shape while still feeling spacious inside with a generous 105-liter capacity. We also liked how the interior pockets and straps helped keep things in place so smaller items don’t get lost in the larger bag. This suitcase did not dent at all after we hit it several times with a baseball bat during testing, and this particular style of July luggage did not scuff as much as some of the other July models when we threw it off of a counter fully packed, proving its durability. We also like how you can adjust the handle to any height you want, making it comfortable to carry whether you want to glide it on two or four wheels.

The Details: 9.2 pounds | 30.32 x 20.87 x 11.22 inches | 105-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

• Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus

• Durability 4.5 /5

This suitcase has an attractive, vintage-inspired aesthetic, plus modern features for easy packing and organization.

Though it doesn't expand, it's one of the larger carry-ons we tried.

The Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus boasts a sophisticated, vintage-inspired aesthetic and modern features. Available in versatile neutrals and statement colorways, it has a polycarbonate shell with contrasting vegan leather accents. The exterior proved durable during our tests, showing only a few minor scuffs, which may not be as noticeable on the darker colors.

Though it doesn't expand, this is one of the larger carry-on suitcases we tried. It has excellent capacity with zippered compartments and a compression pad, allowing us to easily fit all items on our packing list. We also like that it comes with a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate. Not only that, but it was a piece of cake to maneuver on different types of flooring and around tight corners.

The Details: 8.5 pounds | 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 46.6-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Away The Trunk

This 107-liter trunk is extremely spacious, with a slimmer top lid and a deeper main compartment. 

Make sure you pack the bag evenly on each side, otherwise it can feel lopsided.

A trunk is a stylish alternative to your typical clamshell suitcase — instead of splitting evenly down the middle, it has a 30/70 design with a thinner top half and a deeper main compartment. This is useful if you have any large or bulky items, making it easier to fit everything inside the spacious checked bag. We put the trunk to the test, gliding it through our obstacle course full of people and found that it maneuvers much smoother than a regular checked bag because of the taller rectangle shape. The trunk is surprisingly lightweight for its large size, but we did notice that it felt a little heavier on one side because of the way we packed it, so we recommend distributing your items evenly on each side so that it doesn’t feel lopsided. This was also the most durable piece of Away luggage we tested, surviving our table drops and baseball bat beating with nearly a scuff or scratch. Bonus points for the included sponge that you can use to wipe off any scuffs.

The Details: 12.1 pounds | 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 107-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Most Durable

Roam the check-in.

• Capacity 4 /5

Backed by a lifetime warranty, this suitcase has an extremely resilient shell, water-repellent zippers, and a customizable colorblock design.

It's somewhat small for checked luggage.

When it comes to durability, the Roam Check-in is tough to beat. The rigid polycarbonate shell looks and feels sturdy, and it sustained exactly zero nicks, scuffs, or dents during our tests. For even more peace of mind, the exterior zippers are water-repellent — perfect if you're packing for a trip to London or any potentially rainy location. It's on the smaller side for checked luggage, but the expander gives you an extra couple of inches. While we were able to fit all the essentials for a four-day vacation, we would have appreciated a bit more space.

This midsize suitcase was easy to move around — even on gravel — and the handles come in handy when lifting it. The color block design is cool but not over the top and makes for a great way to spot your luggage at baggage claim . You can customize it if you're not a fan of the pre-curated colors or just want something entirely unique. It's definitely one of the more expensive options, but Roam backs it with a lifetime warranty.

The Details: 9.3 pounds | 26 x 17.5 x 10 inches | 60-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Splurge

Rimowa original cabin.

Backed by a lifetime guarantee, this futuristic suitcase is impressively spacious, with a durable aluminum exterior and smooth-rolling wheels.

It's not expandable, and the metallic exterior is prone to scuffs.

When it comes to aluminum luggage , the Rimowa Original Cabin is a worthwhile investment if you can swing the steep price. Though it doesn't expand, this suitcase meets carry-on size limits for most airlines while still offering an impressive amount of interior space. We packed it for a four-day trip and easily fit several outfits, outerwear, and multiple pairs of shoes inside. Not only that, but the dividers help ensure everything stays securely in place.

Thanks to the smooth-gliding spinner wheels, we had no issue rolling this bag over hard floors, carpet, pavement, and even cobblestone. We can't say it's the lightest carry-on, but it's not super heavy, either. We could hoist it into an overhead compartment and lift it into a car when packed full. Our favorite thing about this suitcase might be the slick, futuristic design and high-end appearance. It's remarkably durable, too, sustaining zero damage during our in-cabin travel test. The brand backs the suitcase with a lifetime guarantee, but make sure to register your luggage as soon as you pull it out of the packaging.

The Details: 9.5 pounds | 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | 34.8-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best for Staying Organized

Béis large check-in roller.

This checked suitcase has an enormous capacity, and zippered compartments, pockets, and even removable pouches for easy packing.

It's durable, but the exterior is prone to scuffing.

This checked suitcase is one of the biggest we tested. There was easily enough room for double the amount of stuff on our packing list — and that's without the expander, which adds another three inches to the depth. Beyond the enormous 112-liter capacity, the internal pockets and removable pouches helped us keep things organized, while the zippered compartment and compression straps ensured everything stayed in place. It also comes with a laundry bag for keeping your dirty clothes separated while you're away and a retractable strap to make carrying another piece of luggage easier . We did notice, over three months of testing, that the downside to the large size and helpful organizational features is that it's easy to overpack, leading to overweight luggage fees.

Considering how big this suitcase is, the smooth spinner wheels and padded handle make it super comfortable to maneuver. While this bag passed our durability tests without any dents or scratches, it scuffs pretty easily. However, the darker colors should conceal marks better, and you can wipe down the exterior to remove any scuffs as needed.

The Details: 11.5 pounds | 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches | 112-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Best Expandable

Travelpro platinum elite hardside spinner.

 Amazon

• Design 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This checked suitcase has a crack-resistant shell and a spacious capacity with an expander that adds two inches to the depth.

It weighs a little over 12 pounds, and the large size makes it easy to go over the weight limit.

The Check-in Hardside Spinner from Travelpro's Platinum Elite line is nice and spacious, with an expansion zipper that adds a full two inches to the depth. We had no problem fitting the entire packing list and felt like there was room to spare, which is what you'd expect from great expandable luggage . They liked how the zipper panels and cross straps kept everything in place when they opened and closed it.

This large, 108-liter suitcase has an ultra-strong polycarbonate shell that resists cracking and crushing. After pushing it off a table and hitting it a few times with a bat, we noticed only a few superficial marks — no dents and nothing that wouldn't wipe off. It also rolls smoothly over carpet, bumps, and even gravel. We think the price is a good value considering the generous size, high-quality design, and five-year warranty.

The Details: 12.1 pounds | 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | 108-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 wheels

Best With Removable Battery

July carry on.

This bag comes with an ejectable battery with a USB-C charger, and the telescopic handle features 20 different heights.

It doesn’t have an expander, and we wish there were more internal pockets for additional storage.

This carry-on is appropriately sized to fit in the overhead bin on standard airlines without feeling overly bulky or cumbersome. Though it doesn’t have an expander, it felt like it had a larger capacity than similarly sized carry-ons that we’ve tried. Our favorite thing about this smart suitcase is that it comes with a removable battery so you don’t have to live in fear of your phone dying when you can’t find an open outlet in the airport. While many smart bags have a charger, they don’t always include the battery as well. 

The polycarbonate shell feels very durable, with reinforced bumpers that felt like they added an extra layer of protection against our drop tests, in which we threw the fully packed bag off a tall counter from different angles. The wheels rolled smoothly over both concrete and carpet, and the interior Y-strap compression system helped keep all of our belongings in place. We also loved that we could raise the handle to 20 different heights, making it comfortable to walk with no matter how tall or short you are.

The Details: 7.4 pounds | 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 42-liter capacity | Smart | 4 dual spinner wheels

We've tested more than 450 pieces of luggage in our New York City lab and on our airplane set to assess durability, capacity, maneuverability, design, and overall value. In line with the size of each bag, we packed them with enough essentials for a multi-day trip, including pants, shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, jackets, and toiletries, paying special attention to organizational features. We threw the bags off tables and hit the with baseball bats to test durability, ran them over different surfaces and through obstacle courses to test maneuverability, and lifted them into overhead bins to see how lightweight they felt. Following our lab assessments, we continue testing the bags in our real-life travels over a six-month period (and beyond!) to see how they perform long-term. Every few months, we test even more suitcases, and we will continue updating this article as we discover new luggage we love.

Other Hardside Luggage We Liked

These bags did not make our list of recommendations yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28-inch Lightweight Durable Hardshell : This is a stylish, spacious suitcase at a fantastic price. The only thing that kept it from the winners list here is that it did not roll as well on gravel as some others.

Béis The Carry-on Roller : We love the organizational features and sophisticated look of this bag. If it rolled just a tiny bit better it would be up on our winners list.

July Carry-on Pro : Testers really liked this bag, especially the standout maneuverability and good looks. The only real knock on it was that the compression straps could be a little tighter.

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 International Carry-on : This suitcase is conveniently compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. However, we found it to be too small for most trips, and the zippers are hard to close when it's packed full.

Tips for Buying Hardside Luggage

Remember durability is key.

Hardside luggage is about more than a sleek, modern appearance — though this is a welcome bonus. Suitcases with rigid shells are typically made of polycarbonate, a high-strength thermoplastic. This helps protect your belongings from impact, whether your belongings include a formal suit , a robust makeup collection , wine bottles, or camera equipment.

In addition to preventing things from crushing or breaking, hardside luggage is also easy to wipe clean. Having said that, lighter colors and matte finishes are sometimes prone to scuffing.

Don't overlook the interior and organizational features

When browsing options, don't overlook the interior. A suitcase should ideally have a spacious capacity, even if it's a relatively compact carry-on. Organizational features can make packing and accessing everything much easier, too, in addition to using packing cubes . This might include dual main compartments, dividers, zippered sections, a compression panel, various pockets, a shoe separator, a laptop sleeve, a garment sleeve, or a removable laundry bag.

Look for a lightweight design with good maneuverability

We also recommend looking for lightweight luggage, especially when carrying on. Note the empty weight before buying a hardside suitcase, as heavier models can make it harder to lift and roll when packed full. In terms of maneuverability, four spinner wheels are ideal. A locking telescoping handle will make pushing and pulling a jam-packed suitcase more comfortable. And grab handles will make it easier to lift into an overhead bin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hardside suitcases are the gold standard for many travelers. Besides the contemporary appearance, lots of folks appreciate how they protect what's inside. However, after testing more than 250 total pieces of luggage, we can tell you that a rigid shell doesn't always point to superior durability. Softside models are often just as resilient, and they tend to be more flexible if you need to stuff more items inside. While textile exteriors can be difficult to keep clean, they typically don't scuff as easily.

As noted, rigid suitcases can scuff, especially lighter colors and matte finishes. But they're generally very easy to clean . You can gently polish a suitcase with mild soap and water or a luggage-specific cleaning spray. If you're on the go or short on time, you can wipe it down with a pre-moistened disinfectant wipe or even a window-cleaning towelette.

Suitcase linings are sometimes removable and machine-washable. If not, you can likely wipe it down just as you would the outside, then leave it open so it can air-dry thoroughly. When in doubt, check the brand's care instructions.

Most hardside suitcases are made from sturdy plastic of polycarbonate that may scuff but shouldn't crack. Some hardside luggage — especially those made from less expensive materials — can crack over time, but durable bags should stand up to your travels. Many luggage brands now offer limited or lifetime warranties on their bags, so be sure to read their policies before buying if you're worried about potential damage.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in travel essentials, apparel, recreation, and trip planning. For this story, she compiled our extensive in-house testing insights for more than 250 suitcases, then combed through product manuals to craft a comprehensive roundup of today's best hardside luggage. T+L editors will continue to update the article as we test more suitcases.

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The best check-in suitcases for your next getaway, tried and tested

Lighten the load with these tried-and-tested travel heroes from antler, samsonite and more, article bookmarked.

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Need some new luggage for your travels ? We’ve rounded up the best suitcases with clever features that will enable you to pack pretty much everything except the kitchen sink.

With a growing number of airlines imposing increasingly strict regulations when it comes to luggage , the good news is suitcase brands are here to help, with some ingenious designs and features.

For every traveller who wants to test the limits of their luggage allowance, there are others who have mastered the art of packing light and simply want a practical suitcase without any bells and whistles, so, we’ve included a range of different options in our line-up. If you’re a fan of the aforementioned bells and whistles, you won’t be disappointed, either.

There are (slightly) fewer restrictions relating to checked baggage than there are to cabin bags , but bear in mind budget airlines in the UK will almost always charge to check in your suitcase. Easyjet, for example, charges a minimum of £6.99 for a suitcase weighing up to 15kg (the price depends on the flight booked), while Ryanair charges between £11.99 and £29.99 for a checked bag weighing up to 10kg.

Larger airlines are generally less restrictive. The allowance for economy passengers flying with British Airways is one item with a maximum weight of 23kg, while Singapore Airlines’ allowances are famously generous – even if you’re travelling on lite (the cheapest category) you’ll be allowed a suitcase with a weight of up to 25kg.

Whichever airline you’re travelling with, keep reading to discover the best suitcases for your trip.

Related stories

How we tested the best suitcases.

Our tester is a travel writer, so, they had plenty of opportunities to put a wide range of suitcases through their paces, paying particular attention to the elements that are often the first to fail. Extra points were awarded to suitcases with additional reinforcement around the wheels, as this can be the first area to suffer damage as bags are chucked from trolleys to carousels.

As well as taking the suitcases on various trips, our tester spent hours playing around with different features, road-testing everything from compression panels to expansion zips. Long story short, you can rest assured these suitcases are the very best – which means all you need to worry about is enjoying your holiday.

The best suitcases for 2024 are:

• Best suitcase overall – Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase: £170, Antler.co.uk
• Best budget suitcase – Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase: £39.50, Amazon.co.uk
• Best lightweight suitcase – Samsonite C-LITE spinner: £389, Samsonite.co.uk
• Best check-in suitcase – Carl Friedrik the check in: £495, Carlfriedrik.com
• Best suitcase for kids – Micro Scooter suitcase and light-up wheels: £109.95, Micro-scooters.co.uk

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Antler soft stripe cabin suitcase

• Best : Suitcase overall
• Size : 55cm x 35cm x 20cm
• Weight : 1.9kg
• Plenty of room
• Great internal design

This suitcase does it all – it’s got a low weight but still has the added extras that are often skipped by brands trying to create feather-light luggage. There’s a large padded pocket on the front, surprisingly sturdy wheels and thick fabric (bonus points for the use of recycled polyester), which feels as though it can easily survive its fair share of knocks and scrapes.

Inside, there’s just one main compartment, which has cross straps to keep contents in place. Although, a much thinner pocket has been built in to the suitcase’s lid – a zippered mesh cover makes this ideal for documents. We loved how this pocket was accessible from the exterior, too. Meanwhile, the small flap-style pocket on the inside of the main compartment was perfect for smaller items such as keys.

Tripp new world ice blue cabin suitcase

• Best : Budget suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 37cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.5kg
• Gets the basics right

Tripp’s cheap and cheerful suitcases do what they say on the tin – they come in a range of sizes, have a simple design that makes access easy, and (most importantly) they cost next to nothing. This isn’t the most hi-tech suitcase (although, we were grateful to see the Transportation Security Administration-approved locks) but the lack of bells and whistles – there’s just one handle, for example – is partly what helps keep the weight down, and this is a brand that gets the basics spot-on. The telescopic handle, for example, slides out incredibly smoothly. This particular case has a clamshell opening with a mesh zippered cover on one side and X-shaped compression straps on the other – more than enough to keep all our essentials in order.

Victorinox spectra 3.0 expandable global carry on

• Best : Hard-sided suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 20cm x 40cm
• Weight : 3.5kg
• Lightweight

We’re constantly flabbergasted by brands that churn out cases that come with sky-high price tags but are basic at best. Victorinox’s offering might be one of the pricier cabin cases (although, trust us, it’s by no means the most expensive) but it’s worth every single penny.

There’s nothing we don’t love about this suitcase’s wonderfully innovative design, whether it’s the lightweight material (something known as sorplas – a recycled polycarbonate), the extendable luggage tag with a built-in pen and SIM card tool, or the way in which the expansion zips are clearly marked as such, which meant no more fumbling around with the wrong zip.

Like a growing number of suitcases, it’s expandable (in this case, by a supersized 20 per cent) but what sets this one apart is the side straps, which help maintain the case’s rigidity when expanded. Oh, and did we mention the raised Victorinox logo on the side contains a hidden pair of tweezers?

Aerolite large lightweight hard shell luggage suitcase

• Best : Supersized suitcase
• Size : 79 x 58 x 31cm
• Weight : 4.85kg
• It’s supersized

Aerolite is an appropriate name for this brand – its suitcases are surprisingly light and incredibly manoeuvrable. The ease with which the handle slides in and out makes wrestling it onto luggage belts a breeze, and the top handle’s slimline profile means it’s easy to hook backpacks over it, minimising the risk of back ache.

There’s no TSA-approved lock although we’re perfectly happy with the alternative – a three-digital combination lock which secures the zips together (at this point we’ll flag that we’ve never had our luggage searched by the TSA, which is why we’re firm believers that TSA-approved locks aren’t the be all and end all).

Samsonite C-LITE spinner

• Best : Lightweight suitcase
• Size : 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
• Weight : 2.1kg
• Tough and flexible material

This four-wheeled spinner suitcase is incredibly light, thanks to the use of woven polypropylene, which is tough but flexible – as we’re prone to cramming more than we should into our suitcases, we appreciated the extra give. Plus, when expanded, there’s an additional 3cm of space. We also loved the design of the interior – one side has a zippered opaque cover, while the other has elasticated straps. These (like many similar straps) form the shape of a cross, but we loved the buckle-free catch – the straps simply hook around a central plastic disc.

We made full use of the internal power bank pocket, too. All too often, the lightest suitcases are the sparsest, but Samsonite has proved that reducing weight doesn’t have to mean skimping on essentials.

Kipling spontaneous S

• Best : Suitcase for easy storage
• Size : 33cm x 53cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.8kg
• Plenty of pockets

This might not be the lightest of cabin suitcases but it feels reassuringly sturdy (the main materials are recycled polyamide and polyester) and it has plenty of pockets – we found the large padded one on the interior of the case’s lid particularly suitable for electronics and documents.

On the inside, there are two similarly sized compartments – one covered by compression straps while the other is open-access. The smaller cases in the range are designed to fit inside the largest ones, minimising the amount of space they take up when not in use.

Katie Loxton Oxford cabin case

• Best : For seriously sophisticated travellers
• Size : 53cm x 39cm x 21cm
• Weight : 2.23kg
• Sophisticated design

There’s a reassuring sturdiness to this vegan-leather suitcase (particularly its sidewalls), which can be personalised – either with a personalised luggage tag or with embroidered initials on the exterior. There’s not an abundance of features but everything feels top quality – even the extendable handle, which has plenty of cushioning, making it a joy to grip.

The suitcase, which is made with animal-friendly PU (polyurethane leather) comprises one main compartment, while the brand’s top-quality approach extends to the X-shaped compression straps – the ones on this particular suitcase have a wonderful stretchiness, which kept our items in place while making the most of the space available.

Carl Friedrik the check in

• Best : Check-in suitcase
• Size : 65cm x 44.5cm x 27cm
• Weight : 4.5kg
• Ultra-smooth spinner wheels
• Two TSA-approved locks

For a check-in suitcase, we found this surprisingly portable, thanks to smooth-rolling wheels paired with top and side handles, which made it easy to heave on and off luggage belts. Everything about this case feels top-quality, whether it’s the ultra-soft leather handles or the presence of not one but two TSA-approved locks.

The killer combo of lightweight aluminium and polycarbonate made this a breeze to roll across a particularly crowded Heathrow airport (with minimum noise, thanks to the ultra-silent wheels designed by Japanese brand Hinomoto). On the inside, both sides of the case have compression straps – one side has a zippered cover, too. One aspect that sets this case apart is the lack of zips – it seals shut using two lockable clamps, which feel incredibly secure.

HB personalised suitcase

• Best : Personalised suitcase
• Size : 56cm x 36cm x 23cm
• Weight : 3.4kg
• Great range of designs

There’s a reason the UK’s most popular influencers are regularly spotted wheeling this suitcase through airports. This is thanks to the personalisation options and the range of designs – there are dozens to choose from, spanning everything from on-trend marbleised styles to images of hearts, rainbows and florals. We opted for a small cabin bag with a blue camouflage design bearing our initials in black, and we loved the result.

The range of sizes is also impressive – choose from business (the smallest), kids’ size (slightly larger), small, medium or large. The bag came with all the essentials, including a TSA-approved lock, a two-stage extendable handle and an easily accessible side handle. Studs on the side allowed us to rest it on the ground without worrying about unintentional damage, and there’s extra reinforcement around the wheels, too.

Marks and Spencer Oslo 4 wheel hard shell large suitcase

• Best : Large suitcase
• Size : 77cm x 50cm x 27.5cm
• Weight : 3.8kg
• Reinforced zip
• Plenty of pockets on interior dividers

Trust Marks and Spencer to come through with a sturdy, lightweight suitcase that doesn’t disappoint. This suitcase isn’t about extra bells and whistles, it’s about simply doing everything well, whether it’s the tactile top and side handles, the ultra-smooth three-stage extendable handle or raised side studs that offer protection when the case is placed on the ground.

The interior is designed with easy organisation in mind – one half is covered with a zippered panel with a built-in pocket, while the other side has a mesh panel with two built-in pockets. We appreciated the reassurance provided by the reinforced exterior zip, too – who isn’t prone to a bit of overpacking, after all?

IT Luggage legion extra large

• Size : 85cm x 61cm x 34cm
• Weight : 5.76kg
• Relatively low price tag

This suitcase means business – upon clapping eyes on this, a friend’s first comment was: “It looks large enough to fit a human.” What’s more, its exterior has clearly been designed to cope with the full-capacity weight of this bag – side and top handles make lugging it onto luggage belts a breeze, and we were able to minimise the risk of bumps and scrapes by resting it on the four raised points on one side of the case.

Inside, it’s relatively simple – one half has a zippered mesh cover with three built-in pockets, while the other features cross straps. For seasoned over-packers, this colossus is a dream come true.

Marvel wavebreaker, 67cm

• Best : Suitcase for teens
• Size : 67cm x 47cm x 26cm
• Weight : 3.6kg
• Spiderman theme on interior and exterior

Yes, we’ve described this as being a brilliant suitcase for teens (which it is) but it’s also perfectly suited to grown-up Marvel fans. Spidey doesn’t just adorn the outside of this case – we love the way the interior lining is covered with various Marvel-related images, although a special shout-out has to go to the fabulous zipper pull on the interior cover – it’s in the shape of Spiderman’s head.

The interior is simple but well-designed – one half has an opaque cover, while the other has X-shaped compression straps. A TSA-approved lock and premium spinner wheels ramp up the quality, and the use of ABS (a type of plastic) keeps the weight low.

The verdict: Suitcases

Antler’s roomy soft stripe cabin suitcase was rugged, spacious and tactile, while Tripp’s suitcase is proof that you don’t need to offload all your cash (which, let’s face it, is better spent on holidays) on a decent suitcase. Finally, most people don’t even know that Victorinox do suitcases, but this legendary brand’s top quality, fantastically innovative offering is proof that its expertise applies to much, much more than Swiss army knives.

Now your suitcase is sorted, our guide to the best packing cubes will help keep your belongings organised

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The 24 Best Travel Tote Bags for Your Next Big Trip

Whether it's your only bag or a carry-on supplement, a travel tote will take your packing game to the next level.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

T&C Tried and True

Medium metro tote deluxe.

Separate Compartment for Organization

Lo & sons catalina deluxe tote.

Luxurious Essential

Cuyana easy travel tote.

Folds Small for Easy Packing

Lululemon packable tote bag.

Classic Tote

Longchamp large le pliage tote.

Everyday to Travel Tote

Etronik travel duffel bag with usb charging port.

Minimalist and Functional

The renew transit weekender.

Bargain Bag

Bluboon travel tote bag.

Madewell The Shopper Tote

Heavy Lifter

Boat and tote.

Whatever your travel needs for the season ahead, odds are that a good tote can make your packing life more organized, and less stressful—honestly, what more could you hope for? With that in mind, we've scoured the internet for the more durable, functional travel totes for every type of traveler, from the serial overpacker to the organization fiend. Here, our favorite finds for all of your journeys.

Perpetually trying to find space in your carry-on for one last thing? Meet what one T&C editor calls, "the personal item of every overpacker's dream." Featuring five exterior pockets, plus six on the interior and an detachably pouch, it will keep all of your travel essentials organized while it's sturdy-yet-lightweight construction makes it easy to tuck in "just in case" items to your hearts desire without overwhelming your arms.

The cushy, reinforced straps are easy on the shoulders, but it also has a detachable crossbody strap and a built-in sleeve to slip over the handle of your luggage if you don't feel like toting. It also comes in four sizes (we're fond of the medium for it's ability to hold oodles of stuff while still slipping neatly beneath the seat in front of you on a plane) and a seasonally-refreshed roster of more than a dozen shades, making it as stylish as it is functional.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote

For the "a place for everything and everything in its place" traveler, this tote has you covered with a zippered bottom pocket that's perfect for separating out toiletries or dirty shoes from the rest of your haul (an interior panel also allows you to open the bottom compartment fully, if you're craving a deeper bag.)

Available in recycled poly or sturdy canvas, at 15" x 14" x 7", it qualifies as a personal item for most airlines and has a handy luggage sleeve to pair with your suitcase. For those looking for larger options, it comes in four additional sizes as well.

Cuyana bags are a favorite of T&C editors and royals alike ( Meghan Markle is a big fan ) for their timelessly stylish silhouettes, buttery soft leather, and effortless functionality. This, their latest launch, is made specifically with travel in mind.

Crafted with lightweight, durable pebbled leather (currently available in four colorways) it offers ample interior space (a 37L volume, to be precise) plus two large pockets, a phone slip, and a key clip, as well as snaps for Cuyana devotees who want to mix in their System Flap Bag or System Zipper Pouch .

If you're more of a "shop when you get there" traveler, this bag brings the souvenir space without taking up lots of room in your primary bag. Water-repellant and roomy (it holds 32L by volume) it features rugged shoulder straps, plus an extra strap that lets it slip over the handle of roller luggage, and can fold into its own exterior pouch when not in use to make a tidy, handheld bundle.

Some things are classic for a reason. Case in point: this timeless Longchamp tote; just ask T&C 's associate shopping editor, Sophie Dweck, who's been carrying hers for over a decade . Made from sleek, easy-to-clean nylon that comes in a cornucopia of colors, it features a simple, spacious interior and strong leather straps that ensure it can stand up to anything your travels throw at it, and look good doing it.

Looking for a tote that's as useful in your day-to-day as it is when you're far away? This multi-use tote has racked up thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for its versatility. A separate, vented shoe compartment makes it as friendly to gym sessions as beach trips, while its multiple pockets keep essentials organized. It also includes a luggage strap and a USB charging port so you can plug in your tech without rummaging through your bag for your battery pack, and comes in two sizes and almost 30 shades so it will match your travel style.

One reviewer writes: "I must say, it exceeded my expectations in every way! This bag is the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a must-have for any woman on the go."

Type-A packers, take note: this 100% recycled polyester is all about options. Its four colorways can be worn crossbody, carried in hand, or over the shoulder, and include a zippered exterior pocket, a luggage sleeve, two water bottle holders, and a padded laptop sleeve—all with Everlane's signature modern minimalist vibe.

Available in 20 colorways and textures, this canvas tote features a luggage sleeve that also doubles as a tech pouch so your gadgets will always be at the ready. The sturdy construction and bargain price tag have made it a hit with reviewers, who site its roomy 16.5" x 9" x 14" size and comfort.

One reviewer writes: "I am so happy with this purchase! Reasonable price, large main compartment, and a few zip compartments to organize smaller items. Bag fits perfectly under airline seat, even when stuffed FULL. It stayed in place when I had it on top of my roller bag, and I noticed the shape of it kept it from making everything tip forward (which happened with my previous bag)."

For a travel bag that you can use as a purse all trip, this simple Madewell leather tote brings a perfect mix of style and space (12.75" x 12.75" x 7.5".) It even comes with an interior strap that allows you to change the shape, and doubles as a keyring.

True L.L. Bean lovers know that the brand's classic Boat and Tote bag is hard to beat—after all, it's been one of their signature styles since 1944. Crafted from rugged cotton canvas, it's tested to hold up to 500 pounds, so no matter how much you manage to overpack, this bag is guaranteed to take it on. And with four sizes and two interior lengths to choose from, as well as a dozen colors, there's a perfect one for all your needs.

Caraa Studio Tote

Whether you prefer a classic tote style or a backpack, this Italian leather bag gives you the best of both worlds. Along with the usual amenities (a slew of pockets, adjustable straps) it also has a collapsible waterproof shoe pocket for those days your travel plans call for a quick change.

More: The 18 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Easy, Breezy Packing

Béis The Convertible Weekend Bag

This tote brings two-for-one power with a removable bottom compartment that can be used as is, or as a separate packing cube. Easy to clean polyester and polyurethane make it a cinch to keep looking like new, with a built-in luggage sleeve and removable laptop sleeve give it plenty of function for that rush through TSA.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote

Some people pack an extra suitcase when traveling abroad. We propose this packable Tumi tote instead. It folds out to an impressive 8" x 14" x 8 size when fully opened and weighs less than a pound, so you can shop to your heart's content while getting those passport stamps.

More: The 13 Best Luggage Brands for Every Type of Traveler

Carhartt Legacy Tote East/West

Built to work hard, this water-repelling polyester Carhartt bag is tough enough to handle all of your travel adventures. It includes two exterior pockets as well as an interior divider and pockets, so it's and functional on the inside as it is on the outside.

One reviewer writes: "Even better than expected! I used it as my personal item for a trip to Mexico…placed my purse, tablet, magazines, etc inside…lots of pockets! Hides dirt, wipes off easily, very well made."

Revive Nylon Large Tote

Available in five-shades, this nylon tote (made with fabric crafted from 27 recycled water bottles with recycled leather trim) has jumbo exterior slip pockets (plus three interior pockets and a keyring) and a built-in padded laptop sleeve to match its roomy interior with organization.

One reviewer writes: "Great color, roomy, lots of pockets to keep things organized and easy to locate. Perfect for work and travel. Very happy with it."

Dagne Dover Jemi Tote

Want a travel tote that makes a style statement? Bring your puffer coat style to your bag with this versatile, vegan tote made from recycled plastic water bottles. At less than a pound and half (it holds 16.2 L volume), it's super lightweight, and has two sets of comfy handles—one for hand-held use and one for shoulder use—plus a luggage sleeve, so it's great no matter your travel style.

Naghedi Jet Setter Small Tote

Fully lined, basket-woven neoprene brings beautiful texture to this travel tote, making it ideal for those situations when you have to go straight from the plane to an event. It also has a zip closure and zippered interior pocket to ensure that your stuff stays in place even on the wildest travel days.

Scout Travel Bag Large

You want all of the weight in your travel bag to be from your must-haves, not from the bag itself. This colorful version from Scout (it comes in half a dozen colors and patterns) is a featherlight 1 pound, yet can hold up to 65 pounds of your gear, and can fold flat when not in use. It also comes with a zipper pocket and reinforced bottom so everything you pack stays comfortable where you want it.

Barbour Medium Travel Explorer Leather Tote Bag

The biggest name in waxed cotton jackets brings their British heritage sensibility to travel with this luxe 100% leather tote. Measuring 17.72'' x 14.96'', it comes with sturdy top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.

More: The 13 Best Luxury Luggage for Traveling in Style

WONHOX Large Travel Tote Bag

This waterproof travel tote features a luggage sleeve, three interior pockets, including a special compartment to separate wet and dry items (looking at you, still-damp swimsuit) and four external pockets, as well as a zip-open expansion on the bottom so your bag can be as big, or small, as you need.

One reviewer writes : "Schlepped this bag all over Europe and it holds a surprising amount of stuff! The little expander area on the bottom really helped me squeeze in a few extra souvenirs. The trolley sleeve is a MUST from now on. It hooks on to your roller suitcase so easily and is sturdy! I was throwing my baggage up on the train, in and out of taxis and through many airports easy peasy."

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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• Beauty & Personal Care
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COOSKY Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women, Holds Full-Size Shampoo, with Jewelry Organizer Compartment, Extra Large Makeup Bag, Waterproof Cosmetic Bag, Toiletries Kit Set with Trolley Belt, Black

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About this item.

• PATENT PENDING GREAT ORGANIZER MASTER - This wash bag is designed with 4 toiletry storage compartments and a special jewelry compartment, you can easily put your wash products and jewelry separately to make your journey organized. The size of the fully-loaded state is 12.5''L x 10''H x 4.5''W, the 2 main compartments can hold up to 8 full-sized toiletries and cosmetics at the same time, no worries for long-distance travel.
• CONSIDERABLE DESIGN - The elastic bands inside the two main compartments can keep the different height bottles fixed and upright. Your comb, toothbrush, razor, and leak-prone makeup can all go in there, even a hair dryer. 360° metal hook gives you a variety of hanging options.
• EASY TO USE - When it is open and hanging, all the transparent pockets inside will be lined up in front of you, you can quickly take out the items you need without making a mess inside. The bottom bag is detachable, you can remove it if it’s too long for you and use it as a separate bag. The trolley strap on the back can fix on the trolley case, you also can put it in the suitcase to free your hands.
• CRAFTSMANSHIP DETAILS - PU leather handle brings you a comfortable touch. All stressed points are reinforced. The high-quality zippers ensure smooth opening and closing without cracking.
• MULTIPLE USAGES - In addition to traveling, you can take it to the gym, on business trips, or camping. You can also hang it at home, packing some infrequently used items to save space and make things less crowded. It’s a great gift for your family and friends for Christmas, Halloween, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, and birthday.

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Coosky Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag- Includes jewelry compartment!

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Honest Review - COOSKY Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women

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Review - Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women

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Best toiletry bag!

From the brand

Toiletry bag

Extra Large Toiletry Bag

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Looking for specific info, product description.

• Have you ever had the following troubles?
• When you are preparing for a walk-away trip with family, you find that the toiletry bag could not hold the full-size shampoo?
• Do you always worry that the glass bottle will break if it is not fixed in the bag?
• Forget to take the shower gel when you take bath, need to take the risk of catching a cold and rummaging in the messy toiletry bag for a long time?
• Your ordinary toiletry bag can only be placed in a specific place. You must move back and forth every time when you make up?

COOSKY knows that the small things would easily ruin our wonderful journey, so we designed this oversized toiletry bag.

• Our oversized wash bag can hold a full-size shampoo, shower gel, and even your hair dryer.
• Strong classification and organization ability. There are 4 fully transparent compartments and a specially designed front pocket for jewelry. Your toiletries and jewelry can be placed in order, you can quickly get what you need. The internal fixation system allows the bottles to stand upright without colliding with each other.
• The 360 ° rotating metal hook can be hung on the hook, bathroom door, crossbar, and even the desktop.
• It is durable and fashionable. Whether you are traveling, camping, vacationing, going to school, or the gym, it is a reliable partner.

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.5 x 4.5 x 10 inches; 1.54 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ XSB-401
• Department ‏ : ‎ Women
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B4NXWXR8
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
• #34 in Toiletry Bags

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, organization, and appearance of the cosmetic case. For example, they mention it holds up great, it has a sturdy hook, and it keeps everything organized nicely. Some appreciate the fit, and portability. That said, opinions are mixed on the zipped compartment.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the fit of the cosmetic case. They say the compartments are great size, it stores everything they need, and it can hold their jewelry in that one compartment. They also appreciate that it has 5 levels and pockets to organize everything from shampoo to make up.

"This make up bag is wonderful. It has 5 levels and pockets to organize everything from shampoo to make up brushes...." Read more

"...I especially love that the bag can fit my full sized toiletry items for when I don’t have to worry about keeping things under 3oz...." Read more

"...It stores everything I need for our month long trip to France!..." Read more

"...great for all of the items I need to bring with me and the compartments are great size . The zippers and strong and so are the straps...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the cosmetic case. They mention that it has good construction, feels sturdy, and has stood up to rough handling. The hook is super sturdy and the bag is well done. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and functionality.

"...Keeps everything organized and all in one place. It’s sturdy and has a swivel hanger which keeps the various levels of pockets compacted and it’s..." Read more

"...this bag functions best when it’s laid out flat but the hook is super sturdy so if you have to hang it, you won’t have any rips...." Read more

"...Not sure what to call it but it does not seem cheep at all ! Sorry it wouldn't let me upload my pics." Read more

"...The handles are sturdy enough and add a little more style. I got the aqua and the fabric is lovely. It is really pretty in the black as well...." Read more

Customers like the portability of the cosmetic case. They mention it has room for everything, is compact, and great for travel with jewelry. They also appreciate the excellent material and the fact that it's much slimmer than expected. Overall, customers are happy with the port ability of the case.

"...I got the mauve color. It folds up small and is easy to carry." Read more

"...It is the same outward dimensions but almost double the thickness . It stores everything I need for our month long trip to France!..." Read more

"...The handles make it easy for carrying and it comes with a sturdy hook for hanging which provides easy access to each compartment and your items...." Read more

" AMAZING for travel ! I also keep it hung up when home in my closet! It’s so nice and I absolutely love the jewelry compartment!!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the cosmetic case. They mention it's pretty, sturdy, and adds a little more style. The color is vibrant and smashing, and the jewelry pouch looks exactly as pictures. It's nat and tidy way to take all your toiletries with you, and has a cute carry handle. Customers also love the jewelry accessory side and all the many hooks and ways to hand their jewelry. They also love that it has s hooks so they can access their jewelry when it''s hanging in.

"...hanger which keeps the various levels of pockets compacted and it’s attractive . I got the mauve color. It folds up small and is easy to carry." Read more

"...On top of its amazing functionality, the bag is beautiful and feels luxurious without a luxury price tag." Read more

"...offered in six different colors and I purchased the blue one which is gorgeous ...." Read more

"...The handles are sturdy enough and add a little more style . I got the aqua and the fabric is lovely. It is really pretty in the black as well...." Read more

Customers like the organization of the cosmetic case. For example, they say it keeps everything organized nicely, it's easy to organize, and it'll keep all your toiletries in one place. Some appreciate the jewelry organizer.

"...It has fabulous pockets for different types of jewelry. Keeps everything organized and all in one place...." Read more

"...it comes with a sturdy hook for hanging which provides easy access to each compartment and your items...." Read more

"...I was able to keep all my items well organized throughout the entire trip. It allowed me to not stress and have emergency items as well...." Read more

"...I love how this keeps all of my things together ! The compartments are great and I love that it hangs!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the hook of the cosmetic case. They mention that it hangs nicely from any hook in the bathroom, it's sturdy, and provides easy access to items. Some say that the product is perfect for places where there is no counter space and that it'll hold up to rough handling and lots of hanging.

"...The compartments are great and I love that it hangs !" Read more

"...This is worth the bag as it also has a hook to hang your bag in the bathroom. A good gift to give someone who is always going out of town." Read more

Customers are mixed about the zipped. Some mention that the zippers are great, strong, and easy to open. They appreciate the small fold out zippered pockets, which are perfect for little items. However, some customers say that the zip is a little tricky at times and worries that it won't hold up.

"...items in place even when moving the bag around, and the small fold out zippered pockets are perfect for little items that can lay flat...." Read more

"...The zipper is a little tricky at times but it will zip. Very good material for what it's made for...." Read more

"...The zippers and strong and so are the straps. The bottom zipper pouch is also removable which is awesome!" Read more

"Item has two zippers in one pocket and none in another...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the size of the cosmetic case. They mention that it is very large and takes up too much room in their suitcase. Some say that it's a little too big for a duffle bag, but it fits great in a checked bag.

"...It is definitely very big so if you prefer something compact it’s not for you...." Read more

"...the perfect solution for all my toiletries, however it was a little too big for me and I didn’t like the access to my products (specifically makeup)...." Read more

"Too big for me. It took up too much space in my suitcase.Very nice color and material." Read more

"I should have read product description more clearly. It was smaller than I expected . Full size hair spray and moose would not fit...." Read more

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8 Best Dopp Kits For Men: Ensure Organized Travel in 2024

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

There are so many things to stress out about while preparing for a trip, especially when it comes to packing up your bathroom supplies.

Whether it be skincare or haircare , everybody relies on different products for their day-to-day lives. It’s often very easy to forget these items as well, especially if you don’t have a dedicated place to store them. This is exactly why it’s essential to pick up one of the best Dopp kits for men.

A great men’s toiletry bag makes packing for a trip significantly easier. For starters, you can keep all of your toiletries in a single place, which is much more convenient than rifling through an entire suitcase to find one product.

Secondly, many Dopp kits feature dedicated compartments for certain products, ensuring that you don’t forget anything you might need.

If you’re looking to pick up your first Dopp kit or upgrade an existing one, then this list is perfect for you. Each of these options was chosen to accommodate tons of different needs and lifestyles.

So, let’s find the perfect Dopp kit to take on your next adventure.

Key Takeaways

This was a fun one. I love searching for products that combine style with usefulness. It was a pleasure to pore over dozens of sites and read literally hundreds of reviews.

Overall, the Vetelli Men’s Leather Travel and Shaving Case is one of the very best Dopp kits for men to pick up right now. This travel bag features a dual compartment design that is perfect for just about any bathroom essentials you might need while traveling.

Another modern and durable option is the Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries.

• Buying Considerations

How We Chose

Why trust us, final verdict, best overall: vetelli large leather men’s travel and shaving case.

Why it’s great: This large leather Dopp kit from Vetelli features plenty of storage space for your essentials in both the top and bottom compartments. The top compartment is spacious and flexible, featuring interior pockets and elastic bands for organization.

The bottom compartment is structured like a hard case, able to protect delicate items. Not to mention, both compartments are lined with stain-resistant mesh, while external loops on each side of the bag act as handles.

Who is this for? This is tops among the best Dopp kits for men. It’s an all-around great toiletry bag for any man who wants his bathroom products organized and protected while on the go. The design is very well thought out, and there is plenty of versatility for different kinds of usage.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Despite being marketed as a leather travel case, this Dopp kit is actually made of vegan leather. Although this might be disappointing for some people, vegan leather has plenty of perks over real leather–minimal maintenance is one of them.

Material: Vegan Leather | Size: 11.5” x 6.5” x 7” | Compartment(s ) : 3

Best Budget: Vorspack Travel Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This toiletry bag from Vorspack is the perfect option for those traveling on a budget. It’s one of the best Dopp kits for men that you can get.

The thick 900D polyester material is both durable and water-resistant for travel to all kinds of environments. The array of interior and exterior pockets allows for easy organization of products–the side strap also makes it easy to carry or hang if needed.

Who is this for? This is a great option for anyone who wants to spend most of their money on traveling and not on a toiletry bag. It’s also easily replaceable, so you won’t need to worry about taking care of it as much as a more expensive option.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This bag doesn’t have much structure or rigidity, so it won’t offer a lot of protection to your items. However, this also means that it’s flexible enough to be filled to the brim, or packed down and stored away.

Material: Polyester | Size: 10” x 5” x 5.5” | Compartment(s ) : 1

Best Luxury: Time Resistance Leather Cosmetic Bag

Why it’s great: This cosmetic bag from Time Resistance is handmade in Italy using full-grain cowhide leather and durable YKK zippers. It features a classic design that includes a handle, exterior side pocket, and dual main compartments for storage.

Time Resistance also stands by the quality of its products, offering a 12-month warranty.

Who is this for? This is one of the best Dopp kits for men available. It’s perfect for those wanting the most luxurious experience possible during their travels. The durable construction also means that this bag should last quite a long time–even throughout consistent travel.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since these are handmade bags, they may appear a bit different from the pictures shown online. This is especially true for the exact color of the leather, since it is hand-dyed and can vary a lot.

Material: Full-grain Italian Leather | Size: 10.4” x 5.5” x 4.7” | Compartment(s ) : 2

Best on Amazon: Zeemo Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This toiletry bag from Zeemo features a sleek, modern design that offers easy access to all compartments and pockets. There is plenty of room in this bag to store every item in your skincare routine , along with whatever else you might need. The clear plastic window also makes it easy to check items at a glance.

Who is this for? This is a great option for anyone wanting a bag that offers tons of functionality. The well-balanced design can also fit many different lifestyles.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is tops among the best Dopp kits for men. However, it is on the larger side, which is something to consider if you’re typically a light packer.

Material: NIT Leather | Size: 10.5” x 5.5” x 6” | Compartment(s ) : 3

Best Everyday: Bagsmart Canvas Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This canvas toiletry bag from Bagsmart offers plenty of space, including everything from a toothbrush to some grooming supplies . The canvas exterior is both classy and rugged, and the elastic bands inside ensure that all of your products stay in one place.

This is one of the best Dopp kits for men you’ll find. It also features separate dry and wet pockets, which should reduce the risk of an accidental spill ruining anything.

Who is this for? This is a versatile toiletry bag that’s perfect for travel but can also be used for the gym–it could even serve as a tech bag for daily commutes to work.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is another bag on the larger side, which might make it difficult to fit in certain types of luggage . That being said, there are two different sizes available, so you could always opt for the medium size to get the job done.

Material: Canvas/Cotton | Size: 10.2” x 5.9” x 6.3” (Medium) | Compartment(s ) : 2

Best Heavy-Duty: Tooletries The Koby Dopp Kit

Why it’s great: The Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries is one of the best modern and heavy-duty options out there. It’s made of a leather-like silicone that prevents water from entering and exiting the bag.

The simple one-compartment design is large enough to accommodate full-sized products, and the durable zipper can survive some tough usage.

Who is this for? This is one of the best Dopp kits for men to rely on for frequent travel. The simple design covers all of the basics, and the use of modern materials makes it tough enough to thrive in the most unforgiving environments.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is a very thick and sturdy bag that is perfect when filling it to the top. However, if you’re partially filling this bag, it might be a bit bulky compared to others.

Material: Silicone | Size: 10″ x 6″ x 6″ | Compartment(s ) : 1

Best Organization: Elviros Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag

Why it’s great: This hanging travel bag from Elviros offers a plethora of compartments and organizational features for travel. Some compartments use mesh pockets; others incorporate strong elastic bands. Not to mention, you can hang this bag via the hook and open each compartment for a clear view of your entire kit.

Who is this for? This is a bag for those who are very particular about organization while traveling–the smart design makes it extremely useful in that regard.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This bag is a bit smaller than it appears to be in the pictures, so it may not be able to hold some full-sized products. Make sure to double-check the dimensions before landing on your final decision.

Material: PU Leather | Size: 11.02” x 7.87” x 4.33”  | Compartment(s ) : 5

Best Minimalistic: BesTour Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag For Men

Why it’s great: This roll-up travel bag from BesTour is the perfect option for all of the minimalists out there. The sleek design makes it great for carry-on luggage , and it could easily fit in a backpack as well.

This is one of the best Dopp kits for men you can find. The elastic belt keeps the case rolled up tightly while on the move, and the dual grommets allow it to be hung on a wall when you finally do arrive at your destination.

Who is this for? This bag is a great choice for light-packers and minimalists who need a small travel kit to keep their toiletries together. It’s also a very particular design that some people will prefer over the standard options.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since this is meant to be a minimalist travel bag, the pockets are very small. They probably won’t fit any full-sized products because they’re built to accommodate travel-sized ones.

Material: PU Leather/Polyester | Size: 3” x 11” x 3” | Compartment(s ) : 1

Buying Considerations For The Best Dopp Kits For Men

Picking the right size men’s toiletry bag is essential to accommodating your travel style. Plenty of people like to travel light which means they would likely benefit from a sleek, streamlined bag.

On the other hand, there are some people out there who like to bring the whole bathroom with them. These people would benefit from a large, multi-compartment kit to carry all of their essentials.

The size of your Dopp kit is also dependent on the bag you’ll be using for travel. You don’t want to purchase a large Dopp kit if it’s going to take up all of the space in your main travel bag.

The material of a Dopp kit also impacts its quality and versatility. Many Dopp kits these days are made with fabric materials such as polyester, cotton, and canvas. Fabrics like these are very flexible and can expand depending on how much you store in them.

Alternatively, you can find plenty of Dopp kits that are made of leather or faux leather. These are often a bit more high-quality and durable than their fabric counterparts. Silicone bags have also become pretty popular, and these feature natural water resistance along with some other perks.

The design of your Dopp kit is a crucial factor to consider before buying. There are many Dopp kits out there that feature classic designs, which consist of a rectangular bag, several compartments, and an external handle. This is a classic design for a reason, and it should work well for many travelers.

However, there are also many modern bags that have additional features to make life even easier. Whether it be a multitude of different compartments and pockets or a hook to hang up the whole kit, these bags are great for those who want to get the most during their travels.

There’s a vast market of travel gear out there, including the world of Dopp kits. Plenty of brands claim that their product is the best, but this isn’t always the case.

It’s crucial to sift out all of the clever marketing when searching for the best Dopp kits for men. Each of these products was evaluated according to the criteria below in order to qualify for this list.

Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a good reputation? Are they known for making travel essentials ?

Customer Reviews: Do a majority of customers stand by their purchase, or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?

Personal Experience: Have I had a positive personal experience with the product or brand in question?

Ryan Jamison’s insightful contributions to FashionBeans are underpinned by a decade of hands-on experience and diligent product testing, cementing his status as a trusted authority in men’s fashion and grooming.

His reviews span everything from travel clothes to carry-on luggage, which reflects a thorough understanding of what many men are searching for.

Ryan’s meticulous approach to evaluating men’s attire and accessories ensures that each recommendation is both practical and stylish, making his guidance invaluable for readers seeking to enhance their style.

This blend of personal experience, customer insight, and extensive research makes Ryan’s advice on FashionBeans a valuable asset to the modern man.

Overall, the best Dopp kit for men is the Large Leather Travel Case from Vetelli. This case features an excellent design that can make packing up your toiletries a breeze.

Another fantastic choice is the Koby Dopp Kit from Tooletries which features a simplistic, modern design that can take a beating. What more could you want in the best toiletry bag for men?

The term “Dopp Kit” originates from the name of its creator, Charles Doppelt, who was a German leather-smith in the early 20th century. Doppelt popularized this type of bag for soldiers during World War II. Today, Dopp kit is often used as an alternative to “toiletry bag”, which is an off-putting term for some people.

Dopp kits are primarily used when traveling and they’re meant to house all of your toiletries. This can include a toothbrush, deodorant, comb, hair products, skin products, and anything else you may need while away from home. Using the best toiletry bag for men means it not only keeps all of your essentials organized but also eliminates the need to dig through an entire bag to find a specific item.

Ryan is a writer, filmmaker, and all around content creator. Over the years, he has written screenplays, short stories, and nonfiction informational pieces. Ryan is currently working to build up his YouTube channel (@ ryan-jamison ) via creative video essays that combine his love of filmmaking and writing. He also *occasionally* posts some photography on his Instagram (@ ryanjamison99 ). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves running, hiking, reading, and he’s also a total boot nerd.

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20 Best Swimsuits on Amazon of 2024, According to Style Pros

Hundreds of reviewers can't be wrong!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks

Best Two-Piece with Tummy Control

Tempt me retro high-waisted bikini.

Best swimsuit with a cutout

Eomenie tummy control cutout high waisted bathing suit.

Best Slimming One-Piece

Cupshe v-neck shirring swimsuit.

Best Tankini

Tempt me ruched one-shoulder two piece tankini swimsuit.

Best Two-Piece

Cupshe triangle bikini set.

Best One-Piece

Cupshe ruffled lace-up one-piece swimsuit.

Best Retro One-Piece

Upopby vintage tummy control one-piece monokini swimsuit.

Best One-Piece for Large Bust and Tummy Control

Lands' end one-piece swimsuit.

Best Reversible Bikini

Cupshe 2-piece bikini set swimsuit reversible bottom.

Most Stylish One-Piece

Cocoship backless one-piece swimsuit.

But where should you begin your search? Amazon makes online shopping for your next bathing suit fast, easy and affordable. The best Amazon swimsuits we found had adjustable straps, quality fabric, tons of colors and a large size range. If you're someone who loves to swim or surf (or needs to run after your kids!), we've rounded up one-piece suits and even bikinis that will stay in place and feel supportive through any physical activity.

We've sifted through Amazon's best-sellers and highly-rated bathing suits to find the best bikinis, tankinis and one-piece suits from popular brands like Cupshe and Tempt Me. We rounded up swimwear options for everyone, including swimsuits for large busts , tankinis for modest coverage, bathing suits with tummy control and swimsuits that won't fall down as you jump off a diving board or catch a wave surfing. Plus, we've included a few picks from our Good Housekeeping Institute editors and experts. Consult our guides to the best period swimwear and swimsuits for women over 50 for even more expert picks.

Selected as one of Good Housekeeping Institute's best bikinis , this two-piece set brings back classic pin-up style in a modern way, thanks to its high-leg cut. The sleek halter includes a padded push-up bra with adjustable straps and a secure clasp hook, while the high-waisted bottoms with a control panel help disguise a tummy and match the top's pleated front. With over 15,500 five-star reviews, customers say this is their "favorite bikini" and love the "flattering and comfortable" design. Like other affordable styles on Amazon, this one comes in lots of options (39 colors and prints, and sizes XXS to 22 plus), bound to suit nearly anyone. Some reviewers note this swimsuit runs large, so be sure to size down when ordering.

The best parts of a one-piece and a bikini come together in this swimsuit. The crossover top and cutout in the center of the front and back creates the look of a two-piece swimsuit, but the sides are connected for support and modest coverage. Reviewers say the ruched design on the waist is flattering, with one noting: "The coverage of the suit is excellent and the material is thick and not cheap at all."

It's available in 32 colors in sizes XS–XXL or 18–22 plus sizes. Some reviewers say the torso portion is tight or short, but the adjustable straps and tie back means you can loosen or tighten the top half to your liking.

Another Cupshe pick, this one-piece is comfy enough for long days at the beach. The shirred waist with built-in tummy control has a slimming effect, and the spaghetti straps are adjustable. Available in 28 solid colors and patterns, reviewers say this suit hugs curves in the right spots without feeling tight or uncomfortable . "The ruching is so flattering and makes my stomach look flatter," one says.

The asymmetrical design not only looks great on, but makes it easy to take off when wet, or slip off the strap when sunbathing to avoid tan lines. With 42 colors and at such a great price, you can stock up on a few. "The fabric is excellent — just enough stretchiness and thickness to fit very well," one reviewer writes. The ruched top has a control panel that generously overlaps the bottoms to create a sleek midsection, while providing the convenience of a two-piece. Some online reviewers say the strap can move around, but otherwise it provides a unique style.

Nothing beats a classic solid bikini. Cupshe delivers yet another quality two-piece swimsuit that online reviewers said fit comfortably snug. Amanda Constantine , Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says, “This swimsuit is so flattering! The triangle-shaped cups with darts shape and lift the chest, and the straps are easy to adjust for a better fit.” While the bottoms felt a little loose on Constantine because you can only order both pieces in one size, she says they "weren't so loose that they shifted or fell down."

The triangle top also offers removable padded cups and the low-rise bottoms were surprisingly flattering, with one reviewer noting they were “perfect for the mom bod, not too revealing but still leaves you feeling good!” This minimalist set comes in a nice range of 10 sophisticated colors.

Known for its fashionable swimsuits, Cupshe offers a wide variety of styles and a plus-size range — our Good Housekeeping Institute Lab pros are consistently impressed with the brand's flattering designs and compressive materials. With over 31,000 reviews with an average 4.6-star rating, this swimsuit has a reputation for being well loved. Its ruffled, plunging neckline and lace-up back is comparable to trendy styles that high-end brands offer but at a fraction of the price. And you can take your pick from the 24 colors and prints.

One five-star reviewer wrote that she loved this suit during and after pregnancy: "I bought it when I was 30 weeks pregnant and doing swim lessons with my daughter. I got so many compliments! Now that I’m 7 months postpartum, it still fits well and it is really easy to breastfeed in." However, some online reviewers noted that the low neckline and lack of underwire didn't provide enough support for their chests.

Reminiscent of the 1950s styles worn by Marilyn Monroe and other icons of that era, this vintage-inspired one-piece features a push-up design the brand says fits up to an E cup and a ruched shaping panel for tummy control . One five-star reviewer on Amazon calls this swimsuit "super flattering" and likes how the ruching and cut provide "good coverage" without sacrificing style or "feeling too 'old.'" Select from 23 different colors and patterns, including a good mix of neutrals and brights.

Reviewers liked this Lands' End one-piece's comfortable, thick material that lifted big busts while also feeling stretchy enough for beach activities and swimming laps. Our pros enjoy the brand's offerings for its flattering designs that also offer tummy control. The scoop back adds a touch of playfulness to this sporty, full-coverage swimsuit, which according to the brand, is chlorine resistant and offers UPF 50 sun protection. If you're loving it as much as the reviewers, it comes in 30 equally cute colors and prints, and sizes 2 to 28W, including sizes for petites and long torsos, making this slightly pricier option worth the cost.

Whether you opt for this pretty orange floral or the bright stripes, the printed bottom of a this bikini contrasts beautifully with the coordinating tie-back top. When you're in the mood to wear something different, reverse the bottoms inside-out for a solid-color . Plus, this avoids a white lining from peeking out of the bottoms.

This vibrant set is available in 15 colors and comes in sizes XS–XL. Online reviewers note that the bottoms fit comfortably, though they are a bit "cheeky." One says, "The bottoms come up slightly higher than a typical bikini bottom, but are lower than high waisted bottoms — a perfect in-between."

Fancy a luxury suit minus the major mark-up? This strappy one-piece brings that flair to the beach — for under $35. There are plenty of classic solids as well as fun patterns, including gingham and tropical, and it goes up to a size 3XL. What's more, the suit is designed with an adjustable, under-bust band to customize the fit . Amazon reviewers praised its quality fabric and thoughtful padded cups, with one writing, "It was really flattering on my figure and I felt really comfortable in it." While its backless design certainly looks chic, it may not be the best option for swimming laps or if you need extra support.

Shekini One-Piece Ruched Retro Swim Dress

Swim dresses can look modern, and this sleek style from Shekini is proof. With a size range that goes up to XXL, this one-piece fits a large range of bust sizes , thanks to removable padding and secure, wide straps. The ruched waist is extra flattering. One five-star reviewer says, "it fits perfectly and the skirt is very cute. " It also comes in 20 different colors, like sky blue and wine red, to help you stand out from the crowd.

Sovoyontee Plus-Size High-Waisted Tummy Control Two-Piece Swimsuit

A full-coverage bikini bottom with a high waistband and cute sash accent will help you feel secure, but more importantly, confident. The halter top is designed with a wide band under the bust and padded cups to lift and support. This two-piece suit goes up to a 4XL and is available in over 30 colors and patterns. "The bottoms are very stretchy and provide full belly coverage without pinching or making you look bulgy," one Amazon reviewer commented. The neck straps are on the thinner side, so tying it looser may avoid indenting your skin.

Freya Sundance Sweetheart Bikini Top

The saying, fits like a glove, aptly applies here. Ranging from 30D to 38FF, this Freya bikini top uses cup and band sizes rather than traditional top sizes to better suit big busts. With a reputation for supporting large breasts well, the brand has been highly rated for comfort, support and overall fit by our GH Institute testers over the years. Constantine says testers "also give the bras top marks for appearance and say they stay in place all day long," an attribute which may transfer over to Freya's swimsuits as well. It's a bit pricey for just a top, but then you can buy the matching bottoms in your ideal size to get a more accurate fit. Its sweetheart neckline offers modest coverage, while its push-up padding and underwire style adds a bit more oomph to your swimsuit look.

Smismivo Tummy Control Strapless One Piece Swimsuit

This ruched, curve-hugging one-piece looks luxe even though it's under $35 . "Great quality for the price," says one reviewer. "So flattering and comfortable." The strapless construction stays secure with the help of a built-in push-up bra with removable padded cups. If you like the bandeau look but need a little extra support, detachable straps are included. And if black isn't your cup of tea, you can choose from the 32 other colors and prints, plus it goes up to size 3XL.

Tempt Me Plunge V-Neck Mesh Ruched Swimsuit

With over 33,000 reviews and an average 4.6 star rating, it's safe to say this fashionable high-neck swimsuit from Tempt Me is a crowd-pleaser. This swimsuit was put to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, where our experts noted its durability, style and comfort, with one tester commenting: "I really liked the high neckline and the clasp in the back. I felt comfortable knowing I was all tucked in."

Our editors appreciate the supportive fit that suits a variety of ages and body shapes . It's available in over 40 colors and prints and runs up to a size 26. One of our textile experts said this swimsuit is worth the hype: “The tan lines might be a little wonky, but the majority of testers across ages loved this suit, found it flattering, comfortable, and on-trend, and it proved to be durable in Lab tests.”

Lalagen Rash Guard and Capris Tankini Set

You don't have to sacrifice style when it comes to modest swimsuits. This tankini set with biker-length shorts and a loose-fitting top with wide straps and a racerback cut provides full coverage. Plus, you can choose from 43 color options in sizes S–5XL. Many reviewers note they're impressed with the look and feel of this swimsuit. "I love this outfit. [It] fits as expected and [is] very comfortable," one says. Keep in mind that the shorts are tight against your skin and if you're looking for a looser bottom, you may prefer board shorts for swimming.

Baleaf Athletic Training One-Piece Swimsuit

Those on the prowl for a simple yet stylish suit that will stay secure in the pool or surf, look no further. This classic silhouette is available in 12 colors and patterns and goes up to a 4XL. The built-in shelf bra with removable cups and adjustable straps is also a plus for those who are concerned about coverage. Meanwhile, its keyhole racerback style allows for better arm motion for those who like to swim laps, and ensures the straps won't slip off. One reviewer who bought one for lap swimming, says it "holds up well in the chlorine and salt/fresh water, especially for this price." Reviewers say the fabric is thick, which was a pro for some customers and a con for others.

Speedo One-Piece ProLT Super Pro Swimsuit

Speedo is known for its quality. This top-rated suit from the well-known swimwear brand has over 5,500 five-star reviews with a price that won't hurt your wallet. "After looking in stores at how expensive Speedo usually is, I decided to buy this one, and it is a great price for a great swimsuit, " says one reviewer.

Some reviews say this suit runs small, which may be due to its compression and fully lined material to reduce drag in competitive swimming. So if you're looking to swim fast (for a competition or just for fun), this suit may help you glide through the water faster.

Jolyn Jackson Onesie

One-piece swimsuits can sometimes fit uncomfortably because every woman's body shape is unique — meaning an XS–XL size range isn't always going to cut it for every person. Jolyn truly changed the name of the game by creating one-piece sporty swimsuits for athletes with an adjustable tie-back to loosen or tighten the suit. This way, you can get swimwear that fits your waist and rear without worrying if the chest area will be too tight or loose.

One of our GH Institute editors has a basket full of Jolyn suits at home because of their durability and high quality at an affordable price. If you're worried about the knot detangling as you swim, our editor says that the knot on her Jolyn swimsuit from over five years ago is "still tied tightly" and the suit "never moved" while diving into pools. Be sure to take your measurements before ordering as the sizing for Jolyn suits will fit differently if you're not used to competitive swimwear.

Jolyn Ryan Bikini Top

Jolyn deserves another call-out because their bikini tops are even more of a star than the one-piece swimsuits. Bikinis are cute and help you avoid tan lines, but they're not always reliable. If you're looking for a swimsuit top that won't fall off your body as you surf in the ocean or dive into a pool , Jolyn has got you covered — literally. One of our GH Institute assistant editors swears by Jolyn's tie-back bikini tops and bikini bottoms because they "stay in place as you swim but still look cute."

The adjustable tie-back top and the bottom with a hidden drawstring keep the swimsuit in place. "These swimsuits are worth the price because the thick fabric will withstand chlorine or saltwater for multiple summers," a GH Institute assistant editor says.

Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family. 

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute . Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

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