In my opinion, a designer suitcase is such a good investment for those who are serious about travel. Not only do they look good, but designer suitcases are also made to last.
If you think about it, why would any designer worth their salt want to put their name to anything less than a top quality product?
As a seasoned traveller myself, I’ve had many suitcases of all shapes and sizes over the years.
Whether you want a designer cabin suitcase to use as a carry-on, a large designer suitcase to check in or are considering which are the best designer suitcase sets to invest in, I’ve rounded up the top women’s and men’s designer suitcase options.
Based on my own personal experiences, recommendations from fellow travellers and extensive research, here are 15 of the best designer suitcases well worth splashing out on.
1. TUMI 19 Degree Aluminium Suitcase
This aluminium model is a 35 litre, small designer suitcase ideal for use as a carry-on. It’s made from lightweight materials, yet I love that it’s strong enough to cope with less-than-careful handling.
For security, there’s integral TSA combination locks. It’s easy to organise the contents as there are a couple of mesh pockets, a hanger bracket and tie-down straps inside.
To keep it in peak condition there’s also protective bumpers, recessed spinner wheels and a three stage, retractable telescopic handle. Weighing only a little over five kilos, I think this is a classic suitcase to take you anywhere.
2. Prada Re-Nylon Small Carry-On Suitcase
A men’s or women’s designer suitcase with a Prada label will never come cheap, but I believe it’s an investment in quality and timeless elegance.
This one is made from fabric, featuring leather trim and the must-have triangular logo. It’s made in Italy and available in black with gunmetal grey accents.
It’s about substance as well as style. Practical touches include a zippered exterior and internal pockets, two interior compartments and a two-way zipper. Also included is a dust bag and a matching address tag to complete the picture, which I think is a lovely touch.
3. Brunello Cucinelli Grained Leather Suitcase
For luxury designer suitcases in genuine leather, I’d really recommend the Brunello Cucinelli label. This item is handmade, and features full-grain leather. The warm tan shade is elegant and appealing, and each one is produced in a mediaeval Italian village.
A large front pocket with a zipper gives you somewhere secure to store items you need to grab while on the go, and smart silver zippers and a fabric lining ensure a luxury look.
There are several interior compartments for organisation, plus tie-down straps in matching coppery leather.
4. Fendi FF-Logo Suitcase
This gorgeous Fendi logo suitcase will leave no one in any doubt about the fact that you’re carrying designer gear. It’s made from printed, coated canvas, and has a real leather trim. The size is ideal as a carry-on too.
This smart, compact case has a retractable telescopic handle and four wheels for smooth rolling. I love that it’s divided into sections inside to help you stay organised while travelling.
There’s also a soft grab handle to carry this case with, and even when fully loaded that shouldn’t be too arduous a task.
5. Away Aluminium Suitcase
When you want suitcases with a designer look but a more modest price tag, I’d suggest taking a look at the Away range of aluminium suitcases.
They’re available in black rose gold as well as classic silver, and are compact enough to fit into the overhead luggage compartments for most airlines. This hard shell designer case comes with 360° spinner wheels, a matching laundry bag, compression straps and two TSA combination locks.
It’s ideal as a case for a long weekend or even a week away if you’re travelling light. The tough casing on this one ensures it will retain its good looks for a long time to come.
6. Globe-Trotter x Gucci GG Suitcase
In my opinion, some of the best designer suitcases come from Gucci, and this is the first of two featured in my guide. This one forms part of the respected label’s Epilogue collection. It’s the result of a collaboration between Gucci and Globe-Trotter, a luggage label based in Great Britain.
These cases are also handmade here in the UK, and have a number of useful features to complement the vintage-style look (which I adore). An ergonomic telescopic handle avoids strain, while 360° spinner wheels make it a cinch to roll around.
A lock-and-key closure, dust bag and detachable luggage tag are also included.
7. Montblanc Medium Trolley
Luxury German label Montblanc has a century’s heritage behind it, and it shows. This medium-sized trolley suitcase features a lightweight polycarbonate construction and a soft leather trim.
I love the sleek black, plus it has a telescopic handle that can be set to a range of different heights. Inside, the case has a zippered clothing compartment plus further zipped pockets in small, medium and large sizes.
The designer luxury suitcase also boasts TSA locks, a luggage tag, a supple leather grab handle and quiet-running wheels.
8. Casablanca Logo-Plaque Suitcase
If you’re looking at designer suitcases and travel bags because you want to stand out, then I’d definitely recommend this Casablanca one. It has a vintage look with contrasting corner protectors and straps, yet comes in an industrial style silver metal with black trim.
The fold-over top can be secured by means of two buckles, and there’s a bamboo handle to the top for easy carrying. Inside the case you’ll find a colourful lining, plus tie-down straps to keep everything in its place.
The case rolls along on two wheels, and also has side and top handles for versatility.
9. FPM Milano Bank Zonda Spinner Suitcase
This FPM Milano product is another of the designer suitcases for men and women with an attractive, industrial look. I think the silver corner protectors and studs all around give this one rock star style.
It belongs to the brand’s cutting edge Bank collection, created in collaboration with Marc Sadler, a leading industrial designer.
This case has multi-directional spinner wheels, a combination lock to the top and ultra solid buckle fastenings. The construction is super tough, ensuring the beauty of this piece of luggage goes way more than skin deep.
10. Brics Bellagio Four-Wheel Suitcase
Compared to some, I love that these men’s and ladies’ designer suitcases from Brics come in cool cream with warm tan leather accents. This Italian brand dates back to the 1950s, and is synonymous with both style and practicality.
A Makrolon® polycarbonate build makes this a very lightweight choice, yet it’s heavyweight when it comes to being user-friendly.
A smooth telescopic handle and spinner wheels ensure the case is a pleasure to wheel around. There’s also plenty of space and separate compartments to ensure you can stash all your stuff safely and neatly.
11. Gucci Savoy Medium Carry-On Suitcase
I’m sure that no one who loves the Gucci label should be able to resist their Savoy suitcase. These designer suitcases for women and men who travel come with an eye-catching green and red stripe, which combined with the tan print means this is definitely one you cannot miss.
There are zippered pockets both inside and out, plus 360 degree spinner wheels and a smart leather ID tag. This case is made in Italy and also comes with a full fabric lining, a luxe antique gold strap, a key holder and an adjustable telescopic handle.
12. Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Shell Suitcase
If you’re not a fan of the sort of designer suitcases with a Louis Vuitton label or look, then I’d recommend the practical yet deluxe design of this Briggs and Riley case.
It comes in classic navy, so it won’t show up the dirt no matter how dusty it is at your destination, in the hold or on the luggage carousel.
This case is expandable, so it’s ideal for those shopping trips when you may end up spending more than you intended to. It’s also fully lined with a garment holder, mesh pockets, spinner wheels, corner guards and SmartLink™ straps.
13. Samsonite Proxis Case
Samsonite may not be the most obvious designer suitcase brand, but the Proxis case is sold at Harrods and I think it looks far more expensive than it actually is. In shining silver, it’s got a telescopic handle, interior dividers and compartments and is made to last.
In fact this Samsonite case is made from innovative Roxkin – a material comprising multiple layers that’s designed so it simply springs back into shape. It’s tough, it looks great and has everything you need for seamless, stress-free travel.
14. Globe-Trotter Centenary Check-In Suitcase
Featured here is a collaborative product made by Gucci and Globe-Trotter, ensuring this British brand has the designer seal of approval. This case is another option that combines timeless elegance with luggage space and practicality.
In a vibrant orange colour, this Globe-Trotter suitcase features smart golden studs around the corner protectors, the outer straps and the base. There’s a telescopic handle at the top, plus side and top grab handles.
The flip-lock fastening is super user-friendly, and this strong case has plenty of room for everything you need to take along.
15. FLOYD Cabin Branded Shell Suitcase
This designer suitcase from Floyd certainly stands out from the crowd. I love that the cool golden colour really pops when set against the red spinner wheels. A tough, wipe-clean polycarbonate finish also means you can expect longevity here.
An integral combination lock keeps your belongings safely stowed, and the size is perfect for use as a carry-on. Another zing of colour is provided by the sunny yellow stripe marking where the two halves join.
This suitcase is smart and will complement any look, while ensuring your travel luggage looks far from dull.
There are plenty of stunning designer suitcases to choose from and my list above features all of my personal favourites.
For more travel buys, have a read of my guide to the best travel laptops, the best travel laptop bags or check out my travel shop.
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