Best luxury luggage (2026): buy these, skip those

Quick answer

Buy the Rimowa Original Cabin if you want one answer: grooved aluminum carry-on. Best for classic aluminum: the Rimowa Classic Cabin. Best for big aluminum: the Rimowa Original Check-In L. Skip the Loro Piana Cabin Trolley unless you want quiet luxury.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated November 6, 2026 1 min read

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Our picks at a glance

Buy this first Rimowa Original Cabin Best for Aluminum icon · Typically $1,450–$1,700
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Classic aluminum Rimowa Classic Cabin Best for Classic aluminum · Typically $1,600–$1,900
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Big aluminum Rimowa Original Check-In L Best for Big aluminum · Typically $1,800–$2,100
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Light Rimowa Rimowa Essential Cabin Best for Light Rimowa · Typically $800–$950
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Aluminum trunk Rimowa Original Trunk Best for Aluminum trunk · Typically $2,000–$2,300
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Value aluminum Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Best for Value aluminum · Typically $1,100–$1,350
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Checked aluminum Rimowa Trunk Plus Best for Checked aluminum · Typically $1,700–$2,000
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Luxury trolley Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Best for Luxury trolley · Typically $3,700–$4,300
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Hybrid Rimowa Hybrid Cabin Best for Hybrid · Typically $1,100–$1,300
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Soft workhorse Tumi Alpha International Carry-On Best for Soft workhorse · Typically $900–$1,100
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Value aluminum Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip Best for Value aluminum · Typically $1,500–$1,800
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Dark LV Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Monogram Eclipse Best for Dark LV · Typically $3,700–$4,300
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Italian value Bric’s Bellagio Carry-On Best for Italian value · Typically $500–$700
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NYC heritage T. Anthony Carry-On Best for NYC heritage · Typically $1,500–$2,200
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Business trolley Montblanc #MY4810 Trolley Best for Business trolley · Typically $1,100–$1,400
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British heritage Globe-Trotter Centenary 20 Best for British heritage · Typically $1,600–$2,200
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Large LV Louis Vuitton Horizon 70 Best for Large LV · Typically $4,600–$5,200
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Insider trolley Goyard Bourget PM Trolley Best for Insider trolley · Typically $6,500–$8,000
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Leather trolley Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Taiga Best for Leather trolley · Typically $4,500–$5,200
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Heritage cabin Globe-Trotter Original Carry-On Best for Heritage cabin · Typically $1,200–$1,500
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Colour Rimowa Rimowa Original Cabin Twist Best for Colour Rimowa · Typically $1,800–$2,100
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Heritage check-in Globe-Trotter Centenary 30 Best for Heritage check-in · Typically $2,600–$3,200
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Leather Rimowa Rimowa Distinct Cabin Best for Leather Rimowa · Typically $3,200–$3,800
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Hermès trolley Hermès R.M.S. Trolley Best for Hermès trolley · Typically $12,000–$16,000
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Heritage trunk Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier 90 Best for Heritage trunk · Typically $45,000–$60,000
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British leather Asprey Leather Trolley Best for British leather · Typically $6,000–$9,000
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Skip it Loro Piana Cabin Trolley Best for Quiet travel · Typically $7,000–$9,000
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Skip it Away Bigger Carry-On Aluminum Best for Benchmark · Typically $450–$550
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Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.

Comparison table

Feature	Buy this firstRimowa Original Cabin	Classic aluminumRimowa Classic Cabin	Big aluminumRimowa Original Check-In L	Light RimowaRimowa Essential Cabin	Aluminum trunkRimowa Original Trunk	Value aluminumTumi 19 Degree Aluminum	Checked aluminumRimowa Trunk Plus	Luxury trolleyLouis Vuitton Horizon 55	HybridRimowa Hybrid Cabin	Soft workhorseTumi Alpha International Carry-On	Value aluminumTumi 19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip	Dark LVLouis Vuitton Horizon 55 Monogram Eclipse	Italian valueBric’s Bellagio Carry-On	NYC heritageT. Anthony Carry-On	Business trolleyMontblanc #MY4810 Trolley	British heritageGlobe-Trotter Centenary 20	Large LVLouis Vuitton Horizon 70	Insider trolleyGoyard Bourget PM Trolley	Leather trolleyLouis Vuitton Horizon 55 Taiga	Heritage cabinGlobe-Trotter Original Carry-On	Colour RimowaRimowa Original Cabin Twist	Heritage check-inGlobe-Trotter Centenary 30	Leather RimowaRimowa Distinct Cabin	Hermès trolleyHermès R.M.S. Trolley	Heritage trunkLouis Vuitton Malle Courrier 90	British leatherAsprey Leather Trolley	Skip itLoro Piana Cabin Trolley	Skip itAway Bigger Carry-On Aluminum
Verdict	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Buy	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Consider	Skip	Skip
Typical price	$1,450–$1,700	$1,600–$1,900	$1,800–$2,100	$800–$950	$2,000–$2,300	$1,100–$1,350	$1,700–$2,000	$3,700–$4,300	$1,100–$1,300	$900–$1,100	$1,500–$1,800	$3,700–$4,300	$500–$700	$1,500–$2,200	$1,100–$1,400	$1,600–$2,200	$4,600–$5,200	$6,500–$8,000	$4,500–$5,200	$1,200–$1,500	$1,800–$2,100	$2,600–$3,200	$3,200–$3,800	$12,000–$16,000	$45,000–$60,000	$6,000–$9,000	$7,000–$9,000	$450–$550
Best for	Aluminum icon	Classic aluminum	Big aluminum	Light Rimowa	Aluminum trunk	Value aluminum	Checked aluminum	Luxury trolley	Hybrid	Soft workhorse	Value aluminum	Dark LV	Italian value	NYC heritage	Business trolley	British heritage	Large LV	Insider trolley	Leather trolley	Heritage cabin	Colour Rimowa	Heritage check-in	Leather Rimowa	Hermès trolley	Heritage trunk	British leather	Quiet travel	Benchmark
Key feature	Grooved aluminum carry-on	Leather-handled aluminum	Large aluminum checked case	Polycarbonate carry-on	Trunk-shaped case	Aluminum carry-on	Large checked trunk	Monogram canvas soft trolley	Polycarbonate with aluminum frame	Ballistic nylon carry-on	Large aluminum	Eclipse trolley	Italian carry-on	Coated canvas carry-on	Polycarbonate trolley	Vulcanized fiberboard case	Large soft trolley	Goyardine trolley	Taiga trolley	Fiberboard cabin case	Two-tone aluminum	Large fiberboard	Leather-trimmed aluminum	Leather and canvas trolley	Hand-built trunk	Leather trolley	Leather and canvas trolley	Aluminum carry-on
Shell	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Polycarbonate	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Monogram canvas	Polycarbonate and aluminum	Ballistic nylon	Aluminum	Monogram Eclipse	Polycarbonate	Coated canvas	Polycarbonate	Fiberboard	Monogram canvas	Goyardine canvas	Taiga leather	Fiberboard	Aluminum	Fiberboard	Aluminum and leather	Canvas and leather	Monogram canvas	Leather	Canvas and leather	Aluminum
Size	55 x 40 x 23 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm	79 x 51 x 27 cm	55 x 39 x 23 cm	80 x 40 x 40 cm	56 x 40 x 23 cm	80 x 41 x 40 cm	55 x 38 x 21 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm	56 x 36 x 23 cm	78 x 53 x 33 cm	55 x 38 x 21 cm	55 x 38 x 23 cm	55 x 38 x 23 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm	51 x 34 x 18 cm	70 x 50 x 26 cm	55 x 35 x 20 cm	55 x 38 x 21 cm	53 x 33 x 18 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm	76 x 50 x 26 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm	55 x 40 x 20 cm	90 x 52 x 52 cm	55 x 38 x 22 cm	55 x 38 x 20 cm	57 x 39 x 24 cm
Weight	4.3 kg	4.3 kg	6.2 kg	3.2 kg	7.0 kg	4.4 kg	7.4 kg	2.9 kg	3.9 kg	4.1 kg	6.7 kg	2.9 kg	3.5 kg	4.5 kg	3.6 kg	4 kg	4.1 kg	4 kg	3.4 kg	3.6 kg	4.3 kg	6.5 kg	4.8 kg	4.5 kg	30 kg	5 kg	3.6 kg	4.5 kg
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	5 years	Lifetime	Repairs	Lifetime	5 years	5 years	Repairs	2 years	Repairs	2 years	5 years	Repairs	Repairs	Repairs	5 years	Lifetime	5 years	Lifetime	Repairs	Repairs	Repairs	Repairs	Limited lifetime
Where to buy	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link	Check Price Paid link

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Original Cabin

Grooved aluminum carry-on.

Buy it if: you want an iconic, long-lasting case.
Skip it if: you mind dents.

Pros

Iconic
Durable
Lifetime warranty

Cons

Dents
Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Classic Cabin

Leather-handled aluminum.

Buy it if: you want classic.
Skip it if: you mind dents.

Pros

Beautiful
Durable

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Original Check-In L

Large aluminum checked case.

Buy it if: you want a lifetime checked case.
Skip it if: you mind dents.

Pros

Durable
Lifetime warranty

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 79 x 51 x 27 cm
Weight: 6.2 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Essential Cabin

Polycarbonate carry-on.

Buy it if: you want light.
Skip it if: you want aluminum.

Pros

Light
Fair Rimowa

Cons

Scuffs

Key specifications

Shell: Polycarbonate
Size: 55 x 39 x 23 cm
Weight: 3.2 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Original Trunk

Trunk-shaped case.

Buy it if: you want extended trips.
Skip it if: you want light.

Pros

Roomy

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 80 x 40 x 40 cm
Weight: 7.0 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Tumi · Luxury luggage

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum

Aluminum carry-on.

Buy it if: you want aluminum for less.
Skip it if: you want Rimowa.

Pros

Fair price
Tough

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 56 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.4 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Trunk Plus

Large checked trunk.

Buy it if: you want big checked.
Skip it if: you want carry-on.

Pros

Durable

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 80 x 41 x 40 cm
Weight: 7.4 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Louis Vuitton · Luxury luggage

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55

Monogram canvas soft trolley.

Buy it if: you want LV travel.
Skip it if: you want hard shell.

Pros

Light
Tough canvas

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Monogram canvas
Size: 55 x 38 x 21 cm
Weight: 2.9 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Hybrid Cabin

Polycarbonate with aluminum frame.

Buy it if: you want light.
Skip it if: you want aluminum.

Pros

Light
Sturdy

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Polycarbonate and aluminum
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 3.9 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Tumi · Luxury luggage

Tumi Alpha International Carry-On

Ballistic nylon carry-on.

Buy it if: you want soft.
Skip it if: you want hard.

Pros

Tough
Organized

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Ballistic nylon
Size: 56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.1 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Tumi · Luxury luggage

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip

Large aluminum.

Buy it if: you want aluminum for less.
Skip it if: you want Rimowa.

Pros

Fair

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 78 x 53 x 33 cm
Weight: 6.7 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Louis Vuitton · Luxury luggage

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Monogram Eclipse

Eclipse trolley.

Buy it if: you want discreet LV.
Skip it if: you want hard.

Pros

Light

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Monogram Eclipse
Size: 55 x 38 x 21 cm
Weight: 2.9 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Bric’s · Luxury luggage

Bric’s Bellagio Carry-On

Italian carry-on.

Buy it if: you want value.
Skip it if: you want prestige.

Pros

Fair price

Cons

Less known

Key specifications

Shell: Polycarbonate
Size: 55 x 38 x 23 cm
Weight: 3.5 kg
Warranty: 2 years

Read the full review

T. Anthony · Luxury luggage

T. Anthony Carry-On

Coated canvas carry-on.

Buy it if: you want heritage.
Skip it if: you want hard.

Pros

Durable
Heritage

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Coated canvas
Size: 55 x 38 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.5 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Montblanc · Luxury luggage

Montblanc #MY4810 Trolley

Polycarbonate trolley.

Buy it if: you want business.
Skip it if: you want fashion.

Pros

Practical

Cons

Plain

Key specifications

Shell: Polycarbonate
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 3.6 kg
Warranty: 2 years

Read the full review

Globe-Trotter · Luxury luggage

Globe-Trotter Centenary 20

Vulcanized fiberboard case.

Buy it if: you want heritage style.
Skip it if: you want light.

Pros

Heritage
Beautiful

Cons

Heavy
Fragile

Key specifications

Shell: Fiberboard
Size: 51 x 34 x 18 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Louis Vuitton · Luxury luggage

Louis Vuitton Horizon 70

Large soft trolley.

Buy it if: you want LV.
Skip it if: you want hard.

Pros

Light

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Monogram canvas
Size: 70 x 50 x 26 cm
Weight: 4.1 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Goyard · Luxury luggage

Goyard Bourget PM Trolley

Goyardine trolley.

Buy it if: you want Goyard.
Skip it if: you want online.

Pros

Distinctive

Cons

Boutique

Key specifications

Shell: Goyardine canvas
Size: 55 x 35 x 20 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Louis Vuitton · Luxury luggage

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Taiga

Taiga trolley.

Buy it if: you want leather.
Skip it if: you want canvas.

Pros

Discreet LV

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Taiga leather
Size: 55 x 38 x 21 cm
Weight: 3.4 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Globe-Trotter · Luxury luggage

Globe-Trotter Original Carry-On

Fiberboard cabin case.

Buy it if: you want heritage.
Skip it if: you want light.

Pros

Beautiful

Cons

Fragile

Key specifications

Shell: Fiberboard
Size: 53 x 33 x 18 cm
Weight: 3.6 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Original Cabin Twist

Two-tone aluminum.

Buy it if: you want colour.
Skip it if: you want classic.

Pros

Distinctive

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.3 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Globe-Trotter · Luxury luggage

Globe-Trotter Centenary 30

Large fiberboard.

Buy it if: you want heritage.
Skip it if: you want light.

Pros

Beautiful

Cons

Fragile

Key specifications

Shell: Fiberboard
Size: 76 x 50 x 26 cm
Weight: 6.5 kg
Warranty: 5 years

Read the full review

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Distinct Cabin

Leather-trimmed aluminum.

Buy it if: you want luxe.
Skip it if: you want value.

Pros

Luxe

Cons

Pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum and leather
Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight: 4.8 kg
Warranty: Lifetime

Read the full review

Hermès · Luxury luggage

Hermès R.M.S. Trolley

Leather and canvas trolley.

Buy it if: you want Hermès travel.
Skip it if: you want value.

Pros

Superb

Cons

Extreme

Key specifications

Shell: Canvas and leather
Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight: 4.5 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Louis Vuitton · Luxury luggage

Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier 90

Hand-built trunk.

Buy it if: you want heirloom.
Skip it if: you want practical.

Pros

Heirloom

Cons

Extreme

Key specifications

Shell: Monogram canvas
Size: 90 x 52 x 52 cm
Weight: 30 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Asprey · Luxury luggage

Asprey Leather Trolley

Leather trolley.

Buy it if: you want British.
Skip it if: you want light.

Pros

Beautiful

Cons

Heavy

Key specifications

Shell: Leather
Size: 55 x 38 x 22 cm
Weight: 5 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Loro Piana · Luxury luggage

Loro Piana Cabin Trolley

Leather and canvas trolley.

Buy it if: you want quiet luxury.
Skip it if: you want value.

Pros

Superb

Cons

Extremely pricey

Key specifications

Shell: Canvas and leather
Size: 55 x 38 x 20 cm
Weight: 3.6 kg
Warranty: Repairs

Read the full review

Away · Luxury luggage

Away Bigger Carry-On Aluminum

Aluminum carry-on.

Buy it if: you want value.
Skip it if: you want luxury.

Pros

Fair price

Cons

Not luxury

Key specifications

Shell: Aluminum
Size: 57 x 39 x 24 cm
Weight: 4.5 kg
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Read the full review

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The short answer

Carry-ons and checked suitcases from Rimowa, Louis Vuitton, Globe-Trotter, Tumi, Bric’s, Loro Piana and more, judged on durability, weight and warranty. We researched 28 pieces and put each one in one of two piles: buy it, or skip it (with a few “consider” calls where it depends on you).

How the buy-or-skip call is made

We compare materials and construction, read the houses’ care and warranty terms, follow long-term owner experience and track the usual retail and resale prices. A piece earns “Buy” only if we would recommend it to a friend at that price. No house pays for a place on this list.

Check these before you buy

Shell: aluminum dents but lasts decades; polycarbonate is lighter and flexes; vulcanized fiberboard is classic but heavy.
Size: check your airline’s cabin limits; many “cabin” cases are too deep for European budget airlines.
Warranty: Rimowa and Tumi offer long warranties and repair services; check what is covered.

Buyer tip

Luxury luggage warranties matter more than looks: register the case with the brand after you buy. Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT, and many Italian and French makers of sunglasses, gloves and leather goods sell for less at home than in the US. Check the warranty and repair service before buying across borders. The full checklist is in our luxury luggage buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which luxury luggage should I buy in 2026?

Start with the Rimowa Original Cabin (grooved aluminum carry-on). It usually sells for $1,450–$1,700.

Rimowa aluminum or polycarbonate?

Aluminum for the look and longevity, with dents as character. Polycarbonate is lighter and bounces back.

Is Louis Vuitton luggage practical?

Its soft-sided Horizon cases are practical; the hard trunks are beautiful but heavy and fragile in airport handling.

What is the most affordable luxury luggage worth buying?

The Bric’s Bellagio Carry-On, usually $500–$700. Read its skip-if line first so you know what you give up.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

The best luxury luggage, sorted into buy and skip

Which luxury luggage should you buy in 2026? It depends on how you will wear it, your style and what you want to spend, so instead of one winner this list gives every piece a clear call and a one-line reason. 15 of the 28 pieces here earn a straight buy. Read the skip-if lines too: they save more money than the buy-if lines.

Every piece, one line each

Buy: Rimowa Original Cabin ($1,450–$1,700). Grooved aluminum carry-on. Buy it if you want an iconic, long-lasting case; skip it if you mind dents.

Buy: Rimowa Classic Cabin ($1,600–$1,900). Leather-handled aluminum. Buy it if you want classic; skip it if you mind dents.

Buy: Rimowa Original Check-In L ($1,800–$2,100). Large aluminum checked case. Buy it if you want a lifetime checked case; skip it if you mind dents.

Buy: Rimowa Essential Cabin ($800–$950). Polycarbonate carry-on. Buy it if you want light; skip it if you want aluminum.

Buy: Rimowa Original Trunk ($2,000–$2,300). Trunk-shaped case. Buy it if you want extended trips; skip it if you want light.

Buy: Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum ($1,100–$1,350). Aluminum carry-on. Buy it if you want aluminum for less; skip it if you want Rimowa.

Buy: Rimowa Trunk Plus ($1,700–$2,000). Large checked trunk. Buy it if you want big checked; skip it if you want carry-on.

Buy: Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 ($3,700–$4,300). Monogram canvas soft trolley. Buy it if you want LV travel; skip it if you want hard shell.

Buy: Rimowa Hybrid Cabin ($1,100–$1,300). Polycarbonate with aluminum frame. Buy it if you want light; skip it if you want aluminum.

Buy: Tumi Alpha International Carry-On ($900–$1,100). Ballistic nylon carry-on. Buy it if you want soft; skip it if you want hard.

Buy: Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip ($1,500–$1,800). Large aluminum. Buy it if you want aluminum for less; skip it if you want Rimowa.

Buy: Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Monogram Eclipse ($3,700–$4,300). Eclipse trolley. Buy it if you want discreet LV; skip it if you want hard.

Buy: Bric’s Bellagio Carry-On ($500–$700). Italian carry-on. Buy it if you want value; skip it if you want prestige.

Buy: T. Anthony Carry-On ($1,500–$2,200). Coated canvas carry-on. Buy it if you want heritage; skip it if you want hard.

Buy: Montblanc #MY4810 Trolley ($1,100–$1,400). Polycarbonate trolley. Buy it if you want business; skip it if you want fashion.

Consider: Globe-Trotter Centenary 20 ($1,600–$2,200). Vulcanized fiberboard case. Buy it if you want heritage style; skip it if you want light.

Consider: Louis Vuitton Horizon 70 ($4,600–$5,200). Large soft trolley. Buy it if you want LV; skip it if you want hard.

Consider: Goyard Bourget PM Trolley ($6,500–$8,000). Goyardine trolley. Buy it if you want Goyard; skip it if you want online.

Consider: Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Taiga ($4,500–$5,200). Taiga trolley. Buy it if you want leather; skip it if you want canvas.

Consider: Globe-Trotter Original Carry-On ($1,200–$1,500). Fiberboard cabin case. Buy it if you want heritage; skip it if you want light.

Consider: Rimowa Original Cabin Twist ($1,800–$2,100). Two-tone aluminum. Buy it if you want colour; skip it if you want classic.

Consider: Globe-Trotter Centenary 30 ($2,600–$3,200). Large fiberboard. Buy it if you want heritage; skip it if you want light.

Consider: Rimowa Distinct Cabin ($3,200–$3,800). Leather-trimmed aluminum. Buy it if you want luxe; skip it if you want value.

Consider: Hermès R.M.S. Trolley ($12,000–$16,000). Leather and canvas trolley. Buy it if you want Hermès travel; skip it if you want value.

Consider: Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier 90 ($45,000–$60,000). Hand-built trunk. Buy it if you want heirloom; skip it if you want practical.

Consider: Asprey Leather Trolley ($6,000–$9,000). Leather trolley. Buy it if you want British; skip it if you want light.

Skip: Loro Piana Cabin Trolley ($7,000–$9,000). Leather and canvas trolley. Buy it if you want quiet luxury; skip it if you want value.

Skip: Away Bigger Carry-On Aluminum ($450–$550). Aluminum carry-on. Buy it if you want value; skip it if you want luxury.

How we sorted them

How we make the call: we read the house’s own product details and care guides, compare materials and construction, follow owners’ long-term experience and track the usual retail and resale prices. A piece gets “Buy” only if we would tell a friend to spend that money on it. No fashion house can pay for a verdict. Shell: aluminum dents but lasts decades; polycarbonate is lighter and flexes; vulcanized fiberboard is classic but heavy.

When to buy

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.

US and Europe

Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT, and many Italian and French makers of sunglasses, gloves and leather goods sell for less at home than in the US. Check the warranty and repair service before buying across borders.

Luxury luggage warranties matter more than looks: register the case with the brand after you buy.