In everyday life, you probably wear the same five outfits on repeat. But as soon as it’s holiday time, it’s more like “Do I need one sombrero or two?”...even if you’re heading to the Alps.
If you’re a chronic overpacker (or you’re just heading away for a longer duration of time), only the largest of large suitcases will do. So here’s how to choose yours.
First of all, you need to consider the size and weight of your suitcase. You don’t want to end up paying extra fees for exceeding the airline’s weight limit, or struggling to fit your suitcase in your car boot.
The best large suitcases should have a generous capacity, but also be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Look for suitcases that weigh less than 5 kg when empty, and that have a volume of at least 100 litres. You can also opt for expandable suitcases, which can give you more packing space when needed.
The not-so-fun part: your suitcase will likely go through a lot of rough handling and rougher terrain, so you want it to be sturdy and resistant to scratches, dents and tears. Hard-sided suitcases are usually made of polycarbonate, ABS or aluminium, which are strong and rigid materials that can protect your belongings from impact and moisture.
Soft-sided suitcases - which can sometimes squeeze in a few extra souvenirs - are usually made of nylon, polyester or canvas, which are flexible and lightweight materials that can absorb shocks and adapt to different shapes.
Both types of suitcases have their pros and cons, so it depends on your personal preference and travel style. For security, look for suitcases that have TSA-approved locks, zippers and straps, which can prevent any tampering.
We’ve rounded up all of the best large suitcases.
Tripp Retro II Mint Large Suitcase
Tripp's Retro II Mint Large Suitcase is the type you'll be able to spot instantly on the baggage carousel, thanks to its sleek green shade. Made from tough and durable ABS, it features an integrated TSA lock and comes with a range of inside compartments to keep everything organised. While it's a large suitcase, it's one of the lighter options around, meaning all the more space for your holiday belongings and souvenirs.
Buy now £65.00, Amazon
John Lewis ANYDAY Girona 75cm 4-Wheel Large Suitcase
Thought you couldn't find a good quality large suitcase for less than £100? Think again. This John Lewis ANYDAY Girona Suitcase comes in a range of stylish shades and comes with a durable finish to outlive years' worth of holidays.
Built from an ABS hardshell outer, its unique exterior and horizontal line details make it easily identifiable on the carousel; handy when you're in a rush for a taxi and connecting flights. Secured with a TSA lock located on the side, the half-and-half packaging and elastic compression straps keep your essentials secure from bumps along the way and, thanks to the mesh zippered divider, smaller items like passports, phones, boarding passes and headphones can easily be accessed on the go.
Buy now £65.00, John Lewis
Carl Friedrik The Large Check-in
Looking for something a little more luxe than your standard suitcase? Carl Friedrik's The Large Check-in is certainly one of the largest suitcases around and ticks all the boxes when it comes to attention to detail. Robust yet elegant, this travel case is made with lightweight polycarbonate, an aluminium lock frame and fine leather detailing. Internally, each side is an open compartment equipped with compression straps. It also includes one removable compression pad with a pocket, to be used in tandem with the compression straps.
Buy now £565.00, Carl Friedrik
Samsonite Upscape 4-Wheel 81cm Expandable Large Suitcase
You can't go wrong when it comes to the classic Samsonite and the brand's Upscape 4-Wheel Expandable Large Suitcase is a top choice for blending comfort and style. Enjoy carefree travelling thanks to its lightness, the shock-absorbing suspension wheels and its removable and washable interior lining. Stick with the timeless black shade or branch out with one of the brand's brighter shades available.
Buy now £245.00, John Lewis
July Checked Plus
New kid to the UK market, July doesn’t hold back when it comes to producing top-quality suitcases with all the trimmings. The July Checked Plus is the biggest in the range and is perfect for long trips or large families. It features 110 litres in size and is surrounded in a tough German polycarbonate shell - perfect for even the most aggressive of baggage handlers. It's also ideal if you're looking for something a little easier to spot, thanks to the endless array of colours available.
Buy now £295.00, July
American Tourister Aerostep 4-Wheel 77cm Expandable Large Suitcase
Scarred from a mixed-up suitcase collection in the past? This American Tourister Expandable Large Suitcase is one you'll never miss on the baggage carousel thanks to its luminous shade. With double wheels for smooth rolling and a TSA lock that keeps belongings safe and secure, it comes with all of the essentials for seamless travel.
Buy now £185.00, John Lewis
Antler Clifton Large
Not all suitcases are created equal and this Antler Clifton Large might just be the most stylish of the lot. The Clifton case is everything you could possibly want from a suitcase: each feature is designed to last longer and function better than ever before. With a design that packs a punch, this polycarbonate suitcase is strong, light on its feet and wheels like a dream. Clifton is also colour-fast, so any inevitable scratches will stay true to the colour of the shell.
Buy now, Antler
Joules Botanical Bee 75.5cm 4-Wheel Large Suitcase
Maybe you're looking for something that fits your personality a whole lot more than a standard black suitcase. If that's the case (excuse the pun), you might love this Joules Botanical Bee suitcase. The ultra-lightweight, durable smooth matte shell comes offset with metallic detailing and branded hardware that makes it just that little bit easier to spot on the carousel. Four smooth rolling double-wheels are there to aid manoeuvrability and make racing to the check-in desk a lot easier, plus, the integrated TSA Lock keeps your essentials secure during international travel too.
Buy now £199.00, John Lewis
Rimowa Check-In L
You've seen them on Instagram. Maybe you've seen them before at the airport, effortlessly gliding along. The Rimowa Check-In L is a classic for a good reason: it really is one of the best when it comes to practicality, durability and design.
Made from high-end anodised aluminium, the RIMOWA Original Check-In L in silver is engineered with longevity in mind. Remarkably robust and surprisingly lightweight, this large check-in suitcase is an example of craftsmanship and is built to provide room for up to 10 days of travel.
Buy now £1340.00, Rimowa
M&S Amalfi 4 Wheel Hard Shell Large Suitcase
One of the most popular - and budget-friendly - options around, this M&S Collection Amalfi 4 Wheel Hard Shell Large Suitcase has a hard shell, which gives sturdy protection, while its packing straps and a zip-around divider keep everything organised. Two internal pockets provide a home for smaller items and its four double-wheels and a retractable puller ensure easy manoeuvring. There's also a side handle for lifting.
Buy now £78.98, M&S
Verdict
It’s budget-friendly, durable and comes in a great range of eye-catching shades. This Tripp Retro II Mint Large Suitcase is our top pick for the best large suitcase.
