When it comes to holiday planning, we all go through the same checklist.
You book your route, be it road, rail, air or sea. You need to make hotel reservations. You might even pre-organise a dinner or two (especially if you’re type A). But then, every time, you leave one of the most essential tasks to the last minute – packing.
If you haven’t got quality luggage to hand, packing becomes a whole lot harder. The right bag can make travel a breeze, but it depends on a few things. For a weekender, you might want a leather holdall. Heading a short trip abroad? Perhaps you’d prefer a carry-on case. Or for a two-week sojourn, it’s more likely you’ll need a lightweight hold case (ideally on wheels) which you can fill without exceeding the standard 23kg limit.
On top of needing a range of sizes to cater for every possible trip, you don’t want the same luggage as everyone else - how else will you distinguish it from the others at the luggage carousel?
The good news? There’s a whole host of lesser-known labels a cut above the basics of the luggage world.
These labels offer just about every handy feature you could dream of, from a briefcase which caters for a 36-hour stay by Lundi Paris to Floyd’s bright suitcases for the statement traveller, not to mention Carl Friedrik’s comprehensive range of check-in and carry-on designs and Arterton’s tailoring-friendly garment bags.
The best part? When you’re strolling through departures with your unique wheelie or waiting to spot your stand-out case on the luggage carousel, you’ll be the envy of the airport.
Lesser known luggage labels at a glance
Keep scrolling for our top pick.
Tropicfeel
Best for: rugged travelling
A travel trip to Thailand inspired the creation of sustainable footwear, apparel and luggage B Corp label Tropicfeel to launch. The Barcelona-born brand provides accountability for every stage of the production process, paying attention to each in order to minimise its impact on the planet. As such, it prioritises the use of recycled materials and all the packaging is recycled. This idea even extends to the products in which each piece has endless wear potential, whether you’re at home or abroad.
Buy now, Tropicfeel
Carl Friedrik
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Best for: overall best
Here at ES Best, we’re big fans of Carl Friedrik. The London-based label has its foundations in luxury leather goods – totes, briefcases, holdalls et al. – but has since expanded its collection to include trunk-inspired hard-shell suitcases of many sizes.
They come in a range of understated colourways, from a sleek monochrome to a two-tone navy-brown combo which is perfect for those who want something a little different.
Our top tip? Go for the full luggage set to save £75 when you buy the carry-on and the check-in at once.
Buy now, Carl Friedrik
Arterton
Best for: a luxury garment bag
If you regularly travel with tailoring, Arterton is the luxury label you need on your radar. The signature piece is the garment bag which is made from 10oz waxed cotton with a dual-zip opening and space for three of the brand’s handmade hangers – so your shirt, trousers and jacket are covered. For an upgrade, you could invest in the leather travel handle and dust cover, too. If you want the full set, there’s a briefcase and holdall, too.
Buy now, Arterton
Steele & Borough
Best for: durability
Designed to stand the test of time, Steele & Borough uses nylon in the construction of its luggage that offers both durability and a sleek, chic finish. Functional first and foremost, it’s a water-resistant material to protect your precious possessions while you jet-set around the world. Across gym bags, weekender and work designs, each is cut with clean lines to give a sophisticated, professional feel.
Buy now, Steele & Borough
Floyd
Best for: cases with personality
Taking style cues from 70s California, Floyd’s cases have an easy-going feel which stands out amidst the sea of monotonous luggage – and they’re particularly easy to spot on the conveyor belt. There’s a strong selection of vibrant colours to choose from including hot orange, magic purple, Miami blue or sugar pink, all of which come in cabin, check-in and trunk sizes. You can even customise your wheel colour for a personalised touch.
Buy now, Floyd
