The Best Cabin Suitcases Of 2024, Tried And Tested By ELLE UK’s Editors
Finding the best suitcase for a quick weekend getaway or much-needed long holiday is the equivalent of climbing a small Everest in the sartorial world. For years, the ELLE UK team debated whether it was worth spending its hard-earned monthly salaries on a suitcase when the appeal of investing in a luxury handbag (think Saint Laurent and Loewe) sounded far more appealing.
Yet after struggling with numerous wonky wheels, broken handles and suitcases that, let’s face it, struggle to close like a pair of jeans come Christmas Day, we all admitted defeat and recognised that spending the big bucks on a suitcase that will stand the test of time (not to mention the growing number of airlines with strict regulations on luggage size and weight) was worth our attention.
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When it comes to choosing the right suitcases, however, we all need a little help. After all, there are several luggage brands now on the market, each boasting clever design features, from portable chargers to compression pads.
After a long summer of travel and with fashion month well underway, here’s the ELLE UK’s teams list of the best, tried and tested suitcases for 2024:
Best For Overpacking – Lipault’s Plume Cabin Suitcase
Acting Site Fashion Editor Clementina Jackson's verdict: Lipault’s Plume Cabin Suitcase is hands-down the best travel companion I’ve ever had. Having only ever owned hard-shell luggage previously, I was initially hesitant about how practical a soft case would actually be – but now that I’ve taken my new bag on a number of overseas trips, I can’t imagine ever going back. The whole structure weighs in at just over 2kg, meaning not only is it much easier to carry around, but it fits significantly more, too. I have long lived in fear of Ryanair plucking me out of the boarding queue to check my bag, so knowing that I have a few extra kilos of leeway really is a weight off my mind. The same goes for the soft exterior, that means I’ve been able to pack in more clothes and shoes than ever thanks to the extra flexibility – and all without worrying about going over the size limit, either.
Other nifty details include an external pocket that’s perfect for travel documents, three soft handles, four wheels, a padlock, rubber tag and adjustable straps on the inside to hold everything firmly in place. I would be lying if I said the overall aesthetic wasn’t a big draw, too: the suitcase comes in seven shades of sleek, water-repellent twill nylon, and the colour extends all the way down to the wheels and zippers for a stylish monochrome look.
Best For Durability – SteamLine Starlet Suitcase
Social Media Executive Ruby Vance's verdict: If you think it’s time to update your worn-out suitcase with something shiny and new, then a piece of SteamLine Luggage might be for you. With leather straps and gold hardware, the distinctive design stands out in the crowd and offers a chic yet sturdy alternative to your average suitcase. Although I was tempted by the 'Barbie pink' colourway that Margot Robbie was spotted with at Sydney airport last year, I decided to go for the more classic Starlet option, which comes in black and cream.
I opted for the carry-on size, measuring 20' x 14.5' x 6.5'. It's perfect for weekend getaways and, like me, if you prefer keeping your valuables close, it's convenient to have your suitcase with you in the cabin. I’ve made the mistake of not using the luggage cover before, so don’t forget to put it on when travelling to avoid getting marks on the white leather. Although the suitcase doesn’t have the 360-degree swivel wheels that I’m used to, it does have durable built-in wheels that glide along the floor silently. The zippered lid compartments and hanging organiser make it easy to neatly pack away all your things, but try not to overpack as the fibreboard shell doesn’t have much give in it.
Best For Style – Nere Stori Cabin Suitcase
Senior Site Beauty Editor Amelia Bell's verdict: Suitcases never used to be stylish, but now it seems there’s an endless array of runway-ready luggage to choose from and often with eye-watering price tags for the privilege of matching your airport outfit to your carry-on. At the intersection of highly functional yet still aesthetically pleasing, I recently discovered Aussie-born brand Nere; it has all the bells and whistles of the case you’ve been eyeing up on Instagram but is slightly more affordable than some of the buzzier brands doing the rounds right now.
For any work travel, I won’t go anywhere without the Stori cabin luggage (it’s chic yet practical) and when travelling further afield, the Stori medium suitcase has the trifecta of being lightweight, high-tech and the perfect size for long-haul journeys. Ergonomic to hold, undetectable when you wheel it and with an in-built lock, it has everything I need to travel safely and stylishly - it even has a self-repairing zip, which I’m yet to put to the test. As a self-confessed overpacker, I also love the fact that it has multi pockets and compartments meaning I can add some order to my holiday packing.
Best For Comfort – Antler Icon Stripe - Cabin
Site Director Katie O'Malley's verdict: For years I trusted my cabin-sized AWAY suitcase to take me from A to B – that was, until the Antler came along. A friend had recommended the brand to me after a weekend away, and I finally bit the bullet and invested in one of Antler’s new Icon Stripe cases (cabin) which comes in five different colourways. Fortunately, it has been designed to meet all European airline luggage restrictions, so there’s no need to worry about being charged for holdall luggage at the last minute.
The case itself is incredibly hardwearing and water-resistant, and is fitted with 360-degree spinner wheels and a comfort-grip handle, which makes manoeuvring it through the cobbled streets of Rome or at a busy passport control a breeze. Inside the case there are two double-zip pockets (perfect for storing away hair accessories and underwear, or separating your clean and dirty clothes) and the compressions straps are a dream for someone with a tendency to pack too much. There’s also a top and side carry handle, which makes it easy to lift and handle on the move when getting on and off public transport.
Best For Longevity – Rimowa Classic Cabin
Commissioning Editor Naomi Pike's verdict: A Rimowa suitcase is for life, not just for the immediate getaway after you’ve made the splurge on your new stealth suitcase. And a splurge it is. The Cabin, in its Original range, is £1,070. But it does come with a lifetime guarantee, which on paper means you’ll never need to buy another suitcase ever again.
The price point does hang heavy with these suitcases, which makes the heavy-handed me extra careful as I wheel it from tube to train, taxi to plane. This isn’t a bad thing, of course. It fits neatly overhead on most aircrafts and that’s convenient as I’ve always been a bit reluctant to check it. Not for its durability — it feels indestructible — but for the fear of losing it and what’s inside.
Open it up and the Rimowa Classic Cabin has compression technology to make its space go even further, which anyone would welcome. It says it’s designed for two to three days of travel but that’s probably with the idea of a businessman not a fashion editor with a passion for voluminous skirts. For me, it’s more of a one-to-two-day affair but that’s great and serves a fine purpose.
There’s a reason these suitcases are revered. They’re the definitive, to be quite honest. The aluminium casing is as attractive as it is functional, while the leather handles remind you of the attention to detail and eye on luxury with which they are made. I can’t wait to cover mine with stickers as you often see at baggage claim.
As someone extremely sentimental with their possessions, I love the idea that this is my Rimowa forever. That it will be my side for my next holiday and, not to be morbid, my last. Memories stored safe like the TSA-approved locks allow. Next, I hope to add its all-new Original Bag over the handles to complete the set and the look.
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