How to Choose the Best Luggage: 7 Things to Consider When Buying Luggage

Choosing the best luggage starts long before you step into an airport. Experienced travellers understand that buying luggage is about making a smart, lasting investment. Whether you're preparing for a short city break or extended international travel, the right suitcase should improve efficiency, protect your belongings, and last for years to come. This guide outlines the main things to consider when selecting quality luggage, helping you make a confident and informed decision.

2. Types of Luggage

Not every trip calls for the same kind of luggage. Choosing the right style depends on where you're going, how long you'll be away, and how you like to pack. The best luggage supports efficiency and comfort, whether you're navigating city streets or airport terminals.

You can choose from options like:

• Cabin Luggage – Ideal for short trips or minimalist packers. Lightweight, compact, and easy to stow in overhead compartments.
• Checked suitcases – Best for longer stays or when you need more outfit variety and extra gear. Often includes extra interior organisation features.
• Duffle bags – Flexible and soft-sided, these are useful for casual travel and road trips.
• Garment bags – Favoured by professionals for keeping formalwear wrinkle-free.
• Expandable luggage – Features like our patented CX® expansion-compression system add versatility for those who often return with more than they left with.

Understanding the main types of luggage helps narrow your choices when buying a suitcase, especially if you're selecting for specific travel styles or family use.

3. Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Luggage

One of the most common decisions when buying luggage is whether to choose a hard shell or soft shell case. Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your priorities, whether it's protection, flexibility, or weight.

Soft shell suitcases are a good option if you prefer:

• **Flexibility** – Easier to squeeze into tight storage spaces.
• **Extra pockets** – Often includes external compartments for quick-access items.
• **Lighter weight** – Typically weighs less, which matters for strict airline limits.

Hard shell luggage is ideal if you want:

• Added protection – Durable exteriors help shield contents from impact.
• Sleek styling – Clean lines and modern finishes suit those who prefer a polished look.
• Water resistance – Even better at keeping out rain and spills.

When comparing hard shell vs. soft shell luggage, think about how you pack, how often you travel, and how rough your luggage might be handled. Both Briggs & Riley options are well reviewed, but the best choice often comes down to how you move.

4. Best Luggage for Business Travel

When you're travelling for work, luggage goes beyond storage—it's part of your routine. The best luggage for business travel supports efficiency, keeps essentials organised, and presents a professional appearance from check-in to meeting room.

Look for these features when buying luggage for business:

• Dedicated compartments – Separate space for laptops, chargers, and work documents.
• Easy-access pockets – Ideal for quick retrieval at security checkpoints.
• Slim, structured design – Maintains a clean profile in overhead bins and hotel lobbies.
• Smooth manoeuvrability – Four-wheel spinners help you move quickly through busy terminals.

A high-quality case also needs to be built for regular use. Durable materials, reinforced corners, and reliable zips like those found in Briggs & Riley luggage are small details that make a significant difference when every trip counts.

5. Best Luggage for International Travel

Long-haul trips and multi-leg itineraries demand luggage that can handle various conditions. The best luggage for international travel balances durability with smart features that make navigating different airports, climates, and transport links simpler.

Key features to prioritise include:

• Lightweight construction – Helps you stay within airline weight limits without sacrificing capacity.
• Security features – TSA-approved locks offer added peace of mind.
• Expandable design – Useful for unexpected shopping or packing extra items on return legs.
• Strong wheels and handles – Built to endure longer distances and rougher surfaces abroad.

When buying luggage for international travel, also consider how easily it fits into overhead bins, tight lifts, or small boots. Briggs & Riley's well-designed cases keep you efficient from departure gate to final stop.

6. Best Luggage for Families

Travelling as a group adds complexity, especially when it comes to packing and organisation. The best luggage for families handles varied needs—extra clothing, shared toiletries, snacks, and more—without creating clutter or delays.

Useful features to look for:

• Spacious interiors – Enough room to pack for multiple people or segment items by type.
• Durable materials – Withstands heavy handling, layovers, and frequent loading.
• Smooth wheels – Makes navigating airports or stations easier, even with children in tow.
• Grab handles and ID tags – Helpful when managing multiple pieces at once.

Buying luggage for families means thinking ahead. Whether you're heading abroad or staying local, Briggs & Riley's thoughtful designs help reduce stress and keep everyone better prepared.

7. What to Look for in Luggage Reviews Before You Buy

Customer feedback offers valuable insight when buying luggage, especially if you're comparing similar options. While product descriptions highlight features, luggage reviews often reveal how those features perform in real travel situations.

Pay attention to:

• Durability comments – Look for patterns around wear and tear, especially from frequent travellers.
• Ease of use – Feedback on wheels, zips, and handles can highlight real-world functionality.
• Interior design – Insights on packing space, layout, and compartments often come through best in reviews.
• Customer service – A strong guarantee like our Simple as That lifetime guarantee and a helpful support team add long-term confidence.

Well-reviewed luggage like Briggs & Riley's usually stands out for its consistency across trips and users. Reliable performance over time is the best measure of success.

Buying Luggage That Meets Your Standards

Choosing the best luggage means weighing up size, style, and features that match how you travel. From business-ready designs to family-friendly cases and international essentials, the right suitcase helps you stay organised and move with ease.

Whether you're focused on durability, layout, or overall practicality, each of the points covered above can guide a smarter decision. Take time to compare types of luggage, check real reviews, and think about what truly matters to you when packing.

Premium luggage like Briggs & Riley's does its job without distraction—quietly dependable, thoughtfully designed, and ready when you are.