The Carry-On and Check-In Suitcases Jet-Setting Fashion Girls Swear By

Welcome to Travel Week! Fashion people are always on the move, and the industry has been venturing into tourism and hospitality more than ever. So with summer-getaway season in full swing, we’re bringing you five days of expert-led product recommendations, outfit ideas, wellness tips, packing advice and more. We hope you stay a while.

In 2023, so far, fashion has leaned heavily into minimalism (quiet luxury), function (gorpcore) and, increasingly, escapism (see: Ottolinger sending shiny Rimowa's down the runway and the return of the lavish destination show). That last one has led to an itch for travel — and a desire to upgrade our travel essentials. That starts with luggage.

With so many carry-on and check-in suitcase options on the market (there's even a Barbie collab forthcoming), we got some help narrowing the list down to the best of the best, courtesy of people who travel a lot. There's always a fashion week or press trip somewhere, meaning these fashion industry folks are usually on the move. So, we asked 10 of them — editors, writers, creators and influencers — to share their all-time favorite luggage. You'll likely glean some valuable insights on which buzzy suitcases can actually pull their weight, even if you haven't booked that trip yet.

Ahead, read what the "It" girls who are never not traveling are actually rolling to the terminal with these days.

Alyssa Coscarelli, creator and founder of Infinite

"I've been using the Away carry-on since it first came out. It's really held up. It's super durable — I've really put mine through the ringer — and holds a lot more than you might think. I've packed for month-long trips in it, not exaggerating."

Away Carry-On, $275, available here.

Nikki Ogunnaike, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire

"I've read one too many horror stories about lost luggage, so if I'm traveling anywhere for less than a week, I pack everything in my Rimowa Cabin Essential. This year alone, it's been everywhere from the Catskills, New York to Korea (twice!) with me, and I can't imagine traveling without it. Though it looks tiny, it’s deceptively roomy. That being said, it fits in an overhead compartment, and it's lightweight and easy to roll around. I'm also partial to the flamingo pink color that I have, which not only gets a lot of compliments, but is always easy to spot in a crowd."

Rimowa Essential Cabin Suitcase, $900, available here.

Shay Mitchell, actor and founder of Béis

"You can't go wrong with any of our rollers, and we have options for all the different types of travelers and dwellers. Personally, I'm a fan of our 29" rollers because I'm a chronic over-packer. If I'm trying to travel a bit lighter — or for a shorter trip — I will opt for the 26". All of our rollers come equipped with thoughtful features like a padded handle, 360° wheels and a weight limit indicator that make getting from point A to B seamless."

Béis The 26-Inch Check-In Roller, $308, available here.

Irina Grechko, fashion director at Refinery29

"After years of buying and testing 'dupes' that would damage or scratch up after a few uses, I finally invested in one of Rimowa's Check-In bags and don't see myself ever going back to any other luggage brand. The suitcase is super lightweight, easy to steer on the subways, trains and through airports. Believe me, I just took it on a two-week trip through Japan."

Rimowa Essential Check-In L Luggage, $1,125, available here

Madeleine Rose, creator

"My all-time favorite suitcase is the Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage in silver. It keeps all of my belongings in place and is big enough to fit over a week of clothing and shoes. The large suitcase is $275; a three-piece set is $495. I've had it for over two years ,and it has remained sturdy. Calpak also has an Ambeur Vanity Case that I own,that holds all of my beauty, jewelry and valuables."

Calpak Ambeur 3-Piece Metallic Luggage Set, $495, available here.

Gabby Shacknai, travel and beauty writer

"I came across the Tumi 19 Degree Bag and was thrilled to learn that it weighs less than 10 pounds. On top of that, I loved its sleek look of and appreciated how forgiving the textured colorway was. (After all, even the cleanest of checked bags doesn't usually make it to its destination unscathed.) I had used Tumi luggage before and knew how well-designed and durable it was. One year and many trips around the world later, this suitcase has met my expectations and more. It's by far and away the most functional (and stylish!) piece of luggage I've ever used."

Tumi Short Tip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case, $895, available here

Kendall Becker, fashion editor and trend forecaster

"When it comes to selecting a suitcase, I’ll always opt for a hard shell —the durability is unmatched in comparison to soft alternatives. Even for weeks away, I try to avoid checking bags, but, as a quintessential fashion girl, I still need extra room. For me, Away's The Bigger Carry-on Flex does the trick. The option for expansion has saved me more times than I'd like to admit."

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex Suitcase, $345, available here.

Raya O'Neal, Guest of a Guest contributor

"The July carry-on is my favorite because it comes with a phone charger, which I'm always forgetting. I also love that you can customize the luggage, which is also a sign you have your life together."

July Carry On Pro, $345, available here.

Bella Gerard, fashion editor

"I'm a big fan of both my Away and Béis suitcases, but Herschel's newer range of luggage is really impressive. The Heritage Hardshell Medium Luggage is a standout: In addition to being spacious and durable, I find the sizing of the range to be really unique, with standard and Large Carry-On options, plus Medium and Large for checked bags. I'm an over-packer, so I need the bigger option, but the smaller options are so convenient. Plus, the look is sleek, and the colorways are too cute."

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Medium Luggage, $300, available here.

Hannah Kahn, entertainment reporter at Us Weekly

"As a chronic over-packer, I love that both sides of the interior feature zippered pockets to keep my items organized. Inspired by the label’s signature quilting, the lacquer hard-shell looks so luxe, and the matching Metro bag just so happens to be the perfect travel tote. Whenever I’m heading on a trip, I always feel so polished and put-together with this set."

MZ Wallace Carry-On Luggage, $445, available here.

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