I've Used This Compact Carry-On for a Year and Now I'll Never Use Anything Else

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Ever since I snagged one of the iconic $50 cashmere sweaters last winter from Quince, the label has been my favorite outpost for affordable luxury. My most beloved purchase? Quince luggage. Currently, the San Francisco-based brand carries three iterations of the classic suitcase: the carry-on hard shell, the check-in hardshell, and the front pocket hard shell carry-on. I opted for the one I figured I'd use the most: the carry-on hard shell, which is going for $130. Similar options from other leading brands start at nearly $300, making Quince a clear choice. I'd also like to add that I got this suitcase about 10 months ago and have happily brought it around the country, visiting family, celebrating friends, and more.

It comes in five mostly neutral shades, including navy, black, beige, dark green, and sky blue. I chose the latter hue because it's unique, but also because I didn't want someone else grabbing it, thinking it was theirs, which has happened with my navy and black luggage in the past. That said, with carry-ons, accidental grabs may not be such a big concern. My favorite thing about this bag is its interior compression panels, which allowed me to overpack a little bit. There's also a removable laundry bag inside, so I never have to mix my dirty clothes with my clean ones.

Here's why I really love it, though: It does not get scuffed—no matter how rough you are with it. I am definitely not very precious with my things, but I hate scuffs, bruises, and blemishes. To me, such smudges totally detract from the beauty of whatever product is marked up. My pale blue carry-on has been on at least six flights in the last few months and looks quite literally as good as new. It's also easy to maneuver, courtesy of the 360-degree wheels. You can either tilt it forward and pull it on the front set of wheels or let it glide beside you on all four. I prefer the latter because I can fasten my purse to the handle without putting any weight on the rails. To each their own, though.

Lastly, this thing is deceptively slender. When it's zipped up, it's less than 10 inches deep, meaning unless you are the last to board and there's no overhead space left on the plane, this will slide in pretty much anywhere. For a more in-depth look at one of my now favorite travel pieces, scroll ahead.

What is the shell made of?

The hard shell on all three of Quince's suitcases is made of a super sturdy polycarbonate, which is a type of plastic often used in the construction of anything that needs to be both flexible and durable, like medical devices, greenhouses, and, of course, luggage.

What is Quince's return policy?

If, for whatever reason, you don't love your Quince suitcase, you have a year to return it free of charge. Personally, we don't think you'll even consider returning it because the luggage is that good.

Are the Quince suitcases secure?

Yes! Whether you get a carry-on or a check-in bag, you'll be able to set a TSA-approved combination lock to keep all of your personal belongings safe. That said, we never recommend packing jewelry or anything irreplaceable in your suitcase because it's always safest on your person or in a bag that won't leave your side.

What are other people saying?

Of the nearly 450 reviews, here's what customers are saying about the Quince carry-on. Feel free to read the rest of the reviews on the brand's website.

• "I was initially looking at the Monos and Away carry-ons, but they were quite expensive…I was so pleased to find this one of equal quality and aesthetic for less than half the price. Love the dust bag as well!"

• "I had to purchase a new carry-on after an airline damaged my suitcase. I wanted to find something close in price to my previous one and I knew that was going to be difficult. I was able to get my previous one on sale and I know that most brands won't have a comparable priced one with all the features my previous one had, so I decided to look at higher priced ones. I was torn between Beis and Monos and I almost went with Monos until I remembered that Quince also sold luggage. I decided to do my research and found the 21" to have all the features of my previous luggage as well as a few more that the previous one didn't have. I knew it was right for me once I saw the color I had wanted was in stock. I purchased with no hesitation and have not regretted it. I travel every week for work and most week I'm in two different cities and this luggage allows for me to pack and not have to use my compression cubes. I really have to say thank you to the airline for damaging my luggage."

• "Love the look and how spacious this suitcase is. I'm excited to fly with it next month."

• "After getting gate-checked with my soft shell in Paris while my partner breezed by with her Quince hard shell, I bought my own immediately. It holds way more than could be guessed at first glance. I especially like the division between soft items and clunky items. You can see in the photo that my partner was able to fit three pairs of shoes, all of her toiletries, and additional items just on the left side of the case. A great investment."

Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

Front Pocket Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase

Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

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