Prepare to Fall Hard for These 10 Chic (and Strong!) Softside Suitcases

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Fact: Some travelers like the beach and the mountains, but it's beyond rare to find travelers who like hardside and softside luggage. You’re either a hard-shell or a soft-shell girlie, but never both. And in the "I travel for a living" world (which, hi, I'm a part of as a travel writer!), the decision to go hard or soft is as divisive as which seat you book on an airplane (obv window, right?!). Sure, window seaters may dabble in the aisle and vice-versa, but they’ll always come back to their tried-and-true. Same with luggage.

Me? I’ve played around with some hard spinners throughout my travels on all seven continents—and some duffels and trunks, too—but I always end up going back to a softside suitcase. In my opinion, no shiny shell can compete with the extra packing space I get with something on the softer side—and I love always having room for souvenirs. I'd also go as far as to say that hard shells aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Mainly because they crack often, but also because they're easy to scuff. I’ve found that the top-of-the-line softies out there are equally as durable as their polycarbonate counterparts, and often last longer and cost way less.

The good news? I rounded up 10 of the best softside luggage picks for you below, based on rigorous testing and hundreds of reviews, so you can start shopping for your next trip. Some are a splurge, some are available on Amazon (you’re welcome), and all are worth it if you’re ready to fall in love with the softer side of travel. Trust.

Maxlite 5

TravelPro pretty much has the softside luggage category cornered. Their bags are the favorites of flight crew from more than 90 different airlines because they can be put to the test and keep on kickin'. This super-light rollaboard carry-on—which is available in a variety of colors and sizes—is spacious and durable, made from a stain-resistant and water-repellant fabric that can handle it all.

THE REVIEW: “As close to a perfect suitcase as I’ve found, and I’ve taken it with me to 53 of the 86 countries I’ve visited and it’s still going strong. I love how lightweight it is, so I can pack as heavy as I please. The wheels can handle European cobblestones and/or dusty red roads in Australia with ease.”

Chatelet 2.0 Softside Luggage Under-Seater

If any brand could convert hardside suitcase lovers, it would be DELSEY Paris. The French company invented the rigid shell, and now they're proving they can play soft, too. This underseat carry-on (which, yes, can slide right under the seat in front of you on a plane or train) is made from recycled water bottles, which we love. But it's the chic vegan-leather trim that'll make it look so luxe in the background of all your airport shots.

THE REVIEW: "I love traveling with this bag. Partly because it's super convenient to have all my overnight essentials with me in a rolling bag, but also because it's just so damn pretty. I mean, c'mon, look how cute!"

Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack

This rolling backpack has So. Many. Pockets. Which is very on-brand for eBags, a company that specializes in heavy-duty travel bags and packing solutions. With this popular convertible pick, the choice is yours: you can either wheel it or wear it, making it perfect for train or plane travel. May I suggest bringing it on your next multi-week trip to Europe? (Yes, this is your sign to book it.)

THE REVIEW: "View this as a rollaboard that you can wear if you have to, not just a backpack that rolls. It fits so much inside, and I've loved this for traveling around Europe by train."

Co-Pilot Luggage Roller

This rolling suitcase from Timbuk2 comes in three sizes, but I like the medium because it holds a *ton* and can still fit in most overhead compartments on domestic U.S. flights. (Note: the small is def the way to go for international and regional flights.) It’s got a padded laptop sleeve in the front so you can work on the go, and lots of great stash pockets for easy access mid-flight. Oh, and speaking of ease, there are grab handles on every single side, so you don't have to worry about holding people up while struggling to lift it in the aisles.

THE REVIEW: “I love that this bag uses skateboard wheels (so San Fran) and that it has a dedicated shoe compartment. It’s also a harder soft-sided suitcase, which is great for people not ready to go all-in with a soft bag.”

Newcastle Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage

You probably know London Fog from their trench coats and umbrellas, but this US-based company (yes, shockingly not British!) has been making functional yet stylish luggage for a while now. Reviewers love their lightweight, medium-checked spinner because of the transparent amount of travel essentials (and non-essentials) it can hold, thanks to its expandability. There are also a ton of zippered pockets on the inside and outside, so organization is easy.

THE REVIEW: “Not only is this classy looking, but it is the easiest luggage to maneuver anywhere. I would highly recommend it.”

Sky Max 2.0

If you’re set on a spinner (translation: an upright suitcase with four wheels), let me save you some time: buy this bag. The precision wheels and quality construction will spoil you, making it damn near impossible to use anything else (just trust me). It’s French, it’s chic, and it’s very well-made. Oh, and the 21-inch version, which you see here, has five pockets, including an exterior water bottle holder, so you can stay hydrated while you hustle between cities.

THE REVIEW: “I know there are a lot of things to love about this bag, but my favorite feature is the zipper. No one does zippers like DELSEY, and you can feel the quality while simply unzipping the bag."

Tarmac XE Four-Wheel Carry-On

This carry-on bag will likely last forever, and if it doesn’t, Eagle Creek’s got you covered. The brand is famous for its “No Matter What Warranty,” which covers you—surprise, surprise—no matter what issue arises. Hardcore travelers know they make some of the most durable and sleek softside bags on the market, and this carry-on is no exception. It's made with reinforced recycled fabric that's both puncture- and weather-resistant, so it won't tear, shred, or soak through no matter what conditions you throw at it.

THE REVIEW: “The first time I used an Eagle Creek rolling bag, I thought, ‘I’m not a white-water rafter or a cruiser, why on earth would I ever need a waterproof bag?’ No joke, three hours later I was at the gate in Dallas, Texas, watching my bag sit outside in a torrential downpour. I got to my hotel and opened it up, and nothing inside was even the slightest bit wet. That’s why you get a waterproof bag.”

Voyageur Leger International Carry-On

Some people say Tumi is the Rolls-Royce of luggage. Personally, I think it's what would come from Bugatti and Lamborghini having a baby, and then that baby being adopted and raised by Rolls-Royce. It's that luxe. Their popular Voyageur carry-on is top-of-the-line, and the quality shows in every detail. Some of my favorite details? The top-loading zip case, the leather-wrapped handles, the shiny gold zippers, the built-in USB port, the TSA-approved lock, and so much more. It might be $$$, but it's worth it, believe me.

THE REVIEW: “Honestly, no notes. If you’re looking to buy a Tumi, you already know it’ll be worth it, and you don’t need me to tell you how much I love this suitcase.”

Solyte DLX Softside Expandable Luggage

Sometimes you need a giant bag for a giant vacation (or, okay, a short vacation that requires multiple outfit changes). That’s where this Samsonite comes in. I’ve lived out of this before, which is how I know it's easy to keep organized even if you don’t wanna unpack. It has lots of exterior (and interior) organizers to keep things contained, including mesh pockets you can see through, and WetPaks for bathing suits and other soggy items you might need to keep separate.

THE REVIEW: "I move a lot—like, three times in the last year a lot—and this is the bag I turn to every move. Not only can I fit a month’s worth of clothes and shoes, but I've also fit a tea kettle, two plates, cutlery, a French press, a frying pan, and tons of toiletry kits in this bag."

Carry-On

You've probably seen Bagsmart's viral toiletry bags and totes on TikTok, but their rolling suitcase has yet to have its moment. Until now, of course! Allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite carry-ons, which has all the same pockets and storage nooks as its sister bags (and more!), but on four wheels. Not only is this bad boy expandable up to two inches, but the price tag is also almost too good to believe. But trust me (and hundreds of reviews)...you can believe it.

THE REVIEW: "Obv you can't beat the price, but this bag can actually hang with its more expensive competitors. I'm not sure what its lifespan would look like for a frequent traveler, but for occasional travel, this bag is a great deal."

Is softside luggage better than hardside luggage?

It's really just a matter of personal preference! Softside models are much easier to manipulate into small spaces and are less vulnerable to dents and scratches. But hardside suitcases have become popular for many travelers due to the protection they can offer (especially when getting jostled around in the trunk of a car or in the overhead bin of a plane). Many reviewers complain that hardshells can crack, but many of the best luggage brands offer limited or lifetime warranties, FWIW.

Another good thing about softside luggage? External pockets! These little bonuses are super handy on travel days, so you can stash passports, water bottles, and snacks so they're easy to grab at the gate or even from the overhead compartment mid-flight.

How to choose the best softside luggage...

Not all softside luggage is created equal, and with so many brands out there, you'll wanna make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out your new go-to bag:

Consider the materials.

The majority of softside bags are made from either nylon or polyester, while higher-end manufacturers will use super sturdy materials like ballistic nylon or corder. Ballistic nylon is the best of the best, and will likely outlive and outperform most hardshell options. Some of the new eco-friendly options (i.e. materials made from recycled water bottles, etc.) are really great as well, and can hold up to heavy travel.

Prioritize functionality.

As much as we all want an Insta-worthy suitcase for those vacay pics, it's important to look deeper than the exterior. For example, prioritize functional features that you know you'll take advantage of, like interior compression systems, hidden laundry bags, and weight-limit indicators. In my opinion, if there is one must-have when it comes to softside luggage, it's quality wheels. Whether you prefer two or four, look for polyurethane wheels, which are the best in terms of durability. They should also be quiet, smooth, and work well on all surfaces. Oh, and travelers who have a hard time packing light (guilty as charged) should also snag luggage with an expandable zipper, which can help maximize space.

Look for other cool features.

Aside from spinner wheels and an expandable design, there are a few other features that make traveling feel like a breeze. For example: Telescopic handles that you can adjust, zippers that never stick, built-in TSA-approved locks to prevent theft, and interior compression dividers to keep your stuff in place. These aren't make-or-break features, but they definitely make traveling a lil easier. And who doesn't love that?

How we chose the best softside luggage

We scoured the internet to find the best softside luggage brands out there. We included options in a variety of styles and price points so you can find the best bag for you. However, they all have a few things in common: They're all highly rated, with smooth-gliding wheels, tons of cool features, and prices set between approx. $90 and $700.

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of experts has decades of combined experience in the travel industry. They spot relevant trends before they even hit your Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest, and most practical, options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We also have pretty high standards when it comes to our recommendations. Each of our articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge. And you better believe we read those product reviews so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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