Suitcase Buying Guide – Finding the Right Suitcase

A good suitcase is the perfect companion for holidays, business trips or weekends away. But with such a wide choice of hardshell suitcases, softside suitcases, trolleys and hand luggage, the decision is often difficult.

In this buying guide, you'll find out what to look for when buying a suitcase, which size is ideal and which material best suits the way you travel.

Which suitcase suits which trip?

Choosing the right suitcase depends mainly on the length of your trip, your means of transport and how much luggage you're taking.

Hardshell or softside suitcase?

Before buying a suitcase, the question often arises: hardshell or softside? Both options have different advantages.

Hardshell suitcase: advantages

• Very good protection for fragile items
• Robust and durable
• Water-repellent
• Ideal for air travel

Hardshell suitcase: disadvantages

• Less flexible when packing
• Scratches may become visible

Softside suitcase: advantages

• Flexible packing volume
• Practical outer pockets
• Often lighter

Softside suitcase: disadvantages

• Less protection against knocks
• Not fully waterproof

Which suitcase material is best?

The material affects a suitcase's stability, weight and durability. Modern hardshell materials such as polycarbonate or polypropylene are particularly popular.

Polycarbonate

• Light and flexible
• Highly break-resistant
• Ideal for frequent flyers

Polypropylene

• Extremely robust
• High impact resistance
• Long lifespan

ABS

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Ideal for occasional travellers

Nylon and polyester

• Flexible and light
• Perfect for softside suitcases
• Practical outer pockets

Choosing the right suitcase size

The right suitcase size depends on the length of your trip and how you like to pack.

2 wheels or 4 wheels?

Modern suitcases come with either two or four wheels. So-called spinner suitcases with 360° wheels are particularly popular.

Suitcases with 4 wheels

• High comfort
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Ideal for airports and railway stations

Suitcases with 2 wheels

• Better on uneven ground
• Often somewhat more robust
• More interior space thanks to larger wheels

Important suitcase features

Besides material and size, features also play an important role when buying a suitcase.

TSA lock

A TSA lock is particularly useful for flights to the USA. Security authorities can open the suitcase without damaging the lock.

Interior layout

• Packing straps keep things tidy
• Dividers make packing easier
• Separate compartments protect delicate items

Telescopic handle

A high-quality telescopic handle makes the suitcase comfortable to move and more stable to pull.

Lightweight or maximum protection?

If you fly often, you should look for a low empty weight so that you can take as much luggage as possible. At the same time, the suitcase should be sturdy enough to protect your belongings reliably.

Particularly lightweight suitcases are often made of polycarbonate, CURV® or high-quality nylon.

Suitcases for air travel

For air travel, robust hardshell suitcases with a TSA lock and quiet wheels are recommended. For hand luggage, always check the dimensions allowed by your airline.

Recycled materials

More and more manufacturers are using recycled PET or recycled polypropylene to make suitcases.

Conclusion – The perfect suitcase for every trip

The ideal suitcase combines the right size, high-quality material and practical features. Whether it's a lightweight cabin suitcase, a robust hardshell suitcase or a flexible softside suitcase – what matters is that the suitcase suits your personal travel habits.

When buying a suitcase, pay particular attention to material, wheel quality, weight, interior layout and security. That way you'll find the perfect travel companion for holidays, business and long-haul trips.