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Buying luggage can be tricky. Hard- or soft-sided? Suitcase or holdall? With so many different types out there which one should you choose? It may seem obvious, but think about what you need it for, your mode of transport, as well as its security, looks and handling. Use this handy guide to help you, and view our range of luggage here. We also have a series of helpful videos you can watch.
These days a suitcase can be hard- or soft-sided, mounted on wheels, with normally a telescopic handle, so it can be pulled along with minimal effort. As suitcases are upright and have large wheels, they are more stable and consequently easier to manage – particularly when full.
Some come with 4 wheels, so you don't even need to tilt and pull, you can simply wheel the case alongside rather than behind you. Another advantage of a trolley case is that some allow 2 pieces of extra luggage to be attached to the handle frame or to a “piggyback” strap, leaving your hands free.
These days a suitcase can be hard- or soft-sided, mounted on wheels, and normally has a telescopic handle so it can be pulled along with minimal effort. As suitcases are upright and have large wheels, they are more stable and consequently easier to manage – particularly when full.
Soft-sided suitcases are normally made from polyester, nylon or both. Fabric is graded in denier and so the higher the denier, the thicker and more durable the fabric.
Top-of-the-range suitcases have a high denier, tightly woven fabric for extra strength, are scuff and soil resistant and difficult to tear. Most fabric will have a waterproof PVC backing on the inside.
Soft-sided suitcases come with all sorts of features designed to keep you organised and make travel more convenient. Look out for expandable cases that'll give you more room for those unexpected souvenirs, padlocks and combination locks for added security, and protected zips and closures that help reduce wear and tear.
A hard-sided suitcase is the term used to describe a case which is rigid rather than flexible. Designed to stand up to the rigours of frequent air travel, as well as the extreme ranges of temperature your luggage undergoes in the hold of a plane, most are made from moulded polypropylene or ABS plastic.
Polypropylene is an oil-based plastic, also used to make car bumpers. It's extremely strong with a tough surface, and can withstand heavy impact.
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is made from plastic and a rubber substitute. It's also very strong and is the material used to make crash helmets. ABS can be given attractive finishes and shine, so it's usually used in the more expensive ranges where appearance is important, and the manual work involved in the production is reflected in its price.
ABS is not quite as strong as polypropylene and a particularly violent impact just might cause it to crack or dent, but generally it's a lot lighter and easier to manoeuvre.
Overall, hard-sided suitcases are more durable than soft-sided cases and more likely to be waterproof, although if a case is left standing in rain some water may get through the frame. They're ideal for protecting more fragile items, and top of the range cases have highly secure metal frames with key and combination locks. Most hard-sided suitcases have straps in the lid and base so the two parts can be packed separately, and there's often a middle divider to separate the compartments and protect the contents.
