The Very Best Men’s Designer Luggage Brands

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On The Case: Stylish Luggage

Dizzying jet-lag, endless check-in queues, forgetting your toothbrush, missing your connection – the more mundane aspects of modern travel can be trying at the best of times, even for the most seasoned of jet-setters.

Make sure you reduce the chances of adding lost luggage to your travel woes, by investing in a suitcase that the baggage handlers will want to take care of.

Whether you’re the traditional type, a business flyer or modern explorer, our edit of the best luggage brands on the market has something for everyone.

The Heritage Traveller: Globe-Trotter

Founded in 1897 by Mr David Nelken, British label Globe-Trotter are celebrated the world over for their vintage-inspired cases, which evoke the nostalgia of the golden age of travel.

Impeccably handmade in Hertfordshire by skilled artisans, these distinctive cases feature a vulcanized fibreboard body. Invented in the 1850s, the material is prized for its durability and lightweight qualities. The fine leather details such as the handles, straps and corner covers are made using original Victorian leather presses.

Globe-Trotter x Mr Porter Exclusive Cases

The company has enjoyed some illustrious patrons over the years, including Captain Scott who took Globe-Trotter luggage with him on his travels to Antarctica in 1912, and Queen Elizabeth II, who used Globe-Trotter cases on her honeymoon in 1947.

Wartime leader Winston Churchill famously used a Globe-Trotter attaché case when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, while Sir Edmund Hillary chose Globe-Trotter cases for his 1953 Everest expedition.

As you might expect from a brand with such exceptional craftsmanship and eminent clientele, Globe-Trotter cases certainly don’t come cheap – they’re designed to last a lifetime and the company will happily assist with servicing and repairs over your decades of jet-setting, ensuring you’ll never have need for another suitcase.

London Albemarle Street Flagship

Globe-Trotter’s recently opened London flagship store, located at number 35 Albemarle Street, is a luggage treasure trove and certainly worth a visit:

Globe-Trotter London Albemarle Street Flagship Store

Globe-Trotter London Albemarle Street Flagship Store

Globe-Trotter London Albemarle Street Flagship Store

Globe-Trotter London Albemarle Street Flagship Store

Key Pieces
  • Globe-trotter 30 Wheeled SuitcaseGlobe-trotter 30 Wheeled Suitcase
  • Globe-trotter 18 Carry-on CaseGlobe-trotter 18 Carry-on Case
  • Globe-trotter 30 Wheeled SuitcaseGlobe-trotter 30 Wheeled Suitcase
  • Globe-trotter Special Edition 18 Carry-on CaseGlobe-trotter Special Edition 18 Carry-on Case
  • Globe-trotter Special Edition 21 Carry-on CaseGlobe-trotter Special Edition 21 Carry-on Case
  • Globe-trotter Special Edition 18 Carry-on CaseGlobe-trotter Special Edition 18 Carry-on Case
The Heritage Traveller: Louis Vuitton

The original luxury luggage company, Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 and earned fame through the invention of its revolutionary flat-topped trunks, which could be easily stacked for transit, compared to the traditional dome-topped trunks of the period.

The company today is still renowned for its vintage-inspired luggage and is seen as the ultimate status symbol by some international jet-setters.

Louis Vuitton Vintage Luggage

Hand-crafted in its Asnières workshop using expertly sourced leather and canvas, the brand’s luggage still features anti-pick brass locks, which were a pioneering addition when they were first introduced in 1886. Their trunks take over sixty hours to construct, while suitcases can take up to fifteen hours. The label’s instantly recognisable ‘LV’ monogram was first introduced in 1896, but the square block check pattern known as ‘Damier’ pre-dates the motif, having first been used in 1888. A more understated and considered option, the Damier check is still produced today in the original brown and beige colour way as well as a more contemporary range of hues. Vuitton also offer a bespoke service, where through private consultations you can design your own personalised luggage. Looking at their design archives, it would seem no request is beyond the brand, with the fashion house having been commissioned to make travelling wardrobes with fold-out writing desks and custom-made cocktail cases for discerning clients in the past. Needless to say, you need deep pockets to afford an object with this much heritage and craftsmanship, but you can rest assured that any piece of Vuitton luggage will outlast your own jet-setting career. Louis Vuitton luggage is available in store and online at louisvuitton.com.

Louis Vuitton Luggage Lookbooks

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

The Contemporary Jet-Setter: Rimowa

German label Rimowa is the first port of call for those looking for streamlined modernity in their luggage.

Specialising in ultra-lightweight aluminium and polycarbonate cases, Rimowa’s designs have an undeniably futuristic feel.

Founded by Paul Morszeck in Cologne in 1898, the brand produced custom-made hard-topped trunks, which were the traditional style of luggage in the age of steamship and rail travel.

By the 1930s air travel was taking off and Rimowa introduced its first aluminium case to the market in 1937 – a truly innovative design in its day. Previous to this, luggage had been made of heavy wood and reinforced materials which were cumbersome. Renowned for its signature groove design, first used in the 1950s, Rimowa released a waterproof case in 1976 that become popular with travelling film crews needing to keep their precious equipment dry.

Rimowa Luggage

Today, the brand’s feather-weight polycarbonate cases are amongst the lightest on the market – they’re so light you can pick them up with one finger – while the addition of multi-wheels allow the cases to turn effortlessly in any direction, making quick work of busy check-in situations.

All Rimowa cases are assembled by hand from over two hundred individual components with precision attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity.

We particularly like the Classic Flight cases with their sleek metallic finish and the Topas Titanium range for its ultra-contemporary feel.

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa

One of FashionBeans‘ best dressed men of 2013, Johannes Huebl has previously been the face of Rimowa’s luggage collections, with his classic yet modern approach to style reflecting the brand’s ethos perfectly:

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa Luggage

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa Luggage

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa Luggage

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa Luggage

Johannes Huebl For Rimowa Luggage

Key Pieces
  • Rimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Medium Spinner Suitcase White RimowaRimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Medium Spinner Suitcase White Rimowa
  • Rimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Large Spinner Suitcase Ice Blue RimowaRimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Large Spinner Suitcase Ice Blue Rimowa
  • Rimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Cabin Spinner Suitcase Violet RimowaRimowa Salsa Air 4-wheel Cabin Spinner Suitcase Violet Rimowa
  • Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Multiwheel Business CaseRimowa Salsa Deluxe Multiwheel Business Case
  • Rimowa Topas Multiwheel 55cm Carry-on CaseRimowa Topas Multiwheel 55cm Carry-on Case
  • Rimowa Limbo Multiwheel 78cm SuitcaseRimowa Limbo Multiwheel 78cm Suitcase
  • Rimowa Topas Titanium Multi-wheel Suitcase 82cmRimowa Topas Titanium Multi-wheel Suitcase 82cm
  • Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Four-wheel Cabin Suitcase 56cmRimowa Salsa Deluxe Four-wheel Cabin Suitcase 56cm
  • Rimowa Topas Titanium Four-wheel Suitcase 81.5cmRimowa Topas Titanium Four-wheel Suitcase 81.5cm
The Contemporary Jet-Setter: Alfred Dunhill

An iconic British heritage label, Alfred Dunhill offers a more contemporary take on tradition. Founded by the brand’s namesake in 1893, after inheriting a saddlery business from his father, Alfred Dunhill began producing motoring accessories such as leather overcoats, goggles, timepieces and picnic sets, establishing a firm association with travel.

Today’s offering of considered designs are the perfect blend of tradition and modernity and speak of the label’s commitment to craftsmanship. The brand’s elegant leather pieces are hewn and assembled using original antique equipment in its workshop in Somerset.

Ideal for both the business traveller and style-conscious jet-setter, Dunhill’s carry-on holdalls, sleek leather briefcases and practical timeless luggage cases are the most stylish of travel companions.

A particular favorite of ours is the ‘Bourdon Brights’ collection, which consists of a range of small leather goods and briefcases made from texture-rich grain leather. Coming in bold and bright hues, these pieces will lend a refined dash of color to your travel repertoire.

Alfred Dunhill Spring/Summer 2015 Lookbook

Alfred Dunhill Spring/Summer 2015 Lookbook

Key Pieces
  • Alfred Dunhill Bourdon Textured-leather OrganiserAlfred Dunhill Bourdon Textured-leather Organiser
  • Alfred Dunhill Lightweight Leather-trimmed Holdall BagAlfred Dunhill Lightweight Leather-trimmed Holdall Bag
  • Alfred Dunhill Bourdon Textured-leather Messenger BagAlfred Dunhill Bourdon Textured-leather Messenger Bag
  • Escape Navy 24 Hour BagEscape Navy 24 Hour Bag
  • Bourdon Navy Single Zip BriefcaseBourdon Navy Single Zip Briefcase
  • Bladon Tan Single Zip BriefcaseBladon Tan Single Zip Briefcase
  • Sherborne Grip BagSherborne Grip Bag
  • Bourdon Cognac Slim BriefcaseBourdon Cognac Slim Briefcase
  • Escape Document CaseEscape Document Case
The Intrepid Adventurer: Sandqvist

Founded in 2004 by Swede Anton Sandqvist, his eponymous label has played a significant part in putting the backpack back on the style map.

The label began as an experiment after Sandqvist bought an industrial sewing machine online out of curiosity, and sat down one evening to make a stylish but simple bag that would neatly store his laptop and daily essentials.

Drawing on the founder’s childhood spent in the great outdoors of rural Sweden, Sandqvist designs have an elegant simplicity to them and exude the perfect blend of fashion and function. In the brand’s own words, their bags are described as “uncomplicated and beautiful, with a clear Swedish heritage”

. Leather bags are made from full-grain vegetable tanned hide and take on a rich patina with age, while the label’s signature canvas rucksacks are assembled from durable untreated cotton canvas, dyed with natural pigments.

Sandqvist backpacks are the perfect choice for the intrepid adventurer due to their considered style, robust durability and generous capacity. Some of our favorites include the Edmund hiking bag, Hans backpack and Helmer leather backpack.

Sandqvist Bags Lookbook/Campaigns

Key Pieces
  • Sandqvist Helmer Leather Backpack In BrownSandqvist Helmer Leather Backpack In Brown
  • Sandqvist Roald Canvas Rucksack In NavySandqvist Roald Canvas Rucksack In Navy
  • Sandqvist Roald Canvas Backpack In Snow PrintSandqvist Roald Canvas Backpack In Snow Print
  • Sandqvist Roald Canvas Backpack In Snow PrintSandqvist Roald Canvas Backpack In Snow Print
  • Sandqvist Artur Leather SatchelSandqvist Artur Leather Satchel
  • Sandqvist Helmer Leather BackpackSandqvist Helmer Leather Backpack
  • Sandqvist Khaki Carl Gustaf Weekend BagSandqvist Khaki Carl Gustaf Weekend Bag
  • Sandqvist Black Torbjorn Weekend BagSandqvist Black Torbjorn Weekend Bag
  • Sandqvist Tan Brown Leather Otto BriefcaseSandqvist Tan Brown Leather Otto Briefcase
The Intrepid Adventurer: Antler

Established in 1914, Antler has been building road-worthy cases for generations of travellers.

A brand that has moved with the times, it produces a myriad of suitcases and bag styles to suit every kind of jet-setter, including lightweight hard-sided suitcases and soft-sided hybrid backpack trolley cases, which are ideal for the casual globetrotter.

The British brand is renowned for its use of innovative modern materials and promotes the use of hard-wearing fabrics to deal with the rigors of modern travel.

Antler’s Urbanite range incorporates practical hybrid features, including large carrying straps, fitted wheels, telescopic handles and a wide selection of pockets for easy storage of travel essentials.

Added bonus features include TSA-approved locks as standard – allowing customs officials to access your luggage without cutting your locks – making travelling to the U.S. a smooth affair, easy-glide wheels to help ease heavy loads and a three-year guarantee as an assurance of Antler’s quality craftsmanship.

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection Lookbook

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection Lookbook

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection Lookbook

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection Lookbook

Antler Luggage: SS14 Collection Lookbook

Key Pieces
  • Antler Prospero 4-wheel 74cm Large Suitcase Teal AntlerAntler Prospero 4-wheel 74cm Large Suitcase Teal Antler
  • Antler Juno 4-wheel Large Suitcase Black AntlerAntler Juno 4-wheel Large Suitcase Black Antler
  • Antler Juno 4-wheel 79cm Large Suitcase White AntlerAntler Juno 4-wheel 79cm Large Suitcase White Antler
  • Antler Cyberlite 4-wheel Expandable Cabin Suitcase Sycamore Green AntlerAntler Cyberlite 4-wheel Expandable Cabin Suitcase Sycamore Green Antler
  • Antler Liquis Spinner 4-wheel Cabin Suitcase Graphite AntlerAntler Liquis Spinner 4-wheel Cabin Suitcase Graphite Antler
  • Antler Prospero 4-wheel 56cm Cabin Suitcase Coral AntlerAntler Prospero 4-wheel 56cm Cabin Suitcase Coral Antler
  • Antler juno 4 Wheel Panel Yellow Hard Cabin RollercaseAntler juno 4 Wheel Panel Yellow Hard Cabin Rollercase
  • Antler camden Matt Pea Green Cabin SuitcaseAntler camden Matt Pea Green Cabin Suitcase
  • Antler tiber Plum 4 Wheel Soft Cabin RollercaseAntler tiber Plum 4 Wheel Soft Cabin Rollercase
Final Word

Whatever type of traveller you are, investing in the right luggage to get your on-the-go essentials from A to B is vital to a hassle-free travel experience.

Modern suitcases and luggage have to cope with the stresses of manhandling by time-pressed luggage handlers, being thrown from hot tarmac into cold aircraft holds, and bursting at the seams on your return journey filled with holiday goodies, so investing in quality craftsmanship is key.

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