One of the most important aspects of a new suitcase is the luggage material. Material has an impact on how sturdy, flexible, and convenient luggage is, so it’s a good idea to consider all materials before settling on the one that works best for you.
This article will discuss all the common luggage material types, along with what each material is best for.
Hard vs Soft Luggage Materials
Suitcase material can be divided into two suitcase types: hard and soft. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it comes down to which features are more important to you. Let’s compare the pros and cons of both types of luggage.
Hard Luggage Pros and Cons
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Offers more protection for fragile items
- Zipper-less options available
Cons
- Can get cracked or scratched
- Heavier
- The shape isn’t as flexible
Soft Luggage Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lighter
- Can be packed fuller
- Can squeeze into tighter spaces
- Scratches aren’t as visible
Cons
- The fabric can tear
- Water can damage it
- Less protection for fragile items
Hard Luggage Materials
If you’re looking for luggage that’s sturdy and secure, hard luggage may be the better choice for you. Below are the details of some choices for the best material for hard luggage.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Average Weight: 6.78 pounds
- Average Price: $50 to $179
ABS is made using the three materials in its full name. It’s one of the most popular materials for hard-sided luggage because it’s a material that’s often used for other products as well. It’s a rigid material, which has its pros and cons. On one hand, it’s more durable that way, but that also means it has a higher risk of cracking if it’s dropped.
Even though it’s not as durable as some of the pricier options, ABS luggage is popular because it’s one of the lightest hard luggage materials. Most hard luggage materials are on the heavy side, so this is one of the easiest to transport.
Polycarbonate (PC)
- Average Weight: 7.30 pounds
- Average Price: $99 to $450
Polycarbonate is the most-used material for hard suitcases. About 42% of hard-side suitcases use this material. It’s more flexible than other types of hard suitcases, so it’s less likely to crack when dropped. However, it’s a bit heavier than its competitors.
The added benefits of this suitcase type come at a cost. PC material is more durable than ABS, but it’s usually more expensive. So, you’ll need to decide if durability or cost are more important to you.
ABS/PC Composite
- Average Weight: 6.60 pounds
- Average Price: $79 to $275
ABS + PC luggage is the perfect balance of the two most popular hard-side luggage types. This material is an ABS frame covered in a PC film. Thus, it’s light and affordable like ABS but less likely to develop cracks because of its flexibility like PC. It’s not as durable as PC, but it’s more durable than ABS. It’s another one of the lightest luggage materials.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Average Weight: 7.10 pounds
- Average Price: Up to $109
PET is a rare material for suitcases, but it’s a great choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. It’s the same plastic that’s often reused for water bottles. Even so, it’s still a durable material. The final product produces less odors than other plastics, so it’s great for people with sensitive noses.
Polypropylene (PP)
- Average Weight: 6.46 pounds
- Average Price: $110 to $250
Polypropylene luggage is another rare suitcase material, but it’s favorable because it’s the lightest hard luggage option. For durability, it falls somewhere in the middle of its competition. It’s more durable than ABS, but not quite as strong as PC. However, this material is also very flexible, so it’s less likely to crack. This material sometimes feels cheap, but it’s a better quality than it seems.
Carbon Fiber
- Average Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Average Price: $200 to $900
These suitcases are made using thin, strong carbon fibers, each with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. The fibers are fused together to create a material that looks like fiberglass. This material is sometimes used for suitcases because it’s strong and durable while still looking luxurious. It’s becoming more popular, but it can be an expensive option.
Aluminum
- Average Weight: 10.05 pounds
- Average Price: $505 to $1,500
Aluminum is a high-end luggage material that’s also one of the most durable. It’s one of the most expensive choices, but it’s more resistant to damage. Instead of cracking, it dents if dropped, so if that happens, you can fix the dent by hitting it from the inside. One downside is that this is one of the heaviest luggage options, so you can’t pack these suitcases with too much heavy stuff or else you might go over the weight limit.
Titanium
- Average Weight: 11.7 pounds
- Average Price: $1,500 to $3,000
Titanium suitcases have the most durable hard suitcase material, but they’re also the heaviest and most expensive. These suitcases are nearly twice as strong as aluminum suitcases. They’re also unlikely to be damaged by corrosion and extreme temperatures. If you’re willing to spend some extra money on a suitcase, this is an option that could last for decades to come.
Soft Luggage Materials
If you’re looking for a suitcase that’s more flexible, meaning it’s easier to pack full and squeeze into small spaces, then soft luggage might be what you’re looking for. Below is some info on common materials for the best soft travel bags.
Polyester
- Average Weight: 6.31 pounds
- Average Price: $40 to $200
Polyester is the most common soft luggage material because it’s affordable and lightweight. Since it’s a type of fabric, it’s measured in Deniers, which describe the density of the fabric. Polyester luggage is usually 600D to 900D. The higher the rating is, the more durable the luggage fabric usually is.
In general, polyester is durable, but not all companies use it in a way that maximizes its durability. Poorly-stitched polyester fabrics can break apart easily, but when stitched right with a high density, polyester is unlikely to rip. There’s a wide variety of polyester suitcases on the market, so you’ll need to carefully observe the quality before choosing one.
If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, you should consider oxford cloth. It’s a type of polyester that’s weaved differently. However, this pattern is slightly less durable than regular polyester.
Nylon
- Average Weight: 5.99 pounds
- Average Price: $170 to $450
Nylon is the lightest suitcase material on the market. In most cases, it’s slightly more durable than polyester. It’s easy to clean, so that’s why many people gravitate toward it. Like polyester, you can tell how durable nylon luggage will be by looking at the material’s Deniers. Nylon is most commonly used for larger suitcases, so it may cost more than polyester suitcases.
There are a few higher-end types of nylon that can also be used for suitcases, such as Ballistic nylon and Cordura nylon. Ballistic nylon luggage uses thicker threads to make it tear-resistant while Cordura nylon uses thick threads to make the bag more weather-resistant. Both options are pricier than regular nylon.
Canvas
- Average Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Average Price: $60 to $170
Canvas is a woven fabric that’s made with cotton, hemp, or both. It’s more durable than most polyester bags, but less durable than most nylon bags. It’s not commonly used for suitcases, but you may see it used for duffel bags and backpacks. This option isn’t as weather-resistant as thicker fabrics, and it’s often heavier.
Leather
- Average Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Average Price: $250 to $990
Leather is the most high-end material for soft suitcases. That’s because it’s expensive, durable, and stylish. However, real leather is made from animal hides, so many people opt for fake leather because it looks nice but is more humane. Also, there are different types of real leather, such as top-grain and full-grain. Full-grain is the more solid of the two, but top-grain is more affordable while still being decently durable.
Leather is more commonly used for duffel bags, purses, and backpacks than suitcases. It can be a difficult material to maintain, but if it’s properly cared for, it can last a lifetime.
Other Factors to Consider
The luggage material type is just one quality of a suitcase to think about. Below are a few other aspects that can matter just as much.
Weight
Weight matters a lot when packing for a flight. If your bag is too heavy, you might have to pay extra or use a different bag. So, if the suitcase itself is light, you’ll be able to pack more heavy items inside. If your suitcase is on the heavy side, you’ll need to pack light or bring more than one suitcase.
Size
There are several standard suitcases sizes, some of which are great for checked bags while others are ideal for carry-on bags. Before purchasing a new suitcase, you’ll want to ensure it fits standard airline requirements to save you time and stress at the airport. If you’re ever worried a bag is too big, you can measure the suitcase to be sure.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, cost is a crucial aspect to consider. There are many affordable suitcase materials, such as polyester and ABS, that can still last a while despite the cost. However, if you’re able to splurge a little on your next suitcase, it may be worth it to buy an expensive one since it will likely last longer.
Durability
Cost and durability often go hand-in-hand, but it’s always a good idea to observe the quality when selecting a new suitcase. If it’s fabric, make sure the threads are thick to avoid scratches. If the material is hard, make sure it’s flexible to reduce the risk of cracks.
Appearance
Appearance is a good aspect to consider because you’ll want your suitcase to be one that’s easy to find in a crowd. Choosing a bright-colored suitcase is a great way to make sure no one takes your luggage by mistake. If your suitcase is dull-colored, you may want to add a colorful ribbon or luggage tag to it to make it easier to find at baggage claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you choose a new suitcase, you’ll be picking luggage that you’ll be using for years to come. So, here are some answers to common questions to help you make that final decision.
What is the Best Material for Luggage?
The best suitcase material depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an affordable hard-side suitcase, ABS might be a good choice for you. If you want an affordable fabric suitcase, consider polyester. However, if you’re looking for a higher-end material, you could consider, aluminum, titanium, or leather.
Where Can You Find Used Suitcases?
Thrift stores, online sellers, or any similar places are ways to find used luggage. If you want a high-end material without the high costs, getting an old suitcase from a second-hand store is a great option.
What Can’t You Bring in a Carry-on Bag?
In the cabin, you cannot have any items that are considered dangerous, such as firearms, knives, and fireworks. Liquids are also restricted to containers that are 3.4 oz (1oo ml) or less. For a full list of what you can and can’t bring on the plane, check out the TSA’s website.
Choosing the Right Luggage Material for You
Choosing the best luggage material for a new suitcase is a tricky task. First, you need to decide if you want a soft suitcase or a hard suitcase. Then, you’ll need to determine which qualities matter most to you in a new suitcase. Considering factors like weight, price, durability, size, and appearance can help you make a good final decision.
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