Booked your air tickets and all ready to jet off to your dream destination? Don’t forget to arm yourself with a sturdy piece of luggage to travel with! You’ll need one that is durable enough to brave through tosses and throws through the baggage-claim carousel, spacious enough for your travel essentials (and loots), and secure enough in case it gets lost in foreign land. To help you find the right one, here’s a guide on how to choose a luggage and our recommendations on the best luggage options in Singapore.
Our Recommendations
What to consider when choosing a luggage?
From brutal baggage handlers to rugged terrains, your luggage goes through a lot. To ensure it doesn’t fall apart after years of storage or worse, splitting into half upon landing in a foreign country, it’s worth investing in a quality one that can withstand heavy physical demands. From types of luggage to what kind of wheels to choose, here’s what you should look out for when buying one.
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Size & weight
Majority of the luggage options on the market make the cut for the size limitations for international travel. That said, we recommend sizing down as much as possible when you’re buying a luggage bag for a vacation, as a smaller luggage helps you to avoid overpacking or exceeding weight limits. In that vein, weight is another important factor to look out for. Lightweight luggage options allow you to pack more without compromising on baggage fees — a benefit many Singapore dwellers would greatly appreciate.
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Type of luggage & material
There are two main types of luggage – hard case and soft case. While soft case luggage tends to offer more flexibility for expansion (although some hard case luggage offers this too), hard case luggage helps to limit your packing. Hardside bags also tend to be more waterproof and weather-resistant, while soft case luggage are more prone to stains. Both come with its set of pros and cons, so it all comes down to your specific needs and preferences. For which material to choose, refer to the table below!
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Polypropylene (hard) | Affordable, lightweight, flexible, crack-resistant | Slightly heavier |
| Polycarbonate (hard) | Crack-resistant, lightweight, flexible | Relatively pricey |
| ABS (hard) | Affordable, lightweight | Not crack-resistant |
| Aluminium | Durable, scratch and dent-resistant | Heavy |
| Polyester | Affordable, lightweight, flexible | Not as durable |
| Nylon | Lightweight, weather resistant, durable | More expensive than polyester |
| Leather | Durable, waterproof | Expensive, heavy |
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Handles
Handles will come in handy for easy handling of your luggage. This is especially so when you come to situations where you need to hand carry your luggage (such as going up a stairs) instead of rolling it on the ground. Whatever type of luggage you choose, you’ll want at least two handles – one on the top and one on the side – in order to lift it without breaking a sweat.
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Security
Don’t let your guards down – be sure to lock your luggage before checking it in, in case it falls to the hands of another! You can buy a luggage lock, but the best luggage options in Singapore come with combination locks, or even better, TSA locks which are highly recommended for those travelling to the US. This is because TSA locks have a universal master key, so airline personnel can open your baggage up to check its content without damaging it. Apart from locks, also look out for double coiled zips which are not easily hacked.
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Wheels
For smooth maneuvering, get four-wheeled luggage (often named as spinners) which are highly versatile. You don’t have to tilt it to an angle and pull, but simply drag it parallel to the ground. However, these wheels do take up space. If you’re travelling via bus or trains and want to avoid not being able to fit your bag in overhead luggage bins, you can opt for luggage with recessed wheels.
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Storage
Ultimately, your luggage is going to be your portable wardrobe and storage box as you travel. Internal storage compartments will make packing a lot easier. The best luggage options in Singapore come with dedicated compartments for your garments, which keep them from creasing. External storage compartments also come in handy if you want easy access to important items. These are more common in soft case luggage options.
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Colour
When it comes to luggage colour, it is not all about aesthetics. Bright colours are easier to spot and harder to get mixed up with other luggage. On the other hand, black or dark coloured luggage has its advantages too. As checked baggage often gets tossed around without mercy, it’s inevitable for them to sustain scratches and damages – which tend to be less noticeable on dark coloured luggage. Plus, you can still adorn them with luggage covers and luggage stickers to make them stand out in the crowd!
Best hard case luggage in Singapore
1. American Tourister Curio Spinner
With its remarkable history within the luggage industry, American Tourister is definitely one of the best luggage brands to get in Singapore. Case in point: the ultramarine American Tourister Curio Spinner (available on American Tourister Official Store) — a quirky option guaranteed to complement your airport fit! Aesthetics aside, this bad boy matches beauty with brains with its well-designed features. Despite being a hard case luggage, it offers the flexibility of a soft-shelled luggage thanks to its volume split capability which allows for approximately 15% more space. (Trust us, you’ll need that extra space when you’re flying back from your Hokkaido trip!) For extra security, this American Tourister Curio luggage is equipped with a security zipper that is double-coiled and not easily broken into!
2. Pierre Cardin 3-Piece Luggage Set
If you’re looking for a piece of luggage that’s chic and elegant, this Pierre Cardin 3-Piece Luggage Set (available on Travelite Official Store) fits right in the bill! Coming in under $200, this Pierre Cardin luggage gives you the best bang for your buck. Made with ABS, the luggage provides a durable cocoon for all of your travel essentials. Worried about your luggage falling apart after a few uses? Fret not! This handy baggage also comes with a five years local warranty, providing users with added protection and assurance. This is definitely one of the best luggage you can get in Singapore to get quality products in one shot!
3. Urbanlite Rubik Luggage
We can’t write a list about the best luggage in Singapore without mentioning the brand Urbanlite. A branch of Universal Traveller, Urbanlite specialises in producing premium and reliable hard case luggage. And among the options available, the Urbanlite RUBIK Luggage (available on Universal Traveller Official Store) is definitely one to shell out for! This Urbanlite RUBIK luggage is equipped with four fully-revolving twin wheels and carry handles on both the top and the side. How nifty is that!
4. Moda Paolo Hard Case Luggage
The Moda Paolo Hard Case Luggage (available on Moda Paolo Official Store) is another affordable option that you can consider if you want to stretch your dollar. It comes with essentials like a TSA lock for security, and has a well-equipped internal storage that includes an X band that keeps things in place. It also comes with handles that are padded for extra comfort – this definitely helps when you have to carry it up or down the stairs! This cheap luggage in Singapore has also received glowing reviews from users – a testament of its functionality.
5. Urbanlite Ledge Luggage
When you’re trying to get from point A to point B while dragging a luggage, you’ll come to realise just how important quality wheels are. The Urbanlite Ledge Luggage (available on Universal Traveller Official Store) has 360-degree spinner wheels that not only allow for fluid motion, but also ensure that the weight of the luggage is evenly spread and ensures silent manoeuvring. Apart from wheels, the trolley handle system also makes a difference. The Urbanlite Ledge makes things breezy with multiple locking heights, so you can adjust it to the most comfortable position. That’s why it proves to be a worthy contender for the best luggage in Singapore.
6. Delsey Promenade Luggage
The Delsey Promenade Double Wheels Expandable Trolley Case (available on Delsey Singapore Official Store) screams vacation vibes and we’re totally into it. Sporting a unique aesthetic with its brown stripe detail made of vegan leather, this Delsey luggage is definitely one of the best luggage in Singapore that you’ll want to take #OOTD pics with at the airport. It is also equipped with silent double wheels that don’t cause a ruckus. What’s more, it is also expandable to accommodate your additional travel loots!
7. Echolac Celestra Luggage
Given how hard it is to spot your luggage amongst the sea of dark-coloured ones, you will certainly appreciate your luggage to stand out from the rest. Made by Echolac, one of the best luggage brands in Singapore, the baby-blue Echolac Celestra (available on The Planet Traveller Official Store) will catch your eye when it makes its appearance on the belt! Within the Echolac luggage also lies a series of compartments — helping you to keep your items organised and easily accessible. To top it off, the dual wheel system also helps to ensure a smooth journey!
8. Hush Puppies PP Spinner Luggage
Looking for reliable hard case luggage that won’t break the bank? The Hush Puppies PP Spinner (available on Metro Official Store) is one of the best luggage in Singapore to consider. Designed by best-loved footwear label Hush Puppies, you can expect high-quality material and workmanship from this hard-case Hush Puppies luggage. It boasts a tough-as-nails polypropylene shell to protect all your souvenirs from knocks and bumps! Worried this 24-inch luggage won’t be roomy enough for all your holiday spoils? Fret not, because the Hush Puppies PP Spinner can be expanded, making it the perfect companion for your Bangkok shopping sprees!
9. MUJI Hard Carry Luggage
When talking about having the best minimalistic designs, one of the first brands in Singapore that comes to mind is definitely MUJI. The MUJI Hard Carry Luggage (available on MUJI Official Store) comes in sizes from 36L to a whopping 105L. Like all MUJI products, this luggage follows the Japanese brand’s simple, aesthetically-pleasing design principles. Looks aren’t all there is to this luggage, though – it’s equipped with a lightweight yet tough polycarbonate shell. The nifty dual-wheel system and stopper function also makes for smooth-sailing trips both in and out of the airport. It’s no wonder the MUJI Hard Carry Bag is already considered one of the best lightweight luggage in Singapore!
10. American Tourister Airconic Spinner Luggage
You would’ve never imagined how light luggage of this size can get! The 27-inch American Tourister Airconic Spinner (available on American Tourister Official Store) is a game-changer within the market. Behind its ultra-modern glossy shell lies two spacious compartments capable of storing your essentials for an 8-day trip. With a water-repellent zipper, this is also the best lightweight luggage in Singapore for those travelling during winter or the monsoon season! This feature protects your clothes and food from moisture in the air, thereby preventing them from getting mouldy. Certainly, this is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a piece of reliable luggage!
Best soft case luggage in Singapore
11. Delsey Montmartre Air Luggage
It can be a hassle to clean a suitcase, but not when it comes with detachable and washable linings. The Delsey Montmartre Air Trolley Case (available on Delsey Singapore Official Store) offers just that – making the cleaning a straightforward affair. Simply detach the lining and toss it in the washing machine! Even without Your travel essentials will be safe and clean, even if you don’t pack them in ziplock bags. The Delsey Montmartre Air luggage is also super lightweight – the 24-inch one only weighs 2.9kg, allowing you to bring more while weighing less. In addition, it has two frontal pockets where you can keep things you need at arm’s reach all the time. Truly a revolutionary product made by one of the best luggage brands in Singapore!
12. American Tourister Applite Spinner Luggage
The American Tourister Applite Spinner (available on American Tourister Official Store) sports a sleek look that’s easily recognisable with its maroon body. It sports multiple pockets both in its inner and outer compartments, which allows you to organise things without extra storage bags. This American Tourister Applite can also be expanded up to an extra 4cm, which is the highest in this list. If you tend to shop a ton, we reckon a softside luggage with ample flexibility will be the best for you.
13. Pierre Cardin Expandable Softcase Luggage
Looking for an affordable soft case luggage option in Singapore that still packs a punch in terms of features? The best option to consider would be the Pierre Cardin Expandable Softcase (available on Travelite Official Store)! At less than $200, you get a piece of luggage that’s well-designed in every aspect. For security, you have a TSA combination lock and an anti-theft zipper. For durability, the soft case is lined with nylon fabric, offering your luggage protection against rain and accidental spills. This Pierre Cardin soft case can even be expanded, allowing it to offer more than enough extra room for your bulk buys!
14. 360° 4-Wheel Trolley Backpack
It’s definitely wise to stick to a trusty travel backpack for a budget backpacking trip, but if you want to relieve your shoulders from the weight, consider a 360° 4-Wheel Trolley Backpack (available on GNP Trading), one of the best trolley backpacks in Singapore! This is one of the best types of luggage in Singapore for those who like to travel light. It offers ample volume that’s comparable to the other luggage options on the list, yet comes in the lightest at only 2.5kg.
The rugged trolley backpack is designed for heavy usage, making it suitable for both travels and day-to-day use. It also comes with a convenient water bottle pocket on its side – no more having to open up your entire luggage just for a sip of water! However, it does not come with a built-in lock, so we recommend getting one to keep your belongings safe. If you’re worried about the wheels wearing out with frequent daily use, consider investing in some Swivel Luggage Replacement Wheels (available on Fashion Jewellery). After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
15. MUJI Foldable Soft Case Luggage
MUJI has done it once again with the Muji Foldable Soft Case Luggage (available on Muji Official Store)! Loaded with multiple amazing space-maximising features, this is the best soft case luggage in Singapore to get for frequent short-haul business travellers. One such feature is its foldable design — allowing for capacity expansion simply by pulling an internal panel up. When done, collapse the luggage and store it at home without hogging up excessive space; it’s as convenient as that!
Overview of the best luggage options in Singapore
| Luggage | Type | Available size (inch) | Weight (kg) | Lock | Material | Price |
| American Tourister Curio Spinner | Hard case | 25 | 3.9 | TSA combination lock | Polypropylene | $260 |
| Pierre Cardin 3-Piece Set | Hard case | 20, 24, 28 | 3.0, 3.8, 5.2 | TSA combination lock | ABS | $199 |
| Urbanlite Rubik | Hard case | 24 | 3 | TSA lock | ABS | $55 |
| Moda Paolo | Hard case | 20, 24, 28 | 3, 3.5, 4.2 | TSA combination lock | ABS | $69.90 – $109.90 |
| Urbanlite Ledge | Hard case | 24 | 3 | Combination lock | ABS | $49 |
| Delsey Promenade | Hard case | 20, 24, 28 | 3.28, 5.02, 5.77 | TSA combination lock | Polycarbonate | $329 – $479 |
| Echolac Celestra | Hard case | 24 | 3.8 | TSA lock | Polycarbonate | $279 |
| Hush Puppies PP Spinner | Hard case | 25 | 4.2 | TSA Combination Lock | Polypropylene | $175 |
| MUJI Hard Carry Luggage | Hard case | 20 – 25 | 3.5 – 6.2 | TSA lock | Polycarbonate | $259 – $349 |
| American Tourister Airconic Spinner | Hard case | 26 | 2.7 | TSA lock | Polypropylene | $147 |
| Delsey Montmartre Air | Soft case | 28 | 4.3 | TSA combination lock | Polyester | $499 |
| American Tourister Applite Spinner | Soft case | 28 | 2.6 | TSA combination lock | Polyester | $290 |
| Pierre Cardin Expandable Soft Case | Soft case | 20 – 24 | 2.7, 3.7 | TSA combination lock | Nylon | $89 – $99 |
| 360° 4-Wheel Trolley Backpack | Soft case | 20, 24 | 2.5, 3 | None | Nylon | $53.90 – $69.00 |
| MUJI Foldable Soft Case | Soft case | 21, 26.5, 28 | 3.2, 3.8, 4.8 | None | Polyester | $169 – $299 |
How to pack luggage to maximise space?
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Lay it out and edit
Who doesn’t want to look good on a holiday? We know how tempting it is to squeeze your entire wardrobe into your suitcase just so you can have options on the trip. However, that ain’t gonna be a smart move – especially if you’re planning to shop too. So lay out everything you want to bring, and pick out the ones you really need. This helps you to avoid bringing clothes that look similar.
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Roll your clothes to save space
It is highly recommended to roll your clothes up so that they take up less space. You can even secure them with a rubber band so that they don’t open up. This not only maximises space, but also keeps your clothes wrinkle free upon arrival. We also recommend wrapping breakable items like jewellery among your clothes to keep them safe from impact.
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Use packing cubes and compression bags
Trust us, packing cubes make a huge difference in keeping things organised in your luggage. You can store your rolled clothes into them and compartmentalise them however you’d like. Simply maximise each cube and zip it up. If you need more space, lend some help from compression bags which come in especially handy for bulky items like winter clothing. However, we recommend wearing your bulky items first, and using compression bags as a last resort.
Jet off in comfort & style with the best luggage in Singapore
From lightweight luggage to trusty double-wheeled options, we hope that these luggage options will prepare you sufficiently for your upcoming overseas trips! Planning for a road trip to Malaysia? Check out our roundup of the best check-in luggage in Singapore that are great for weekend-long trips. If you’re scooting to a winter wonderland this year-end, check out our winter packing list to stay warm on your adventure!
This article was updated on 1 December 2022. Additional research done by Jerald Ang.
