Best Products Style Shopping The 12 Best Patterned Luggage Pieces of 2023 Monos’ Check-in Large Spinner is just as reliable as it is stylish. By Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Instagram Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based freelance writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 23, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Whether you’re a frequent flier or an annual trip taker, searching for the perfect suitcase can be overwhelming, to say the least. With thousands of options to choose from, it can be hard for even avid globetrotters to find the perfect piece that combines good looks and functionality. Prioritizing bags that are durable, available in a wide range of sizes, and stylish stand out from the pack, and patterned luggage accomplishes all that and more. We’ve researched the best of the best patterned pieces and the Monos Check-in Large Spinner earned our top spot thanks to its contemporary design, robust construction, and savvy interiors, complete with compression straps and dividers. But if that’s not quite your style, keep reading to browse all our selections for the best patterned luggage of the year. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Monos Check-in Large at Monos.com Jump to Review Best Carry-on: West Elm Carry-on Luggage at West Elm Jump to Review Best Checked: Ted Baker Large Wheeled Trolley Suitcase at Bloomingdales Jump to Review Best Set: Calpak Sand Tide Luggage Set at Calpaktravel.com Jump to Review Best Hardside: Heys Spinner Suitcase at Amazon Jump to Review Best Softside: State Bags Logan Suitcase at Bloomingdales Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Betsey Johnson Lightweight Pattern Duffel Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Tumi Expandable 4-wheel Carry-on Suitcase at Neiman Marcus Jump to Review Best Budget: American Tourister Hardside Expandable Luggage at Amazon Jump to Review Best Customizable: Mark & Graham Striped Leather Carry-on Luggage at Markandgraham.com Jump to Review Best Overall Monos Check-in Large 4.3 View On Monos.com Why We Love It: This bag is packed with organizational features like interior pockets, compression straps, and dividers.What to Consider: This suitcase weighs more than 10 pounds which can eat into a 50-pound checked-bag limit. Monos’ Check-in Large suitcase is designed with durability in mind — that is, without skimping on style. Our top pick combines functionality and fashion with a heavy-duty polycarbonate shell and terrazzo-inspired pattern. Its clamshell interior is equally as impressive, with built-in dividers (which makes organization a breeze) and compression straps to maximize storage space. The TSA-approved lock offers an additional sense of security, while the vegan leather detailing adds an extra-special touch. Lastly, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels and adjustable telescopic handle with four height settings, this luggage is incredibly easy to maneuver through the airport and beyond. Price at time of publish: $428 Dimensions: 30 × 21 × 11 inches | Weight: 10.58 pounds Best Carry-on West Elm Carry-on Luggage West Elm View On West Elm Why We Love It: This durable hardside bag is just as stylish as it is versatile — plus, it won’t break the bank. What to Consider: The suitcase is on the heavier side for a carry-on. This eye-catching carry-on from West Elm boasts a beautiful watercolor exterior that’s sure to turn heads through the airport — in a good way, of course. What’s more, the hard-sided spinner has a durable polycarbonate shell designed to last for many voyages to come. The suitcase’s polyester interior lining adds an extra layer of protection (pun-intended, of course), while the zippered compartment and pocket both come in handy while packing. Other highlights include an ergonomic handle, a TSA-approved lock, and four 360-degree spinner wheels. Price at time of publish: $130 Dimensions: 23.5 x 16 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Best Checked Ted Baker Take Flight Large Wheeled Trolley Suitcase Bloomingdales View On Bloomingdales Why We Love It: This 31-inch suitcase is incredibly roomy with both mesh and zippered compartments.What to Consider: It may be too large for airlines with strict dimension requirements. A checked suitcase is a must-have for longer trips, and we especially love this Ted Baker hardside spinner. At 31 inches, it’s the largest option on the list, which means it’s perfect for a big vacation or multiple people. Additionally, not only does this piece of luggage feature a sturdy hardshell and floral-printed paneling, but it also has an extendable handle and smooth-gliding wheels to take the hassle (and effort!) out of lugging it around without breaking a sweat. Open up the suitcase, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find an interior lining, a divider, and two pockets. Lastly, despite its spacious size, the suitcase clocks in at less than 10 pounds. Price at time of publish: $545 Dimensions: 31.3 x 20.9 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 9.8 pounds Best Set Calpak Sand Tide Luggage Set Calpak View On Calpaktravel.com Why We Love It: These hard-sided suitcases are expandable by up to 2 inches — plus they come with a removable pocket for accessories.What to Consider: Scuffs and other signs of wear may be more visible on light colored pieces. Luggage sets offer excellent value, and Calpak has two in this pattern — a 2-piece option including a carry-on and a checked bag and a 3-piece set with an additional checked bag. All of these hardside suitcases can expand up to 2 inches so they’re a solid choice for overpackers everywhere since you can shove in your belongings without worrying about tearing fabric. The bags offer TSA locks, four 360-degree wheels, and an extendable handle, too. Inside, you’ll also find compression straps, a removable pocket, and a divider with pockets — all of which makes organization easier than ever. Meanwhile, the luggage’s light-hued, marble-printed design adds an extra-chic touch. Price at time of publish: $470 for 2 or $715 for 3 Dimensions: 22 x 13.8 x 9.65 inches (carry-on), 26 x 16.5 x 11.4 inches (medium checked), 30 x 19.5 x 12.8 inches (large checked) | Weight: 7.3 pounds (carry-on), 9. 6 pounds (medium checked), 11.3 pounds (large checked) The 13 Best Pink Luggage Pieces of 2023 Best Hardside Heys Tie Dyed Spinner Suitcase Bloomingdales View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales Why We Love It: This expandable suitcase has gel-cushioned side and telescopic handles and double 360-degree spinner wheels.What to Consider: It’s on the smaller side for checked bags. We love Heys’ Tie Dyed Spinner Suitcase for its lightweight construction and robust hard-sided polycarbonate shell (which also happens to be incredibly easy to clean with a wipe). That’s not all, though: The suitcase can expand up to 2.5 inches, so you’ll have plenty of room to stow away souvenirs on the trip back. While the bag is definitely trendy (check out its eye-catching, blue-hued tie-dye pattern and gorgeous glossy finish!), it’s also outfitted with an array of noteworthy features. It’s equipped with built-in, side-mounted TSA locks, double 360-degree spinner wheels, and a 17.25-inch telescopic handle with a gel-cushioned top for optimal comfort. There’s also an interior compartment with several pockets, a divider, and a buckle strap. Price at time of publish: $198 Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 9.3 pounds Best Softside State Bags Logan Suitcase 4.7 State View On Bloomingdales View On Statebags.com View On Thetot.com Why We Love It: The suitcase is made of water-resistant polyester with an interior lining made from recycled water bottles.What to Consider: It’s smaller than the average carry-on. Soft-sided bags such as State’s Logan Suitcase are best known for their lightweight construction. What’s more, this specific carry-on, with its vibrant colors and patterned design, is ideal for both the young and the young-at-heart. In addition to its whimsical design, the bag offers a slew of impressive characteristics like two interior compartments (one with an elastic strap, one with a zippered flap closure and mesh pocket); a front pocket with several slips (great for storing notebooks, tablets, and other travel games and activities); a side strap (which, per the brand, is perfect for storing a water bottle or stuffed animal for hands-free convenience), and a separate mesh pocket for dirty clothes to make unpacking (almost) effortless. It’s also worth mentioning that 45 percent of this water-resistant suitcase comes from recycled materials, including an interior lining made from water bottles. Price at time of publish: $220 Dimensions: 18.7 x 13.4 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 6.44 pounds Best Lightweight Betsey Johnson Lightweight Pattern Duffel Bag Amazon View On Amazon View On Lordandtaylor.com Why We Love It: This whimsical rolling duffel bag weighs less than 4 pounds and is compact enough to fit in tight spaces.What to Consider: There are only two wheels. When shopping for luggage, you’ll want to look for options that are lightweight to make your travel experience as seamless as possible. Enter this rolling duffel bag from Betsey Johnson, which, at 21.5 inches, weighs less than 4 pounds. Its soft-sided design offers more “give” than hard-sided luggage, which means it can be shoved into smaller spaces more easily. While the bag does roll on two wheels, it also has shorter straps so that you can hold it by the hand should you wish to. Its pink flamingo-patterned design adds a playful flair, while its under-$100 price tag is excellent for budget-conscious travelers. Price at time of publish: $60 Dimensions: 21.5 x 10 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Best Splurge Tumi International Expandable 4-wheel Carry-on Suitcase in Silver Saks Fifth Avenue View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Selfridges.com Why We Love It: This expandable suitcase from Tumi offers useful characteristics like a removable USB cable and hardy aluminum construction.What to Consider: It’s quite costly. When it comes to luxury luggage, Tumi’s International Expandable 4-wheel Carry-on Suitcase is a worth-it splurge thanks to its durable aluminum construction (98 percent). The luggage is expandable and comes equipped with a removable USB cable to ensure your devices stay fully charged as you jet-set around the globe. There are also several pockets including a large, U-shaped front one plus a zippered garment compartment with clothes hanger bracket. The pattern itself is equally as impressive, and it’s safe to say that this suitcase is truly a work of art; the pigeon camo print pays homage to the bustling Big Apple. Price at time of publish: $1,195 Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 10.8 pounds The 9 Best Zipperless Luggage Pieces of 2023 Best Budget American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It: This expandable checked suitcase has a marble design that can easily mask scratches.What to Consider: There is no built-in TSA lock. You don’t need to shell out a small fortune for a great piece of patterned luggage. Just take this American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage, for example. The 24-inch checked suitcase, which can expand up to 1.5 inches, is cleverly designed with a mesh divider, cross straps, and a zipped pocket. This wallet-friendly suitcase also offers a scratch-resistant, marble-patterned exterior constructed out of ABS, which is known for its durability. Once you’ve packed up your things, simply lock the handle in place with the push button, and you’ll be all set to jet. Lastly, as a bonus, American Tourister also offers a 10-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $110 Dimensions: 27 x 17.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Best Customizable Mark & Graham Striped Leather Carry-on Luggage Mark & Graham View On Markandgraham.com Why We Love It: This spinner can be monogrammed with names or initials in 19 colors and 28 fonts.What to Consider: The leather portions may be susceptible to scratches. For an uber-chic and customizable option, look no further than Mark & Graham’s Striped Leather Carry-on Luggage. Highlights include a built-in TSA lock, 360-degree spinner wheels, and two compartments complete with zippered compression. Its striped patterned design features a polycarbonate construction combined with luxe leather detailing. The telescoping handle extends up to 14 inches, while the two zippered compartments have a fashion-forward black-and-white striped lining constructed out of polyester. Best of all, personalization includes monograms, single initials, or full names in a range of fonts and colors. The 10-year limited warranty is a bonus, as well. Price at time of publish: $249 Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds Best Underseat Vera Bradley Underseat Rolling Work Bag Vera Bradley View On Amazon View On Verabradley.com Why We Love It: This versatile underseat bag offers ample pockets and sleeves, plus a mounted lock with a USB port.What to Consider: At 7.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for its compact size. Underseat luggage is great for short trips, and the Vera Bradley Underseat Rolling Work Bag is among our favorites. Despite its small size, the bag has a handful of incredible features designed to make traveling as stress-free as possible. The floral-printed exterior — made with water-repellent fabric — offers both a zip pocket and a compartment where you can stash any essentials you may need within arm’s reach, such as your phone, keys, or wallet. Open the front compartment to find a laptop sleeve plus two elastic mesh pockets. Meanwhile, the main interior compartment offers a mesh zip pocket, an elastic zip pocket, and compression straps. There’s also a USB port (battery pack not included) and built-in TSA lock. Price at time of publish: $140 Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds The 13 Best Portable Chargers of 2023 Best Weekender MZ Wallace Travel Jim 4.3 Bloomingdale's View On Bloomingdales View On Mzwallace.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Love It: This roomy weekender bag is water- and stain-resistant, and it comes with a detachable crossbody strap.What to Consider: Since there are no wheels, it may get heavy if you overpack. In our opinion, MZ Wallace’s Jimmy Camouflage Quilted Travel Bag is among the best lightweight weekender bags on the market. Although small in size, the roomy, camo-printed tote has nine total pockets (three exterior pockets and six interior ones, to be exact), plus a detachable pouch and a key ring strap. Its quilted exterior is made with water- and stain-resistant fabric, meaning it can withstand accidental spills and mishaps (we’ve all been there!). For hands-free carrying, utilize the detachable and adjustable crossbody strap; otherwise, hold it by the hand or swing it on your arm using the double nylon handles, which offer padding for maximum comfort. Price at time of publish: $295 Dimensions: 17.32 x 6.69 x 10.83 inches | Weight: 1.10 pounds Tips for Buying Patterned Luggage Strike a balance between style and functionality As you shop for the best patterned luggage, keep in mind looks alone aren’t enough. You’ll want to also pick a suitcase equipped with practical features to make packing, unpacking, and organization as hassle-free as possible. For example, some bags offer built-in dividers and compression straps to help organize your belongings and pack more efficiently. Most come with TSA locks to ensure your stuff stays safe and secure while in transit as well. Buy the size you need When it comes to selecting luggage, size definitely matters. If you tend to overpack — or buy a ton of souvenirs — a roomier checked bag is likely your best bet. Conversely, if your travel schedule consists of shorter, more frequent getaways as opposed to extended trips, a carry-on, rolling duffel, or weekender bag may be the most practical choice. You also can’t go wrong with an expandable suitcase or luggage set. Remember that durability still matters Whether you prefer hard- or soft-sided bags, the best patterned luggage offers sturdy construction. Most hardshell luggage is made with strong plastics (such as polycarbonate) or aluminum. On the other hand, soft-sided luggage is often made with fabrics like nylon or canvas, both of which are known for their durability. Frequently Asked Questions How can I clean and care for a patterned bag? Patterned luggage is great when it comes to masking scruffs and disguising dirt, along with general wear and tear. Always consult specific care instructions provided with your suitcase or listed on the brand’s website. If no information is given, when it does eventually come time to clean your bags, a wet wipe or cloth will be especially handy. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this article, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman used her experience as a travel writer and editor as well as research to compile the perfect roundup of reliable patterned luggage. I’ve Tested Suitcases From Every Popular Luggage Brand — and Here’s Why Monos Is My Favorite Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit