Luggage Material Guide

Choosing the right luggage for your travels involves more than just looks and size. The construction material is key to its durability, weight, and overall performance. Let’s delve into various luggage materials, highlighting their unique features to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect travel companion.

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Hard shell cases

1. Polycarbonate (PC)

Suitcases made from pure polycarbonate are crafted from transparent plastic that can be colored during production. One of the major advantages of this material is its high flexibility, making the suitcase nearly unbreakable and easy to reshape if deformed. While scratches are inevitable, especially during air travel, polycarbonate suitcases are heat resistant and can be relatively lightweight depending on the design. However, these features come at a higher price point.

2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a widely used and proven material for hardshell cases. Suitcases made from ABS are stable, scratch-resistant, and lightweight. Our ABS suitcases are very popular and available in many colors. They feature a slightly textured surface that enhances scratch resistance and adds a light shimmer effect when exposed to light. Our factory uses a specially developed formula for ABS, making the material both light and durable.

3. PC+ABS (coated with polycarbonate films)

This technique involves laminating shaped ABS material with a polycarbonate film. Using the three-layer composite materials optimal stability and lightness. The additional polycarbonate film gives the surface a shiny, elegant finish and enhances the luggage’s performance. This film increases resistance to breakage, ensuring durability. While the surface may get scratched during transportation, especially by airplane, these scratches do not compromise the suitcase’s stability.

4. Aluminum

Aluminum luggage is renowned for its sleek appearance and exceptional durability, offering excellent impact resistance and high scratch resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for frequent travelers who value both protection and style. Many aluminum cases also feature secure locking mechanisms for added security. However, aluminum is generally heavier than other materials, which can be a drawback for air travel where weight is a concern. Additionally, it is more susceptible to dents and scratches. Despite these disadvantages, aluminum luggage remains popular among business travelers for its robustness and professional look.

5. Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a hard hydrocarbon resin derived from propylene, a petroleum byproduct. While it is less rigid than other hard-side luggage materials, it offers a good balance of durability and flexibility.

Advantages:

• Budget-friendly
• Lightest hard-side luggage material
• Resistant to chemicals and temperature changes
• Waterproof
• Crack-resistant

Disadvantages:

• Less rigid compared to polycarbonate bags
• Color can fade with UV light exposure

6. rPET

rPET stands for recycled PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate). Luggage made from rPET is eco-friendly, utilizing recycled plastic bottles. It is waterproof, multi-functional, fashionable, ultra-lightweight, and exceptionally strong.

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Soft shell cases

1. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that belongs to the family of polycarbonates. It contains a higher percentage of synthetic fibers compared to nylon. Polyester fabrics are also used in PET and microfiber textiles, making them versatile and widely used in various applications.

2. Nylon

Nylon is a fabric made from synthetic fibers, with tear strength increasing as the twine thickness (denier) increases. Suitcases made from nylon offer water repellency, robustness, and are among the lightest luggage materials, comparable to polycarbonate. This makes nylon an excellent choice for travelers who prefer soft shell cases.

3. Leather

Leather was a popular choice for luggage in the 1950s, but today, more effective materials have taken its place, and it is now primarily used for handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks.

While leather can last for decades with proper care, it has some notable drawbacks. Leather is heavier than other soft-side luggage materials and absorbs water, leading to unsightly stains if it gets wet.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell luggage:

Advantages of Hard Shell Cases:

• Rigid material provides superior protection for contents
• Highly durable and resistant to impacts
• Less prone to dirt and easy to clean
• Water-repellent
• Available in various colors and customizable designs for easy identification

Advantages of Soft Shell Cases:

• Expandable with elastic pleats for additional storage
• Flexible material allows for easier packing
• Lightweight
• Convenient exterior pockets for quick access
• Material is less susceptible to visible scratches