Discover the best soft sided suitcases for UK travellers—lightweight, durable and expandable options designed to maximise airline allowances while keeping contents safe. This guide highlights five top picks, covering different sizes and features to suit weekend breaks, city trips or longer holidays. Each product includes key attributes and practical considerations to help you choose the right luggage for your journeys.
| Product | Brand | Size / Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Cardin Suitcase Medium Soft Sided | Pierre Cardin | 69 cm / 71.7 L | Ultra-lightweight with dual spinner wheels |
| Pierre Cardin Soft Shell 69 cm | Pierre Cardin | 69 cm / 51 L | Excellent airline compatibility and easy handling |
| London Fog 26 Inch Soft Sided | London Fog | 26″ / 66.5 L | Balanced weight with solid protection |
| Samsonite Base Boost 66 cm | Samsonite | 66 cm / 67.5 L | TSA Lock and lightweight design |
| Gino Ferrari Soft Sided 31 Inch | Gino Ferrari | 31″ / 81.8 L | Large capacity with 8 wheels for easy manoeuvrability |
Pierre Cardin Medium Soft Sided Suitcase
The Pierre Cardin CL610 Medium soft sided case is designed for travelling light while offering ample packing space. At 69 cm with a body weight around 2.5 kg, it emphasises ultra-lightweight handling. The luggage features four dual spinner wheels and a soft polyester exterior to help absorb impact during transit. Capacity is approximately 71.7 litres, making it suitable for longer weekends or short trips. Airline compatibility is a priority in this model, allowing travellers to maximise their 20–23 kg weight allowances. The soft shell provides flexible packing and protects contents with a durable exterior.
Key considerations: weight balance with a lighter body helps in lift and manoeuvre; fabric durability is essential for repeated loading and unloading; ensure wheels are smooth for long-haul travel; capacity should align with your typical packing style.
Pierre Cardin Soft Shell 27 Inch Suitcase
This 69 cm soft sided suitcase prioritises airline compatibility with a 51-litre capacity in a compact form. Weighing about 2.76 kg, the bag uses a soft shell design with four spinner wheels for smooth handling across airports and hotels. It is designed to be compatible with many major carriers, enabling easier management of luggage allowances on popular European and long-haul routes. The top and side carry options improve on-the-go flexibility when navigating busy terminals.
Considerations include ensuring the expandable sections meet your expected packing growth and checking wheel reliability for frequent travel. The soft shell helps cushion contents but verify fabric durability against rough handling.
London Fog 26 Inch Soft Sided Suitcase
The London Fog 26 Inch Soft Sided Suitcase combines a medium-large footprint with a forgiving weight, at around 2.55 kg. It offers a 66.5-litre capacity and four dual spinner wheels to ease navigation through terminals. The luggage is designed to withstand modern transport handling with a durable polyester exterior, providing a protective layer for contents. Its overall dimensions are tailored for week-long trips, winter holidays, or business travel where space and ease of use matter.
Buying considerations include assessing whether you need the expansion option for extra packing, how the bag performs on rough concrete or cobblestones, and the availability of TSA compatibility if you travel to the UK and beyond.
Samsonite Base Boost Soft Luggage
The Samsonite Base Boost offers a 66 cm soft luggage option with a stated capacity of around 67.5 litres and lightweight construction—features that support easy handling and efficient packing. The bag includes a TSA lock for secure check-in and travel, alongside distinctive metal detailing for quick recognition on carousels and in baggage halls. The design emphasises practical organization and reliable zips, making it a strong choice for frequent travellers who prioritise security and ease of use.
Key considerations: confirm capacity in relation to your packing style, check the lock mechanism for long-term reliability, and assess how often you use cabin versus checked luggage to optimize the size you buy.
Gino Ferrari Soft Sided 31 Inch Luggage
The Gino Ferrari 31-inch soft sided suitcase is a large-capacity option designed for longer holidays or multiple-week trips. Weighing around 2.9 kg, it offers approximately 81.8 litres of space and features eight 360-degree spinner wheels for effortless manoeuvrability. The bag is suitable for check-in use and uses a TSA-style combination locking system for security. The padded top carry handles add to its ease of handling in busy airports and transit hubs.
Considerations: evaluate whether to opt for the larger 31″ size for extended trips, ensure the wheels remain smooth after repeated use, and plan for flexible packing with a soft shell that can compress slightly if needed.
Buying Guide
- Size and capacity: Match luggage size to your typical travel length. Larger soft-sided cases offer more space but may be heavier when empty.
- Weight: Lighter models help you maximize airline allowances. Check the stated empty weight to avoid surprises at check-in.
- Durability: Soft shells use fabrics like polyester; assess fabric thickness, water resistance, and zipper quality for repeated travel.
- Wheels and handling: Four spinner wheels provide best mobility, but two-wheel designs can be lighter and simpler to repair. Test telescopic handles for comfort.
- Security: Consider integrated locks (TSA compliant where relevant) and reinforced zippers to deter theft and damage.
- Organisation: Internal pockets, dividers, and compression straps improve packing efficiency and help keep items secure.
- Compatibility with airlines: Confirm airline restrictions for size, weight and expandable features to avoid excess baggage fees.
- Expandability: Some soft suitcases offer 20% extra expansion; use this to accommodate return trips or shopping without needing a larger bag.
- Maintenance: Look for easy-clean fabrics and robust wheels. Cleaning and occasional tightening of zips can extend life.