Understanding Suitcase Sizes
Standing in front of a wall of suitcases can be overwhelming. They all look similar, but the differences in quality, size, and features are enormous. Get this decision right and your suitcase will be a faithful travel companion for a decade.
Suitcase sizes are standardised around carry-on and check-in categories, but actual dimensions vary by brand.
Cabin/Carry-On (18 to 22 inches)
Cabin bags are designed to fit in overhead compartments. The universal sweet spot is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm — this fits the most restrictive airlines while also working on full-service carriers.
Use a cabin bag for trips up to 4 days, business travel where you need quick access to belongings, or any trip where you want to avoid checked baggage fees and collection waits.
Medium Check-In (24 to 26 inches)
This is the most popular size category for good reason. A medium check-in bag holds enough for a 2-week holiday while remaining manageable to lift and manoeuvre.
The 24-inch size is the sweet spot — large enough for most holidays but not so heavy that you strain yourself lifting it into the boot of a taxi or onto a train rack.
Large Check-In (28 to 32 inches)
Large bags are for extended trips, family travel, or travellers who simply need to bring more. They are also popular with students moving internationally who need to transport a significant portion of their belongings.
A fair warning: large bags encourage overpacking. If you regularly return home with half your bag empty, you probably do not need a large case.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
This is one of the most common questions we receive at LOUIS POLO.
Hard shell suitcases offer superior protection for fragile items and are generally more water-resistant. They are ideal for checked baggage because they protect contents from mishandling. The downside is that they do not flex — you cannot squeeze in one last item. Modern hard shells use polycarbonate or ABS plastic that is surprisingly impact-resistant.
Soft shell suitcases offer flexibility — they can expand to accommodate extra packing and often have external pockets for items you need quick access to. They are lighter than comparable hard shells. The downside is lower protection for fragile items and vulnerability to water damage.
Our recommendation: Hard shell for checked baggage, soft shell for cabin bags where you need that extra flexibility and quick-access pockets.
Wheels: 2-Wheel vs. 4-Wheel Spinners
This decision significantly impacts your daily travel experience.
2-wheel rollaboards are pulled behind you at an angle. They are more stable on rough terrain — cobblestones, gravel, uneven surfaces. They are also slightly more secure on slopes as they will not roll away when you let go.
4-wheel spinners roll in all directions beside you. This is far more comfortable over long distances on smooth surfaces like airport terminals. The trade-off is that they can be trickier on rough terrain and slopes.
Our recommendation: 4-wheel spinners for primarily airport and hotel travel, 2-wheel for adventures involving rougher surfaces.
Key Features Worth Paying For
TSA-approved locks: Essential for US travel. TSA agents can open and re-lock these without destroying your lock. On non-US trips, any combination lock provides adequate security.
Spinner wheels with covers: Wheel quality varies enormously. Look for double-spinner wheels (two small wheels per corner rather than one large wheel) for smoother rolling and greater durability over thousands of kilometres.
Expandable panels: The ability to expand your case by 2-4cm is invaluable for packing souvenirs on the return journey or when you slightly overpacked.
Compression straps: Internal straps that hold your belongings in place, preventing shifting during transit and keeping clothes less wrinkled.
Making Your Decision
For most travellers, a two-bag system works best: a carry-on for short trips and business travel, plus a medium check-in for longer holidays. You do not need to own every size — strategic flexibility matters more than having every option available.
At LOUIS POLO, our suitcase range covers every use case, from our compact Urban Cabin 21 inch to our Family Expedition 30 inch. Every case is tested to airline requirements and backed by our 3-year guarantee.
The right suitcase is not the most expensive or the most feature-rich — it is the one that fits your travel lifestyle perfectly and serves you reliably for years to come.
