Chocolate brown is everywhere. These stylish luggage picks are the coolest way to work the trend while travelling

Best sustainable brown luggage

Features: TSA lock, 360° Japanese spinner wheels, multiple pockets, lifetime warranty

If you’re looking for a sustainable suitcase, Horizn’s RE range is it – with an extra dash of innovative German engineering and a shiny protective hard-shell. The outer layer is made from 97 per cent recycled polycarbonate, crafted from old CDs thanks to a collaboration with Sony. The handle is filled with biodegradable materials, and the interior is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, including the mesh partitions and water-resistant lining. It’s saved over 72 per cent of the CO2 emissions of the brand’s typical production and even transportation material costs are fully offset, leading to an overall production that’s 99 per cent waste free. The brand also offers savings on luggage sets – use code MYSET20 when purchasing two or more cases for 20 per cent off.

According to our editors: “There’s nothing like battling through torrential rain and gale force winds to really test a suitcase, and that’s what I had to face with the Horizn Studios H6 on a recent trip to Edinburgh. This German-engineered suitcase took on Storm Éowyn like a champ. The polycarbonate shell handled knocks and bangs with ease, while the Japanese 360° spinner wheels made gliding through the station and hotel lobbies totally effortless. Edinburgh’s cobblestones were slightly more of a challenge to move across, but it stood up to the task nonetheless. Inside, the design is masterful, with recycled mesh screens, a water-resistant lining, and space for literally everything. It looks beautiful and, despite being seriously tough, it’s lightweight and sustainably crafted with 99 per cent waste-free production. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of style, function and eco-conscious design, the H6 does this beautifully. And the lifetime warranty? Proof that not all good things come to an end." Preshita Saha, Director of Content, CNT Global Video

Best trackable brown suitcase

Features: World’s first suitcase featuring an integrated, trackable TSA lock, compatible with both Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find Hub network, ejectable battery with USB-C, TSA lock, four spinner wheels, stain-proof laundry bag, lifetime warranty

Australian luggage brand July showcases its commitment to innovation in all of its cases. First when it created a super-ultra-light carry-on weighing just 1.8kg and now, the world’s first case with a built-in luggage tracker, with its CaseSafe model. Even the standard models have a phone charger, so you’ll not be left without juice in the airport, even if you’ve forgotten your battery pack – or had it taken off you by security if you’ve accidentally left it in your case, like I’ve had happen to me in the past. The brand’s chocolate brown cases come in a full suite of sizes, all of which have useful features including leading YKK zips, 360° spinner wheels, smart leather compression straps, and a laundry bag.

According to our editors: “My July carry-on is by far the lightest suitcase I’ve ever tried. Struggling to wrangle my case in and out of the aeroplane’s overhead compartments is now a thing of the past – much appreciated for long haul international travel and you’re running to catch your connection after minimal sleep. If you’re looking for a new lightweight carry-on, you won’t get better than this. But my favourite aspect is how quiet the wheels are in use, even over bumpy cobblestones. The quality telescopic handle makes life easier when manoeuvring around busy airports, too.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

“I have the Checked Plus case in shadow lavender, which makes it super easy to spot on the luggage carousel. The July Checked is very light and easy to travel with and the wheels are impressively smooth. As a bonus, this case unzips to provide a precious extra few litres of capacity, so overall you could probably squeeze in enough items for a three-week trip if you’re savvy. I used the internal pockets for toiletries and fragile items, and the compression system works well to keep everything securely in place, even without packing cubes.” Louis Delbarre, former production assistant

Best minimal brown luggage

Features: Partially recycled polycarbonate hard shell, zipperless aluminum frame and corner guards, Colour-matched components from the handles to the wheels, 360° spinner wheels, anti-microbial recycled lining, laundry bag, complimentary luggage tag.

Hailing from Vancouver, chic travellers have been raving about Monos’s range of premium luggage since its inception in 2019, and our editors have long since joined them. Its cases have some of the sleekest no-fuss finishes around, for a timeless finish and high-quality manufacturing that’s made to last. All its hard-shell suitcases are crafted from aerospace-grade polycarbonate made from recycled materials, with a strong aluminium frame. In fact, Monos was the first luggage brand to earn climate-neutral certification, meaning it has achieved net zero carbon emissions as a company. Thoughtful finishes including a free luggage tag, laundry bag and plenty of internal pockets make this a favourite brand for multiple members of team Traveller, both in the UK and US alike. A zipper-free double TSA-lock feature feels very secure and ensures no issues with busted zips with a jam-packed suitcase when it really counts.

According to our editors: “I’ve had a couple of Monos suitcases, and I’ve always been impressed with the number of internal pockets – something I'm grateful for as a consummate over-packer. The brand’s large check-in case is no different, boasting more inner compartments than any other suitcase I’ve owned, giving me space for my laundry as well as clean clothes, plus a wash bag, electricals and all the just-in-case bits and bobs I please. The compression system and dividers help squeeze everything in neatly. The textured casing is lovely, and the darker brown shade is more forgiving to scuffs than some of the lighter options I’ve tried – and all come off with some Pink Stuff and a scrub with a damp cloth. Charley Ward, commerce writer

Best pebbled brown luggage

Features: Aluminum frame with polycarbonate shell, dual TSA combination locks, interior compression, laundry bag, 360° wheels, underside grab handle, leather handles

Away was one of the first luggage brands to redefine a suitcase as a style statement – celebrities all over have been spotted peeling out of airports with one of its iconic ridged pieces in tow. And many of our editors are Away devotees, too, with one even emigrating to another country with the help of her Away Large Flex. With a roomy inner, various sizings and a full selection of matching accessories, it’s easy to see the appeal. Its Aluminium Edge range is one of Away’s more premium offerings, with an especially lovely finish that combines the strength and quality of aluminium with polycarbonate’s relative affordability. It also has an underside grab handle that’s a game-changer for lifting heavy suitcases on and off the weighing scales and the luggage carousel. The result? A smart suitcase that’s as dependable in the hold as it is lovely to look at. We especially like the pebbled finish which, when combined with the cognac colourway, creates a subtle leather-effect that’s unusual for a polycarbonate case.

According to our editors: I’ve used Away suitcases for years and despite the fact I was initially drawn to the design, it’s actually the hard shell, light weight and genuinely smooth-sailing wheels that I love the most. The medium is plenty big enough for a long haul trip, in my opinion (anything bigger and I’d end up over-packing), but the larger carry-on is the perfect weekend option, especially if travelling by train or Eurostar. Two equally-sized interior compartments make arranging packing cubes easy, and the optional full-sized middle sleeve works well for valuables or anything you want to be able to grab easily, like an adaptor, or spare sunglasses. Sarah Bannerman, commerce editor

Best British brown luggage

Features: Dual-zip TSA-approved combination locks, 360° Hinomoto spinner wheels

Carl Friedrik is a homegrown brand from right here in London, and it’s consistently been putting out some of the most elegant luggage designs you’ll find on the market today – good enough for the likes of Succession’s Roy family, for one, as well as the boys in The Gentlemen. It’s easy to see why – they’re constructed with materials such as quality Italian leather and extra-strong polycarbonate, finished with genuine suede inners, ultra-smooth wheels and sturdy YKK zippers. We appreciate the solid lifetime warranty, too. Its Core range is more keenly-priced than its Hybrid offerings, swapping out the aluminium frame and the TSA double-lock without losing any of the style points, nor the robust polycarbonate shell. While this case doesn’t have a brown body per se, we think it still counts for its suitably sweet cream exterior paired with smart contrasting chocolate straps and handles. See our full Carl Friedrik luggage review.

According to our editors: These are some of the most elegant cases on the market, and the build quality is just as lovely as the aesthetic. I have the Core carry-on, which switches the brand’s usual clasp-style lock for a zip, which I prefer personally – it makes it much easier to close when it’s really full. The suitcase is easy to handle and the soft suede-like brushed finish inside is lovely too – I’ve never seen anything like it in any other piece of luggage. It’s quiet luxury in a polycarbonate shell – understated and a joy to use. Charley Ward, commerce writer

Best mix-and-match brown luggage

Features: Weight indicator, 360° smooth wheels, TSA-friendly lock, limited lifetime warranty

Away walked so that Béis could run. This American luggage brand has generated serious appeal on social media with a certain jet set – and a lot of that comes down to how diverse its range is. The brand has a huge number of packing cubes, wash bags, weekenders, totes and accessories, all in the same matching colour scheme as its tough polycarbonate luggage, so you can create a highly Instagrammable solution for work, gym, travel and play customised entirely to your needs. It’s not style over substance either – all Béis cases have a built-in scale, banishing overweight luggage charges from your life forever, and a retractable bag strap to keep your underseat cabin bag or wash bag close to hand.

According to our editors: I’d recommend this cabin case for a traveller who is an exclusive team carry-on member. I managed to fit at least 14 outfits, plus four pairs of shoes and two purses, inside on a recent trip to the Florida Keys. It’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre – I was able to bring it down from the overhead bin myself as well as move it in and out of the trunk of the rental car easily – and easy on the eyes as well. I got so many compliments on how pretty the carry-on was while in the airport and on holiday. The colour is beautiful, it’s an ideal size, and the ribbing on the exterior adds an additional really cool dimension. Paris Wilson, US commerce writer

Best aluminium brown luggage

Features: Stage-free telescopic handle, 360 spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, adjustable inner divider, lifetime guarantee, complimentary leather luggage tag and a sticker.

Aluminium is the king of suitcase materials – it’s unbeatably light, hardwearing and slick all at the same time. If you’re a frequent flier and have the budget, it’s well-worth considering the investment. The only aluminium suitcase brand you need to know is German-built Rimowa, whose instantly-recognisable designs are always the sleekest at the carousel. The brand has a patented compression system unlike anything we’ve seen elsewhere, and a stage-less handle that can be customised to your exact needs. A flexible inner divider also makes life easier whether you’re packing in your destination wedding outfit or skiwear – just adjust it to better suit what you’re bringing along this time. This warm bronze shade makes an interesting change from Rimowa’s signature cool silver cases and is more forgiving on dents and scuffs – we think we actually prefer it.

Best luxury brown luggage

Features: Leather corners, pull zip closure lock system, 360 spinner wheels, luggage tag that can either display contact information or securely attach an additional bag to your suitcase

Louis Vuitton has been creating suitcases in this iconic LV monogram leather since 1896 – it’s now completely synonymous with timeless style. The brand’s suitcase pairs this design legacy with some useful perks for travellers, including an interior that opens out completely flat for maximum packing capability, and a clever luggage tag that doubles as a holder for your underseat bag – handy if yours has no suitcase passthrough band. As the priciest option in our round-up, this is an investment for life – but as a true heirloom piece, if you buy it today, your great-grandchild will thank you.