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We review popular options from Away, Rimowa, Samsonite, and more.
When you're traveling, you want the whole process to feel as smooth as possible—and this all starts with picking out the right luggage. No one wants to narrowly miss their flight because of sticky wheels, broken zippers, or a cracked suitcase exterior, which is why we're here to make a case for the best zipperless luggage. If you don't already own this style, here us out. Suitcases with latches, often made from aluminum or polycarbonate shells, are both sturdy and durable against potential thieves looking to slice open the fabric of your zippered luggage. They also feel and appear more elegant because there aren't two shiny metal pieces hanging off your bags.
Many brands make zipperless suitcases, including editor-approved favorites like Away, Rimowa, Samsonite, Tumi, and Monos. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? To help you avoid decision paralysis, we curated a tight list of the top six zipperless luggage pieces we love. Some of them were tested by our own editors and friends, while others were based on brands we love and their customer reviews. We evaluated the suitcases on their durability, style, and value—ensuring we only picked the best ones for House Beautiful readers. If you need to upgrade your travel products, start by getting one of the zipperless suitcases ahead.
If you want a carry-on that can glide seamlessly with you from the departures entrance to TSA security to your gate, the Samsonite Framelock is your top choice. The zipperless style comes in both a carry-on and check-in and is in three shades: teal, black, and silver. "This is one of the smoothest operating suitcases I've tested so far," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "I could spin it in a circle without any issues, and it was so lightweight at 7.2 pounds (without anything in it) compared to my Away Bigger carry-on, which weighs 7.9 pounds. The electric blue color makes it easy to distinguish your suitcase from others on the conveyor belt, and the zipperless system feels very secure, so you don't have to worry about this thing breaking."
| Dimensions | 8.75" W x 15.4" D x 21.5"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2 pounds |
| Material | Polycarbonate Recyclex |
| Warranty | Limited 10 Year global warranty |
For those who want to splurge on an iconic piece with instant status, Rimowa is a no-brainer. The brand is recognized for its aluminum exterior and clean lines. "I've had this suitcase for two years, and what I like most about it are the smooth gliding wheels. The build quality is good and it looks pretty nice," tester Jeffrey Chan says. "I didn't realize how much I liked it until I had to zip my girlfriend's suitcases. When I need to add or remove something, I can do it in seconds with the Rimowa, whereas zippers are more annoying. The luggage is also very secure. There are many options out there with similar features for half the price, but a Rimowa is a flex." Since it is a luxury good, it will catch people's attention, which you may or may not want in some cases. "In my experience, I think airport workers treat Rimowas specifically with disdain and purposefully throw it around more," Chan adds. Luckily, the aluminum is durable and holds up.
| Dimensions | 17.8" W x 9.9" D x 22.1"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.4 pounds |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
No other suitcase on this list has a storage system like Solgaard's, which has been dubbed as the "carry-on closet." What makes this zipperless piece special is the internal carrier that doubles as a five-shelf shelving system to keep your clothes organized sans hangers. "I would recommend this suitcase to people who aren't over-packers and aren't as fussy with their outfit choices," Liao says after using this for a few weeks. "I think the built-in shelving works better with T-shirts, shorts, and jeans—items that lend themselves to being folded. I didn't pack some of my nicer skirts or dresses because they would wrinkle from being crammed into the shelves. It fits just enough for three to four days, so it's great for quick weekend trips upstate or bachelorette parties." The zipperless luggage comes in both carry-on and check-in sizes, so you have the ability to size up or down as needed.
| Dimensions | 13.4" W x 9"D x 20.8"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.5 pounds |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Love Rimowa but don't have the budget to splurge on its aluminum suitcases? Look to trusted brand Away for an equally beautiful and smooth operating check-in. This check-in features dual TSA-approved locks, 360-degree spinner wheels, and slow-release handles. The same elements can also be found in its smaller zipperless aluminum counterparts: the carry-on and bigger carry-on. "I've had my silver aluminum Away suitcase for five years now, and it is still so sturdy," tester Frances Zhen says—she owns the carry-on version. "The zipperless system has felt pretty secure to me as I've often over-packed and was able to squeeze it shut without it breaking open again. One thing I do notice and dislike, though, is that dents and scratches are more obvious as opposed to cloth or plastic suitcases."
| Dimensions | 20.5"W x 12.5"D x 29"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
Are you going on a long work trip or vacation that requires you to pack up your entire life? If so, get a trunk from Monos, which allows you to pack in more while still retaining its slim shape. The brand is beloved by our Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie, who says its suitcases "move like butter" through every terrain. Don't just take it from us, though; one of the brand's customers said in a review: "Very roomy. Really enjoyed the easy-to-use clasps rather than exterior zippers which will last longer over time. Even stuffed full, the wheels rolled effortlessly in all directions over all types of surfaces. As we age, the quality and easy mobility of this luggage makes traveling more enjoyable. Very impressed with the design. This is our second purchase from Monos."
| Dimensions | 15.7"W x 14.3"D x 29.9"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.2 pounds |
| Material | Polycarbonate shell |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
Like Samsonite, Tumi has been in the travel game for decades—since 1975, to be exact. It's one of the first brands we turn to when looking for a durable suitcase that feels modern and holds up to years of wear and tear. This zipperless option is made from aluminum, like your beloved Rimowas, and comes in a beautiful blush shade in addition to several other neutral hues. "I feel that the Tumi is actually holding up well considering the beating/punishment that the baggage handlers consistently deliver these days (especially when they see an aluminum suitcase)," one reviewer said online.
Another person wrote: "The 19 Degree Aluminum series is very classy, it looks great when checking in especially as a Million Miler Diamond Status on Delta, these luggage just sets you apart from the rest. I use my 19 degree Aluminum Extended Packing Case and my 19 Degree Carryon as a pair every time I travel internationally. I have peace of mind because this luggage series is very tough and protects my precious belongings on to my destination."
| Dimensions | 20.5"W x 11.0"D x 30.5"H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.1 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Warranty | Five years |
When it came to picking out the best zipperless luggage, I first looked in my own closet for styles that I love and trust, along with including picks from editors and testers within my circle. This gave me unbiased results, as testers had no stake in favoring one brand over the other. I curated the picks based on the luggage's durability during travel, how much it holds (I included a mix of both carry-on and check-in options), and how stylish it looks—no one wants to spend their money on unsightly suitcases. I also made sure to include options for every budget, as some people may not want to spend a ton on their suitcases. For any products that did not pass through a tester's hands, I relied on customer reviews and knowledge about that brand to determine if the zipperless option was worth buying. I parsed through hundreds of reviews for these products to check for customer feedback on the piece's durability, space capacity, and overall look.
Similar to how you'd approach buying suitcases for any trip, consider when and how you'll use them. If you're looking to refresh your carry-on, check out zipperless models in that area. If you want to add to your check-in collection, go with a bigger zipperless pick. You should always look at the airline you're flying with to double check the recommended luggage sizes.
Once you've decided on the size, look at the material. Zipperless luggage doesn't weigh more or less than a non-zipperless piece, unless its made of aluminum, which will naturally be heavier. We included a mix of aluminum and non-aluminum picks on this list for that reason.
One important element to know about zipperless suitcases is that they have less flexibility for overstuffing, as the latches will simply not lock in place if the suitcase is overflowing. Because of this, look for any extra organizational features that could help you pack more efficiently, like removable shelving units, compression straps, mesh interior pocks, and included laundry bags.
Lastly, read through each brand's return/exchange policy and warranty. Since luggage is susceptible to wear and tear, whether it's at the hands of a TSA agent or you trying to jam it into a packed car, it will likely suffer some injuries over the years. Some brands have a five-year warranty, and others have a lifetime warranty, which is helpful if your luggage needs to be repaired at any point during those time periods. For your convenience, we called this out as part of our zipperless luggage review.
In my research, zipperless luggage is often made of a polycarbonate shell or aluminum. Hard exteriors are more common for this style of travel products, which makes sense if you consider how a latch works. A latch won't feel as secure when attached to fabric versus a harder surface. Plus, both of the aforementioned materials provide you with extra protection and security should your latch somehow break. Additionally, hard exteriors often come in a metallic or shiny finish, which makes your suitcase look nice and expensive, versus a zippered soft shell with more of a duller exterior.
Zipperless luggage is very secure because you don't have to worry about the fabric tearing around the area of your zippers or your zippers accidentally opening during transit. A sturdy frame made of aluminum or polycarbonate shell makes your suitcase harder to break into, too, since thieves can sometimes slash through zippers. And contrary to what you may think—that the latches will pop open unexpectedly—in our experience, this has yet to happen. No matter how rough the luggage was handled, the latches stayed closed and did not dent or crack from the likes of Rimowa, Solgaard, and Away.
I and the entire shopping team here at House Beautiful have tested luggage extensively in all scenarios for stories. Together, we have poured in over 15 years of research into finding the best carry-ons, check-ins, weekender bags, and more for readers. We've covered brands like Away vs. Béis, Delsey, Monos, Samsonite, and Quince—to name a few—so you can rest assured about our knowledge in this area. In addition, we're avid travelers in our personal lives, whether we're working remotely from Lake Como, eating our way through Paris, or relaxing on the beach in the Maldives. You can trust that any suitcase brands we've used and loved on these trips over the years have earned a spot in our luggage coverage.
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