A guide to the best suitcase for travel, along with our tried and tested recommendations

We've selected the Aerolite Vintage Style Hard Shell Carry-On Cabin Suitcase as our Editor's choice. This is the suitcase that we use frequently to travel on train trips. It's a neat enough size to fit into baggage areas and one of the most lightweight options on our list. It's smooth and easy to manoeuvre around, and can get most of the essentials in, so, in our eyes it's perfect for a short trip away. We love its vintage style and the fact that it comes in different size options, too. We've had this durable case for a few years now, and despite being cream, it's still in pretty good nick.

Away is a company that has been making waves in recent years, with a few of our testers recommending Away's travel cases. Carly Honeyfield, the Lifestyle Section Editor at Closer's mag, reveals that "This case is probably one of the most stylish looking cases and although it’s a medium-sized case, you can really pack lots in as it’s expandable too." With good organising, our tester thinks you would be able to take this case on a two-week trip. It’s smooth to manoeuvre and if you struggle with a larger case this would be a better choice as it’s easier to handle.

With 23,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, it's safe to say the Showkoo Expandable Hard Shell Suitcase is worthy of a mention. The formidable suitcase comes with an impressive 93L capacity and a durable polycarbonate case, ideal for taking on long-haul journeys. One tried and tested review says, 'I have been looking for the perfect suitcase and I think I found it. I travel a lot and want a larger, expandable, tougher and more visible case. This ticks all the boxes'.

This compact cabin bag packs a punch, and this suitcase comes highly rated by our testers and customers alike. A fab budget option, Closer mag's Lifestyle Writer, Lucy Brown, says that the hard shell feels sturdy but lightweight and the size makes it perfect for the cabin requirements of airlines including easyJet and Jet 2. Overall, our tester was really impressed with this budget-friendly case as it looks sleek, feels hard-wearing and is the perfect size for short getaways.

One that Hayley Merrick, the Closer magazine's Cookery Editor can recommend is the It Luggage Large Expandable 8-Wheel Hard Suitcase. Possibly the biggest on our list, with a whopping 147L capacity, it's ideal for long-haul trips. Our tester believed that the selling point for this case is the design, as it looks very stylish. Argos customers are also raving about this suitcase, with a customer revealing, 'This is a very nice, big spacious suitcase great for long holidays as it holds so much'.

For real jet-setters, Carl Friedrik's The Carry On Suitcase is definitely a more premium option. It looks the part, but does it work like a charm too? According to tester, Lucy, it does. She could immediately tell that this was high quality by both the look and feel. The aluminium frame makes it feel extremely strong while also being lightweight. The inside of the case has compression straps and a compression pad, which comes in handy when packing bulkier items. And, the locks on the side feel secure but easy to use, and the 360º wheels are quiet and smooth.

Product Writer, Rosie Floyd, is a fan of the JD Williams Rock Jewel Case. She revealed, "I'm a self-confessed over-packer but I feel like even if I packed double the amount of clothes I needed, it still wouldn't be full to the brim. It feels super lightweight, even when I have all my clothes inside, and it glides with zero effort so it would be a great holiday suitcase. I also love the stylish design and rose gold hardware." All in all, a super stylish suitcase you'll be proud to claim from baggage.

Antler is a brand that we're paying attention to, and is one that our tester, Stephanie, can swear by. She says, 'Antler are well known as a reputable suitcase brand for quality'. We can't agree more, with reviewers praising the Antler Expandable Cabin Suitcase's design, quality, storage space and manoeuvrability. One customer took to the comments to write, 'Love this case, such good quality and never had a case that glides so well! The expander on it makes packing a dream, allowing me to fit so much more in. And the pink is the perfect shade so chic!'

Another one we can recommend is Helly Hansen's Sport Expedition Trolley Carry-On. Junior Lifestyle Writer at the Closer mag, Helena Holdworth, told all. Despite being extremely compact and lightweight in size, this carry-on trolley bag provides ample storage. Once on the go, our tester found it easy to manoeuvre, with the wheels moving smoothly and quietly even on bumpy terrains. The internal mesh dividers make packing effortless, and the optional lockable zipper on the main compartment means all your belongings are protected. Other reviews agree, stating 'The size is perfect, small but fits enough and it's both light and durable'.

Lifestyle Editor at the Closer magazine, Annabelle Lee put the OHS 4 Wheel Hard Shell Suitcase to the test. Our tester’s first impression of this case was just how lightweight it was, despite being large. It is really spacious inside, which means there is no need to cram in all of your clothes. The size of this case makes it perfect for long-haul holidays as it can store a couple of weeks’ clothes with ease. The wheels are 360º rotation, making it easy to pull along and the handles are really cushioned and comfortable. The dark colour of the case looks smart and means that it hopefully won’t show knocks and marks.