If you’re anything like me, finding the right luggage is easier said than done, especially if you’re looking for something stylish and practical. But after 27 flights and long train rides over the past two years for a total of 83,000 miles traveling with the same suitcase, I’ve finally found luggage I’m truly happy with for the long haul: July.
As a senior analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I’ve learned what makes for good quality luggage. We’ve tested over 100 suitcases across 70 brands in the past few years. I’ve personally packed dozens of suitcases, assessed the damage caused by our drop tester machine (it literally drops luggage from 3 feet high over and over), evaluated bags’ scratch resistance, and traveled with several of our top-tested luggage brands. Since 2024, I’ve been traveling with July’s Classic Luggage, and while I’ve tried a few other brands since, I always reach for July first.
What is July luggage?
Named after the most popular month for traveling, July’s suitcases were designed to bridge the gap between budget bags and luxury luggage, offering thoughtfully designed luggage at a more accessible price point. Since its start in 2018, the brand has expanded across several luggage collections, including trackable luggage, bags, and accessories.
Credit: Good Housekeeping/Mike Garten
The Classic Carry-On is July’s most popular product. It’s made with polycarbonate, a popular material in hardside luggage, and each corner is capped with an anodized aluminum bumper for added protection.
