Softside Suitcases & Luggage

Soft-shell luggage earns its place for flexibility, external pocket access, and the ability to compress into tight overhead lockers that defeat rigid cases. The finest softside suitcases - crafted from high-denier nylon, ballistic fabric, or premium polyester - are every bit as durable as their hard-shell counterparts. This collection features Briggs & Riley's softside range with its patented CX® compression system that expands for packing then compresses back within airline limits, Tumi's Alpha ballistic nylon cases built for decades of frequent travel, and Samsonite softside luggage engineered for everyday resilience. Prefer a hard shell? Browse hardside luggage, or filter by lightweight luggage across both categories.

  • About Softside Suitcases & Luggage

  • Why Case?

Welcome to our softside suitcases & soft sided luggage collection! Here, we've assembled an array of products that balance flexibility, lightness, and convenience, making them ideal companions for your travel adventures.

Our softside suitcases are crafted from durable materials like polyester and nylon, renowned for their resilience and ability to withstand wear and tear. These materials give our suitcases the flexibility to fit into tight spaces or accommodate those extra souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

But these suitcases aren't just about flexibility, they're also about style. Our collection features a diverse range of designs and colours, ensuring there's something to match every personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer classic black or a bold pattern, you'll find a suitcase that reflects your style here.

Inside our soft sided suitcases, you'll discover features designed to make packing and unpacking a breeze. With spacious compartments, handy pockets, and adjustable straps, you can keep your belongings organised and accessible throughout your journey.

Many of our soft side suitcases also come with expandable features, giving you the extra space you need when you need it. And for added security, we offer options with built-in TSA-approved locks. Our collection includes products from leading brands like Tumi, Samsonite, DB Luggage and Bric’s, all known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and design.

Whether you need a compact carry-on suitcase for a quick business trip or a large suitcase for a long vacation, our Softside Suitcases & soft sided luggage collection has got you covered. Browse our selection and find your perfect travel companion today.

Can Soft Suitcases Be Expanded?

Yes, one of the key advantages of softside suitcases is their expandability. Many models feature a zipper that allows you to increase the bag's capacity, providing extra space when needed.

Do Soft Side Suitcases Have Spinner Wheels?

Yes, many soft side suitcases come equipped with multidirectional spinner wheels for smooth, 360-degree manoeuvrability, making them easy to navigate through airports and other travel hubs.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Softside Suitcases & Soft Sided Luggage?

Softside suitcases and luggage, often favoured for their flexibility and lightweight design, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros Of Softside Suitcases & Luggage:

  1. Softside luggage flexibility: Made from flexible materials like fabric or leather, softside suitcases can accommodate extra items and adjust to fit tighter spaces, such as overhead bins or car trunks.
  2. Softside lightweight luggage: Softside luggage is typically lighter than hardside luggage, potentially making it easier to meet airline weight restrictions.
  3. Accessible pockets: Many softside suitcases feature exterior pockets, providing easy access to travel essentials without having to open the entire suitcase.

Cons Of Softside Suitcases & Luggage:

  1. Softside suitcase durability: While many softside suitcases are durable, they may not offer as much protection for your belongings against impacts and harsh weather conditions as hardside cases.
  2. Vulnerability to damage: Softside luggage can be more prone to tears and rips, and may show signs of wear and tear more easily.
  3. Weather Ssensitivity: Unlike hard side luggage, soft side suitcases aren't as resistant to rain and snow, potentially putting your belongings at risk during inclement weather.

We offer an extensive range of softside suitcases and luggage to suit various travel needs. Whether you prioritise flexibility, weight, or access to your belongings, we have options that cater to every preference.

When it comes to choosing the right luggage for your travels, the decision between hardside and softside suitcases can be a tough one. Each has its own set of benefits, but in this post, we'll focus on the versatile and flexible option: softside suitcases and luggage.

Understanding Softside Suitcases

Softside suitcases are normally made from fabrics like nylon or polyester, which offer extra flexibility and lightweight advantages. These materials allow the suitcase to expand and conform to fit more items, making them an excellent choice for travellers who tend to bring home more than they packed.

Benefits Of Soft Side Suitcases

Soft Luggage Flexibility

The main advantage of softside suitcases is their flexibility. They can expand to accommodate extra items and can also compress slightly to fit into tight overhead compartments or car trunks.

Lightweight Softside Suitcases

Softside suitcases are generally lighter than their hardside counterparts. This can be beneficial when trying to stay within airline weight limits.

Soft Sided Suitcase Durability

High-quality softside luggage is designed to withstand the rigours of travel. Materials like ballistic nylon are incredibly durable and resistant to tears and abrasions.

Softside Suitcase Extra Storage

Many softside suitcases feature exterior pockets, providing handy storage for items you might need to access quickly, like travel documents, books, or snacks.

Choosing The Right Softside Suitcase

When choosing a softside suitcase, consider the following factors:

Soft Sided Suitcase Material

Look for high-quality materials like ballistic nylon or cordura, which are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Softside Suitcase Size

Consider your travel needs. If you're a frequent flyer, a carry-on size may be sufficient. For longer trips, you might need a medium suitcase or large suitcase.

Softside Suitcase Features

Look for features that suit your travel style. Do you need a suitcase with lots of compartments? Or perhaps you prefer a simple, open interior with tie-down straps?

Embark on your journey with the flexibility and convenience of a softside suitcase. Explore our collection today!

Case Luggage has specialised in premium travel goods since 1923. For over a century, suitcases and travel cases have been our sole focus. In a category defined by durability, engineering and long-term performance, that heritage matters.

Before collections enter our range, we assess:

  • Construction quality and structural integrity
  • Long-term durability under real travel conditions
  • Brand heritage
  • Brand warranty and aftercare support 

We are an official UK stockist for every brand we sell. This guarantees:

  • Authentic products supplied through authorised channels
  • Full manufacturer warranties
  • Recognised aftercare and service support
  • Verified customer trust

Whether selecting a duffle bag, cabin suitcase or larger check-in case, our focus remains consistent: informed guidance, verified authenticity and dependable long-term performance.

Our expertise is built on decades of working exclusively within the luggage and suitcase sector. We understand how weight distribution influences manoeuvrability in medium and large cases, and why hard shell constructions respond differently to impact than soft side designs. Frame systems, corner reinforcement and material composition are engineered with specific travel demands in mind, and knowing why those decisions are made allows us to guide customers properly. 

Our knowledge doesn't stop there; with years of collective industry experience, we see how travel purpose shapes construction. Business trips call for structured interiors and refined presentation. Extended holidays require greater capacity and stability under load. Hybrid travel bags must balance flexibility with long-term durability. Recognising how and why cases are built for these uses ensures our recommendations are rooted in function, not fashion.

That expertise ensures construction standards are aligned with how you travel, not simply what you pack.

For further guidance, our expert team and luggage advice hub are available to support a confident and considered decision.

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Softside Suitcases & Luggage FAQs

A softside suitcase is a type of luggage that is made from flexible materials like fabric, leather, or synthetic compounds. These suitcases typically offer a degree of flexibility and expandability, which can be beneficial for packing. Check out our hardside suitcases and luggage from designer brands with ranges such as the Ted Baker Albany Eco Luggage, Bric’s X Travel Luggage, Tumi Alpha 3 Suitcases, Samsonite D’Lite Suitcases & more.

Yes, soft side suitcases are allowed as both carry-on and checked luggage on aeroplanes. However, size and weight restrictions depend on the airline, so it's advised to check with the specific airline before you travel.

Softside suitcases are generally more lightweight and flexible, making them easier to squeeze into tight spaces or overhead compartments. They also offer additional external pockets for easy access to essentials.

Softside suitcases often include external pockets for easy access to travel essentials, offer more packing flexibility due to their soft exterior, and can conform to tight spaces better than hardside cases. They are also generally lighter than their hardside counterparts.

Yes, softside suitcases are durable. While they may not offer the same level of protection as hardside suitcases, many are made with high-quality materials and reinforced corners to withstand the rigours of travel.

Some soft side suitcases come with built-in TSA-approved combination locks or external lockable zippers for added security and peace of mind during travel.

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