Best Softside Luggage in 2026

Why Choose Softside Luggage?

Softside luggage has been the dominant style for decades, and for good reasons:

• Lighter weight: Fabric shells weigh less than plastic, giving you more weight allowance for your belongings
• More flexible: Can be overstuffed slightly without structural damage
• External pockets: Easy access to items without opening the main compartment
• Compressible: Can be squeezed into tight overhead bins or car trunks
• Lower cost: Quality softside luggage is often cheaper than comparable hardside

The main downside is that softside luggage can get wet and stained more easily and offers less protection for fragile items.

Best Material: Ballistic Nylon vs. Polyester

Ballistic nylon (used by Travelpro, Briggs & Riley) is the most durable fabric for luggage. Originally developed for military use, it's extremely resistant to abrasion, tears, and punctures. High-denier polyester (1200D-1800D) is the next best option and is used in most mid-range and budget luggage. Avoid low-denier polyester (under 600D) — it wears out quickly.

Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 (check price on Amazon) is the best softside luggage for most travelers. Used by flight attendants worldwide, it features PowerScope extension handles, spinner wheels that glide on any surface, and a lightweight high-density fabric exterior. The 21-inch carry-on weighs just 6.4 lbs empty, and the 29-inch checked bag weighs 8.6 lbs. Multiple pockets and an expandable main compartment make it highly functional.

Best Premium: Briggs & Riley Baseline

The Briggs & Riley Baseline is the gold standard of softside luggage. Made from ballistic nylon with a proprietary CX compression-expansion system, it's the most durable softside luggage made. Briggs & Riley has a lifetime guarantee — they'll fix or replace your bag for any reason. The 22-inch carry-on is designed to fit in all international overhead bins.

Best Budget: AmazonBasics Softside Spinner

The AmazonBasics Softside Spinner (check price on Amazon) is an excellent budget softside option. Expandable, with spinner wheels and a padded laptop sleeve in the front pocket. The polyester exterior holds up well for occasional travelers who don't need the durability of premium brands.

External Pockets: Why They Matter

One of softside luggage's biggest advantages is external pocket access. You can store your laptop, travel documents, and in-flight essentials in the front zipper pockets without opening the entire bag. This is especially useful when you arrive at your hotel and need to quickly grab your toiletry bag or a change of clothes without unpacking everything.

Softside Luggage for Checked Bags

Softside is excellent for checked bags because it's lighter (giving you more weight budget for belongings) and the flexibility allows airline handlers to stack it more efficiently. The external pockets may get squashed by heavier bags on top, so don't store fragile items there in checked bags.