Best Soft Sided Luggage Material: What material should you choose for better durability?
Soft-sided luggage has been a popular choice among travelers for a long time. Softside luggage is popular because of its flexibility, lightweight, and ease of packing. When it comes to purchasing a piece of softside luggage, one of the most common questions is about the best material for softside luggage.
You may be worried about what material you should choose that will last a long time, as the right material can make a huge difference in durability and functionality.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best materials for soft-sided luggage and the advantages of each. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, business traveler, or leisure traveler, by the end of this guide, you’ll surely be able to decide which material is suitable for your needs.
Quick Take
Of all the materials, ballistic nylon is the most durable softside luggage material, followed by regular nylon. Polyester is also an excellent material for affordable travelers. If you’re someone who loves to have durable luggage that can withstand frequent travels without breaking the bank, polyester is the option that you should consider.
If you’re more concerned about the durability and longevity of luggage than its affordability, you should consider ballistic nylon luggage. It’s an incredibly durable material that can last for years or a lifetime, even with heavy and tough use. But comparatively, it’s heavier and more expensive than other materials.
So if weight is a big concern to you, you can choose regular nylon. It’s a premium and expensive material but not as expensive as ballistic nylon.
Table of Contents
Types of Soft-Sided Luggage Materials
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Ballistic Nylon
- Cordura Nylon
- Canvas Nylon
- Leather
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is generally used in various items that are supposed to be durable, and the same polyester is also used in the construction of softside luggage. One of the main benefits of polyester is its lightness and durability.
Statics says that 70% of soft-sided suitcases are made from polyester; this is a huge percentage. Similar to all other fabrics, polyester is also measured in deniers (the mass of one single 9000-meter-long thread).
The strength of polyester material is directly proportional to the Denier rating, which means that polyester with a higher Denier rating is considered more durable and stronger.
The fabric generally used in polyester luggage lies between 650 and 950 D. This synthetic polyester material is resistant to water and stains but not as capable as nylon material. It’s a great choice for those who want to get durable softside material luggage on a budget.
Polyester is durable and stronger, but not as durable as nylon. That’s why suitcases made from polyester are sold at cheap rates. These suitcases are cheaper than nylon, but the market share of polyester is way bigger than that of nylon.
A good piece of polyester luggage may cost you around $120 to $150 and will be durable and relatively low-maintenance. If you’re budget-conscious, take a look at a polyester suitcase.
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Nylon
Nylon is also a very famous material among travelers and is commonly used in soft-sided luggage due to its durability and water-resistance capability. Nylon is used in approximately 17% of suitcases.
Similar to polyester, it is also an extremely lightweight material, but nylon luggage is more durable and stronger than a polyester suitcase.
Nylon fabrics typically have a lower denier rating compared to polyester; however, they tend to exhibit greater strength. For example, a suitcase with 450D nylon is more durable than a suitcase with 600D polyester.
Nylon also has a smoother texture and a shinier appearance than polyester, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more polished look.
Because of all these advantages, nylon comes at a cost that is generally higher than polyester. A good piece of nylon luggage that can last may cost you between $150 and $450. No doubt, this is a little expensive, but it’s worth it.
This material is also strong and flexible, making it ideal for use in luggage that needs to withstand the rigors of travel.
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Ballistic Nylon
Ballistic Nylon is also a popular material used for making extremely high-quality fabric suitcases. The material is made from a dense weave of nylon fibers, which makes it difficult to tear or puncture. This material is made using pure nylon without mixing with any other material.
Ballistic nylon is one of the most durable and strong fabric materials used in suitcases. Ballistic nylon is made using a thicker and heavier thread, and because of its properties, it’s not as shiny as nylon or polyester but definitely more durable and long-lasting than regular nylon or polyester.
Additionally, ballistic nylon is often treated with a water-resistant coating, helping to protect your belongings from the elements. When it comes to choosing a luggage piece made from ballistic nylon, you can expect it to last for many years, even with regular use.
Another advantage of ballistic nylon luggage is its weight. Despite being tough and durable, it’s relatively lightweight, making it easier to carry and maneuver. Whether you’re looking for a backpack, duffel bag, or rolling or spinner luggage, there are many options available made from ballistic nylon.
When compared to polyester or normal nylon, it’s stronger, more durable, and more abrasion-resistant. This material is not used in cheap luggage or suitcases, and it costs more than normal polyester luggage. It has some kind of rough feel and is heavier than normal nylon.
The price range for Ballistic Nylon luggage may lie between $150 and $1,000, but you can get a nice piece of Ballistic luggage for under $400.
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Cordura Nylon
Cordura Nylon is another type of nylon that is closely related to ballistic nylon. This nylon also has the same properties as ballistic nylon; both are very similar to each other. It’s also extremely durable and is used for expensive items.
But the key difference between Cordura and Ballistic Nylon is that Cordura looks like canvas and is more abrasion- and scuff-resistant. Unlike Ballistic Nylon, you have more color choices in Cordura nylon, whereas Ballistic Nylon generally comes in black or dark colors.
The most important thing to know about this material is that, despite being so strong, it’s rarely used in luggage or suitcases. Generally, it’s used in backpacks, duffel bags, and other travel bags, but not in suitcases.
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Canvas
Nowadays, canvas has become outdated and is no longer used to construct suitcases. However, it’s still being used to make backpacks, duffel bags, or other traveling bags.
Canvas is a heavy-duty material that is stronger than normal polyester but less durable than nylon. Neither is canvas waterproof nor weatherproof, and this material is heavier than nylon and polyester.
It’s not recommended that you go for a canvas suitcase or luggage, as there are plenty of better options available on the market at the best price. But still, if you’re someone who prefers to have a traditional, aesthetic suitcase, you can have one for sure.
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Leather
Leather used to be a great and very popular material for luggage a few decades ago, but with time, leather lost its popularity when new materials like polycarbonate, aluminum, and polyester were introduced into the market. Now it has become almost impossible to find a suitcase made of leather.
However, leather is still considered one of the most premium materials, especially in handbags, duffel bags, and backpacks, but not for luggage. This material is much more durable and long-lasting than polyester and nylon.
But leather has some disadvantages too; it’s really expensive and heavier than other materials. At the same time, leather loses its glow and shine if it’s not treated properly.
You can go with leather if you’re planning to get a duffel bag or a backpack for your travels, as it’ll look classic and timeless for those who value both style and functionality.
Also read: Is White Luggage a Bad Idea? Pros and Cons of White Suitcase
Comparison Table of Softside Luggage Materials
| MATERIAL | WEIGHT | STRENGTH | DURABILITY | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLYESTER | Lighter | Good | Good | Low |
| NYLON | Lightest | Great | Great | Average |
| BALLISTIC NYLON | Light | Excellent | Excellent | High |
| CORDURA NYLON | Light | Excellent | Excellent | High |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Softside Luggage
Advantages
- 10 to 35 percent lighter than hardside luggage
- Can be squeezed into overhead compartments
- They Look new for a long time as they don’t show scratches
- Most softside luggage comes with outer pockets
- More storage capability
Disadvantages
- They require more effort to clean it
- Water can pass through the material
- Provide less protection for fragile items inside the luggage
Also Read: Do Airlines Prefer Hard or Soft Luggage
Final Thoughts: Best Softside Luggage Material?
For Business People and Those Who Travel Frequently
Nylon is the one you should go for if you’re looking for softside luggage options. As it’s more durable than polyester, it’s a little expensive, but it’s worth it. Surely it’ll add charm to your journey.
For Those Who Are Too Concerned About the Weight of Luggage:
Polyester and nylon should be your first choices if you want something lightweight. Both of them have ultra-light properties. At the same time, there are huge variations in their weight, so make sure to get the lightest one for your needs.
For those who travel for leisure:
You should go with a polyester suitcase because it is not only durable but also affordable. But make sure to choose a trusted brand so that you can end up with the right luggage that can withstand obstacles and make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
For Those Who Are Airline Crews and Travel Extremely Frequently:
Ballistic nylon is definitely the best available option as it’s the most durable material, but the downside of ballistic nylon is that it’s more expensive than other materials. But it’ll last for many years and multiple trips; once you buy it, you won’t have to worry again and again. It’ll be a great investment for your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Softside Luggage Materials
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
Airlines do not have any specific preferences for luggage material, whether it’s softside or hardside. They generally have size and weight restrictions for checked luggage and carry-on bags.
However, softside luggage is often more flexible, which can make it easier to fit into overhead bins or under seats, so it may be a better choice for carry-on bags.
Ultimately, the decision between hard and soft luggage comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
Is Softside luggage better?
Undoubtedly, softside luggage comes with many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages over hardside luggage. Softside luggage offers more flexibility and packing space, but it may not provide as much protection as hardside luggage offers.
Whether you should go for a softside or a hardside depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you need lightweight, flexible, and more spacious luggage, Softside is the one you should go for.
But if you want something to protect your belongings and keep them safe and water-resistant, hardside luggage is definitely the best choice for you.
Is soft luggage lighter than hard luggage?
Yes, softside luggage is lighter than hardside luggage. Softside luggage is made from lightweight materials like polyester, nylon, or canvas. They don’t come with a hard exterior, which makes them lighter.
These types of luggage are generally preferred by travelers who prefer lightweight luggage.
Because it’s made of lightweight material, it doesn’t provide the same protection that hardside luggage offers.
If you’re packing a fragile item in your luggage and need to protect it during your journey, you should prefer having hardside luggage, as it’ll protect your belongings from damage and rain.
Which type of luggage is the lightest?
The lightest type of luggage is generally softside luggage. This luggage or suitcase is made from lightweight, durable materials like polyester, nylon, or fabric. Because of this lightweight material, it weighs less than 5 pounds.
Softside suitcases are easy for air travel as they can be squeezed into overhead compartments. They generally come with spacious interiors and are more spacious than hardside luggage.
However, softside luggage can’t provide as much protection as hardside luggage. If you need great protection at a lightweight price, you should go for hardside luggage made of polycarbonate material. This material is the most durable plastic material, and at the same time, it’s also lightweight, which will provide you with great protection and peace of mind.
