What size suitcase is right for one week away? Here's the perfect one for you

For a seven-day holiday, a suitcase capacity of 60 to 80 litres is ideal for an adult. This falls into the 'medium' checked luggage category, measuring roughly 60-67cm in height. It provides enough room for 7 to 10 outfits, extra shoes and toiletries. But think about the season you'll be travelling in – summer sandals and T-shirts require a lot less space than winter woollies and boots. Also consider your airline's weight restrictions on checked luggage, which range from about 15kg to 23kg for economy/coach seats. For 15-20kg limits, a 50-65 litre suitcase is about right. For 20-23kg, a 60-80 litre suitcase is appropriate.

The Checked Light case by Australian company July offers a lot of bang for your buck. With a high-tech polycarbonate shell, it weighs only 3.2kg. It has 360 degree spinner wheels, an integrated lock and a lifetime warranty. Available in seven colours, it measures 64 x 47 x 27cm, 75 litres. £245

Sturdy and robust, this 65 litre Cargo wheelie bag is a versatile option that also comes in black. 72 x 38 x 22cm. £59.99, Mountain Warehouse

Samsonite's Ecodiver duffle with wheels is a durable choice (I've had mine 10 years) that also has a casual edge. I bought mine because it was easy to spot on an airport carousel, but this also comes in black, navy and dark green if you prefer something more understated. If not, the canary yellow version might be the one for you. 76 litres, 67 x 43 x 28cm. £225

Talking of easy to spot on an airport carousel... There's a whole legion of patterned suitcases available, and I like their style. However, some of them are hideous. Here's one that's not. And it's top value at £39.50. 63-75 litres (when expanded), 66 x 45 x 28cm.

OK, it's expensive. But Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty – if it fails, they'll fix it. Obvs, that doesn't cover things like damage by an airline, but that's what travel insurance is for. But you get my drift. The 'Compact 61cm Checked Expandable Spinner' does what it says on the tin. Despite its bijou proportions – 61 x 40 x 30cm – it holds 65 litres unexpanded, 79 litres expanded. So it's versatile too. Also available in navy and plum, £649

Rimowa is the luggage brand of the moment. The A list love it. Maybe it's the understated ridged design, or the lack of overt branding or the German engineering that goes into making these aluminium cases. But they're a badge of quiet luxury. Which does mean that this Check-In medium sized case is £1,230. If you can't afford it, just admire it. It's a masterpiece. 69 x 44 x 27cm, 60 litres.

British heritage brand Antler has been making luggage since 1914. And, goodness, they've really got the hang of it. This Icon Stripe suitcase in Buckthorn Red (eight other colours are available) holds a mighty 81 litres despite its streamlined proportions: 66 x 45 x 30cm. It's hardwearing, with a polycarbonate shell, and has a lifetime warranty. £220

In 2018 three friends in Vancouver founded luggage company Monos, whose name is inspired by the Japanese concept of mono no aware – the appreciation of the beauty in fleeting moments. That translates to pleasing minimalist designs such as this looker, the Check-In, seen here in Arles Blue, the shade used for Land Rovers. Goodness, it's got class oozing from every molecule. Love, love, love. 67 x 47 x 27cm, 71 litres, available in ten colours and five limited editions. £370

Cool Danish brand Rains is mainly known for its roomy waterproof holdalls, but also does this Texel check-in bag, which is made from the same PU fabric as the holdalls but has a moulded base. 76 litres, 66 x 38 x 31cm. £269

Brics, founded by Lake Como in 1952, makes some of the best-looking luggage around. This is the ultra-lightweight Taormina Spinner in Olive (five other colours are available, including three pastels new for 2026), which has a polycarbonate shell and leather handles.
77 litres, 69 x 48 x 27cm. £319

This is a really clever bit of design by Nere, which launched in Australia in 2022. It's essentially two suitcases in one – the top section is a completely separate compartment to the bottom, making for easy organisation. Made of lightweight polycarbonate, it has a built in wet pocket. Which makes you wonder why every suitcase doesn't have one. Four other colours, 59 litres, 66 x 43 x 25cm. £159

Kathmandu's Stingray hybrid trolley case converts into a backpack via a stashable harness. Also available in blue, brick red and black. 70 litres, 79 x 40 x 34cm. £240

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