Comparison of Soft-Sided Luggage Materials
Which Fabric Is Best for Luggage?
Ballistic nylon, Cordura and polyester explained — including durability, weight, abrasion resistance and what to look for when choosing soft-sided luggage.
For soft-sided luggage, nylon-based fabrics generally offer excellent durability and abrasion resistance, while polyester can provide good value at a lower price. However, the fabric alone does not determine the overall quality of a suitcase.
1. Ballistic Nylon & Cordura
Nylon-based luggage fabrics are popular in premium and heavy-use travel products because they can provide a strong balance of abrasion resistance, tear resistance and durability.
| Fabric | Main Characteristics | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Ballistic Nylon | Dense construction with strong resistance to abrasion and everyday wear. | Frequent travellers and heavy-use luggage. |
| Cordura | Family of high-performance fabrics known for durability and abrasion resistance. | Travel bags, backpacks and rugged soft luggage. |
| Polyester | Versatile, widely used and available in a broad range of weights and constructions. | Everyday travel and value-focused luggage. |
2. Polyester: A Practical Choice
Polyester is one of the most widely used fabrics in soft-sided luggage. It is versatile, relatively lightweight and can be manufactured in many different constructions and weights.
The important point is that not all polyester luggage is identical. Stitching, fabric density, coatings, zippers, handles and wheel construction can all have a major influence on how long a suitcase lasts.
3. What Does "Denier" Mean?
You may see luggage fabrics described using a number followed by D, such as 420D, 600D or 1000D. This refers to the fabric's denier, a measurement related to the linear density of the fibres or yarn.
A higher denier can indicate a heavier or thicker yarn, but it does not automatically mean that one fabric is stronger than another. Different fibre types, weaving methods and fabric constructions can produce very different results.
4. What Makes a Soft Suitcase Durable?
The fabric is only one part of the equation. When choosing a soft-sided suitcase, pay attention to the complete construction.
- Fabric construction: Consider the material, weave, density and overall finish.
- Reinforced corners: Areas that receive repeated impact can benefit from additional reinforcement.
- Quality zips: A strong main zip is essential because it is one of the most heavily used components of the suitcase.
- Telescopic handle: Look for a stable handle mechanism with minimal unwanted movement.
- Wheel construction: Good-quality wheels can make a significant difference to the overall travel experience.
- Stitching: Strong, consistent seams are essential for a soft-sided suitcase, particularly around handles and high-stress areas.
5. Which Luggage Fabric Should You Choose?
| Your Priority | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Maximum everyday durability | A well-constructed nylon or performance textile with strong abrasion resistance. |
| Frequent travel | Durable fabric combined with reinforced seams, quality wheels and a reliable handle system. |
| Lower price | A well-made polyester suitcase can offer excellent practical value. |
| Lightweight travel | Compare the actual suitcase weight rather than choosing based solely on fabric type. |
Find Your Next Travel Companion
Explore the Easy Luggage collection and discover soft-sided luggage designed for practical, comfortable and stylish travel.
Shop Soft Shell Luggage →