Softside suitcases are a favorite for good reason. They're lighter than most hardshells, they flex to fit a few extra items, and many come with handy outer pockets for quick access. Whether you're a student heading home for the holidays, a family planning a long trip or a professional on the move, there's a softside bag that suits you.
Here is a guide to standout options in the soft side luggage collection at Ideal Trader Luggage, plus tips for choosing the right one.
Why Choose a Soft Side Suitcase?
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Lightweight. A lighter empty bag leaves more of your airline allowance for your belongings.
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Flexible packing. Fabric can stretch slightly, which helps when you're squeezing in one more item.
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Outer pockets. Front pockets are ideal for documents, chargers and travel essentials.
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Easy storage. Soft bags fit more easily into car trunks, hotel closets and tight spaces.
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Less likely to crack. Fabric doesn't crack under pressure the way a rigid shell can.
Top Soft Side Picks
American Tourister Jamaica
The Jamaica has a polyester outer, a soft casing, a voluminous front pocket and a 3-dial combination lock. It's a solid everyday choice for anyone who likes quick access to a front pocket. It comes in black and blue.
American Tourister Holiday
The Holiday is available in multiple sizes, with the large listed at 80 x 49 x 34 cm, a packing capacity of 128 liters and a weight of 3.9 kg. That makes it a good pick for long trips and families. It comes in blue, black and teal.
American Tourister Duncan 3-Piece Spinner Set
The Duncan is a 3-piece spinner set, which gives you multiple sizes in one purchase. It's a practical option for families or travelers who want flexibility. It's listed in blue.
Delsey Optimax Lite
The Optimax Lite is made from polyester and includes shoe pockets, fastening straps in the main compartment, a water-resistant pocket and a zippered mesh compartment. It's a good choice if organization matters to you. It comes in purple, black and blue.
Delsey Helium Breeze 6.0
The Helium Breeze 6.0 has approximate exterior dimensions of 23.7" x 11.9" x 23.3". Check this against your airline's rules if you plan to use it as cabin luggage. It's available in green.
Verage Cambridge 20"
The Cambridge series was designed with international students in mind and combines ultra-lightweight convenience with durability. The 20" size is easy to handle for short trips. It comes in navy.
Eternity Winnipeg
The Winnipeg is made of high-quality polyester fabric and has four double Japanese wheels with 360° movement. It's available in navy, black and teal.
WanderX Berlin
The Berlin is offered in three sizes, so you can match the capacity to your trip. It's available in grey, navy and pink.
Summit 6020 4-Piece Set
This set includes a TSA lock, durable wheels, a 4-wheel spinner design and an aluminium rod. It suits families and groups who want matching luggage in several sizes. It comes in green, brown, black and red.
Crocodile 4-Piece Set
The Crocodile set is made from polyester and includes an anti-theft secure zipper and 360° moving wheels. It's available in black, navy, brown, red and another color shown on the product page.
Victoria 4-Piece Set
For a more premium look, the Victoria is a set of four (28, 24, 20 and a D bag), made from PU leather with a TSA airport-approved lock. It's the style-forward choice in the collection.
Verage Toledo Crew Bag
The Toledo is a pilot case designed for frequent travelers, described as sturdy and durable. It comes in black and suits professionals who want a compact work travel bag.
How to Choose the Right Soft Side Suitcase
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Match the size to your trip. Smaller bags suit cabin travel, while larger ones suit long stays. You can browse by small, medium or large size.
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Check the wheels. Four 360° spinner wheels make steering easier in crowded places.
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Look at the zippers. Strong, anti-theft zippers add security and last longer.
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Think about locks. TSA-approved locks are useful for international travel.
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Consider a set. Multiple sizes give you flexibility, especially for families.
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Check the interior. Straps, shoe pockets and compartments make packing easier.
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Verify airline limits. Always confirm size and weight rules before you fly.
Soft Side vs Hard Side
Softside bags win on flexibility, outer pockets and weight. Hardside bags offer more rigid protection for fragile items and tend to resist rain and dirt better. If you're undecided, you can browse the hard side luggage collection and compare.
Care Tips for Soft Side Luggage
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Avoid overpacking. Overstuffing strains zippers, seams and wheels.
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Spot clean regularly. Use a damp cloth and mild soap for stains.
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Dry fully before storing. This helps prevent odors and mildew.
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Lift over stairs and curbs. Dragging a loaded bag wears out wheels and handles.
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Check zippers and wheels before each trip.
Final Thoughts
The best softside suitcase depends on how you travel. The American Tourister range covers everyday and family needs, Delsey's Optimax Lite helps you stay organized, the Summit and Crocodile sets suit groups, and the Verage Cambridge fits students and short trips.
Explore the soft side luggage collection at Ideal Trader Luggage to compare current models, colors and availability.