Soft side suitcases look simple, but the differences between one and another show up fast once you start using them. A bag with weak zips, thin fabric or wobbly wheels can be frustrating from the first trip. This guide gives you a practical checklist of what to look at before you buy, so you can compare models properly instead of choosing on colour alone. It applies whether you are shopping for a cabin bag, a family set or a single suitcase.
Start With How You Travel
Before looking at any bag, answer a few honest questions.
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How often do you fly or travel by road?
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Do you check in luggage or carry on only?
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Do you tend to overpack or bring back extra items?
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Do you need one bag, or a set for several people?
Your answers decide the size, the features and how much you should care about durability. A bag for a couple of trips a year can be simpler than one for a frequent traveller. You can browse the full soft side luggage range as you go.
Check the Fabric
The fabric is the shell, so it matters.
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Material: polyester and nylon are the most common. Product listings often name the material, such as nylon with an anti-bacterial lining on the Summit S047 and S055, or polyester on the American Tourister Jamaica.
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Weave: a tight, even weave tends to resist snags and wear better than a loose or patchy one.
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Feel: the fabric should feel firm, not thin or papery.
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Water resistance: some bags include water-resistant panels or pockets, but many do not. If rain matters to you, check the description for it instead of assuming.
If you want a firmer shell, compare with the hard side luggage category, and see our guide on how to choose between the two.
Inspect the Zips
Zips are one of the first parts to fail, so test them carefully.
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Run each zip along its full length several times.
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It should glide without catching or leaving gaps.
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Check that the pullers feel secure and not loose.
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Look for a double zip or an expansion zip if the listing mentions one.
If a zip feels rough in the shop or on arrival, treat that as a warning sign.
Test the Wheels
You will use the wheels on every trip, so spend a minute on them.
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Type: spinner (360-degree) or double wheels roll in any direction, which helps in crowded places. Some listings state this, such as Delsey's four-wheel Maringa.
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Smoothness: roll the bag on a hard floor. It should track straight and run quietly.
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Attachment: wheels should feel firmly attached, with no wobble.
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Two-wheel vs four-wheel: two-wheel bags tend to be more compact at the base, while four-wheel bags are easier to steer. Choose based on how you move through airports.
Check the Trolley Handle
A flimsy handle can ruin an otherwise good bag.
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Extend it fully and check that it locks firmly.
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It should retract smoothly without sticking.
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Look for a rod material in the listing, such as aluminium.
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Make sure the handle height suits you, since a handle that is too short can feel awkward.
Look at the Stitching and Seams
Open the bag and look inside and at the corners.
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Stitching should be even, with no loose threads.
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Seams should lie flat without puckering.
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Corners and stress points, such as handle bases and zip ends, should look reinforced.
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The lining should be cleanly attached, not glued unevenly.
Neat stitching is a quick way to judge how carefully a bag was made.
Review the Pockets and Interior
Soft side bags are popular for their pockets, so see what you actually get.
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Outer pockets: helpful for documents, chargers and a jacket. The American Tourister Jamaica, for example, is described as having a voluminous front pocket.
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Interior dividers and straps: useful for keeping clothes in place. The Delsey Optimax Lite lists fastening straps and a shoe pocket.
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Laptop or tablet pocket: check if the model includes one, and make sure your device fits.
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Lining: some listings mention an anti-bacterial lining. Features differ by model, so read the description.
Think about how you pack. If you like order, extra compartments help. If you throw things in, a simple open interior is fine.
Choose the Right Size
Size is as important as any feature.
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Cabin size: for short trips. Always check your airline's current limits, since they vary, and measure the bag including wheels and handle. Browse small size luggage to compare.
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Medium size: a good fit for around a week. See medium size luggage.
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Large size: suited to long stays or family travel, but can get heavy. See large size luggage.
Remember that soft side bags can bulge when overpacked, so a bag that looks cabin-sized when empty may not fit when full.
Consider Weight
A lighter empty bag leaves more of your airline allowance for belongings. Weights vary by model and size, so look for a stated weight on the product page, and weigh the bag at home once it is packed. Airlines apply their own weight limits, so check them before you fly.
Think About Sets
A set can suit families or anyone who wants matching bags in several sizes. The Summit S047 and S055 are listed as three-piece soft-side sets, and you can see how they compare in the Summit luggage collection. Check the exact number of pieces and the sizes before you buy, and ask yourself whether you will use every bag. A single suitcase may be enough for a solo traveller.
Check Locks and Security
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Lock type: some models list a combination lock or a TSA-approved lock. A TSA lock lets security open the bag without cutting it, which is helpful for international flights.
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Zip security: look for lockable zip pullers if you want to secure the bag.
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Pocket placement: keep valuables in your cabin bag, not in outer pockets.
Compare Brands Carefully
Soft side bags come from many brands, including American Tourister, Delsey, Samsonite and Summit, among others. Do not rely on the name alone. Compare the fabric, wheels, handle, pockets and size on the exact model. If you want to compare two well-known options, see the Samsonite collection and the American Tourister collection.
Check Availability, Warranty and Returns
Stock changes quickly, and some models sell out, so confirm that your size and colour are available. Ask about warranty for the exact model, since terms vary by brand and country, and damage from airline handling is generally not covered. Read the store's return policy before you pay, and keep your order confirmation.
A Quick Checklist
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Decide how you travel and which size you need.
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Check the fabric and weave.
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Test the zips along their full length.
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Roll the wheels on a hard floor.
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Extend and retract the trolley handle.
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Inspect the stitching, seams and lining.
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Review the pockets and interior layout.
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Confirm weight and airline limits.
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Check the lock and zip security.
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Confirm stock, warranty and return terms.
Final Thoughts
A good soft side suitcase comes down to details: solid fabric, smooth zips, steady wheels, a reliable handle and a size that suits your trips. Spend a few minutes checking each one, compare more than one model, and read the product page carefully. A careful look before buying saves a lot of frustration later.
When you are ready to compare, Ideal Trader Luggage lists soft side bags from several brands, so you can look at the options in one place.