travel brand july

Luggage that lasts a lifetime.

Complete our luggage quiz to receive personalized recommendations best suited for your travel plans.

We stand by the quality of every July product with unmatched warranty commitments. All of our luggage have a lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults.

100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, the case embodies our unique curved eggshell design that minimises damage and optimises function. We also added anodised aluminium bumpers for extra protection on hard drops.

We've made it easy to pack more into your trip. Our July Y-Strap Compression System provides a heavy-duty strap that pulls down to create more space in your case. All our lining is stain-resistant making any accidents easy to clean up too.

When we couldn't find the perfect wheels there was only one solution – design it ourselves. Introducing SilentMove 360° spinner wheels. Extremely quiet, they can handle the cobblestones of Europe, and have a lifetime guarantee.

All our cases are designed to nest perfectly inside each other, so they’re easy to store while you’re planning the next holiday.

Focus on the parts of travel you love. July luggage comes in classic and minimal designs with convenient features that make a difference to your travels. Our travel suitcases come in strong German-polycarbonate with aluminium bumpers. The trademarked SilentMove 360° spinner wheels are the quietest and smoothest you've never seen. The cases are made to last, with a lifetime warranty to make sure of it. Only available direct from july.com. Through July, it's easy to buy luggage online in the United States.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags

The Best July Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Durable and lightweight, these are the pieces of July luggage that impressed us most after testing them in our lab.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Australia-based luggage brand July has taken the luggage industry by storm since it was founded in 2018, creating some of the most lightweight suitcases in the industry. We got our hands on 14 pieces of July luggage to find out more about the brand with hands-on testing. 

From the popular Lightweight Carry-on to the stylish Checked Trunk, we tested one size from each of the brand’s luggage collections to get a well-rounded testing experience. We packed the bags full to look at their capacity, ran them over carpets and through obstacle courses to check maneuverability, and threw them off tables to check durability. We also recreated an airplane set in our Travel + Leisure lab to lift the carry-ons into overhead bins and place personal items underneath seats to get a feel for how lightweight and portable they really are.

Many of the bags wowed us and proved to be exceptionally durable even after we hit them with baseball bats over and over. Keep reading to find out more about which July suitcases we recommend most.

Best Carry-on

July carry on.

It’s the ideal size for a week-long trip.

There could be a few more pockets for organizing items while packing.

While July has several carry-on models, the classic option won us over in testing. We were impressed with the sturdy design of the suitcase that proved to be just as durable as it looked after we hit the outside with a baseball bat and dropped it off a countertop several times. The German-made polycarbonate shell features bumpers on the corner and we noticed that the corners didn’t scuff, dent, or scratch at all after our durability tests. The original model also comes with a removable USB port to charge devices on the go — an exclusive feature to the original mode. 

We had no issues filling up the suitcase with our week-long packing list, and everything fit perfectly with the help of the compression flap. The only note of improvement we had is that the interior could use a few more pockets (there’s just one currently) to add more organizational options. Other than that, we felt like this suitcase checked all the boxes (and more) for what we look for in a high-quality carry-on.

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 7.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Polycarbonate, nylon | USB charging port | Not expandable

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

• Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Best Checked

July checked plus light.

It’s shockingly lightweight for how much it can hold.

The compression straps are small and don’t cover the entire side of one of the compartments.

One of the hardest parts of traveling with a checked bag is keeping it under the usual 50-pound limit, but this July suitcase solves that problem. Weighing just a bit over nine pounds when empty, this lightweight checked bag still offers 105 liters of storage space, meaning you can fit more items before hitting the weight limit for flying. In testing, we were able to fit our entire packing list on one side of the suitcase, and it never felt cumbersome to roll or pick up when packed. The lightweight proved to be just as durable as all the other July suitcases we tried after sustaining zero damage during our durability tests. The only note we have is that it would be nice to have stronger or larger compression straps to add even more space, but the bag is still impressively large. 

The Details: 30.32 x 20.87 x 11.22 inches | 9.2 pounds | 105-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

July Trunk Set

Both suitcases have sturdy latch closures and comfortable handles.

These suitcases are not expandable, so there's no room for overpacking.

Buying a set of luggage can be practical for some shoppers, so we recommend July’s stylish Trunk Set. The carry-on and checked bag duo have similar features that include adjustable handles, aluminum latch closures, and an 80/20 clamshell design that has one larger side for storing bulkier items. In testing, we were able to pack everything on our packing list into the suitcases, but the checked trunk is smaller than other July checked bags at 95 liters, so it was a tight fit (and it's not expandable). Both suitcases held up well against the baseball bat with minimal scuffing and no visible damage to the polycarbonate shell. Like most July bags we tested, we were blown away by the durable materials and sturdiness of both of these bags. The glossy finish seemed to pick up light dust and dirt easily, so we recommend storing these in their dust bags when not in use. 

The Details: 21.7 x 15 x 8.7 inches for carry-on; 28.25 x 16.5 x 14.5 inches for checked | 8.4 pounds for carry-on; 14.2 pounds for checked | 42-liter capacity for carry-on; 95-liter capacity for checked | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Best With Laptop Compartment

July carry on pro snapsleeve.

The removable laptop compartment has generous padding, and the white suitcase held up perfectly against a baseball bat.

The wheels didn’t roll as smoothly as the other July bags we tried.

This July suitcase boasts all the features we love from the classic carry-on with the special addition of a detachable laptop case. The ultra-padded case has a magnetic snap closure that secures it to the front of the suitcase to give travelers easy access to technology while on the go . We tested the white-and-black colorway and were blown away by the durability of the polycarbonate shell. Even with the snow white color, the suitcase didn’t scuff or scratch after we tossed it off a table and hit it with a baseball bat many times. The 42-liter bag was big enough to fit everything on our packing list for about a week’s worth of travel, and the only issue we ran into was with the wheels that didn’t roll as smoothly over rough surfaces like carpet and stone. While it’s a slight inconvenience, the helpfulness of the removable laptop sleeve and durable exterior make this bag well worth the investment. 

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 8.6 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Polycarbonate, leather | Not expandable

Best Large Capacity

July large luggage.

The sturdy handle and smooth wheels make it exceptionally easy to roll this large bag.

It’s easy to go over the 50 pound weight limit with such a spacious bag.

If you’re in search of a seriously spacious checked bag, July’s Checked Plus is your best bet. With 110 liters of space, this bag can hold more than enough items for a two-week trip or longer, so it’s safe to say our week-long packing list fit perfectly between the two spacious compartments. One side has a large compression flap, which was helpful for packing down bulkier items like jeans and jackets. Despite its very large size, this suitcase was impressively easy to roll over rough surfaces like carpet and cobblestone, and we could maneuver it through our obstacle course without any issues. Similar to the design of the classic carry-on, it also features aluminum bumpers on every corner to absorb hard impact, so this suitcase is extremely durable as well. 

The Details: 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | 10.5 pounds | 110-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | Not expandable

Best Weekender

July carry all weekender plus.

The clamshell-style design makes it easy to pack and organize items efficiently.

It only comes in navy and black colorways.

Minimalist yet functional, July’s weekender bag was a breeze to pack thanks to its clamshell design and spacious interior. It has a whopping 50 liters of room (more than the July carry-ons), so we could fit over a weeks’ worth of clothing, shoes, and accessories into the weekender. This bag also features the most pockets we’ve seen on a piece of July luggage, and we loved the various spots to place undergarments, a laptop, and other smaller items. When the bag was packed full, it was surprisingly lightweight, and it never felt cumbersome to carry or place in an overhead compartment. The twill nylon material looks sleek and stylish, and it’s extremely durable and protective. We wish this perfect-scoring weekender bag came in a few more colors, but the black and navy blue are still sleek options. It also comes in a smaller 28-liter size (below) that would make a great personal item.

The Details: 12.5 x 22 x 9 inches | 4.2 pounds | 50-liter capacity | Twill nylon | 16-inch laptop pocket

Best Personal Item

July carry all weekender.

It's lightweight, sturdy, and has plenty of organizational features.

It's probably too small for a trip longer than two nights.

The July Carry All Weekender was an easy pick for the best personal item from July luggage, considering it won best overall in our favorite personal items roundup out of almost 50 other bags. Designed for short trips, this is testing editor Jackie Cucco's go-to bag when she wants something bigger than a tote but more compact than a jumbo weekender. It has a minimalist design with enough space inside for overnights and weekend getaways but is still on the smaller side so it won't feel bulky when traveling. Because of that, you won't be able to fit more than what you need for a night or two, but its compact size makes it easy to travel with and a great personal item, since it can fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane. At 10.5 inches by 18 inches by 8.5 inches, it can hold up to 28 liters, which we found ideal for a laptop, a couple of outfits, and a few other small items. The bag has a deep main compartment as well as a designated laptop pocket, several slip pockets, and a front zippered pocket. Other details we like include the lightweight design, padded shoulder strap, and trolley sleeve to keep the bag in place on top of a suitcase.

The Details: 10.5 x 18 x 8.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 28-liter capacity | Nylon, leather | 16-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

July luggage has been on our radar for a while now, especially since the brand is known for its shockingly lightweight luggage. While we’ve tried several suitcases from July over the years, we decided to thoroughly research and select 14 pieces of luggage to test in a July-specific lab test in New York City. 

We tried one suitcase size from each collection to gauge the durability, capacity, maneuverability, and design during our rigorous testing process. We created designated packing lists for the carry-on and checked bags and put together obstacle courses with various types of surfaces like carpet and cobblestone to wheel the luggage over, testing how smoothly the wheels glide and how stable the handles are. And of course, we performed our signature durability tests that involve tossing the suitcases off of tabletops and hitting them with baseball bats repeatedly.

We paid special attention to how lightweight the carry-on bags felt by lifting them into real overhead bins on our airplane set and noted how well smaller personal items fit underneath airplane seats. After taking thorough testing notes and photos, we sent the luggage out to our travel editors to test while out traveling for up to six months to get further testing notes to update this article. 

Other July Luggage We Liked

These are some other stand-out options we tested from July, all of which scored highly.

July Carry On Essential : It’s a durable and easy-to-pack suitcase, but we preferred the extra features of the Classic Original Carry-on compared to this more basic model. 

July Checked Light : Weighing seven pounds, this is a shockingly lightweight bag, but it has a smaller capacity at just 75 liters, which might not be worth it for some travelers looking for a more spacious checked bag. 

July Volume + Weekender : Compared to the Carry All Weekender Plus, this bag lacked space and organizational features that lowered the value of the pricier bag. 

Tips for Buying July Luggage

Know the difference between the collections .

July has several collections of luggage that have pros and cons for each type of traveler. The collections are Classic, Trunk, and Lightweight, and all three include carry-on and checked luggage options. The Classic collection features the Original and Essential suitcase options, while the Original suitcases boast more technical features like USB ports and aluminum corner bumpers for durability. The Trunk collection offers all sizes in the unique 80/20 design for a more modern spin on the vintage-style travel trunk. And lastly, the Lightweight collection features the brand’s iconic featherweight suitcases that all weigh under 10 pounds.

Consider special features 

As mentioned above, certain collections offer more special features than others, so doing some research into each style of suitcase can help you decide which one to get. The Classic Original suitcases offer features such as a removable USB port for charging and aluminum corner bumpers. The Classic Essential doesn’t offer those features, but it is lighter in weight. The Trunk collection also boasts the USB ports and a more robust compression system but doesn’t offer the corner bumpers for durability. If you choose the Lightweight collection, you’ll get an extremely lightweight suitcase but will forfeit those extra features.

Don’t forget about bags and accessories 

July has a variety of bags and accessories besides luggage, and we particularly loved the Carry All Weekender Plus during testing. The bags proved to be just as durable as the luggage and they complement the sleek and stylish designs of the minimalist luggage. The brand also offers tote bags, packing cubes, shoe bags, luggage covers, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Australian luggage brand boasts a huge variety of sleek and stylish luggage options in trendy colors like beige, forest green, and cherry red. It is most known for its Lightweight luggage collection that features hardside suitcases of all sizes weighing less than 10 pounds — which is an incredible feat considering the suitcases still offer superior durability with lighter weight materials. 

Luggage is ultimately a personal choice, and some brands might work better for certain travelers over others. After testing both brands in our lab, July luggage impressed us with lightweight materials that proved to be extremely durable after our rigorous durability tests that included baseball bats. We also have a roundup of our favorite Away luggage pieces.

In testing, we were blown away by how durable July luggage is, and we didn’t notice any damage done to any of the suitcase after our durability test. Some of the bags had light scuff marks that could be buffed out. Of course, no suitcases are invincible to getting scratched, but we think it would take some seriously rough handling to damage these bags. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes most of the team's tested content. She has tested dozens of suitcases in the last few years and she spent the day in the lab testing July luggage. Anna sifted through testing notes and pulled from her personal experience testing the luggage to put together this list of the best July luggage.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

July Luggage Review: Does the Brand Live up to the Hype?

Spoiler alert: I think I've found my new favorite hardside luggage brand.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

What is July luggage?

My honest thoughts on july luggage, the bottom line: should you buy july luggage, why trust good housekeeping.

If you're anything like me, finding the right luggage is easier said than done, especially if you're looking for a stylish, non-basic option.

Enter July , an Australian-based company that's increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after luggage brands online. But does its luggage live up to the hype? We put it to the test to find out. Spoiler: It might just be the best luggage I've ever owned.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute , we've tested over 100 suitcases in recent years t o find the best carry-on and checked luggage available both in our Lab and on hundreds of trips. As a textiles product reviews analyst, I've personally packed dozens of suitcases, assessed damage from our drop tester, evaluated scratch resistance and traveled with several of our top-tested luggage brands .

I recently took July's Classic Family Luggage Set (which includes a carry-on and two checked suitcases) on four international flights, traveling between three countries for multiple weeks. Several of our consumer testers also tried the brand's Carry-On Light , which the brand calls the lightest luggage you'll find, on a variety of domestic trips.

Named after the most popular month for traveling, July's suitcases were designed to bridge the gap between budget bags and luxury luggage, offering thoughtfully designed luggage at a more accessible price point. Since its start in 2018, the brand has expanded to three luggage collections (Classic, Light and Trunk) plus various bags , like weekenders and totes , and travel accessories .

July Carry On

The Classic Carry-On is July's most popular product. It's made with polycarbonate, a popular material in hardside luggage , and each corner is capped with an anodized aluminum bumper for added protection.

July Carry-On Light

The Carry-On Light is another popular product, and the brand calls it, "the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world" at 3.9 pounds. Hardside luggage is known for its lightweight nature, but as certain airlines lower their weight limits (even for carry-ons), every ounce counts. Still, it has a 32L capacity, making it less spacious compared to other popular options.

July Classic Family Luggage Set

On my most recent trips, I traveled with July's Classic Family Set , which includes the Classic Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus . While some luggage sets may come at a discount, July's do not, but sets do ship with the suitcases nested inside each other to save space.

July's luggage has a simple yet sleek appearance. On the Classic line, the aluminum corners provide an added edge, elevating otherwise minimalist suitcases. In person, I immediately noticed how luxurious each suitcase felt: The exterior felt solid and substantial while the interior felt buttery smooth with a notable Y-strap over the standard compression panel. Note that the Carry-On Light instead features two zippered components with no compression panels.

The telescopic handle (pictured) stops at 20 different heights, meaning it will stop without falling down immediately, although it doesn't fully lock in until lifted to half its full height. It's also slightly slanted, for a more ergonomic hold. Some of our consumer testers appreciated this when wheeling it through our in-Lab obstacle course, but as someone with smaller hands, I found it a bit odd, although not uncomfortable.

The standard Carry-On also comes with a built-in power bank, which can be a nice perk, but I personally didn't use it while traveling due to the added bulk. When I tried it on its own, it charged quickly but noticeably warmed up. You can skip the power bank if you'd like by purchasing the Carry-On Essential , though it does not have the aluminum bumpers.

July also allows you to personalize your new suitcase for an added cost. This is great for easily spotting your checked luggage on a baggage carousel or in the event that your carry-on gets moved around or checked at the gate. I didn't personalize my luggage, as it delays the shipping, but I've always plastered colorful stickers on all my luggage to make sure it doesn't get confused. July's personalization, though, is definitely more intentional and long-lasting compared to my DIY endeavors.

Performance

I've tested many, many suitcases, but I've never used luggage that glided as smoothly as July's through an airport. Often, even when using pricey or top-tested luggage, I feel self-conscious, especially on moving walkways: The noises my other carry-ons have made in the past vary from slightly squeaky to loud, but this wasn't a problem with July. The wheels effortlessly accompanied me throughout several airports without any issues. During in-Lab testing, participants in our obstacle course agreed, giving July some of the highest scores for ease of use, particularly for its smooth, 360º wheels and adjustable handle.

In terms of packability, the Classic Carry-On, Checked and Check Plus were fairly standard compared to other hardside luggage, fitting our standard load with room to spare. Each included a thoughtful laundry bag for dirty clothes. The Carry-On Light, however, wasn't able to fit everything in our standard four-night packing load, so it's best for shorter trips.

When it comes to hardside luggage, polycarbonate is king, and all of July's suitcases are made of polycarbonate. It's an extremely durable material with excellent impact resistance, yet it's still lightweight, proving well-rounded when compared to other plastics or metals like aluminum.

It doesn't have the best scratch resistance, which we saw during testing, notably when we used a wire to scratch the surface of July's suitcases in the Lab. Still, when I assessed the Checked and Checked Plus suitcases (pictured), I didn't notice much wear and tear on the polycarbonate material (especially after wiping it down). The aluminum bumpers did show some damage though, with some visible scratches up close.

In our drop tests, which involve packing a suitcase with a set weight before releasing it from a three-foot height at various angles, July came away without any dents, damages or changes in appearance.

Warranty & Return Policy

July's luggage comes with a "lifetime warranty." But this doesn't necessarily mean you can purchase it once and use it forever. The brand says it will repair or replace products with manufacturing faults on the wheels, zips, handles and compression straps. Certain cracks and breakages to the polycarbonate shell are also covered, but cosmetic damage is not. Be sure to thoroughly document it if you suspect something's off with your luggage.

The brand also offers a 100-day return policy, but it's only for new, unused luggage in its original packaging. Personalized luggage is exempt, as it's considered bespoke, as are notably discounted items (i.e. Final Call and Weekender promotional purchases). There's also a $20 return fee.

If you're looking for minimalist hardside luggage with a bit of personality , I would recommend investing in any of the suitcases from the Classic line (the Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus). I've tested many suitcases in my role at Good Housekeeping, and July might be my new favorite luggage brand. The maneuverability is unparalleled , thanks to its smooth wheels and adjustable handle, and the materials feel sleek and durable.

The suitcases faired well in our tests , earning high scores for their ease of use in our in-Lab obstacle course and durability during drop testing. Note that the polycarbonate material can scuff, but this was easily wiped away in my experience. The aluminum bumpers don't have the best scratch resistance, though.

When it comes to the Carry-On Light, my recommendation depends on the type of traveler you are. The suitcase is incredibly light, but it isn't quite as versatile due to its smaller size. If you go on lots of quick trips or if you'd rather use a rolling suitcase over a weekender bag or travel backpack , then the Carry-On Light is a great choice.

Still, the return policy, while fairly standard, isn't the most generous, and the lifetime warranty isn't a fix-all, so I encourage you to thoughtfully examine any July luggage you purchase.

SHOP JULY LUGGAGE

Grace Wu is a textiles reviews product analyst at Good Housekeeping and has tested all kinds of luggage and travel products using specialized Lab equipment. She's flown on dozens of long-haul flights over the years, both international and domestic, and swears by hardside luggage. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering (with a focus on polymers like polycarbonate) and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Luggage Reviews

The Best Hardside Luggage

Is Away Luggage Worth Buying?

The Best Samsonite Luggage

The Best Luggage for International Travel

The Best Checked Luggage

7 Best Softside Suitcases 2024

The Best Luggage Sets

The Best Luggage on Amazon

We Set Up an Obstacle Course to Test Carry-Ons

The Best Lightweight Luggage

Our Honest Review of Travelpro Luggage

Is Calpak Luggage Worth It? Our Honest Review