Choosing a new suitcase often comes down to one key decision: hard shell or soft shell luggage.
Both options have their strengths, and the right choice depends on how you travel, what you pack and the level of protection you need for your belongings.
Modern luggage has come a long way in recent years. Today’s hardshell suitcases are lighter and stronger, while softside luggage is more organised and flexible than ever before. Rather than one being better than the other, it’s about choosing the type that suits your travel style.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between hard shell and soft shell luggage, using real examples from the Xplore range to help you decide what’s best for your next trip.
What Is Hard Shell Luggage?
Hard shell luggage (often called hardside luggage) is made from rigid materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or polycarbonate (PP). These materials create a structured outer shell designed to protect the contents of your suitcase.
Most modern hard shell suitcases feature 360° spinner wheels, telescopic handles and integrated security features, making them durable and easy to manoeuvre through airports.
Why travellers choose hard shell luggage
Hard shell suitcases are typically chosen for durability, protection and structure. If you’re travelling with fragile items or checking luggage into the aircraft hold, a rigid shell provides extra reassurance.
Many travellers also prefer the clean, modern look of hard shell luggage, which often features scratch-resistant, water-resistant finishes and bold colour options, helping protect your belongings in unpredictable conditions.
Hard Shell Suitcases from Xplore
a2b Exodus - Lightweight and Durable Cabin Travel
The a2b Exodus is a great example of a lightweight hard shell suitcase designed for short trips and cabin travel.
Built from durable ABS material, the Exodus offers a strong outer shell that protects your belongings while remaining easy to handle. Its compact cabin-friendly size (H 55 × W 36 × D 23 cm) makes it suitable for many airline carry-on allowances.
Key features include:
- Durable ABS hard shell construction
- Scratch and weather resistant exterior
- 4 x 360° spinner wheels for smooth movement
- Fully lined interior with zip pockets and packing straps
- Interlocking zippers compatible with padlocks
This type of suitcase works particularly well for travellers who want strong protection in a compact cabin-sized case.
Gino Ferrari Tourer - Hard Shell Protection for Longer Trips
For longer holidays, the Gino Ferrari Tourer demonstrates how a hard shell suitcase can offer both durability and generous packing space.
The structured ABS shell helps protect belongings during baggage handling, while the spacious interior makes it easier to organise clothing for extended trips.
Key features include:
- Ultra-strong ABS hard shell
- Large 96L capacity
- 4 x 360° spinner wheels
- Telescopic trolley handle
- Fully lined interior with divider and packing straps
For travellers checking luggage into the hold, the Tourer’s rigid shell helps protect contents from pressure, impacts and rough handling during transit.
Pierre Cardin Arles - Secure Hard Shell Travel
The Pierre Cardin Arles shows how modern hardshell suitcases combine durability with enhanced security.
Constructed from durable ABS with a refined matte finish, Arles also includes an integrated TSA-approved lock, which allows airport security to inspect your suitcase without damaging the lock.
Key features include:
- Expandable hard shell design
- 8 x 360° spinner wheels for enhanced manoeuvrability
- Integrated TSA lock
- Scratch-resistant shell
- Fully lined interior with divider and packing straps
For travellers who value security and structure, hard shell luggage like the Arles provides a strong, reliable travel companion.
Pros of Hard Shell Luggage
Better protection for fragile items
The rigid shell protects items such as electronics, toiletries or souvenirs from being crushed or damaged during travel.
Strong and impact resistant
Materials like ABS are designed to absorb impacts and resist cracking, making hard shell luggage a dependable choice for checked baggage.
Easy to clean
Hard shell surfaces can usually be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making them easier to maintain than fabric luggage.
Protection in wet conditions
Hard shell luggage offers greater resistance to rain and damp conditions, helping protect your belongings if your case is left on wet tarmac or exposed to the elements during transit.
Built-in security options
Many hardshell suitcases include TSA-approved locks or interlocking zippers, adding an extra layer of protection.
What Is Soft Shell Luggage?
Soft shell luggage (also called softside luggage) is made from woven polyester or fabric-based materials rather than rigid plastic shells.
These suitcases are more flexible and often include external pockets, expandable sections and additional compartments, which can make packing and organisation easier.
Soft shell luggage is especially popular with travellers who want adaptability and easy-access storage while travelling.
Soft Shell Luggage from Xplore
a2b Odyssey - Flexible Packing for Longer Trips
The a2b Odyssey is a soft-sided suitcase designed for travellers who prefer flexibility when packing.
Made from lightweight polyester, Odyssey offers a softer structure that allows you to fit bulkier items more easily compared to rigid luggage.
Key features include:
- Front pocket for easy access.
- Soft-sided flexibility
- Lightweight construction
- 8 x 360° spinner wheels
- Fully lined interior with zip pockets
- TSA-approved lock
For travellers packing larger clothing items, extra layers or last-minute additions, a soft-sided suitcase like Odyssey offers more packing adaptability.
London Fog Camberley - Classic Soft Shell for Longer Travel
The London Fog Camberley range brings a more timeless, refined feel to soft shell luggage, combining classic design with practical travel features.
Its lightweight construction and soft-sided flexibility make it particularly well suited to longer trips, cruises or holidays where you need generous packing space without added bulk.
The signature Prince of Wales plaid design gives it a more elevated, recognisable look, while still delivering the everyday functionality you’d expect from a modern suitcase.
Key features include:
- Lightweight soft-sided construction
- Soft-sided flexibility for easier packing
- Prince of Wales plaid design for a classic, premium look
- 4 × 360° spinner wheels for smooth movement
- Telescopic handle with locking push button
- Interlocking zips for easy padlock access
- Fully lined interior with organisational pockets
With its balance of style, capacity and lightweight handling, Camberley is a strong choice for travellers who want soft shell flexibility with a more classic, sophisticated finish.
a2b Pioneer - Compact Soft Shell Travel
The a2b Pioneer Weatherproof Backpack shows how soft shell luggage can also provide versatility beyond traditional suitcases.
Designed for Ryanair under-seat cabin allowances, this compact travel backpack offers organised storage while remaining lightweight and weather resistant.
Key features include:
- Weatherproof PU-coated polyester
- Laptop compartment
- Compression straps for adjustable packing
- Built-in USB charging port
- Compact cabin-friendly dimensions (H 40 × W 25 × D 20 cm)
Soft luggage like Pioneer works particularly well for short trips, business travel or minimalist packing.
Gino Ferrari Omis - Lightweight Softside Organisation
The Gino Ferrari Omis highlights another advantage of soft shell luggage: organisation.
The soft construction allows for flexible packing, while internal compartments and straps help keep clothing neatly separated.
Key features include:
- Soft-sided polyester construction
- Lightweight build
- 8 spinner wheels for smooth movement
- Fully lined interior with packing straps
- TSA-approved lock
For travellers who value organisation and flexibility, soft shell luggage offers practical advantages.
Pros of Soft Shell Luggage
More flexible packing
Soft materials allow the suitcase to adapt slightly to its contents, making it easier to pack bulky clothing or extra items.
Extra pockets and compartments
Softside luggage often includes external pockets, which are useful for travel documents, chargers or quick-access essentials.
Often lighter overall
Fabric-based luggage can generally weigh less than rigid cases, leaving more room within airline weight limits.
Easier to store
Soft luggage can offer a little more flexibility when it comes to storage, especially compared to rigid hard shell cases. While soft suitcases still hold their shape, options like wheeled holdalls, such as the Pierre Cardin Techno Holdall, can be compressed down much further, making them easier to store in tighter spaces when not in use.
Hard vs Soft Shell Luggage: Which Should You Choose?
The best suitcase ultimately depends on how and where you travel.
Hard shell luggage is ideal if you:
- Want maximum protection for fragile items
- Prefer a structured suitcase that holds its shape
- Often check luggage into the aircraft hold
- Value security features like TSA locks
Soft shell luggage is ideal if you:
- Prefer flexibility when packing
- Often travel with carry-on or under-seat bags
- Need luggage that adapts to bulkier items
- Want external pockets for easy access
Final Thoughts
When comparing hard shell vs soft shell luggage, there isn’t a single “best” option, only the best option for how you travel.
Hard shell suitcases provide strength, structure and protection, making them a reliable choice for checked baggage and fragile items.
Soft shell luggage offers flexibility, organisation and easy access, which many travellers prefer for cabin luggage and shorter trips.
At Xplore, you’ll find a wide range of both hardshell suitcases and softside luggage, from durable ABS travel cases to lightweight flexible designs. Choosing the right suitcase simply comes down to what matters most for your journey.
Whether you prefer the protection of a hard shell case like the Pierre Cardin Arles, or the flexibility of a soft-sided option like the a2b Odyssey, the right luggage makes every trip smoother from the moment you pack.
