Rimowa Luggage Review
About Rimowa Luggage
Good luggage is integral to a seamless trip, which is why Rimowa offers durable, hard-wearing travel essentials. Best known for its iconic aluminum suitcases, the brand also offers lightweight polycarbonate versions, functional bags, and packing accessories for happy, easy travels.
With an impressive following of 490k on Instagram and 178k on Facebook, Rimowa has commanded a lot of attention for its stylish, but still functional, travel essentials. The company’s luxury suitcases have been spotted in the hands of ultra-famous celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian West, and Martha Stewart.
Rimowa has also been featured by New York Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Prestige Hong Kong, Boston Magazine, One Mile At A Time, Hypebae, Vogue, WWD, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and many other publications.
Does this company provide the perfect travel companions? This Rimowa luggage review plans to find out. We’ll take an in-depth look at the brand, its best-selling products, customer reviews, and more, to help you decide if its luggage is worth bringing on your next adventure.
Overview of Rimowa
Created to offer serious luggage for serious travelers, the history of Rimowa dates all the way back to 1898. At that time, the company launched its first-ever suitcase, which was made from tough, long-lasting wood.
Fast forward 39 years to 1937, when the brand’s first aluminum suitcase was developed by founder Paul Morszeck’s son, Richard. Following this innovation, Rimowa suitcases took on their iconic, grooved look, modeled after the world’s first all-metal aircraft.
Today, Rimowa luggage is geared towards improving the way you travel. Its mission has always been to transform our travel experiences, which is why they offer a wide range of luggage. From durable waterproof cases to lightweight and easy to carry designs, the company promises to have something for anyone’s travel style.
Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, the brand has stores across the globe. Truly standing by its products, Rimowa offers a five-year guarantee as well as a repair service at its stores and some luxury hotel partners.
In 2016, the company was bought by LVMH for more than $700 million. LVMH specialized in luxury goods, and owns brands such as Celine, Benefit Cosmetics, and, of course, Louis Vuitton.
Now that you know a little more about the history of the company, this Rimowa luggage review will cover some pros and cons.
Pros
- Large collection of high-quality suitcases in various sizes
- Made with high-end Anodized Aluminum and Polycarbonate to ensure durability
- Available in vibrant and classic colors
- Five year guarantee
- Hotel repair option that fixes your suitcase before your flight
- Splash-proof
- TSA-approved locks
- Flex Dividers inside the suitcases to keep your belongings organized
- Multiwheel 360-degree system lets you maneuver each suitcase with ease
- Telescopic handle for multi-directional pull
- Ships internationally
- Free returns
Cons
- Products are priced on the higher, more premium side
Rimowa redefines the travel experience with its smart suitcases. Featuring TSA-approved locks, flex dividers, its trademarked multiwheel system, and a telescopic handle, you can confidently travel knowing your belongings are safe, secure, and easy to transport.
Though these high-end travel essentials come with luxury prices, Rimowa makes the payment process a bit easier on your bank account. With klarna, you can choose to pay in four interest-free installments.
All of the company’s suitcases include a leather luggage tag and sticker set so you can add some personalized flair. Ahead, this Rimowa luggage review will provide an overview of its best-selling aluminum and polycarbonate suitcases.
Rimowa Suitcases Review
A quality suitcase that is easy to maneuver and keeps your belongings safe can make your traveling experience easier and more enjoyable. Varying in weight, size, and material, the brand’s suitcases are offered in brilliant gloss and matte finishes to suit your style. This Rimowa luggage review will now feature its best-selling suitcases.
Rimowa Original Cabin Review
There are a lot of perks to traveling with a carry-on. Not only do you save money, but you always know exactly where your belongings are and can easily access them mid-flight. Rimowa’s Original Cabin measures 22” x 16” x 10”, so it’s small enough to fit most airlines’ carry-on specifications.
Although it looks heavy, this suitcase is made from high-quality aluminum. So, it’s ultra-durable and lightweight—you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to lift into the overhead bin.
There are seven colors to choose from, including muted classics like Rimowa Off White or vibrant hues like Cobalt Blue.
Pairing this carry-on with a Rimowa backpack will provide enough storage for even an over-packer’s weekend getaway. Travel easy with the Original Cabin for $1,080.
Rimowa Original Cabin Plus Review
Sometimes a classic carry-on just doesn’t provide enough space, especially for those of us who like to have multiple outfit options available while traveling. The Original Cabin Plus provides a little extra space, making it useful for longer getaways. A long weekend in Hawaii, perhaps?
Daydreams aside, the Original Cabin Plus is durable but still lightweight. Weighing in at just over 10lbs, you won’t feel like you’re getting a workout as you lift it into the bins.
Measuring 23” x 18” x 10”, the company recommends this size for four-day-long adventures.
This suitcase is available in three colors, including golden Titanium, classic Black, and high-tech Silver. Made from ultra-durable aluminum, the Rimowa Cabin Plus was designed to last countless vacations. Get it for $1,170.
Rimowa Classic Cabin Review
If you’ve ever dreaded the thought of your precious luggage rolling around in a plane’s cargo hold, then you’ve probably decided to stick to carry-ons while traveling. The Classic Cabin was designed for the serious traveler who likes to know where their suitcase is at all times.
Fusing together luxury and performance, this suitcase is perfect for a business trip. It measures in at 22” x 16” x 9” inches and 9.5lbs, so you’ll have an easy time fitting it into the overhead bins of any standard airplane.
With two sleek color options to choose from, including Silver and Black, the Classic Cabin is made from high-end Anodized Aluminum Alloy for long-lasting durability. Other key features include riveted aluminum corners for added reinforcement and hand-made leather handles for added comfort while carrying it.
The sturdy Classic Cabin suitcase retails for $1,100.
Rimowa Hybrid Cabin Review
Unfortunately, turbulence happens. During these scary moments, we tend to see our lives flash before our eyes. It isn’t until later when we are safely on the ground that we think about what must have happened to our luggage during all those drops.
Items in our suitcases can get pretty knocked up. The Hybrid Cabin has the durability of Polycarbonate and the solidness of Aluminum, making this hard-shell suitcase a smart choice for those traveling with precious cargo.
Recommended for short business trips, this suitcase measures 22” x 16” x 10” and 8.4lbs. Plus, thanks to the included packing dividers, you can rest easy knowing that your work attire will stay neatly pressed.
Available in three colors, the Hybrid Cabin retails for $800.
Rimowa Hybrid Cabin S Review
While some airlines have a great reputation for keeping luggage safe, others are notorious for losing it. This Rimowa luggage review won’t name names, but we all know an airline that has let us down one too many times.
Carry-on baggage is the way of the future, letting you keep tabs on your precious cargo instead of worrying about whether or not your luggage will arrive with you.
This 22” x 16” x 8” and 8.2lb suitcase features not one but two TSA-approved locks. So, not only will your luggage be safe from damage mid-flight thanks to its ultra-durable hard shell, but it’ll also protect your belongings from potential theft.
Available in Matte Navy, Matte Black, and Silver Gloss, the $800 Hybrid Cabin S is ideal for two-day trips.
Rimowa Essential Lite Check-In M Review
Have you ever checked into an international flight, weighed your bag, and seen the scale creep up past the weight maximum? You have two options: pack some stuff into an extra bag and carry it, or pay the heavy bag fee. If only your suitcase itself weighed less.
With the Essential Lite Check-In M, you won’t be the person on the airport floor rummaging through your suitcase trying to decide what you can toss. Weighing in under 7lbs, this travel essential won’t add any unnecessary weight. It was designed with durability in mind, but no excess weight.
It measures 27” x 18” x 10”, so it’s the perfect size for five days of travel essentials.
Available in five colors, get the Essential Lite Check-In M for $620. This Rimowa luggage review particularly loves the glossy fire engine red color.
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin Review
At less than 5lbs, Rimowa’s Essential Lite Cabin weighs 30% less than other suitcases in the Essential line. Young and old travelers alike will have a much easier time taking this suitcase on their adventures.
With enough space for two or three days worth of necessities, this Rimowa carry on measures 22” x 16” x 10”. Go places with the Essential Lite Cabin for $550.
Rimowa Original Trunk Review
Sometimes, one bag just won’t cut it. For longer trips, you don’t want to forego the assortment of shoes you might need, or the pile of presents you’re taking home for a two-week holiday.
The Original Trunk lets you say goodbye to the two-bag dilemma, providing ample space for everything you can possibly need for a long trip. It measures in at a whopping 29” x 17” x 15”, so you can go ahead and pack that extra pair of shoes.
Despite its size and extra-durable shell, it weighs in at just 13lbs. With a classic shape inspired by the company’s original trunks, this Rimowa sports trunk marries a vintage design with futuristic functionalities.
The Original Trunk is available in three colors for $1,660 apiece.
Rimowa Essential Trunk Review
Perhaps Rimow’s most unique design yet, the Essential Trunk makes travel a little easier. Featuring a durable handle right on its center, this design is meant for the serious, no-fuss traveler.
Its 11.2lb hard body is made from Anodized Aluminum, so it can handle a beating. Go ahead, throw this suitcase in the back of your car, in a plane’s cargo hold, or under the body of a bus without worrying about whether or not it will make it in one piece.
The Essential Trunk is built like the original, but just a tad smaller for short weekend trips. Measuring 29” x 17” x 15”, you’ll be able to fit the essentials.
Lightweight and designed for check-in, this sturdy splash-proof, hard-shell Rimowa trunk can hold up to the elements. Available in five colors, the easily-handled Essential Trunk is $1,010.
Rimowa Luggage Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Though its products look impressive, this Rimowa luggage review wanted to see what customers really thought about the brand. We turned to testimonials from The Points Guy, Expert World Travel, and Trustpilot to see how these luxurious yet functional suitcases hold up.
Frequent traveler, mother, and writer at The Points Guy Summer Hull tested the Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Cabin Multiwheel IATA. After previously trying multiple carry-on sized suitcases that just didn’t hold up, she decided to splurge on Rimowa’s sleek design. The result? Summer reveals that this luggage has held up for over 400k miles of travel over the last 6 years.
Aside from still being in great shape, one of the things she likes best about the Rimowa Salsa carry on bag is that “the four-wheel design makes it so easy to maneuver I could push it around with my pinky finger…on smooth surfaces.”
With that said, not all surfaces are smooth, and “the trade-off is that on bumpier terrain, such as concrete or cobblestone streets, it isn’t as easy to pull.” Still, she readily recommends this option for any frequent traveler.
The writers behind Expert World Travel set out to decide if the Rimowa Topas suitcase was worth the high price tag. The features that they found most useful are the two inner dividers: “the inside of this suitcase just oozes luxury. The fact that both compartments can be secured with a divider is a huge plus for me, and they make the Topas look more elegant.”
While discussing the material of the Rimowa Topas carry on, the authors argue that the material wears easily: “the lightweight aluminum doesn’t make the suitcase too durable. In fact, it scratches and even dents incredibly easily. That is a huge con, in my opinion, especially when you consider its price.”
Despite the outer scuffs, they decide that this design is “amazing” and great for those that go on short trips frequently. But, it isn’t worth investing in if it’s a big splurge for you and your family.
On Trustpilot, the brand has earned a low 2.9/5 stars from 55 ratings. A stark contrast from the positive in-depth reviews, customers on this site argue that the quality does not match the price.
Ultimately, these reviews point to one conclusion. If you can afford to easily spend upwards of $600 on a luxury suitcase, Rimowa offers sleek and impressive-looking designs.
Is Rimowa Worth It?
By now you may be wondering, is Rimowa worth it? We think the brand’s suitcases are worth the buy if you travel frequently, love the high-tech design, and have the money to spend on luxury goods.
The company also does cool collaborations with other high-end brands. For example, it previously launched the Supreme Rimowa collection, which included a number of eye-catching designs.
The company is passionate about transforming the way we travel. Flying is often very stressful, so a product that makes that process easier will definitely be worth it for some people. Indeed, every Rimowa suitcase has six impressive features:
- Dividers to keep your belongings safe and organized
- TSA-approved locks for easy opening during security checks
- 360-degree wheels to push or pull your bag in any direction
- Hard, durable outer shell
- Splash-proof to protect your belongings from rain or spillage
- Telescoping handle for easy maneuvering
Unfortunately, not every customer thought its suitcases were worth the high price tag. The outer shell is super durable, but reviewers reported that it scuffs easily. So, while Rimowa’s suitcases last for a long time, they might not stay looking new.
In some negative Rimowa luggage reviews, buyers argued that the company’s current line is not as high-quality as it used to be. While this opinion did not represent all customers, it is something to keep in mind. Thankfully, the brand offers a five year guarantee on all products. Plus, it offers free returns if you are unsatisfied.
Ultimately, we side with the sentiments expressed in thorough reviews on the brand. If you travel often, want an impressive-looking suitcase, and have the money to spend, we think Rimowa essentials are worth the buy.
Rimowa Promotions & Discounts
Unfortunately, there aren’t any current Rimowa sales on its website.
We did learn that the brand occasionally offers sales, such as the Rimowa Black Friday event. For the most up-to-date information, you can sign up for its e-newsletter.
Where to Buy Rimowa
For the best selection of products, you can shop directly from Rimowa.com. The company also has in-store locations and Rimowa outlets. To find the shop closest to you, visit the Store Locations page on its website.
Some of the brand’s older designs, such as the Rimowa Bolero suitcase, can be found through one of Rimowa’s authorized sellers.
FAQ
How durable is Rimowa?
According to an article by Conde Nast Traveller, Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are so durable that they have survived through plane crashes and war zones. Each travel essential is crafted from ultra-durable Anodised Aluminium to ensure that it lasts.
What is Rimowa’s Shipping Policy?
For US customers, Rimowa orders are processed within 1 business day. They offer free ground or express shipping options for all 50 states. Shipping rates and times are listed below:
- Ground 3-5 business days free for orders over $300
- Express 1 business day $50
When shipped, Rimowa will send you a shipping confirmation email containing a tracking number. Once delivered, Rimowa orders require a signature, so be sure to be home on the day your order is to arrive.
For international deliveries, select your country from the drop down menu at the top of the website. Your shipping cost depends on the delivery destination, so it will be calculated at checkout.
What is Rimowa’s Return Policy?
You can return your complete, unused, and undamaged Rimowa merchandise within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. For Limited Edition products, you have 14 days to start your return for a full refund.
To start a return, you’ll need to access your Rimowa account and start the process there. If approved, you will receive a prepaid shipping label that you will attach to the outside of your return package. You can also start a return by contacting their client care team.
How to Contact Rimowa
If you have any further questions after reading this Rimowa luggage review, you can reach out to the brand’s client care team by:
- Contact form: Available on its website
- Phone: (312) 635-6607
Not sold on Rimowa? Check out a few other brands for other options:
