Hard or soft shell luggage | Victorinox International

What’s the difference between hard and soft suitcases? We’ve got all you need to know. Here’s a quick lowdown: hard cases offer total protection for your belongings, they keep things nicely organised, they’re easy to clean and some models expand for more room; soft cases are tough, the side pockets are great for quick access, the material is long-lasting and it’s easy to stuff in a little bit extra at the last minute.

Read on for more details and consider this: you can mix it up – soft-case carry-on, hard-case checked luggage or vice versa – depending on your needs.

The advantages of hardside luggage

It keeps your belongings safe and secure

A hard-shell suitcase is a great option if you want protection for fragile possessions and delicate electronics.

It protects your belongings from the elements

A tough exterior keeps moisture from rain, snow and puddles away from your valuables, helping everything get to your destination in the same condition you packed it.

It’s easy to clean

Don’t worry about dragging your suitcase through the mud. A wipe of a wet cloth usually does it – thanks to state-of-the-art, scratch-resistant technology.

Hardside luggage

Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on

Always commuting at high-altitude? Meet your new competent carry-on companion: Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer. Lightweight in its structure, yet loaded with intelligent features to make your busy travel schedule easier. This is everyday global travel done with skillful Swiss precision.

Airox Advanced Medium Case

Travel flexibility has never looked so good or felt so effortless. Meet our Airox Advanced Medium Case, a piece of luggage so versatile, you’ll wonder how you coped without it. Inside is a study in intelligent organization and meticulous Swiss engineering. An expansion system delivers up to 4 cm extra packing volume. Outside the aesthetic is sleek, low-key elegance. Built lightweight, it’s a dream to maneuver.

Airox Advanced Large Case

Travel flexibility has never looked so good or felt so effortless. Meet our Airox Advanced Large Case; a piece of luggage so versatile; you’ll wonder how you coped without it. Inside is a study in intelligent organization and meticulous Swiss engineering. An expansion system delivers up to 4 cm extra packing volume. Outside the aesthetic is sleek, low-key elegance. Built lightweight, it’s a dream to maneuver.

Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on

Airox Advanced Medium Case

Airox Advanced Large Case

Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on

Airox Advanced Medium Case

Airox Advanced Large Case

Spectra 3.0 Expandable Global Carry-On

Crafted with SORPLAS™, a high performance recycled polycarbonate, the Spectra 3.0 Expandable Global Carry-On puts practicality and performance, first. Durable, stylish and full of versatile storage options, this case makes travel a breeze. The expansion system offers up to 20% additional capacity, and a front-opening quick-access compartment stores your business essentials. This is what freedom feels like.

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The advantages of softside luggage

It’s strong and versatile

Soft-shell luggage is highly resistant to wear and tear. It’s strong but versatile – so you can pack those one or two – or three – extra things you wish to bring at the last minute.

It offers easy access

The soft material lets you easily slip a hand into a side pocket or the main case. Just unzip the bag and grab what you need.

It’s flexible

With its flexible edges, softside luggage stacks well in the car making it ideal for road trips and for other tight storage spaces.

Softside luggage

Werks Traveler 6.0 2-Wheel Softside Frequent Flyer Carry-On

Meet the Werks Traveler 6.0 Collection, designed to make traveling even more joyful. The Frequent Flyer Carry-On is a lightweight, protective case with a Swiss-engineered handle system for extra-smooth, quiet maneuverability. Combining easy handling with innovative components, you'll want this case by your side, wherever you go.

Crosslight Frequent Flyer Softside Carry-On

Imagine luggage that does it all: meet the Crosslight Frequent Flyer Softside Carry-On, the smart solution to all your travel needs. Versatile, practical and the perfect companion for business and leisure. Agility is built into its DNA; its lightweight frame and expansion system deliver maximum volume. No bulk, no hassle. Lighten the load.

Crosslight Medium Softside Case

Cleverly constructed from over 35 recycled PET bottles: meet the Crosslight Medium Softside Case. Light in portability, functional in usage. Intuitive and easy to handle on the global move, it’s designed for effortless travel thanks to its Pack Light Organiser and integrated expansion system. The perfect case for your next trip.

Werks Traveler 6.0 Softside Extra-Large Case

Focused, flexible and able to compartmentalize – these attributes of the most experienced business travelers also describe the Werks Traveler 6.0 line of luggage from Victorinox, which we’ve developed to streamline and stylize business travel. This is why the collection's Softside Extra-Large Case is realized in extra-strong abrasion-resistant nylon and fitted with a Swiss-engineered handle system for comfort and stability. From Hinomoto wheels with Lisof® silent tires to the Pack More system with self-cleaning YKK® RC coil zippers, the case includes all you need on your travels – and more.

Werks Traveler 6.0 Softside Global Carry-On

Build style, convenience and practicality into your business trips with the Werks Traveler 6.0 collection from Victorinox. The line is a nod to the iconic Swiss Army Knife in the way it loads each piece with smart functions and elevated details. The collection's Softside Global Carry-On is realized in extra-strong abrasion-resistant nylon and fitted with a Swiss-engineered handle system for comfort and stability. From Hinomoto wheels with Lisof® silent tires to the Pack More system with self-cleaning YKK® RC coil zippers to the integrated USB port, this carry-on includes all you need on your travels – and more.

Crosslight Large Softside Case

Cleverly constructed from over 45 recycled PET bottles: meet the Crosslight Large Softside Case. Light in portability, versatile in usability. Intuitive and easy to handle on the global move, it’s designed for effortless travel thanks to its Pack Light Organiser and integrated expansion system. The perfect case for your trip: found.

Crosslight Wheeled Duffel

A wheeled duffel, done differently. Cleverly constructed, perfectly practical and ready to take any adventure in its stride. The Crosslight Wheeled Duffel is expertly engineered from over 40 recycled PET bottles. The interior is a study in versatility, and the exterior features compression straps for extra packing space. Pack smart, pack light.

Werks Traveler 6.0 Wheeled Boarding Tote

Comfortable and practical, yet high on style, the Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 collection fuses smart functions with elevated detailing to arm business travelers with the tools they need for seamless trips. The 4-Wheeled Boarding Tote works just as well for weekending as for business trips, offering easy maneuverability and plenty of packing space.

Werks Traveler 6.0 Wheeled Garment Sleeve

On the move and on the ground, the Werks Traveler 6.0 collection fuses smart functions with elevated detailing to smooth out potential wrinkles in business trips. Designed to keep clothing pristine on overnight trips, the Garment Sleeve boasts innovative elements like a hanger clamp and removable storage cubes. Its two wheels give precision movement, so you can go your own way in style and comfort.

Crosslight Global Softside Carry-On

Imagine luggage that does it all: meet the Crosslight Global Softside Carry-On, the smart solution to all your travel needs. Versatile, practical and the perfect companion for business and leisure. Agility is built into its DNA; its lightweight frame and expansion system deliver maximum volume. No bulk, no hassle. Lighten the load.

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What to consider for business or holidays

Business

Practical luggage

Keep your things organised and easy to access. Compartments, side pockets and quick-zip openings save time. Some carry-on cases have USB ports, so you always have a place to charge things.

Peace of mind

Knowing your valuable electronics and gadgets are safely tucked into a robust bag helps you relax. Suits, shirts and dresses are protected from the elements and come out less wrinkled. Side compartments for laptops get you through security quicker.

Ergonomic and manoeuvrable

Four wheels get into small spaces and are easier to turn around in a crowd. A high-quality telescopic handle and lightweight bags are much kinder to your body.

Holidays

Space and flexibility

Expandable hard cases give you room for extra layers or purchases. Outside pockets are great for things to grab along the way: small toys for your kids; everyone’s tickets and passports.

Extra strong and durable

A long stopover or trip isn’t just hard on you. A tough suitcase gets everything there and back in one piece.

Easy to clean

Dirt and stains can build up after many long trips. Look for materials that are easy to care for. This will keep your luggage looking good for a long time.

Our recommendation: the best of both worlds

The Spectra 3.0 collection is the optimal combination of both soft shell and hard shell. Made using innovative materials in the uncompromising quality you’re used to from us, these expandable hard cases not only provide a tough exterior they also include the front opening usually found in soft-shell cases, making it easy to access your belongings.

With an innovative SORPLAS™ recycled polycarbonate shell
Volume is expandable up to 40%
Versatile openings and compartments

Frequently asked questions

Hardside Luggage

What is a hard suitcase? The clam shell aspect of a hard suitcase protects the contents from hard knocks and outside elements. Tailored systems keep everyone out except you and security personnel.

Is it scratch-resistant? Our hardside cases are made from top-quality polycarbonate. This provides exceptional impact resistance, and its signature rib design and chamfered edges minimise scratches.

Is it flexible? With some cases that are expandable from 20–40%, our hard cases let you decide how much to bring and take home.

Softside luggage

What is soft luggage? The outside of what is called a “soft” suitcase is made of robust textiles and usually has a side pocket for things you need as you travel.

Is soft luggage water-resistant? Today’s durable, long-lasting fabric makes soft cases more resistant to moisture.

Can soft luggage protect fragile belongings? The super-strong inner frames are highly resistant to weight and pressure, protecting your valuables inside.

Is soft luggage less stylish? Soft suitcases look very smart and tend to remain that way for a long time – thanks to their resistance to wear and tear.

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The advantages of hardside luggage

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The advantages of softside luggage

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What to consider for business or holidays

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Holidays

Our recommendation: the best of both worlds

Frequently asked questions

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