Best quality Suitcases and Trolleys - Rimowa alternatives
FPM Milano Suitcases, photo: Pilma
One of the main points why I started Outfit Narrative is to inspire people to have fewer, higher-quality items that will never go out of style and will last much longer. And you know that I hold on tight to the companies that are still making quality products. I want to believe that manufacturers still care about their history and the customer experience.
I rarely write anything negative, but the Rimowa story is so disappointing that it was hard not to comment. They offered almost perfect value for the price before being sold to LVMH and they were already considered expensive back then. Rimowa was a tool with a single purpose: to be an indestructible suitcase. It perfectly served its purpose but unfortunately, since they became a 'French luxury brand,' the price of all items at least doubled and for some, it even more than tripled. All of that just so the holding company can make more profit." Sadly there is a similar story with Globe-Trotter, Zero Halliburton, Hartmann, and many others. This is one of the main reasons I will never support such brands and will always try to find quality alternatives made by independent brands.
This article is about independent brands that produce quality suitcases locally in their own factories or workshops, or have production in countries where we believe people earn a livable wage and work in good conditions.
FPM Milano
Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano was founded in 1946. Today FPM is still privately held company and their products are created entirely in Italy by the very best Italian artisans who pay meticulous attention to detail.
They have 4 different lines of suitcases: Bank, Bank S, Bank Light and Bank Zip DLX.
The only suitcase Made in China is the Bank Light which is designed in Italy and assembled in China due to used technologies, in fact it is the only line in polycarbonate but with the bank closure. It is therefore not a choice dictated by quality or price but by the technological success of the product.
Price: from 648€
Baulificio Italiano
Founded in 1956 when Antonio Roncato saw the need for strong, reliable suitcases as many Italians moved abroad in search of new opportunities. He began making trunks and suitcases from reinforced cardboard fiber. Now with the third generation, the Roncato family continues his legacy of quality and innovation.
They have 5 different lines of cabin suitcase.
Price: from 295€
Brics Milano
Founded in 1952 and currently run by founder’s children and grandchildren. Unfortunnately not all their items are made in Italy anymore, but the Bellagio collection is still entirely made in Italy.
Price: from 525€
The Bridge Firenze
Founded in 1969 this Italian brand connects tradition with modernity, nostalgia with joy, and vintage style with a green spirit, crafted with premium materials and skilled craftsmanship. Everything is made in Italy.
Price: from 698€
Teckno Monster
Italian brand founded by Giacomo Valentini in 2014 is known for creating high-end luggage with Italian design and craftsmanship. It introduced the world's first hard carbon fiber and titanium luggage trolleys, as well as Italy's first soft carbon fiber bags.
Price: from 1118€
Proteca
A Japanese brand born in 2004 as a sub-brand of ACE, one of the first and most renowned Japanese luggage brands. They are embodiment of Japanese craftsmanship and quality - all Proteca suitcases are made in theeir factory in Japan. The word is that all their suitcases spin even smoother than Rimowa.
Price: from $709
Titan
A fourth-generation family business with over 40 years of expertise. They manufacture durable luggage designed in Hamburg and handcrafted in Hauzenberg, Bavaria. In 2020 during the pandemic, they made a bold decision to produce everything exclusively in Germany and they are the only luggage manufacturer that makes all its products in Germany. For them, "Made in Germany" represents a commitment to top quality, attention to detail and sustainability, with a strong focus on the well-being of employees, regional partners and the careful selection of materials.
Price: from 249,95€
I really took the time to research the market and I found that most traditional brands with great heritage have recently been acquired by larger corporations and moved their production to Asia. These are the only brands I could find that still produce locally. I’d love to learn about more brands like this so if you know any, please share in the comments, or send me an email or DM on Instagram.
