Lipault Luggage Review: Lightweight Style for the Modern Traveler
Are you tired of lugging around heavy, drab suitcases on your travels? Meet Lipault – the Parisian luggage brand injecting a much-needed dose of color and lightness into the baggage carousel. In this in-depth Lipault luggage review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s bestselling bags, key features, customer opinions, and more to help you decide if their suitcases and travel bags are right for you.
About Lipault Paris
Founded in 2005 by François Lipovetsky, Lipault is a luggage brand born and based in the fashion capital of the world – Paris, France. Lipault‘s mission is to offer lightweight, functional, and stylish luggage that complements the jet-setting lifestyles of modern travelers.
What immediately stands out about Lipault is their vibrant and joyful approach to design. Lipault suitcases come in a veritable rainbow of colors like cherry red, purple, aqua, and mustard yellow. It‘s clear that Lipault doesn‘t want you to be another faceless traveler with black luggage – they want you and your bags to shine.
But Lipault isn‘t just about looks. Their bags deliver on quality and clever features too (more on that later). Lipault has become a hit with international travelers and even won accolades like the Red Dot Design Award. Now let‘s dive into the specifics of what makes Lipault luggage unique.
Lipault Luggage Materials and Features
Lipault carefully chooses materials that are lightweight yet durable and able to withstand the rigors of travel. Most of their luggage is crafted from tough nylon twill fabric, water-repellent PVC, and strong polyester. The bags can take some wear and tear without ripping or losing their shape.
Another signature of Lipault bags is their spacious interiors and organizational components. Many styles have multiple zippered pockets inside and out to keep your belongings tidy, along with two main packing compartments. The suitcases feature handy compression straps to squeeze in that extra outfit. And nearly all the bags come with a built-in TSA-approved lock for added security.
For ease of transport, you can count on Lipault too. Their 4-wheeled spinner suitcases have smooth-rolling wheels that rotate 360 degrees, making them a breeze to maneuver. The larger bags have adjustable handles that lock into place, while the soft bags come with padded handles that go easy on your hands.
Top Lipault Luggage Collections
Over the years, Lipault has released several popular luggage collections. Here are three of their bestselling lines and what makes them special:
Plume
The Plume is Lipault‘s signature collection known for its ultra-light construction and bright colors. A 28" checked Plume suitcase weighs under 5 pounds empty, making it one of the lightest in its size class. The Plume bags have a soft but durable nylon exterior with stylish leather accents. Travelers love the Plume for how effortless it is to carry.
Original Plume
Lipault‘s Original Plume line is an updated take on the classic Plume with a few added features. Original Plume bags have a more robust and structured polycarbonate shell while still maintaining a low weight. The interior is thoughtfully designed with zippered dividers and pockets galore. This collection is ideal for travelers who want sturdier protection for their belongings but hate bulk and heft.
City Plume
Lipault‘s City Plume collection is made for urban escapades and short getaways. The City Plume bags are soft-sided and collapsible, making them easy to store in small spaces at home or squish into overhead compartments. Unique elements like a padded electronics sleeve and anti-slip shoulder straps make the backpacks and weekender bags comfy to carry too. City Plume is perfect for the light packer.
Lipault Luggage Sizing
Lipault offers luggage in a range of sizes for every trip length and packing style:
- Cabin Size (22" x 14" x 9") – Fits most airline carry-on requirements
- Medium / Weekender (24-26" height) – Ideal for 2-5 day trips
- Large / Checked Size (28-32" height) – Great for journeys of 5+ days
Many of their collections come in all three size options so you can easily put together a matching luggage set. Lipault also makes totes, backpacks, garment bags, and other travel accessories to complete your ensemble.
Lipault Luggage Pricing
Lipault bags are definitely an investment, but a reasonable one compared to other designer luggage brands. Most of their carry-on bags are around $200, while the full-size checked bags are usually $300-400 depending on the features and size.
Considering the quality, looks, and lightness you get with a Lipault bag, we think the prices are fair. Lipault also has frequent sales where you can score their suitcases for up to 50% off retail, making them an even better value. The brand offers free shipping over $99 too, so you‘ll save money there.
What Customers Are Saying
Lipault gets a lot of love from customers online. Their luggage consistently receives 4 and 5-star reviews on their website and other retail sites. Here‘s a sampling of what real travelers had to say about Lipault bags:
"I was blown away by how light this suitcase is! It barely adds any weight to my stuff inside, which is so important when you‘re trying to meet airline restrictions. And it‘s gorgeous too – I got the cherry red and always get compliments." – Sarah L.
"This is the most functional carry-on I‘ve ever used. It has a pocket for everything and fits a surprising amount while still being super compact. The 4 spinner wheels are a dream to roll too. Love this little guy!" – Jenn S.
"I bought my Lipault on a whim for a trip to Europe and it turned out to be the best decision. It fit all my bulky winter clothes and held up like a champ getting thrown around trains and cobblestone streets. Already planning to buy another!" – David R.
Reviewers especially gush about how effortless Lipault bags are to pack, lift, and wheel around. Many also rave about the fun color options and how the bags help them spot their luggage instantly at baggage claim.
Of course, no suitcase is perfect. A few customers wished the luggage came with more built-in compartments for organization. Some also felt the bright exterior colors showed scuffs and scratches more readily. But overall, the vast majority of Lipault reviews are glowingly positive.
Frequent Traveler Opinions
Lipault has many fans in the frequent flyer community as well. On Twitter, travel bloggers and flight attendants often share their go-to Lipault bags and why they work so well for their on-the-go lifestyles.
Travel blogger @JetsetChristina posted about how her Lipault is "the best travel companion" and that it "handles cobblestone streets in Europe like a champ." Digital nomad @LaurenM_Travels said her new Lipault roller "fits a surprising amount but is still so easy to lift" into overhead bins.
We even spotted some Lipault love on Reddit, with a frequent traveler sharing: "Lipault is seriously the best for lightness and durability. I abuse the hell out of my bags and my Lipault is still going strong after 100k miles a year!"
Our Verdict: Is Lipault Luggage Worth It?
All in all, we believe Lipault bags are an excellent value for frequent travelers who want light, stylish luggage that‘s built to last. The quality, design, and features of Lipault suitcases make them worth the investment and a far better buy than cheap, flimsy luggage.
Some key reasons to choose Lipault:
- Incredibly lightweight construction
- Beautiful, joyful colors
- Durable, water-resistant materials
- Smooth rolling spinner wheels
- Spacious interiors with handy organizational components
- Comfortable handles and shoulder straps
- Impressive reviews from frequent flyers
While Lipault bags aren‘t cheap, you get a high-quality, smartly designed suitcase that will hopefully last you for dozens of trips to come. We appreciate that Lipault doesn‘t make you sacrifice style for function – you truly get both.
Where to Buy Lipault Luggage
Now that you‘re a Lipault luggage expert, you might be wondering where you can snag a bag for yourself. The best place to buy Lipault is directly from their website, as you‘ll have access to the widest selection of colors, sizes, and styles that way. Lipault also offers free shipping on orders over $99 and free returns within 30 days.
If you‘re looking for a deal, head to the "Promotions" tab on the Lipault site to scope out any current sales and discounts. You can also sign up for the Lipault newsletter to get alerts about special offers and new collection launches.
For those who prefer purchasing in-store, major retailers like Macy‘s, Dillard‘s, and Saks Fifth Avenue sometimes carry Lipault in their luggage departments. You can also find Lipault bags on Amazon, eBags, and Zappos – just be sure you‘re buying from an authorized retailer to get the real deal.
Other Luggage Brands to Consider
If you‘re still not fully sold on Lipault, there are a few other luggage brands we recommend checking out that have a similar focus on lightweight, stylish designs:
- Delsey – Another French brand known for iconic colors and easy-to-manage suitcases
- Travelpro – A favorite of flight crews that offers light, well-priced luggage
- Samsonite – One of the most trusted names in travel with luggage for every budget
- Briggs & Riley – A high-end brand with a lifetime guarantee and clever expandable designs
- Rimowa – A luxury brand known for sleek, durable polycarbonate bags
But when it comes down to it, we still think Lipault bags are some of the most unique and joyful options on the market. With a Lipault suitcase, you‘re not just investing in easier, breezier travel – you‘re investing in a happier travel state of mind.
