Rimowa Luggage Review: An Honest Assessment of the Luxury Travel Brand
Are you considering investing in a Rimowa suitcase? As a travel and fashion lover, I‘ve been using Rimowa luggage for years now. In this comprehensive review, I‘m sharing my honest thoughts on whether this luxury brand is truly worth the high price tag.
We‘ll dive into Rimowa‘s history, unique features, product line, and real customer experiences (including my own) to help you decide if it‘s the right fit for your travel needs and style. I‘ll also compare Rimowa to other popular luggage brands and provide helpful data to guide your buying decision. Let‘s get into it!
Table of Contents
- About Rimowa
- Rimowa Suitcase Materials
- Key Features
- Rimowa Luggage Size Options
- Rimowa Luggage Price
- Rimowa Warranty
- What Customers Think (Including My Experience)
- Rimowa vs. Other Luggage Brands
- Is Rimowa Worth It? My Honest Opinion
- Where to Buy Rimowa
About Rimowa
Founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany, Rimowa has been crafting premium luggage for over 120 years. The brand‘s iconic suitcases are known for their distinctive grooved aluminum shells, which were first introduced in 1937 and said to be inspired by the world‘s first all-metal aircraft.
Over the decades, Rimowa has established itself as the go-to luggage brand for discerning travelers, including A-list celebrities and business elites. In 2016, the company was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH, joining the likes of Louis Vuitton and Dior.
Rimowa‘s mission is "to create the quintessential tools for travelers who know that the journey truly is the destination." The brand aims to make travel experiences seamless and stylish with its sleek, highly functional, and durable designs.
Rimowa Suitcase Materials
One of the standout features of Rimowa luggage is the high-quality materials used in construction. There are two main types:
Aluminum: Rimowa‘s signature aluminum suitcases are crafted from a proprietary alloy similar to what‘s used in aircraft. The grooved shells are anodized for superior strength and corrosion resistance, making them some of the most durable on the market. While heavier than plastic, aluminum offers unparalleled resilience and a stunning metallic look.
Polycarbonate: For travelers who prioritize lightness, Rimowa‘s polycarbonate suitcases are 26% lighter than their aluminum counterparts. Made in Germany from 100% virgin Makrolon polycarbonate, they‘re engineered to absorb impact and flex under pressure without cracking. A special coating makes them extra resistant to UV and scratches.
Rimowa also offers hybrid models that fuse the protective qualities of aluminum with the lightness of polycarbonate for the ultimate blend of form and function. Genuine leather handles add a luxurious finishing touch.
Key Rimowa Features
What sets Rimowa apart from other luggage brands? Let‘s break down some of the key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiwheel System | Patented ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles for 360° smooth rolling |
| Telescopic Handle | Stage-free aluminum pole with ergonomic gel cushioning for any height traveler |
| TSA-Approved Locks | Integrated locks allow airport security to safely open and relock bags |
| Flex Divider System | Height adjustable panels keep contents organized and compressed |
| Add-A-Bag Holder | Attach a second bag to wheeled luggage for easy one-handed transport |
| Rimowa Electronic Tag | An embedded digital bag tag that allows for seamless luggage check-in |
In addition to these technical elements, Rimowa offers complimentary monogramming and sticker customization in-store so you can personalize your suitcase. That‘s a big selling point for fashion-lovers like myself who want to stand out on the baggage carousel.
Rimowa Luggage Size Options
From carry-on to check-in, Rimowa offers a range of sizes to suit every trip:
| Size | Dimensions | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | 21.7" x 15.8" x 9.1" | 37 L | Domestic carry-on |
| Cabin S | 21.7" x 15.8" x 7.9" | 34 L | European carry-on |
| Cabin Plus | 22.4" x 16.5" x 9.8" | 42 L | Carry-on for longer trips |
| Check-In M | 27.6" x 19.7" x 11.0" | 65 L | 1-week trips |
| Check-In L | 30.8" x 21.7" x 11.9" | 85 L | 2-week trips |
| Trunk Plus | 32.3" x 21.8" x 14.2" | 111 L | Extended trips |
In my experience, the Cabin size is perfect for short getaways, while the Check-In M and L offer ample space for longer vacations. If you‘re an over-packer like me, size up to avoid going over weight restrictions.
How Much Does Rimowa Luggage Cost?
There‘s no sugarcoating it – Rimowa is one of the most expensive luggage brands in the world. Prices start around $600 for a cabin bag and go up to $1,800+ for the largest trunks.
Here‘s a price comparison of Rimowa‘s core products:
| Model | Size | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Lite | Cabin | $520 |
| Essential Check-In | Large | $820 |
| Original Cabin | Cabin | $1,150 |
| Original Check-In | Large | $1,585 |
| Classic Flight | Cabin | $1,120 |
| Classic Check-In | Large | $1,800 |
While the cost is undeniably steep, many travelers (including myself) find the quality and durability well worth the upfront investment. When you consider the potential cost-per-use over a lifetime vs. replacing cheap suitcases every year, Rimowa can actually offer great long-term value.
Rimowa Warranty
Rimowa stands behind its products with a generous 5-year guarantee. If your suitcase has any manufacturing defects or issues from normal wear and tear, Rimowa will repair or replace it free of charge.
The warranty doesn‘t cover cosmetic damage like scratches and dents, or user-caused destruction. However, Rimowa does offer reasonably-priced spare parts and repairs out of warranty. Many Rimowa owners find their cases are still going strong after 10 or even 20+ years!
Is Rimowa Worth It? What Customers Think
Now for the million-dollar question – is Rimowa really worth the hefty price tag? As a long-time Rimowa user myself, my short answer is yes, IF you‘re a frequent traveler who values top quality and is willing to pay for it.
I‘ve owned my Rimowa Original Cabin for 7 years now, logging hundreds of thousands of air miles. While it‘s undeniably gotten some battle scars over the years, it still looks great and functions flawlessly. No broken zippers, no wobbly wheels, no cracks – it‘s built like a tank. For me, the peace of mind and ease of use is well worth the premium price.
But don‘t just take my word for it. Here‘s what other Rimowa customers have to say:
"I never have to worry about my Rimowa, no matter how much it gets tossed around by baggage handlers. Worth every cent." – Jean, Rimowa owner for 12 years
"My Rimowa is my most prized possession. It‘s taken me around the world and back again and still looks incredible. I plan to pass it down to my kids." – Mark, Rimowa collector
"Breezing through the airport with my Rimowa is a travel gamechanger. Smooth like butter and fits a TON. Expensive but a great investment IMO." – Cindy, travel blogger
Of course, Rimowa isn‘t for everyone. Some travelers simply can‘t justify the high cost, need more packing flexibility, or don‘t travel frequently enough to get their money‘s worth.
If you‘re on the fence, consider this: a $1,000 Rimowa spread over 10 years and 120 trips breaks down to just over $8 per use. For something that keeps your belongings secure and makes travel days less stressful, that could be a small price to pay.
Rimowa Alternatives
Not ready to shell out $1K for a suitcase? Here are some solid Rimowa alternatives I also recommend:
Away: For about 1/3 the price of Rimowa, Away offers sleek and durable polycarbonate suitcases with many of the same features, like 360° wheels, laundry bags, and interior compression. The Carry-On with pocket is a traveler favorite at $275.
Samsonite: One of the most trusted names in luggage, Samsonite offers a wide range of hardside and softside suitcases at varying price points. The Winfield carry-on has a similar grooved design to Rimowa for under $150.
Arlo Skye: Lightweight yet durable thanks to a polycarbonate shell and aluminum frame, Arlo Skye offers Rimowa-level quality for less. The zipperless design with open/close frame is a standout. The Carry-On Max is $375.
While these brands offer great value and durability, in my experience, none can quite match the luxurious feel and bombproof construction of Rimowa. If you‘re able to make the investment, I wholeheartedly believe Rimowa is worth the splurge.
Where to Buy Rimowa
The best place to buy Rimowa is through its official website, Rimowa.com, which offers the brand‘s full product line and exclusive online colors and designs. Rimowa also has stand-alone stores in major cities worldwide where you can see and feel the products in person.
Additionally, you can find Rimowa at select high-end department stores and specialty luggage retailers, including:
- Bloomingdale‘s
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Neiman Marcus
- Nordstrom
- Tourister
- Bag N Baggage
Some of these retailers may offer seasonal promotions, so it‘s worth checking around for the best price. Just be wary of buying through unauthorized resellers, as fake Rimowa bags are common.
The Final Verdict on Rimowa
So there you have it – my honest, comprehensive take on Rimowa luggage. As a travel fashion fanatic who‘s tested nearly every brand out there, I can confidently say that Rimowa is the cream of the crop if you‘re looking for a stylish, ultra-durable suitcase that will last a lifetime.
Yes, it‘s a significant investment, but one that I‘ve found pays for itself in spades through trips made easier and more enjoyable. Every time I wheel my Rimowa effortlessly through the airport, I‘m grateful for the splurge.
At the end of the day, a suitcase is a deeply personal possession and what‘s "worth it" is different for everyone. But if you have the means and travel is a big part of your life, I can‘t recommend Rimowa enough. It‘s a true "buy it for life" piece that you‘ll never regret investing in.
For more travel fashion tips and reviews, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram @sararundstravel. Bon voyage!
