If you're packing for a destination wedding or important business trip, then finding the right garment bag suitcase is just as important as planning the outfits. The best luggage to protect your formalwear will give you plenty of storage space, isn't a pain to move around with, and, in the best cases, complements your airport outfit.
Ahead of my 12-day trip to France and the U.K., I was faced with a dilemma: I needed to pack a high-volume designer dress with expert-level care. I knew that if I used a regular checked bag, I'd risk ruining its delicate boned bodice. This led me to testing out Away's new Softside Garment Roller ($495), which puts a stylish spin on a garment bag-suitcase hybrid.
Two weeks and four flights later, I discovered it's probably better for weeklong trips than extended stays. That said, I loved its sleek look and smooth-rolling wheels, and it ultimately did its job of keeping my satin dress smooth and wrinkle-free.
This stylish, smooth-rolling suitcase works best for travelers who need to pack delicate formalwear. It easily fit 12 days worth of outfits and the attached garment bag kept a satin dress wrinkle-free.
What we like
What we don't like
Because the Garment Roller bag itself weighs in at 15 pounds, I packed as light as I could. I opted for items like my lightweight L'Agence knit top, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s, a soccer jersey, and airy pajamas. I then embarked on my 12-day Eurotrip with only a backpack and the Garment Roller Bag.
In total, my bag rang in at 40 pounds. I towed it from JFK until we were reunited at the baggage claim in Marseille. I then tested it across journeys from French villages in Provence to London. Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised with how well it traveled.
Inside is a garment bag contraption and plenty of helpful compartments
Once I unzipped the main outer zipper, the bag unfolded into the typical two parts. But instead of the usual suitcase with mirroring cavernous compartments, the Garment Roller is smartly decked out with organizational details.
It comes with a TSA-friendly lock that matches the color of the bag. Inside there are two spots for hangers to hook into, which I loved. I securely stored my beauty products in the two triangular, structured areas above the shoulder of the hanger.
I admittedly didn't use the exterior pocket for anything. I understand it's meant for trinkets and papers, but I prefer those kinds of things stay in my backpack or purse.
The important part is that my fancy dress was still smooth when I unpacked it, and the organizers kept my beauty products in place.
It fit everything I needed (and more), but it's better suited for weeklong trips
I can confirm the Away Garment Roller works for longer voyages, as long as you're packing a capsule wardrobe and just a few couple special pieces. However, I think this bag shines strongest for shorter trips, like work travel or a weekend away for a wedding.
The bag itself weighs 15 pounds, which can get uncomfortably heavy quickly. On the way home, I added two wine bottles, more clothes, several Marseille soaps, and a hefty coffee table book to my suitcase. Rolling it was easy enough, but stairs, as one might expect, felt like doing a Hyrox (I've never done one… but based on the videos I've seen, it felt similar enough).
It's heavy for a softside suitcase, and the handle wasn't perfect
If you prefer aluminum and lightweight hardshell suitcases, then this heavier fabric bag will be an adjustment due to its weight. I'd also caution the chronic over-packer who struggles to keep their checked bags lower than 50 pounds.
I also found its extendable handle a nuisance. It's tucked inside a pocket at the top, and, personally, this never felt like it made life easier. Rather than being able to smoothly bend over and extend the handle, like most suitcases, this one's is in a snug, enclosed spot. Especially with longer nails, I struggled to easily and quickly grab the trolley handle and raise it.
Despite my gripes, I do think this bag is worth the splurge. I appreciate the sleekness of this bag because I, vainly, love traveling in style. The weight was an issue for my nearly two-week trip, but if I were only traveling for a weekend event with a few fancy get-ups in tow, it likely wouldn't be an issue.
The bottom line
The Away Garment Roller solves a big problem around traveling with formalwear. Its compartmentalized interior makes use of every cubic inch of space, so it's easy to travel with wrinkle-prone gowns or suits. I no longer have to crease them terribly or stuff them onto one side of the bag.
I would caution overpackers against this one, as it weighs 15 pounds alone (equal to 30% of your typical checked bag weight allowance). Nevertheless, it glides through airports smoothly and looks good doing it.
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