When it comes to stylish yet functional luggage, Ben Sherman offers a range of options that truly stand out. If you’re considering purchasing one, you might want to check out retailers like Macy’s, Amazon, or directly from the Ben Sherman website.
These platforms offer different price points, deals, and shipping options, making it easier to pick the perfect luggage for your travel needs. I bought mine from Amazon for its fast delivery and easy return policy, and I recommend checking multiple sources to find the best deal for you.
My Experience With Ben Sherman Luggage
As someone who travels frequently for both work and leisure, finding the right luggage has always been a challenge.
I like a suitcase that’s durable, spacious, and easy to maneuver—and the Ben Sherman Nottingham Collection seemed to tick all the boxes.
I got the two-piece set, which includes a 20-inch carry-on and a 28-inch checked suitcase.
This luggage set stood out for its sleek look and practical features, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell the luggage was designed with travel in mind.
Both suitcases have a solid hardside exterior, reinforced corners, and a fully lined interior, which gave me confidence that my belongings would stay safe, even during rough handling at the airport.
The multi-directional 4-wheel spinners also stood out. I’d read reviews praising how smooth and easy they were to roll, and I must say, they didn’t disappoint. Maneuvering the suitcases through crowded airports was effortless.
Let me walk you through the pros and cons based on my personal use and feedback from other travelers.
Pros of Ben Sherman Luggage
- Stylish and Sleek Design
One of the standout features of Ben Sherman luggage is how good it looks. The Nottingham Collection especially offers a modern, stylish appearance that’s both minimalistic and elegant.
I opted for the rose gold version, and it’s an eye-catcher in the airport. Beyond just looks, the outer hardshell gives it a durable feel, so it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s built to last.
- Multi-Directional Wheels: If you’ve ever had to drag a suitcase with faulty wheels through an airport, you know how frustrating that can be. With the Ben Sherman luggage, the 4-wheel spinner system made travel a breeze. Even on uneven surfaces, the suitcase glided smoothly without the need for much effort. These wheels can rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to zip around the airport or navigate narrow plane aisles. I was particularly impressed by how well they handled heavier loads without wobbling or getting stuck.
- Zippered Organization: A brilliant innovation that sets this luggage apart is the double-sided zippered compartments. Unlike traditional suitcases where only one side has a zippered section, Ben Sherman’s luggage features dual zippered compartments on both sides. This prevents items from falling out when you open the case and makes it easier to keep everything organized. I found this particularly useful when packing smaller items like toiletries and electronics that tend to get lost in larger spaces.
- Lightweight but Durable: Despite the hardshell exterior, the luggage is surprisingly lightweight. This feature came in handy when I was packing for a longer trip and had a lot to carry. Even after loading the suitcase with souvenirs, clothing, and toiletries, I didn’t have to worry about exceeding airline weight limits. Plus, the tear-resistant interior lining adds an extra layer of protection for your belongings.
- Flexible Grab Handles: The top, bottom, and side grab handles were something I didn’t realize I’d appreciate so much until I started traveling with this luggage. These handles are flexible and make it easier to lift the suitcase, whether you’re pulling it out of the car or lifting it onto an overhead bin. I found myself using the side grab handle more often, especially when loading it into tight spaces.
Cons of Ben Sherman Luggage
As much as I love the Ben Sherman luggage, no product is perfect. There were a few things I noticed after some wear and tear that are worth mentioning.
- Potential for Zipper Issues: While the zippered compartments are fantastic for organization, I did encounter a minor issue with the zipper getting stuck at one point. I managed to fix it with minimal effort, but it’s something to keep in mind. I’ve also read other reviews where users experienced similar problems, though they were mostly fixable.
- Wear and Tear Over Time: After a couple of trips, including a particularly rugged adventure involving eight flights, I noticed a few scratches and scuffs on the exterior. Although this is to be expected with hardshell luggage, I was hoping for a bit more resilience, given the reputation of the brand. While the luggage still looks great, the outer shell isn’t completely immune to the rough handling typical at airports.
- Limited Color Choices
While the design is stylish, the color options are somewhat limited.
I would have liked to see more diversity in color choices, especially for someone who prefers more unique or bold luggage designs. If you’re looking for a variety of colors, this could be a downside for you.
Maintenance Tips For Ben Sherman Luggage
Taking care of your luggage is key to ensuring it lasts longer. Here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Clean the exterior regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the hardshell surface after each trip. This will prevent dirt and scuffs from building up over time.
- Check the wheels: After every couple of trips, inspect the wheels to ensure they’re functioning smoothly. I usually give them a quick spin to see if there’s any resistance and clean out any dirt or debris.
- Protect the zippers: A bit of silicone spray can help keep the zippers moving smoothly. This is especially useful if you’ve encountered any snagging, like I did.
- Store properly: When not in use, I recommend storing the luggage in a dry place, preferably with the zippers left slightly open to allow for airflow.
Comparing Ben Sherman Luggage With Other Brands
When choosing the right luggage, it’s always a good idea to compare with other brands in the same price range and style category. Based on my experience, I compared Ben Sherman Luggage with Steve Madden, Dukap Adly, and Ellen Tracy Luggage to give you a better sense of where it stands.
- Ben Sherman Vs. Steve Madden Luggage
Steve Madden is known for its bold, fashion-forward designs, and its luggage reflects that aesthetic.
If you want a suitcase that stands out in a crowd, Steve Madden luggage offers vibrant patterns and unique textures.
However, when it comes to functionality, I found Ben Sherman’s luggage to be more durable due to its hard-shell exterior.
Steve Madden’s luggage often features a soft-sided design, which is stylish but may not provide the same level of protection for your belongings as Ben Sherman’s hardshell.
Another big difference is in the wheels. While both brands offer spinner wheels, I felt that Ben Sherman’s 4-wheel spinner system was a bit smoother and more durable over time.
Steve Madden’s luggage wheels work well initially, but there are reviews mentioning that they can wear out more quickly than Ben Sherman’s.
- Ben Sherman vs. Dukap Adly Luggage
The Dukap Adly collection focuses heavily on durability and security.
With features like TSA-approved locks and a polycarbonate hard shell, it’s built to last through tough travel conditions.
In comparison, Ben Sherman luggage also offers durability, but with a stronger emphasis on style.
If you’re looking for luggage that has a blend of form and function, Ben Sherman might feel like the more fashionable choice, while Dukap Adly leans more on practicality.
That said, Dukap Adly’s suitcases tend to be slightly heavier, especially the larger checked-in sizes, whereas Ben Sherman luggage maintains a lightweight profile that makes it easier to carry or maneuver, particularly through long airport corridors or cobbled streets.
- Ben Sherman Vs. Ellen Tracy Luggage
Ellen Tracy luggage is another stylish competitor, often praised for its sleek designs and affordable pricing.
However, in terms of interior organization, Ben Sherman edges out Ellen Tracy with its double-zippered compartments and more flexible storage options.
The dual compartments in Ben Sherman’s Nottingham Collection are especially useful for travelers like me who want to stay organized during longer trips.
Ellen Tracy’s luggage tends to offer only one or two basic compartments, which might not be enough if you prefer keeping items separate.
When it comes to handling, both brands offer spinner wheels, but I found Ben Sherman’s to be smoother, especially when navigating different types of flooring.
Ellen Tracy luggage wheels can sometimes feel a bit rigid in comparison, especially when the suitcase is fully packed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Ben Sherman luggage offers a great balance of style, functionality, and durability. It’s especially worth it if you’re looking for something affordable yet stylish.
Shipping times can vary depending on the retailer you purchase from. If you order through Amazon, you may receive faster shipping, but always check the seller’s estimated delivery times.
While some models may include TSA-approved locks, the Nottingham Collection does not have this feature built in. You can easily add a TSA lock if needed.
Ben Sherman is a British brand known primarily for its fashion lines, but the luggage is part of their broader product offerings, which combine style and function for travelers.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Ben Sherman Luggage?
If you’re looking for stylish, functional, and affordable luggage, Ben Sherman is definitely worth considering. My experience with the Nottingham Collection has been overwhelmingly positive, from the smooth-rolling wheels to the dual-zippered compartments that made packing and unpacking much easier.
While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as potential zipper issues and exterior wear, the pros far outweigh the cons. Plus, it’s competitively priced when compared to other top luggage brands, offering great value for the quality and features you get.
I would recommend buying Ben Sherman luggage from trusted retailers like Amazon or Macy’s, where you can often find discounts and fast shipping options.
