When it comes to travel, whether for business or leisure, finding the right luggage can be a game changer. I’ve had my fair share of luggage mishaps in the past—zippers breaking, wheels getting stuck, or worse, the bag splitting open mid-trip.
So, when I came across Perry Ellis luggage, I had high hopes and a few concerns based on previous experiences with other brands.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with Perry Ellis luggage, specifically the two-piece set, and why it might (or might not) be the right choice for you. Let’s break it down and figure out if this luggage set is truly worth your money and where you can snag it at the best price.
If you’re already thinking about where to get your hands on this, the set is available on several major retailers’ websites, but I found the best deals on Amazon and Walmart.
My Experience With Perry Ellis Luggage
I first took this set with me on a week-long business trip.
The 21” carry-on was perfect for my in-flight essentials, laptop, and a few outfits, while the larger 29” piece was great for everything else.
The spinner wheels were impressive—moving through crowded airports was a breeze. It rolled smoothly on various surfaces without a hitch.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than wrestling with a suitcase that refuses to cooperate, especially when you’re rushing to your gate!
One trip turned into several, and after about nine months of constant use, I can honestly say this luggage is durable. I’ve taken it across airports, onto trains, and even dragged it across uneven pavement without any damage to the wheels or fabric.
However, I did notice that the expandable function, while incredibly useful, did make the bag a bit harder to manage when over-packed. It bulged in an odd way, making it a little harder to fit into tight spaces like an overhead bin or trunk of a small car.
This is something to keep in mind, especially if you tend to overpack like me.
Pros of Perry Ellis Luggage
- Lightweight: One of the standout features of the Perry Ellis luggage set is its lightweight design. I’ve used heavier bags before, and the difference here is noticeable. You can pack more without worrying about exceeding airline weight limits, which is always a plus.
- Expandable Capacity: This feature has saved me more than once when I ended up with more souvenirs than I planned for. The expandable function gives you just that extra bit of space without feeling like you’re cramming everything in.
- Smooth Spinner Wheels: The 8-wheel spinner system is one of the best aspects. Whether I’m moving quickly through crowded airports or rolling the luggage over uneven surfaces, the wheels make it easy to maneuver without getting stuck.
- Durability: The polyester fabric has held up well through multiple trips. Despite being dragged through airports, tossed in car trunks, and even wheeled over rough pavement, the fabric shows little sign of wear or tear.
Cons of Perry Ellis Luggage
- Limited Internal Organization: One downside is the lack of extra compartments inside the luggage. While the fully lined interior is nice, I wish there were more pockets or dividers to help with organizing smaller items. If you prefer a more organized packing system, this could be a slight inconvenience.
- Expandable Design Bulging: While the expandable feature is useful, it can cause the luggage to bulge awkwardly when fully packed. This makes it a little harder to fit into overhead bins or smaller storage spaces. It’s something to be mindful of if you often pack to the max.
- Prone to Stains and Scuffs: Being made from polyester, the fabric can be more prone to picking up dirt, stains, or scuffs compared to hard-shell options. You’ll need to clean it more often if you want to keep it looking fresh after several trips.
Maintenance Tips For Perry Ellis Luggage
Let’s be honest: maintaining luggage isn’t something we always think about. But if you want your Perry Ellis set to last, a little care goes a long way. Based on my experience, here are some tips:
- Clean the Fabric Regularly – Polyester is generally easy to clean, but I’ve found that it can pick up scuffs and stains over time. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent can do wonders.
- Mind the Wheels – The spinner wheels are one of the highlights of this luggage set, so make sure to clean them after each trip. Dust and debris can accumulate, especially if you’ve been rolling it over different surfaces.
- Don’t Overstuff – Yes, the luggage is expandable, but don’t abuse it. Overstuffing can cause the zippers to wear out faster and lead to odd bulging, which makes the suitcase harder to handle.
- Store Properly – When not in use, I suggest storing the luggage in a cool, dry place. You’d be surprised how much damp conditions can affect the longevity of luggage. Throw in a fabric freshener or dryer sheet to avoid any musty smells when you’re ready to use it again.
Comparing Perry Ellis To Other Brands
When I was shopping for luggage, Perry Ellis wasn’t the only option I considered. I also looked into Ellen Tracy, Dukap Adly, and Adrienne Vittadini. Each brand has its strengths, and the comparison really comes down to what you’re looking for in a luggage set.
- Ellen Tracy Luggage
Known for its elegant and stylish designs, Ellen Tracy luggage often catches the eye of fashion-forward travelers.
While it looks great, I’ve found that Ellen Tracy luggage is more about aesthetics than durability.
In comparison to Perry Ellis, Ellen Tracy pieces tend to be heavier and don’t roll as smoothly.
If you’re after a chic look and don’t mind a bit more weight, Ellen Tracy might be appealing.
However, for a more practical, travel-friendly set with better maneuverability, Perry Ellis takes the lead.
- Dukap Adly Luggage
Dukap Adly offers hard-shell luggage that’s incredibly sturdy.
The hard-sided protection is great if you’re concerned about your belongings being crushed, but it does come at the cost of flexibility.
Unlike the Perry Ellis set, which expands to accommodate more items, the rigid shell of the Dukap Adly doesn’t leave much room for over-packing.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for maximum protection and don’t care about expanding space, Dukap Adly could be a good alternative.
However, I found Perry Ellis to be more versatile for different types of trips.
- Adrienne Vittadini Luggage
Adrienne Vittadini combines style with function, much like Perry Ellis, but at a slightly higher price point.
One thing I like about Adrienne Vittadini luggage is the variety of patterns and colors, which makes it stand out from the crowd.
That said, Perry Ellis has better spinner wheels, making it easier to navigate through airports.
Additionally, I found the expandable function on Perry Ellis to be a big advantage for longer trips, where you might need that extra room.
Adrienne Vittadini offers a bit more in terms of organizational compartments inside the luggage, but overall, Perry Ellis feels more durable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Calvin Klein luggage, like many fashion brands, outsources manufacturing to different countries, particularly in Asia. Most of their luggage is made in China or other nearby countries where large-scale production facilities exist.
Lucas luggage is generally considered a good brand, especially for budget-conscious travelers. While it doesn’t have the same high-end features as some premium brands, it’s known for being lightweight, durable, and affordable. However, some users have reported issues with the zippers and wheels over time, so it’s important to weigh that against the price point.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Perry Ellis Luggage?
If you’re in the market for an affordable, durable, and stylish luggage set, Perry Ellis is worth considering.
It has the essentials you need for both short and long trips: smooth-rolling wheels, expandable capacity, and a lightweight frame. Sure, it may lack some of the internal organization features of pricier brands, but for the price, you’re getting solid value.
I’d recommend checking out Amazon or Walmart, where I found the best prices. With a little maintenance, this set could easily last through many trips, making it a good investment.
