Lipault Luggage Review: Lightweight French Brand Worth Buying?

Travel changes you, but bad luggage breaks you. Heavy bags slow your steps. Stiff suitcases crowd your closet. Lipault wants to fix both problems with soft sided, foldable, feather light bags from Paris.

This Lipault luggage review covers the brand’s most popular pieces. You will learn what works, what fails, and which model fits your travel style. We also share three strong alternatives in case Lipault is not the right match.

Keep reading to find out if the French label deserves space in your home.

In a Nutshell

Here is the short version before we dive into details. These points sum up what most travelers say after using Lipault for a year or more.

• Featherlight build: Most Lipault carry ons weigh under 6 pounds, which is lighter than nearly every hardside brand on the market.
• Foldable design: Many models fold flat to about two inches thick, so storage at home becomes simple.
• Soft sided nylon twill: The fabric resists scuffs, but it can show dirt and stains after long trips.
• Style first: The minimalist French look comes in bright colors and clean shapes that stand out at baggage claim.
• Price range: Bags sit in the mid premium tier, usually between $150 and $400 on Amazon and the official site.
• Best for: Light packers, city travelers, and people with tight closet space at home.

If those points match your needs, Lipault is worth a serious look. If you want hardside protection or extreme durability, you may want to skip ahead to the alternatives section.

What Is Lipault Paris?

Lipault is a French luggage brand born in 2004. The founders wanted to solve one problem. Bulky suitcases took up too much room in small Parisian apartments.

Their fix was a foldable, soft sided suitcase made from nylon twill. The bags fold flat when empty. They pop back into shape when you pack them.

Today Lipault is part of the Samsonite group. That ownership gives the brand access to better factories and global shipping. You can buy Lipault on Amazon, at department stores, and on the official Lipault USA site.

The brand sells carry ons, checked bags, backpacks, totes, and weekenders. The most loved line is the Plume collection. Plume means feather in French, and the name fits the weight.

Lipault sits in the same price tier as Briggs and Riley entry pieces, but it is much lighter. It also competes with Away and Travelpro on style and features. Buyers who pick Lipault usually want a bag that looks French, feels light, and stores easy.

Lipault Original Plume Spinner 55/20 Carry On Review

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The Original Plume Spinner 55/20 is the bag that put Lipault on the map. It is a 22 inch soft sided carry on with four spinner wheels and a top zip.

The body weighs about 5.3 pounds empty. That is roughly two pounds lighter than a standard hardside spinner. The nylon twill fabric feels thick and woven, not flimsy.

You get five zip pockets inside. Two adjustable straps hold clothes in place. There is also a small wet pocket for shoes or damp swimsuits.

The wheels roll smooth on tile, carpet, and pavement. The push button handle has two height stops. The TSA lock sits at the top zipper.

Real users on Zappos and Suitcase Confidential report five plus years of use with only minor scuffs. One blogger logged nearly 100 flights with the same bag.

The downside is the soft shell. Fragile items need extra padding because the sides flex under pressure. The bag also lacks rigid corners, so heavy overhead bins can dent the shape.

If you pack mostly clothes and want a light, stylish carry on, this is the Lipault to buy first.

Lipault Plume Avenue Spinner Review

The Plume Avenue Spinner is the sleek cousin of the Original. It has a similar soft shell but adds a front laptop pocket and a more business friendly look.

The Avenue weighs about 4.6 pounds, which is even lighter than the Original. The 22 inch size fits most overhead bins on United, Delta, and American.

The front pocket holds a 15 inch laptop and a tablet. That makes the bag great for short business trips. You do not need a separate work tote.

The four double spinner wheels move in any direction. The handle locks at two heights. The exterior comes in muted city colors like black, navy, and garnet red.

Users praise the compression straps inside. They keep folded shirts wrinkle free. The mesh divider also stops small items from sliding around.

The bag has one weak spot. The front laptop pocket is not heavily padded, so a separate sleeve is smart. Otherwise, the Avenue is a polished pick for office travelers.

It works well for weekend trips, client visits, and short city escapes. Pair it with a small backpack for a clean two bag setup.

Top 3 Alternatives for Lipault Luggage

If Lipault feels too soft or too pricey, these three options give you a different angle. Each one is a top seller on Amazon with strong reviews.

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The Away Carry On gives you a hardside polycarbonate shell with the same lightweight feel. It has a built in TSA lock and a smooth interior compression panel. Pick this if you want stronger protection for electronics.

The Samsonite Winfield 2 is a budget friendly hardside spinner. It costs less than half the price of a Lipault but still has a 10 year warranty. Pick this if value matters most.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the lightest softside spinner in its class. It weighs about 5.4 pounds and folds slightly for storage. Pick this if you want soft sided travel without the Lipault price.

Each pick covers a different need. Read on to see why Lipault still has unique strengths these brands cannot match.

Lipault Foldable Plume Cabin Review

The Foldable Plume Cabin is the bag that truly defines Lipault. It folds flat to about two inches thick when empty. You can slide it under a bed or into a small closet shelf.

The bag weighs only 4 pounds because it skips the four spinner wheels. Instead, it uses two inline wheels at the back. That keeps the weight down.

The fabric is the same thick nylon twill as the rest of the Plume line. The interior has a single main compartment with one zip divider. It is simple but smart.

This bag is perfect for people with small apartments. New Yorkers, Londoners, and Parisians love it for that reason. You buy one bag and reclaim your closet space.

The bag is also great as a second suitcase. Pack it flat inside a larger checked bag. Use it for shopping hauls or souvenirs on the way home.

The trade off is less protection and only two wheels. You cannot push it upright next to you. You pull it behind you instead.

If storage space matters more than spinner wheels, this is the best Lipault for you.

Lipault Plume Weekend Bag Review

The Plume Weekend Bag is a soft duffel for one to three night trips. It has a top zip, two short handles, and a long shoulder strap.

The bag weighs less than two pounds empty. You can carry it on as a personal item under most airline seats. It also fits in overhead bins.

Inside you get one large main space and one zip pocket. The fabric is the same nylon twill, so it folds when empty. You can store it inside a drawer.

The bag has a trolley sleeve on the back. That means you can slide it over the handle of a wheeled suitcase. It rides smooth on top of your rolling bag.

Users love the bag for gym trips, hospital stays, and quick weekends. It is light enough for women and roomy enough for men.

The weak point is the lack of internal organization. If you want lots of pockets, this is not the bag. If you want one big space for clothes and shoes, it works great.

The weekend bag pairs well with any Lipault Plume Spinner. Together they form a clean travel set.

Are Lipault Bags Durable Enough?

Durability is the biggest question with soft sided luggage. The answer for Lipault is mostly yes, with caveats.

The nylon twill fabric resists rips and scuffs better than basic polyester. Long term reviewers report five to seven years of use with only minor color fade and small scuffs near the wheels.

The wheels and handles are the weakest points. Some users on Trustpilot and Reddit mention wheel failures after heavy international trips. Samsonite covers most of these issues under warranty.

The bag’s biggest enemy is the airline gate agent. Soft sided bags can crush under heavy boxes in cargo holds. If you check your Lipault often, expect more wear than a hardside brand.

For carry on use only, Lipault holds up well. The soft shell is forgiving when stuffed into tight overhead bins. It bounces back into shape after pressure.

The brand offers a 10 year warranty in most regions. Save your receipt and register the bag online to use it.

If you are gentle with your luggage and use it mostly for cabin travel, Lipault will last for years.

Lipault Color and Style Choices

One reason people pick Lipault is the color range. The brand sells bags in shades you do not see from Samsonite or Travelpro.

You can find Plume bags in bubble blue, garnet red, mustard yellow, pastel pink, and dark forest green. The neutral tones include black, navy, and taupe. There is something for every taste.

The brand also runs limited edition collections. Past drops have included the Izak Zenou illustration line and the Lost in Berlin print series. These collections sell out fast and become collector items.

The bag’s clean silhouette and small leather patch logo give it a subtle luxury look. It does not scream a brand name like some hardside spinners.

The bright colors also help at baggage claim. Spotting a hot pink Lipault on the belt is far easier than another black hardside. Less stress, faster exit.

If you travel for work and want to stay low key, the muted shades work. If you want to stand out, the bright shades deliver.

Style is one of the strongest reasons to pick Lipault over its rivals.

Lipault Price and Value

Lipault sits in the mid premium price tier. Most carry ons cost between $150 and $300 on Amazon. Larger checked bags reach $350 to $450.

The brand often runs sales on Amazon and the official site. Closeout colors drop by 30 to 50 percent. Holiday sales in November and December bring the best deals.

Compared to Away, Lipault is similar in price but lighter and softer. Compared to Briggs and Riley, Lipault is much cheaper but less durable. Compared to Samsonite Winfield, Lipault costs more but offers better style and lighter weight.

The 10 year warranty adds value. Samsonite, the parent company, has service centers in most major countries. Repairs are easy to access.

Buyers who travel 10 to 20 times per year get the best value. The bag pays for itself in comfort and storage savings.

If you travel two times per year for short trips, a cheaper bag may make more sense. If you fly often and value light weight, Lipault is worth the extra cost.

The price is fair for what you get. It is not the cheapest, and it is not the most premium. It sits in a smart middle spot.

Who Should Buy Lipault Luggage?

Lipault is not for every traveler. It is built for a specific kind of person. Knowing if you fit that profile will save you time and money.

You should buy Lipault if you live in a small apartment and need foldable storage. The Foldable Plume Cabin disappears in a closet shelf.

You should buy Lipault if you fly carry on only. The soft shell handles overhead bin pressure without cracking. The light weight keeps you under airline limits.

You should buy Lipault if you value style. The French design and color range stand out from black hardside spinners.

You should skip Lipault if you check fragile items. The soft shell is not safe for cameras, glass, or electronics in cargo.

You should skip Lipault if you want the toughest bag possible. Hardside polycarbonate brands handle abuse better.

You should skip Lipault if you are on a tight budget. Cheaper brands like Amazon Basics or Samsonite Winfield give 80 percent of the function for half the cost.

Match your travel style to the bag, and you will not be disappointed.

Lipault vs Away: Quick Comparison

The biggest rival to Lipault is Away. Both brands target the same modern traveler. They take very different paths.

Away uses a hardside polycarbonate shell. Lipault uses a soft sided nylon twill. The Away bag protects better, but the Lipault bag is lighter and more forgiving.

Away offers a built in battery pack in some models. Lipault does not. If you charge devices on the go, Away wins this point.

Lipault folds flat for storage. Away does not. If your closet is small, Lipault wins this point.

Away comes in muted, fashion forward colors. Lipault offers more bright and playful options. Style is personal, so pick what you love.

Both bags weigh similar amounts. The Lipault Plume Avenue is slightly lighter than the Away Carry On.

Both bags have a TSA lock, spinner wheels, and a 10 year warranty. The basic features are the same.

Pick Away if you want hardside protection. Pick Lipault if you want soft sided lightness and foldable storage.

There is no wrong answer. Both brands deliver quality bags.

Tips for Caring for Your Lipault Bag

A few simple habits will keep your Lipault looking new for years. The soft fabric needs more care than a hardside shell.

Wipe the nylon twill with a damp cloth after each trip. Mild soap removes most stains. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners, which can fade the color.

Let the bag air dry fully before storing. Damp fabric grows mildew, which ruins the smell and look.

Store the bag in a dry, cool closet. Heat and humidity break down the nylon over time. The Foldable Plume folds flat for easy storage.

Do not overpack. Stuffing the bag past its capacity puts stress on the zippers. The zippers are the most common failure point.

Use a luggage cover when you check the bag. Cheap covers from Amazon protect the fabric from belt scuffs and rain.

Register your bag at the Samsonite site to activate the warranty. Save your receipt as proof of purchase. Send the bag to a service center for any wheel or zipper issues.

These small steps stretch the life of your Lipault by several years. The bag rewards careful owners with long service.

Final Verdict on Lipault Luggage

Lipault is a strong pick for the right kind of traveler. The bags are light, stylish, foldable, and well made. They shine for carry on use and city travel.

The brand is not the toughest on the market. It will not match a hardside spinner in cargo abuse. But it gives you a French look and feather light feel that no rival can copy.

The Plume Avenue is the best all rounder. The Original Plume Spinner is the icon. The Foldable Plume Cabin is the storage saver.

Pair any of these with the Plume Weekend Bag for a complete set. You will travel light and look sharp.

If you want hardside protection, pick Away or Samsonite Winfield. If you want budget value, pick Travelpro Maxlite 5. If you want the lightest soft sided bag with foldable storage, Lipault wins.

The 10 year warranty and Samsonite service network give you peace of mind. The price is fair for the quality.

Lipault earns its spot in our top luggage picks for 2026. The French brand delivers on its promise of light, foldable, beautiful travel gear.

Buy with confidence if you match the buyer profile we covered above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lipault a good luggage brand?

Yes, Lipault is a respected brand owned by Samsonite. The bags are lightweight, foldable, and stylish. They work best for carry on travel and people with small storage spaces.

Where is Lipault luggage made?

Lipault luggage is designed in Paris, France. The bags are manufactured in factories in Asia, mostly in China and Vietnam, under Samsonite quality controls.

How much does a Lipault carry on weigh?

Most Lipault carry on bags weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. The Foldable Plume Cabin is the lightest at around 4 pounds. The Plume Avenue Spinner comes in at 4.6 pounds.

Does Lipault luggage come with a warranty?

Yes, Lipault offers a 10 year limited warranty in most countries. The warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Register your bag online to activate the warranty.

Can Lipault luggage be checked?

Yes, you can check Lipault luggage. The soft shell is less protective than a hardside bag, so pack fragile items with extra padding. For best results, use Lipault as a carry on.

Is Lipault worth the price?

Lipault is worth the price for frequent travelers who value light weight, style, and foldable storage. If you fly only a few times per year, a cheaper bag may give better value.

How do I clean my Lipault bag?

Wipe the nylon twill with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners. Let the bag air dry fully before storing to prevent mildew.

Does Lipault have a TSA lock?

Yes, most Lipault Plume models include a built in TSA approved combination lock. The lock lets airport security inspect the bag without breaking the zipper.

Last update on 2026-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API