Lily Bloom luggage is aimed squarely at the cheerful free spirit in all of us. Bold patterns, colorful accents, and simple but expressive graphics characterize this fun, casual brand. I recently tested out the 24-inch Lily Bloom and packed it for a cross-country road trip. If you’re curious about how it performed at the airport, through baggage claim, and around the hotel lobby, read on for the review.
Build & Materials
Lily Bloom makes a point of using environmentally sustainable fabrics and packaging where possible. The outer shell of this suitcase is made from a proprietary recycled polyester from plastic bottles. It’s a nice nod to sustainability in a luggage market otherwise dominated by fast fashion (pun intended).
Construction-wise, the 24-inch offers a solid sense of light-but-sturdy. The shell is soft-sided, so it won’t have the crush resistance of a hardshell bag, but it does let you get away with a little more overpacking (which I will always do). Handle poles are well-reinforced, and the unique base design adds structural stability throughout.
Empty weight is around 8.9 lbs, which is middle-of-the-road for a size and style like this.
Interior & Packing
This suitcase’s listed capacity is about 69L (75L expanded). As a mid-sized softside, I was surprised by how much you can fit inside. For a 7-day work and leisure trip, this packed up with room to spare. The entire contents of this case included:
- 5 dresses
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 3 blouses
- 2 cardigans
- 1 pair of heels, 1 pair of sneakers
- Toiletry bag, hairdryer, small laptop sleeve
The interior is fully-lined and has some simple but appreciated details: zippered organizational pockets, tie-down straps, and a zip-expandable section that offers up to 6L more capacity. Nothing groundbreaking, but functional, and keeps the interior organized.
The interior print is very cute too (matches the exterior). As an unabashed monochrome minimalist, I have to say it made unpacking this suitcase more fun.
Rolling & Handling
One of this bag’s strongest suits is maneuverability.
It uses a 4-wheel spinner setup, with wider wheel placement for excellent stability. I pushed it through multiple airport terminals, parking garages, and hotel lobbies and never once had it tip over or drag a wheel. The overall base platform is part of this; it’s a little thicker and wider, helping keep the case more vertical and upright.
The ergonomic telescopic handle has a nice feel and slides smoothly. Top and side grab handles are thick and well-padded. They made it easy to lift into overhead bins or car trunks. One unexpected bonus: even though it’s a softside, the case didn’t cave in when lifted on the side.
Real-World Review
Pros:
- Fun design: Can’t say enough about the bags’ simple graphics, expressive styling, and upbeat patterns. If you’re drawn to the brand, it’s for the aesthetic.
- Easy to spot at baggage claim: Along the same lines, the colorful prints are a breeze to locate when you’re loading your case into the car after a long day of travel.
- Made with recycled plastic bottles: Not the most important feature, but a thoughtful, eco-friendly touch.
- Smooth rolling: Handles like a dream in most environments.
- Expandable: I used the 2-inch expansion to stuff in some extra purchases on the return trip.
- Interior organization pockets and tie-down straps
Cons:
- Softshell vulnerability: While practical in many ways, a fabric case will be less protected against mishandling than a hardshell suitcase.
- Stains: Noticed some dark smudges that appeared after the first flight. Rubbed off most with a wet cloth, but not all.
- Zipper durability: Watched some online reviews before purchasing. A couple of negative reviews mentioned zippers pulling away from the case or separating after some use. Not an issue yet with mine, but something I’m keeping an eye on.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Lily Bloom 24″ | Samsonite Solyte DLX 25″ | American Tourister Belle Voyage 25″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Softside Spinner | Softside Spinner | Softside Spinner |
| Weight | 8.9 lbs | 8.5 lbs | 9.5 lbs |
| Material | Recycled polyester | Polyester | Polyester |
| Expandable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | 4 Spinner | 4 Spinner | 4 Spinner |
| Eco-friendly | Yes | No | No |
| Standout Feature | Vibrant prints, eco design | Durable zippers, tech pockets | Stylish looks, roomy compartments |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
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Final Verdict: Vibrant Personality With Some Room for Improvement
The Lily Bloom 24-inch is a great option if you’re a style-conscious traveler who takes mostly domestic trips and enjoys some built-in organization. This softside spinner is roomy, functional, and oh-so-fun. It will absolutely turn some heads in the terminal.
Keep in mind its downsides: the fabric shell means this bag is more susceptible to damage in rough handling than a hardshell. Stains, tears, and seam stress are a risk if this is your international, high-mileage bag. Zippers and other details may also wear out or loosen with time, needing repair or replacement.
For just under $100, it’s a hard value to beat for personality and practicality all packed into one.
Best For:
- Travelers who want bold, cheerful, and playful luggage
- Environmentally conscious consumers
- Short to medium length trips (5-10 days)
- Light packers who like in-built organization
Not Ideal For:
- International travelers whose luggage may see a lot of rough handling
- Minimalist packers who prefer monochrome gear
- People who check bags often
Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5
Fantastic value, adorable design, and a fun, functional option for more casual travelers. Don’t expect it to survive a baggage handler’s very worst day unscathed, though.
Have a Lily Bloom suitcase or bag of your own? I’d love to hear how it’s held up over time and miles. Real-life travel gear stories help travelers make informed decisions, so share yours!
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