When choosing the best luggage for our vacation, we often look at the material of the shell to make sure it is hard-wearing. But, there is always the chance that even a tough polycarbonate case will develop scuffs, and that rain may leak in via the zips. If you have a case that you hope looks immaculate for years to come, you might want to consider looking for the best cover for luggage.
Luggage covers may seem like an unnecessary expense and an inconvenience if you haven’t used one before. However, there are both pros and cons to adding a cover to your case. The best luggage covers can provide protection and ease of use either in stretchy Spandex or waterproof PVC. Below are 10 of the best luggage covers from these categories. Before that, let’s see if a luggage cover is right for you and which material may be the most suitable.
Benefits Of Using A Luggage Cover
Luggage covers are all about protecting your case from damage. Depending on the material used, this could mean significant protection from scuffs, bumps, greasy trolleys, or water damage. The covers should fit nicely around the body of the case, leaving access for the handle and wheels. This also means protection for zips and tags. There is also the possibility that a cover will help prevent theft from cases. The zippers and locks on the cases aren’t immediately accessible to opportunistic thieves.
Downsides Of Using A Luggage Cover.
The downsides of using luggage covers include restricted access and the look of the cover once it is in place. Any opaque cover will hide the color and design of your case, which is a shame if you have a nice pattern that stands out on a carousel. You also have the added hassle of getting the cover on and off the case correctly if you want to get inside or present your luggage to TSA agents. The best cases shouldn’t be too inconvenient, but it still isn’t ideal if you are short on time when going through security.
Should You Get A Spandex Luggage Cover?
Spandex-based luggage covers are a great idea if you need something quick and easy to put onto your case for a little extra protection. The material is so adaptable that you can pull it over the top of the case like putting in a nice snug shirt. Look out for a clear indication of how much spandex there is compared to polyester. This should provide a little bit of protection from knocks and abrasion and also keep the dust and dirt away.
The best designs should be easy enough to take on and off as needed and provide access points for handles. They aren’t always going to look that great, but they can be beneficial. Plain black covers aren’t ideal when you have a nice case hidden beneath. But, you can get some fun patterned covers for plain cases instead.
Do You Need A Waterproof Cover For Luggage?
The alternative to getting a spandex cover for your luggage is to go for something waterproof. PVC is a good place to start. It isn’t going to offer the same quick stretch fit as something with spandex, but you should get a much more waterproof and protective cover for your case. This is a good idea if you are traveling when there is a risk of bad weather, and you are worried about rain seeping in through the zips.
Then there are alternative materials with waterproof properties that are opaque with fun designs. Again, a good quality waterproof cover should have the tools for a good fit and ease of use without making life too difficult for you or any TSA agents that need to see inside. A bonus with PVC is that you can get some practical transparent ones, so you aren’t hiding the design on your case’s shell.
- HoJax Spandex Travel Luggage Cover
- Travelkin Luggage Cover Washable Suitcase Protector
- WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover
- Yix Pink Paris Travel Luggage Cover
- WOMFUI Disney Black Travel Luggage Cover
- Gaunghong Clear PVC Suitcase Cover Protectors
- Yotako Clear PVC Suitcase Cover Protectors
- Bag Wizard Clear PVC Suitcase Cover
- Sadnyy 3 Pieces Clear Luggage Cover
- Samsonite Printed Luggage Cover
HoJax Spandex Travel Luggage Cover
Let’s start with one of the more basic options available here. This spandex case is cheap and effective with a plain black cover over the case. There are patterns if you prefer, but this black one allows for an understated look for business travel. It isn’t the stretchiest option, with just 8% spandex compared to 92% polyester. But, there are many sizes to choose from between Small and XL.
The updated 2022 design now provides an opening on the side for the side handle for added ease of use. There is also a combination of Velcro and buckle closures at the bottom for a secure fit.
Travelkin Luggage Cover Washable Suitcase Protector
This is another very affordable option, which may inspire you to build a larger collection of different designs. There are lots of patterns available with nice prints on the stretch material. Many are travel themed with old-fashioned passport stamps and airplane designs. Again, the stretch material is adaptable for a snug fit but not overly stretchy, with the same blend of 8% spandex and 92% polyester.
There are also the same helpful features with the openings for the handles. You also get the zipper and Velcro closure at the bottom and the choice of sizes. The smallest is for cases at 18-21-inches, and the largest is for cases at 29-32-inches.
WUJIAONIAO Travel Luggage Cover
One of the best things about this case is that you have so much choice over bold eye-catching designs. You won’t miss one of these at baggage reclaim! Some are contemporary with bright cityscapes, there are also vintage-inspired ones, and others with a tropical theme.
A bonus here is that the thicker material is highly laminated for a clearer design and has a lot more Spandex at 15% compared to 85% polyester. That thickness should also mean it is a little more abrasion resistant and longer lasting than some of the other cheaper models. You still get the same helpful sizes, openings for the handles, and the combination buckle/zipper closure at the bottom.
Yix Pink Paris Travel Luggage Cover
This next set is very pretty, whichever version you choose. Three different Parisian-themed prints celebrate the Eiffel Tower and the romance of the city. Each one also comes with a matching luggage tag for your personal information. There are four sizes available, with the smallest working with cases 18-21-inches and the largest with cases from 29-32-inches.
The stretch material should be strong enough to withstand any potential damage and spills and is washable to keep it looking nicer for longer. It is also designed to fit around all the handles on the top and side of a case and fastens snuggly at the bottom with both a zipper and a buckle.
WOMFUI Disney Black Travel Luggage Cover
As seen in our other guide on the best Disney luggage for kids, Disney designs are a must-have for any parent and child traveling to one of these incredible resorts. If you want a protective cover for your case, but also want a fun Disney design to show off, this is the ideal solution. There are lots of fun Disney designs available here, many focusing on Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
They are still brilliantly protective and stretchy with a blend of 80% polyester and 20% spandex. The sizes medium, large, and xl are a little vague, but the stretch means that it shouldn’t be too difficult to get one that fits your case.
Gaunghong Clear PVC Suitcase Cover Protectors
This first model in the PVC waterproof covers for luggage is pretty straightforward and helpful. There is a nice transparent cover that slips over the case, with holes for all the handles. There are a few sizes to choose from, with the smallest for 20-inch cases and the largest 28-inches.
A bonus is that this is strong 0.5mm thick PVC for better protection. It is also designed to fold up nice and small for storage. The downside is the loose hook-and-loop closure on the bottom.
Yotako Clear PVC Suitcase Cover Protectors
This option from Yotako shows there is a good blueprint for these clear plastic cases in terms of their size, structure, and closure. Again, you have a simple transparent sleeve you can pull over the case, with those all-important gaps for the handles. This time, there is an updated hook and loop closure that may be a little stronger and snugger than the model above.
A possible downside is that, once again, there is nothing smaller than 20-inches. But, this one does at least go as high ad 30-inches. A bigger concern compared to other PVC products is that there is a 0.2mm material, which while lightweight may not be durable long-term.
Bag Wizard Clear PVC Suitcase Cover
This time, more sizes are on offer to suit your needs, from 18-inches up to 30. So, if you want waterproof protection for small carry-on, you should be fine. As with the other, you just slip this over the top with the opening over the handle.
The difference, however, is that you secure it underneath, with the Velcro tabs. The material seems strong enough and promises great scratch resistance and waterproofing. If needed, there are opaque versions as well. This gives you the choice to completely obscure a case that has valuables within.
Sadnyy 3 Pieces Clear Luggage Cover
An alternative option if you have a lot of cases in need of protection is a set like this. This time, there are three clear PVC cases in one pack, and not for that high a price. The 20-inch option is great for carry-on luggage, but you also get a 24 and 28-inch cover.
The covers do seem a little looser than some others, however, with a lot of material down around the base and wheels, rather than the snug closure. Still, you get the same holes at the sides and top for the handles, and this is true for all three sizes. They aren’t the greatest, but they do offer value for families.
Samsonite Printed Luggage Cover
Finally, we have something a little bit different. This one is water-resistant – so possibly more protective than the spandex covers above – but it is still a stretch fabric. This should allow for something a little more protective and waterproof in between the prettier covers and the PVC ones.
The designs here aren’t always as interesting, as some have basic lines and geometric patterns. But, it is all about the protection from dust, scrapes, and theft. All you need to do is zip it into place, and while the fit isn’t snug, it isn’t going to get in the way either. Also, when not in use, you have the option of putting it away in its carry case.
What To Look For In The Best Luggage Covers
As these products show, the material choices aren’t the only thing to look out for. It also helps to find a case that is a snug fit with the right closure. The models with Velcro are quick and convenient, but the combination zipper/buckle method is a lot nicer. Also, make sure that you have the right size to fit your case without too much stretch or room to move.
From there, you can look at other design features like the openings for the handles and the prints on the spandex models. Look out for brands that talk about superior lamination. This means that the colors and prints are sharper, bolder, and more attractive.
Wrapping Up
Getting the right luggage cover can make a big difference. Whether you feel that a transparent waterproof PVC luggage cover or an opaque stretchy spandex luggage cover is best for you, there are options. You should find that the best covers for suitcases are protective enough to keep your belonging safe from damage, water, and theft. In turn, this can prolong the life of the case and ensure that it is a helpful travel companion for many years to come.
