For many people, the most important thing that distinguishes top-class luggage bags from ordinary ones is reliable design and premium quality. However, aesthetics come second for people who travel frequently. Just like outfits, luggage bags should look cohesive. Additionally, a matching set is preferred when traveling with your partner or family.
Kenneth Cole is a premium fashion brand that makes eye-catching suitcases, shoes, watches, and other accessories. It is one that you often see during New York Fashion Week. The best part about this brand is that they make some affordable luggage. Because most suitcases are under $150, they are preferred by people who can’t afford anything expensive.
No wonder, everyone is talking about Kenneth Cole. But how good are these suitcases? How well does the brand compete with some of the high-end luggage bags? At first glance, almost every Kenneth Cole luggage looks cool. Someone with plenty of experience in fashion has designed these suitcases.
In this Kenneth Cole luggage review, you would find everything that you need to know about the brand. The post discusses some of the key aspects such as the material used in the luggage, the value, warranty, design, and so on. Besides, you get to know whether or not people are happy with their purchases.
- Kenneth Cole: An overview
- Pros of Kenneth Cole luggage
- Cons of Kenneth Cole luggage
- Kenneth Cole Luggage Review: How good are they really?
- The Best Kenneth Cole Suitcases
- Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Carry-On
- Kenneth Cole Renegade 28-Inch Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
- Kenneth Cole Women’s Chelsea Carry-On
- Kenneth Cole Dot Matrix 14-Inch 2-Wheel Carry-On Luggage
- Kenneth Cole Diamond Tower Lightweight 8-Wheel Suitcase
- Kenneth Cole Women’s Madison Square Carry-On
- Kenneth Cole Going Places 600d Polyester Carry-On Luggage
- How good is Kenneth Cole when compared to other luggage brands?
- Wrapping Up
Kenneth Cole: An overview
Kenneth Cole is an American businessman and fashion designer. Most people know him for his clothing brand which was founded way back in 1982. Cole’s designs are mostly inspired by pretty little things. He is well-known for popularizing the metrosexual look during the early 2000s. Kenneth Cole Production includes fragrances, eyewear, jewelry, watches, footwear, and several clothing lines.
Kenneth Cole apparel appeals to fashion-conscious people who value both function and style. Every piece reflects an urban perspective along with a lifestyle that’s closely attached to Kenneth Cole. The apparel features high-quality materials, clean lines, and bold colors. As such, they have a causal touch yet a modern-day style perfect for all genders.
Kenneth Cole’s uncompromised dedication to providing customers with superior workmanship, high-quality materials, and fashion-oriented products helped him earn a lot of appreciation. When you travel with a suitcase from Kenneth Cole, you embark on the journey with complete peace of mind and confidence.
While the company started with plenty of retail stores, its sales experienced a steep downfall since 2017 compelling them to close their retail outlets one after another. As of now, they are more focused on e-commerce. You can buy their products from their official website, Walmart, Amazon, Nordstrom, Kohls, and so on.
Pros of Kenneth Cole luggage
- Affordability – The price of the Kenneth Cole suitcase is under $150, making it an affordable purchase.
- Lightweight design – While Kenneth Cole doesn’t produce the most lightweight design, most of their suitcase weigh below compared to the others in its class.
- Aesthetics – Kenneth Cole produces good-looking suitcase that makes them stand out from the rest. While most designs are made keeping women in mind, you can find a variety of designs with lots of color variants suited for men.
- Goes well with airline restrictions – While some of their products are big, most designs fall in line with airline restrictions in terms of carry-on size. The same thing goes with checked luggage as well.
- Good reviews – As it appears from the positive reviews, customers of Kenneth Cole are satisfied with their products. There are a few negative ratings, too.
Cons of Kenneth Cole luggage
- Less smart features – Kenneth Cole suitcase come equipped with essential features. USB chargers, locks and toiletry approved by the TSA, and other smart features are still missing.
- Use of fragile materials – The softside bags are made from polyester whereas the hard shell ones are made from ABS. Both these materials are the least durable and are considered cheap. But few customers complained about the poor built quality.
- Moderate warranty policy – Suitcases from Kenneth Cole usually come with a lifetime or a 10-year warranty. But the terms are vague. Still, the support team responds to major problems.
Kenneth Cole Luggage Review: How good are they really?
Many travelers prefer to use Kenneth Cole luggage bags because they are satisfied with them and consider them a lifesaver. Still, not everyone has the same definition of the brand. However, some important considerations make for a good suitcase. Let’s find out how good Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags are when it comes to winning as a long-lasting and durable suitcase.
1. Design
With plenty of color options and a variety of collections to choose from, you can find the one that suits your taste and needs. Almost every model from Kenneth Cole comes in different styles and colors. But the exterior design is pretty much common when compared to other brands in the market.
A unique design from the brand is the corner guard reinforcements that give the suitcases a modern-day look along with impact resistance abilities. The inner compartment has a simple design to keep your belongings safe and organized.
2. Quality
Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags aren’t durable enough to withstand regular travel. The hard side bags are built with ABS, which is a rigid plastic but likely to crack under stress and pressure. Even though the fabrics in soft-sided bags are made from polyester, they have protective elements and are well-stitched.
For the hard shell models, the company used certain protective elements such as wheel attachment points and reinforced corners. Their luggage has every chance of breaking when used regularly. If you want Kenneth Cole’s luggage to last, be careful when using them.
3. Weight
Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags come with lightweight designs. On average, their luggage bags are lighter than American Tourister, Amazon Basics, and Swiss Gear. But some models are a bit heavier than others. The heaviest one is Renegade, which weighs around 7.85 pounds.
Their lightest model is Out of Bounds, which weighs around 6.25 pounds. Another reason why Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags are light is that these bags aren’t oversized. Also, they don’t come packed with plenty of features. Plus, most of their bags are made from the lightest plastic called ABS.
4. Price
Kenneth Cole has successfully maintained a price range that surprises everyone. They have made some great pieces at affordable price tags. If you are on a budget but still want a fantastic piece, you can get one even for under $100.
Precisely, Kenneth Cole isn’t the only cheapest brand that produces luggage bags. Their bags typically ranges anywhere between $90 and $160. So, you can expect to pay about 30% less when compared to a similar suitcase from Samsonite.
But cheap doesn’t mean that the suitcase would offer you value for your money. If you buy a suitcase for under $130, it’s a go deal. Anything above that isn’t good because you can get more value when buying from other bands.
5. Warranty
For most of their luggage bags, Kenneth Cole provides a 10-year warranty. Although it is a good thing about their confidence when it comes to the quality of products, it is surprising to know that there are exclusions to the warranty. The company only covers manufacturing defects.
It means that when the suitcase undergoes damage caused by transportation or by an airline, the warranty doesn’t cover those circumstances. Not to mention, customers have to pay for the shipping if the bag needs a repair or replacement.
6. Airline compatibility
A common restriction for carry-ons is 22x14x9 inches. But most of the products from Kenneth Cole are below the said parameter except Renegade. Being one inch over the said limit doesn’t cause issues, though.
For checked luggage, the limit is 62 linear inches. Most checked bags from other brands that are over 28 inches, don’t meet the criteria. The checked bags from Kenneth Cole are within limits. For example, the Chelsea 28-inch suitcase has 58 linear inches.
7. Customer reviews
Kenneth Cole suitcases receive an average of 4.62 out of 5 stars, which is great. It shows how people were impressed by their products and are satisfied after buying and using them. Kenneth Cole has managed to achieve good customer reviews.
Most people liked the quality of Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags in terms of lightweight and a bit of rigidity. But some people reviewed the products as cheap because they fail to stand the test of time. Some people were annoyed with the warranty as well.
8. Features
Most features that you find in Kenneth Cole suitcases are quite basic. In short, they are equipped with essential features and nothing more.
Double spinner wheels
Most Kenneth Cole suitcases include double rubber-coated spinner wheels. They are better than that single-wheel and typical spinners. They help the suitcase turn more and roll smoother without effort. Typically, spinner wheels work wonders on flatten surfaces. You don’t have to pull the suitcase on two wheels behind you.
Organizing small items and shoe pockets
Kenneth Cole suitcases offer a variety of pockets that help you to organize smaller items with ease. These might include electronics and toiletries. You can get 2 to 4 mesh pockets inside the suitcase whereas 2 or even more on the outside.
Kenneth Cole Madison Square and Renegade carry-ons come with in-built shoe pockets inside the suitcase. As such, it makes it easy for you to travel while accommodating a pair of shoes. The pockets separate the shoes from getting in touch with the clothes while making them dirty.
Tie-down panels
Suitcases from Kenneth Cole have normal tie-down straps that keep clothes from getting messed up in the compartment. Most suitcases from this brand are equipped with a tie-down panel to keep your items from getting jumbled.
These are great options because they are good at keeping things in the right place. They are easy to operate as well. In addition, they allow you more space to include additional pockets needed to pack smaller items.
Pockets to carry wet items
Certain models like Chelsea Carry-Ons include water-resistant pockets. While it isn’t 100% water-resistant, they are good enough to hold toiletries that can spill easily. Also, they are good to hold wet swimwear.
Furthermore, you can store dirty laundry as well. Because the pockets can resist bad odor, the remaining clothes don’t develop undesirable smells.
Expandable zippers
Most of the suitcases from Kenneth Cole are equipped with expandable zippers. So, when you unzip them, the luggage can expand up to two inches. As such, it gives you extra packing space. It becomes an important factor especially when you are returning from a trip and you brought stuff along with you to take home.
The Best Kenneth Cole Suitcases
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Carry-On
Perhaps, Kenneth Cole’s Out of Bounds is one of the best-selling products and it appears that many people are impressed with the product from every aspect. When you first look at the luggage, it looks almost the same as other models from Kenneth Cole. However, it is not true.
This luggage has a solid construction and comes with better scratch-resistant abilities. With other models, you can get a noticeable scratch. But the outer surface of Out of Bounds would help you hide the scratches while making your luggage look new for many years to come.
Besides, the suitcase comes with a telescopic wheel handle and single spinner wheels. As such, maneuvering the suitcase through the airport is effortless. The suitcase features an ABS shell that is both sturdy and lightweight. Additionally, the reinforced corners have wonderful impact-resistant abilities.
However, the Out of Bounds doesn’t come with an expandable capacity feature. But that doesn’t mean that you would have a hard time packing items. In reality, the luggage allows you to carry a weight that falls in line with the airline’s weight limits.
The interior comes with two lined packing compartments. Although the bottom compartment comes with elastic cross straps, the upper compartment has a zippered divider. Unfortunately, you can find only a single pocket in this suitcase. Now, this may annoy many people who want a few pockets to keep small items.
PROS
- Available in lots of colors
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Reinforced corners
CONS
- Includes one pocket
- Doesn’t come with an expandable capacity
Kenneth Cole Renegade 28-Inch Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
There is no denying that Kenneth Cole Renegade is another great option if you are looking for a stylish yet affordable carry-on. Some of the highlighting features of this suitcase include double spinner wheels, retractable wheel handles, expandable capacity, reinforced, and ABS shell.
When it comes to durability, the Renegade comes with a strong build with extraordinary impact-resistant abilities. As a result, this suitcase will serve you for many years to come without much problem. The best part is that you can get this suitcase in whatever color you want. With so many color options available for you to choose from, you can identify your luggage from a distance.
You may not know but Kenneth Cole’s suitcase designs don’t include a lock in their models. But you can get a TSA padlock if you want your belongings to be 100% safe. The Renegade suitcase is one of the most spacious and largest carry-on that the company offers.
That way, you can pack your belongings for a 6 to 14-day vacation depending on what you intend to take. In addition, you would love the top handle on the back of the suitcase. It makes sure that the suitcase stay put and performs nicely even on the smoothest surfaces.
When it comes to the interior, the top compartment includes a zippered divider that has one slip and one zippered pocket. In the bottom compartment, you can find a divider. But it won’t be a full panel. It is attached to the body with buckles. It includes a large pocket as well.
PROS
- 8-wheel spinners for effortless handling
- Sleek and stylish exterior
- Expandable capacity
- Plenty of pockets
CONS
- The wheel handle isn’t smooth enough for different positions
Kenneth Cole Women’s Chelsea Carry-On
The Kenneth Cole Chelsea is another affordable and great carry-on that you can consider buying. It gives you lots of compartments and pockets for organizing the items while making the suitcase lightweight. The best part is that it fits overhead compartments on almost every airplane with ease.
Chelsea is an intuitive product that you would like because it comes with a lot of features and is available in plenty of size options. In addition, you would love the pockets that the suitcase includes. The two external pockets are handy because they give you the ability to get prepared for last-minute items.
Apart from that, you get a small zippered pocket that is housed inside the packing compartment. There is another bigger one present on the lid as well. Also, the suitcase includes an expandable capacity so that you can get yourself prepared for long trips.
The suitcase is made from polyester material on the exteriors and has a tear-resistant fully lined interior. But the suitcase isn’t completely waterproof. Hence, try to avoid using the suitcase when it rains heavily because your belongings might get wet. For moderate rain, you don’t have to worry much.
This suitcase is equipped with spinner wheels located at the bottom. The best thing about the wheels is that they are coated with rubber. That way, you can maneuver the suitcase more quieter and smoother. Other than the side and top handles, you can have a bottom handle. It means that you would find it easy to lift the luggage with ease.
PROS
- It expands up to 2 inches for additional space
- User-friendly push-button trolley handle
- Multi-directional 8-wheel spinners
CONS
- Doesn’t have locks
Kenneth Cole Dot Matrix 14-Inch 2-Wheel Carry-On Luggage
The Dot Matrix from Kenneth Cole stands out from the rest because of this amazing weight. This 14-inch carry-on weighs just under five pounds. Not only the luggage is easy to carry around for long hours, but also you can pack a lot of things inside it without issues.
You don’t even have to worry about exceeding the airline’s weight limits when you use this carry-on. Apart from being lightweight, this suitcase looks great because of the innovative design that it carries. It is made of 600d polyester material and comes with vinyl trims that look almost like leather.
On the exterior, you can find a big front compartment including a hidden zippered pocket. The pocket is great for holding several valuable items such as a passport, phone, and so on. What’s interesting is that both the front storage compartments are easily accessible. They come in handy in every situation.
Besides, the packing compartment comes with some amazing design features that make the suitcase stand out among the crowd. The lining has the same color as that of the exterior and that gives the suitcase a nice touch. The tie-down straps and mesh pockets on the interior are interesting and great features to have in this suitcase.
The two zippered pockets along with the straps help prevent the clothes from getting messed around. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your clothes from now on when you are using the Dot Matrix. Lastly, with an expandable capacity, you can accommodate more stuff for your upcoming trip.
PROS
- Dual padded top handles
- Organized packing
- Expandable capacity
- Single spinner wheels
CONS
- Not durable enough for tough situations
Kenneth Cole Diamond Tower Lightweight 8-Wheel Suitcase
The Kenneth Cole Diamond Tower is undoubtedly the most affordable carry-on that you can find around. Despite being low in price, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get the essential features such as lightweight, good looks, and so on. Rather, the company designed this amazing product so that people who are on a budget can take advantage of a luxurious brand.
To get started, the Diamond Tower is made from 100% ABS. Although the material is quite durable, you can’t travel with it frequently because there are chances that it will develop cracks much easier compared to other models that aren’t made of ABS. While it might worry a few people, not everyone.
Moreover, if you are thinking about using it as check-in luggage, it might not last for many years and break prematurely. So, it is wise to use it as a hand suitcase. As such, you get to decide for yourself how much pressure and stress you want to put on the bag.
Although the luggage has four corner guards, it can’t keep the suitcase protected during baggage handling. When it comes to the features, you can expect almost everything that a typical Kenneth Cole suitcase comes with. So, spinner wheels with rubber coatings, the inclusion of several pockets for organizing items, and an expandable zipper all come with the suitcase.
Kenneth Cole Diamond Tower perfectly adheres to the guidelines set by most airlines in terms of carry-on weight. Hence, they won’t check your bag when you are at the gate. Weighing just 6.5 pounds, this suitcase is pretty light.
PROS
- Durable diamond textured exterior
- The expandable capacity of up to 2 inches
- Multi-directional 8-wheel spinners
CONS
- Can’t handle much stress
Kenneth Cole Women’s Madison Square Carry-On
Madison Square looks almost similar to Renegade but with a little bit of difference. The Madison Square is more lightweight, costs less, and has better looks compared to Renegade. Moreover, it has the right dimension that fits most airlines when it comes to restrictions.
Weighing only 6.5 pounds, this is another lightweight model from Kenneth Cole regarding carry-on luggage. What is interesting about Madison Square is that it weighs about 9% less compared to ordinary carry-ons. It means, the carry-on is perfect for people suffering from back problems. Besides, it easily accommodates the overhead compartments.
Furthermore, the presence of a bottom grab handle makes the job easier. The absence of side pegs, skid plates, and corner guards allows it to keep level when you place the bag horizontally. But it could mean that the carry-on is less durable. However, it has enough durability when it comes to light traveling.
Although it doesn’t include many extras, it comes with an expandable zipper and rubber-coated spinner wheels. That way, it helps you increase the packing capacity to a great extent. The interior has three pockets for organizing small items, a tie-down panel, and elastic pockets.
With Madison Square, you can have the best of both worlds: the Out of Bounds and the Renegade. Madison Square has a lightweight design like the Out of Bounds and includes features at a low price compared to the Renegade. This is why they fit in most overhead compartments.
PROS
- Easy 360 degrees navigation
- 2-inches greater carrying capacity
- ABS exterior
- Lots of pockets to hold belongings
CONS
- Not much durable
Kenneth Cole Going Places 600d Polyester Carry-On Luggage
Going Places is another great carry-on luggage that comes with a lot of features. Skate wheels, spacious packing compartments, several pockets for different usages, and a telescopic handle that slips comfortably into the compartment. The luggage strap allows it to stay secure on top of a big suitcase.
The 600d polyester shell makes the suitcase sturdy and durable. The 4 spinner wheels allow the suitcase to roll smoothly and help you to maneuver it with ease, especially when you are at the airport. On top of that, the telescopic handle adds to the comfort as well.
The suitcase features a single packing compartment that comes with expandable capacity. The tie-down straps keep your clothes in the right place even when you don’t pack the suitcase completely. Also, included is a big mesh pocket on the top lid and a zipper pocket inside the suitcase.
Additionally, the two external pockets make the suitcase even more beautiful. Organizing your stuff better won’t be a hurdle anymore with this suitcase. Because the stuff is easily accessible, it makes it perfect for many items to pack. Air travel just got easy with this suitcase.
PROS
- Great for organizing items
- 4-wheel spinners
- 600d polyester construction
CONS
- Doesn’t include a lock
How good is Kenneth Cole when compared to other luggage brands?
When it comes to affordability, Kenneth Cole suitcases are the best. Apart from being affordable, the suitcases are lightweight, durable enough, good-looking, and come in perfect sizes that fit airline guidelines. Yet, they are only a little better than other popular brands such as American Tourister and It Luggage.
Another worthy luggage brand that you find around is It Luggage. They cost less and are lightweight while maintaining the same level in terms of features and quality. What’s more, they are fairly reviewed by customers as well. The only drawback is that their bags aren’t well designed like Kenneth Cole’s suitcases.
If you are looking for a more durable solution, American Tourister might be better than Kenneth Cole. They are quite popular and you can find them in most retail stores. They are better reviewed, more durable, and include the best warranty policies. But a considerable number of their luggage bags are oversized for airline weight limits. They are not lightweight and have few features.
Another important thing to consider is that Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags are good for people who travel less. When you travel more, it is wise to increase your budget and get something better from Samsonite. Their suitcases are built from durable materials and have better warranty policies. You can get advanced features as well.
Wrapping Up
One thing is clear from the Kenneth Cole luggage review: they are a popular brand among travelers. They are available in amazing designs, are well-made, and come at competitive pricing with all the essential features included. Their luggage fits perfectly in most airlines, is somewhat durable, and is well-reviewed by customers.
But if you are a frequent traveler, you need to find something that’s durable and study. Kenneth Cole’s luggage bags are made from cheap materials and can’t withstand regular stress. Furthermore, they have weak warranty terms. Overall, Kenneth Cole is a good choice for people looking for an affordable solution.
In general, their suitcases might last anywhere between 3 to 10 years depending on how frequently you travel. If you travel once or even more in a month, Kenneth Cole’s luggage bag is not for you.