After a month of back-to-back trips, my Kenneth Cole luggage review shows why the pieces are equal parts pretty and practical.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Kenneth Cole Luggage Review: I Tested This Carry-On Set During My Hectic Travel Schedule
Updated on Sep. 06, 2024
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a quick weekend trip or crossing international waters for a foreign respite, there’s one thing that’s for sure: The best luggage can make or break your trip. It ensures that all of your belongings are safe and sound and can make weaving through busy airports and train terminals a lot easier. Trust me, I should know. To say that I like to travel is an understatement: I’ve traveled to 29 countries and six continents—not to mention several corners of the United States. So far, I’ve spent nine weeks traveling in 2024. That’s why I feel I need to give a thorough Kenneth Cole luggage review.
With a travel schedule that could rival George Clooney’s in Up in the Air, it’s safe to say that I have my routine down to a science. I thought I had solidified my suitcase situation, but when I learned about Kenneth Cole’s Chelsea two-piece bundle, I was tempted to give it a try. (Who knows? Maybe this popular set could make my already efficient travel routine easier and more stylish.)
So, I did what any curious shopper would do: I picked up the suitcase bundle and spent nearly a month traveling with it. Here’s how it performed.
What is Kenneth Cole luggage?
For many shoppers, Kenneth Cole needs no introduction. The American brand has been offering fashion-forward, affordable clothes and accessories since its founding in 1982. You might know Kenneth Cole for its coats, shoes and handbags, but the company also offers some of the best luggage.
True to the brand’s ethos, Kenneth Cole’s luggage prides itself on offering that intersection of style and affordability. The brand makes a range of hard-shell and soft-shell rolling suitcases—plus a bunch of backpacks and totes—to cater to all your style needs. Of course, there’s more to Kenneth Cole luggage than meets the eye. These pieces have an incredibly lightweight construction and a few special features that make them travel-ready.
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Kenneth Cole Chelsea Two-Piece Bundle
Whether you're headed out on plane, train or automobile, this two-piece set is ideal for traveling.
Kenneth Cole luggage features
The Kenneth Cole Chelsea bundle comprises two pieces: a 20-inch rolling carry-on and a backpack. While each of brand’s luggage collections are different—and have their special features—the Chelsea duo has a few design details that are seen throughout the Kenneth Cole’s offerings. For example, the eight-wheel spinners on the rolling carry-on offer an easy 360-degree rotation while its expandable compartment can give you an extra 1.5 inches of packing space.
There are plenty of features that make the Chelsea set stand out. Not only does the rolling carry-on bag have several convenient zippered compartments—one accessories pocket, a designated area for wet garments and an extra mesh section—but there are also elastic compression straps to hold your clothes and accessories in place. Another thing to love? A telescoping handle that extends up to 41 inches so you can easily grab and go.
Meanwhile, the backpack boasts three compartments: one that accommodates a 15-inch laptop, another padded section for a tablet and a third with lots of smaller interior (and exterior!) pockets. There’s also a slim trolley strap on the back that you can slide over your suitcase’s upright handle for hands-free transportation. Both the carry-on and backpack feature a chevron-quilted fabric exterior and a tear-free interior for longevity.
How I tested it
Over the past month, I got a lot of mileage out of the Kenneth Cole Chelsea suitcase bundle. I packed it in my car’s trunk to local California destinations like Napa and Tomales Bay. I lugged it on a train from Paris to Alsace, a small region in the French countryside. It was my go-to carry-on bag when I flew to Milan, Hawaii and Michigan. (Yeah, it got around!) Here are a few things I kept in mind while reviewing:
Style
One of the first things I noticed about this luggage set was that it was pretty stylish. Unlike the mismatched carry-on and tote I typically traveled with, there was something about having a coordinating set that made my adventures feel considerably more polished. The chevron-quilted detailing made it feel more elevated than the rest of the basic, black suitcases I typically see in an airport terminal.
I was usually able to fit the carry-on and backpack in the overhead compartment and the area under my seat, respectively. However, on the off chance I had to check my carry-on due to lack of available overhead space, the gold zippers stood out at baggage claim.
Packing
Don’t let its size fool you: This 20-inch carry-on can hold a lot. As a seasoned traveler, I try to pack as lightly as I can. With the exception of my trip to Italy and France, where I also had a larger bag to check, the Chelsea carry-on and backpack were the only pieces I traveled with.
I think this suitcase would be too small if I was traveling somewhere that required boots, sweaters or lots of layers, but it accommodated everything I needed in addition to basics like underwear, socks and my toiletry case. On my most recent trip to Michigan, I was able to pack five dresses, two pairs of shoes, one set of pajamas, a few shirts and one pair of jeans.
Though the carry-on was large enough to fit all my stuff, I did think it was hard to stay organized. You see, the carry-on bag I’ve historically traveled with has two larger compartments for clothes and accessories. I would typically place my clothes in the zippered compartment and my cosmetics and shoes in the area with the compression straps. Since the Chelsea carry-on had one big section for everything, I spent more time digging through my suitcase to find that one T-shirt. However, it’s one small drawback that can be easily resolved with some smart packing cubes.
As for the backpack, though figuring out how best to utilize each pocket did require some trial and error, I eventually found a system that kept me organized. (There’s even a side pocket for a reusable water bottle!) The computer compartment was the perfect place to stow my laptop while the main section was reserved for my book, chargers and purse. I dedicated the smaller pockets to items I’d need quick access to when traveling, such as my phone and passport. Last but not least, I threw my apartment keys in the tiniest external pocket so they could be zipped away while I was on the go.
Transporting
Simply put, traveling with this set was a breeze. I literally picked up on how light the carry-on was as soon as I took it out of its box. Kenneth Cole claims the bundle weighs 8 pounds, so I’d reckon that the carry-on itself is lighter than a lot of other options on the market. The suitcase was heavy to lift into the overhead compartment, but I’ll chalk that up to filling it to the brim. Meanwhile, the eight spinner wheels let this suitcase glide across every surface, from pristine floors in Milan’s airport to the uneven roads of Hawaii. I think I audibly “ooh’d” when I first rolled the carry-on for the first time.
I previously traveled with a tote, and I loved how the Kenneth Cole travel backpack allowed me to comfortably carry my essentials without walking around lopsided. The elastic trolley strap is thinner and more flexible than other totes and duffles I tried, which made it easier to take the backpack on and off my upright handles.
My only complaint about traveling with this set was that the telescoping handle would sometimes get stuck. Though it was a rare occurrence, a finicky handle was frustrating when I was trying to move around quickly.
Using the features
Since this set doesn’t have any special features—for example, it doesn’t have a built-in lock, charger or luggage tag—its biggest draw is the myriad of pockets. While the backpack’s compartments made staying organized during my travels easy, I wasn’t as impressed by the carry-on organization. Since this carry-on is incredibly lightweight, I noticed it’d topple over when I stuffed its exterior pockets. (A learning curve I have yet to perfect.) That said, the carry-on compartments aren’t all flimsy. The wet garment section was a great place to store my damp swimsuits in Hawaii. During other, less tropical trips, I would use that protective pocket to store extra toiletries.
Durability
Before I embarked on back-to-back travel, I was skeptical about this luggage set’s design. Since I typically travel with a hard-shell suitcase, I worried that a soft-shell alternative would show more wear and tear. However, after a month of consistently testing this product, I’m pleased to report that I haven’t noticed any major signs of rips, tears or damage. Besides a few superficial scuffs on the front of my backpack, the set looks as good as new.
Pros
- Affordable
- Incredibly lightweight
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- Carry-on has expandable compartment for 1.5 inches of extra packing space
- Carry-on’s wet garment compartment for bathing suits and toiletries
- 20-inch carry-on meets carry-on requirements for most United States-based airlines
- Backpack has ample compartments for storage
- Chevron-quilted fabric exterior is surprisingly resilient
Cons
- Telescoping handle got stuck a few times
- Carry-on has only has a single storage compartment
- No fancy features, like a built-in lock
FAQ
Is Kenneth Cole luggage good?
There are plenty of suitcase brands out there, but if you’re looking for a reliable option that fits comfortably within your budget, Kenneth Cole’s offerings are a strong contender. The company focuses on creating pieces that are lightweight, easy-to-use and fashion-forward so you can jet set in style.
How do I clean Kenneth Cole luggage?
The good news is that Kenneth Cole luggage is pretty easy to clean. This particular set is made with a resilient polyester, so you can remove dirt or debris with a damp washcloth or paper towel. (Yes, it’s that easy.)
What our Product Testing Team had to say
I’m not the only one at Reader’s Digest who gives a thumbs-up to the Kenneth Cole Chelsea collection. Our Product Testing Team tried out the Chelsea 17-inch carry-on underseat suitcase. After in-depth studio testing, our team boasted about the suitcase’s durable polyester twill material and multi-directional four-wheel spinners. We loved it so much, in fact, that we named it the most stylish of the best underseat luggage that we tested.
Product comparison: Kenneth Cole vs. Samsonite luggage
Purchasing new luggage is a big decision, so there are a few key differences to consider in the internal battle of Kenneth Cole vs. Samsonite.
Both brands offer a breadth of styles and price points to choose from, as well as hard-shell vs. soft-shell options. But Samsonite suitcases tend to have those extra features that some travelers may prefer, such as built-in Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved locks. Those nice additions, however, come with a price, as Samsonite’s luggage tends to be more expensive. Depending on the model you buy, you can spend up to $650 on a new Samsonite suitcase.
When it comes to buying new luggage, it all boils down to personal preference. If budget is a main factor in your decision, Kenneth Cole is a smart choice. And if you want all the bells and whistles a brand can offer, turn to Samsonite.
Final verdict
Overall, I really enjoyed using the Kenneth Cole Chelsea bundle, and plan on using both for upcoming trips. The carry-on’s lightweight construction and spinner wheels make it so easy to roll. (Suddenly, what was once a mad dash from one end of a busy airport to another felt like I was gliding.) And let’s not discount the backpack, which brought some organization to my hectic travel schedule.
Though I didn’t have any problems with its size or capacity, I do foresee it being a little too small if I go somewhere that requires heavier layers, such as Iceland or visiting my parents in New York over Thanksgiving. Don’t worry: If you’re an overpacker, you can always upgrade to Kenneth Cole’s 28-inch Chelsea suitcase.
Where to buy Kenneth Cole luggage
VIA MERCHANT
I Tried It
Kenneth Cole Chelsea Two-Piece Bundle
This two-piece luggage set is as chic as it is practical to become your new travel companion of choice.
While you can buy Kenneth Cole luggage directly from the brand’s website—currently, all options are available for under $300—the Chelsea bundle is available on Amazon for under $200. This traveler-approved set is also available at Kohl’s and Macy’s. Once you find the perfect bag, all you need to do is fill it with your travel essentials and book a trip to somewhere fabulous (hint, hint).
