This Dagne Dover Suitcase Made Me Believe in Softside Luggage Again

I will never forget my very first encounter with softside luggage: it was a fire engine red and seriously unstylish luggage set that my mom bought me as a high school graduation gift (to this day, we joke that it was her not-so-subtle hint to leave the nest.) The suitcases had wobbly handles that frequently jammed, two wheels instead of four, and stitching that gradually unraveled after years of my relentless overpacking. To be fair, I did not treat these bags gingerly, but I appreciated that they held strong through every college dorm move and spring break vacation. Once I got my first job and started traveling frequently, I also graduated to more sleek alternatives. Hardside luggage was the obvious upgrade… or so I thought. I had never considered going back to my softside roots until I got my hands on Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on — a suitcase that completely changed my travel game for the better.

The T+L team had the pleasure of testing Dagne Dover’s brand new luggage collection before its official launch in our New York City lab, and we were immediately stunned right out of the gate. I was already a fan of Dagne Dover’s Neoprene Dakota Backpack — a faithful travel staple that’s hopped around with me to a few continents. I was impressed that Dagne Dover not only found a way to translate their signature aesthetic into luggage form, but that they managed to make softside luggage look chic and modern. A practical suitcase that also looks the part? Had I found a unicorn? Maybe, but I had to put it to the test to know for sure.

First Impressions

I got the opportunity to test out the 20.5-inch version of the Seattle Carry-on, the smallest in Dagne Dover’s new slate of suitcases. It arrived in style, nestled in a large box with the Dagne Dover logo on display (I’m a sucker for packaging — sue me!). The recycled polyester material had a sheen to it that I can only liken to upholstery in a brand-new car, or a sumptuous sofa. “How did they pull this off?” I wondered. I couldn’t help but smile at the plush top handle, the reinforced corners that give it structure, and the bungee-style zippers that perfectly match the dusty rose shade of the bag’s exterior. It was evident that Dagne Dover poured over every meticulous detail when it came to design. Weighing just over nine pounds, the Seattle Carry-on is definitely heavier than other carry-on bags I’ve tested, which I didn’t love but learned to forgive considering the bag’s other helpful features.

The 20.5-inch Seattle Carry-on has a 33-liter capacity, ideal for weekend and work trips. The timing couldn’t have been better, considering I had a vacation coming up that was a little bit of both. Although impressed, I was initially worried that this bag would be too small to replace the 22-inch hardshell carry-on that I swore by. Turns out, the interior of the bag proved to be deceptively roomy and able to fit much more than meets the eye.

Up, Up, and Away

I first used my Seattle Carry-on for a three-day trip to St. Thomas. For a normal person, a duffel bag or weekender would do the trick for this quick jaunt. For me: every outfit needed a backup outfit, and every backup outfit needed a backup pair of shoes, and I can never have enough cover-ups (at least five?), and, well, you can see where this is going. Suffice it to say, this carry-on is just what I needed for a short stint in paradise. I was able to pack five bathing suits with matching cover-ups, three maxi dresses, two pairs of shorts, four shirts, three pairs of sandals, a week’s worth of undergarments (again, just in case), a makeup bag, and a fully-stuffed toiletry bag — all while still having room to spare. I also appreciated that this suitcase comes with its own laundry bag, which made it easy to keep worn clothing and wet swimsuits separate during my stay.

Unlike most other softside suitcases that have a zippered lid opening, what differentiates the Seattle Carry-on is that it offers two ways to pack: via a clamshell opening, which you mostly see with hardside luggage, and also via the U-shaped zipper in the front which you can use to top-load your clothing like you would with a traditional softside. While the top-lid is convenient for adding last-minute items, it’s a bit too narrow to get the job done, so I went the clamshell route. This allowed me to lay the suitcase out flat and pack both sides evenly. The compression straps pressed all my clothing down flat, and the mesh divider housed loose items like undergarments and bikinis.

When it was time to hit the airport, I couldn’t wait to show this baby off. The Seattle Carry-on looked and performed unlike any other suitcase I’ve ever owned. The 360-degree wheels rolled like a dream through the airport, allowing me to shuffle through crowds flawlessly. The front of the suitcase has not one but two zippered pockets — one of which I used to stash my laptop, and the other I used to store my passport and jewelry pouch. Hoisting it in and out of overhead bins and taxi trunks was no sweat thanks to the convenient top and side handles, as well as the luggage feet that kept it propped upright. The bag also held up to the rough and tumble of travel thanks to those reinforced corners I mentioned earlier, which absorbed the shock of being jostled around.

The Verdict

Softside luggage has a reputation for being incredibly durable and offering more flexibility for overpackers, while hardside luggage is known to be more protective and sleek-looking. With the Seattle Carry-on, I get the best of both worlds. The structured frame of the bag, combined with its modern fabric construction, makes it a joy to travel with. The bag currently retails for $595, which is on the steep end for a small carry-on. However, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re in the market for a stylish suitcase you won’t have to replace for a few years. For longer trips, I recommend going for the 23.5-inch version instead. After taking Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on for a spin on a couple of trips, it still looks shiny and new, and catches a few glances at every terminal I’m in. I can say with certainty I’ll never count out softside luggage again.

Why Trust T+L

Jasmine Grant is a senior editor at T+L who has tested dozens of suitcases, weekenders, and backpacks both in the T+L testing lab and during her personal getaways. She catches no less than 10 flights per year, and loves discovering new travel products that streamline the packing process. Aside from Dagne Dover’s Seattle Carry-on, she also swears by her Dakota backpack and brings it on almost every trip.

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