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As a beauty editor, when I think of “buttery smoothness,” I think of the effects of a good lotion, but rarely do I work with a suitcase. Let me explain. My experience with luggage so far has been mostly lackluster. My last suitcase had a loose screw on the handle and always seemed to fall off when the group was called to board, and the four wheels on the bottom rotated freely, but sometimes they wouldn’t rotate at all. did. My luggage as a child was my family’s collection of soft shell bags, which seemed to be bullied by baggage handlers, always showing up on the wrong side of their destination and noticeably less energetic than before. . But my not-so-good experience with luggage ended recently, when the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase ($150) arrived at my home.
What we love about the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase
The first thing I noticed about the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase is how easy it is to move around. On a recent trip to Italy, I rolled over carpet (I’ll never know why LGA retrofitted all their terminals with so much carpet), concrete, and even cobblestones, but the wheels I haven’t had any problems with it getting stuck. If anything, this Quince suitcase is a little too mobile. If you are on a sloped sidewalk, you may try to run away quickly.
The inside of the bag is divided into two different sections, which is a highlight. There is a zippered compartment on the left side of the bag. I like to use this section for shoes and keep it away from clothing. Some suitcases come with an optional zippered pouch, but this should remain closed once you’ve organized your luggage. The other side of the bag has a removable divider that is secured with two durable plastic buckles. There’s a mesh pocket on the front of the divider, which I like to keep things like sunglasses, jewelry, and extra books. Opposite the mesh pocket is a standard suitcase interior with a small pocket containing a rolled up bag for dirty laundry.
The appearance of the suitcase is also very smart. I chose the dark green color. At first, I was nervous about choosing something other than the standard (black), but I found out that it was a complementary color to my other carry-on bags.
PS Photo | Jessica Harrington
Highlights of the Quince Expandable Carry-on Hardshell Suitcase
Fans of suitcases with one large open compartment may find the zippered pouch on the left side helpful for adjustment. While useful for putting on footwear and separating luggage, the zipper can limit how much you can fit on that side. Having said that, a space-saver bag can help you easily deal with the challenges there.
Suitcases also tend to show signs of wear and tear. On my first outing (a short weekend trip), I noticed some small scratches on the hard shell from rubbing it against various surfaces. But Quince has a solution. When you first open the bag, the mesh compartment contains a sponge eraser (think Mr. Clean) that can erase most marks.
Who is the Quince Expandable Carry-On Hardshell Suitcase Best for?
This suitcase is perfect for frequent fliers and weekend getaways. The expandable center section allows you to maintain a hard outer shell that protects your belongings while giving you even more storage space if you’re feeling cramped. I know from experience that this suitcase will last a two week trip around Europe.
Where can I get the Quince Expandable Carry-on Hardshell Suitcase?
This suitcase can be purchased on the Quince website.
PS Photo | Jessica Harrington
Additional details about the Quince Expandable Carry-on Hardshell Suitcase
The suitcase is made from a lightweight, durable polycarbonate hard shell and water-resistant 74D polyester pongee. There is a 3-digit security dial lock near the handle. You can choose from six colors: dark green, navy, lavender, black, tan, and blue. It also comes in four sizes: two carry-on options (20 inches and 21 inches) and two checked baggage options (24 inches and 27 inches).
Jessica Harrington is PS’ senior beauty editor and writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. A New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she interviews industry experts, follows the latest trends, and tests new products. I love what I do.