Luggage to flaunt

Offering smart features like USB ports, anti-theft zippers, and more, baggage options for travel are now moving from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’

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YOU ARE PACKING your bag for the next beach holiday, but you want a piece of luggage that is made of water-repellent materials.

Since it’s going to be a touristy place, you also want the bag to have anti-theft compartments, not to forget features like USB ports for your constant charging needs and spinner wheels for the rough Indian roads. Enter the new world of luggage—from stylish suitcases and tech-smart backpacks to lifestyle-driven accessories, mobility now has a new face.

Today, luggage in India sits at the intersection of fashion, function, and aspiration. Riding on the back of booming domestic travel, rising disposable incomes and a design-conscious younger generation, the industry is now becoming all about innovation and intent.

The transformation is visible across price segments. While the mass market (products below ₹4,000) still constitutes around 60% of sales, there’s a clear shift towards premiumisation, fuelled by changing consumer habits, social media influence, and the growing air travel.

The aspirational consumers, like millennials and Gen Z, are travelling more frequently, posting their journeys online, and viewing luggage as part of their lifestyle narrative. In this context, a bag isn’t just about packing anymore—it’s about expressing identity, showcasing taste, and supporting seamless mobility.

“For today’s consumer, a backpack or suitcase is more than just a travel need, it’s a fashion accessory and status symbol. We see strong demand for products that combine design, functionality, and premium feel,” says Ujjwal Sarin, founder of wear-tech brand Nu Republic, which recently entered the travel accessories segment to include smart backpacks, audio wearables, and international travel accessories. Their products are targeted at millennials and Gen Z consumers, who travel frequently and shop online.