If ever there was a universal bag to satisfy every traveler—from the hyper-practical business professional to the frequent flyer and spontaneous adventurer—Dagne Dover’s new Seattle Carry-On makes a strong case (literally) for that designation. The New York brand that brought you the beloved Dakota Backpack and Landon Carryall dropped its first-ever collection of rolling suitcases, dubbed The Luggage Edit, this June—an equally chic mix of colors, durable design, and the packing optimization that’s become synonymous with the brand since its inception in 2013.
“For many years, customers have been asking us for luggage, but ‘Dagnified,’” Melissa Mash, co-founder and CEO of Dagne Dover, says of the impetus behind the new line. The collection is a natural extension of its wheel-free Carry-On Edit—featuring duffles, laptop bags, backpacks, sling bags, and more—which debuted last fall. So, what does “Dagnified” mean, exactly? “Smart organization and a sleek signature aesthetic,” Mash says. To that end, the new 10-piece collection delivers on all fronts. Think: checked rolling luggage (25 inches and 28.5 inches), carry-ons (20.5 inches and 23.5 inches), a duffle, an extra-long garment bag, and packing cubes—all in visually pleasing colorways including Ash, Dark Moss, Warm Dust, and Onyx.
But the real standout, according to Mash, is the Larger Seattle Carry-On. To unpack what the hype is all about, I took the suitcase for a weekend getaway. Here’s my honest review.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the suitcase has a “wow” factor—but in a subtle way. The minimalist, all-monochrome look from handles to wheels (in this case, Dark Moss) gives it a clean, modern aesthetic. The attention to detail continues: Even the stitching and hardware come in the same mossy-green hue. As for the overall feel, the bag is relatively lightweight (10 pounds for the larger carry-on) and feels sturdy. The suitcase is soft-sided, but has a firmer structure reminiscent of a hardshell piece, thanks to robust corner protectors and luggage feet on the exterior which help prop up the bag horizontally. The two-level retractable handle extends easily, the zippers glide seamlessly, and the four 360-degree wheels roll just as smoothly on concrete as they do on my Saltillo tile floors. Overall first impressions: It’s good-looking, it’s high-quality, it has lots of pockets, and it makes me want to be my best organized self while packing.
Let’s Talk Function
“Most brands lead with aesthetics, but aesthetics don’t solve problems for you or work hard for you,” Mash says. (Though don’t be fooled—style is certainly not an afterthought with any of Dagne Dover’s products.) “Our luggage is thoughtfully designed for the modern traveler so that they can be used exactly how you like to pack.” That sentiment is woven into the suitcase’s flexible organization system, a design that suits both the meticulous packer and the one who tosses everything into their bag moments before they head out the door.
Let’s start with the exterior. The material feels high quality and is eco-friendly to boot; everything is made from 100-percent recycled 900D fabric and Repreve polyester lining. There’s a sizable front pocket for easy access to chargers, your passport, and other grab-and-go necessities. Behind it is another large zippered pocket that houses a padded, air-mesh laptop sleeve with a velcro closure that easily fits my 15-inch MacBook Pro. This can be especially convenient when lugging your suitcase through TSA, since you can remove your laptop without having to open the whole suitcase. Behind the laptop sleeve is a U-shaped zipper, which sneakily grants you access to the full interior (more on that later).
Inside, you’ll find your standard two-sided packing compartments, but with a multifunctional twist. There’s a divider (with mesh pockets for added organization) that you can either use or roll-up with toggles for your packing preference, and compression straps over both main compartments which help maximize storage capacity. It also comes with a fabric shoe bag, which easily fits a size 15 New Balance sneaker. Add in some Dagne Dover packing cubes and you’ll have the most hyper-organized carry-on out there.
My Favorite Feature
My favorite feature of the Seattle Carry-On is the large front pocket, which has a cleverly designed U-shaped zipper behind the laptop sleeve that lets you access the full interior without unzipping the entire suitcase. That becomes especially helpful when you’re grabbing items from the overhead bin mid-flight, be it your laptop, iPad, or otherwise. (Who really wants all of Row 11 checking out your tech gadgets or boxers?) You could also use that pocket to quickly throw in last-minute items, like any impulse-purchases you made at the airport souvenir shop.
The Verdict: Is It Worth The Investment?
With all the suitcases on the market, the question remains: Is the Seattle Carry-On really worth the investment? Priced at a cool $625, it’s certainly not a budget option, but the high-quality materials, functionality, eco-friendly design, and sophisticated yet understated style make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the 10-year warranty may give you peace of mind as your bag gets jostled by baggage handlers or rolled over cobblestones. The only drawback I found is the lack of an expandable zipper, but with its thoughtful compartments and organizational features, you might not need the extra space anyway. Ultimately, if you’re a frequent traveler who wants a reliable bag that’s as functional as it is stylish, this suitcase delivers. Bottom line? It’s a “yes” from me.
Shop More of Dagne Dover’s New Luggage Edit Collection
