RIMOWA Original: The Right Size, from Cabin S to Trunk XL

RIMOWA's July 2026 US size matrix lists Cabin S at 55 x 40 x 20 cm, 4.2 kg and 31 L; Cabin at 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 4.3 kg and 35 L; and Cabin Plus at 57 x 44 x 25.5 cm, 4.7 kg and 49 L. Those three centimetres of extra depth between Cabin S and Cabin add four litres for only 100 g. They also decide whether the case meets carriers that cap depth at 20 cm.

Cabin is the editorial pick for travellers whose regular airlines allow 55 x 40 x 23 cm and at least 8 kg. Cabin S makes the better one-case purchase for frequent European or Asian flying because its conservative depth survives more rule changes. Cabin Plus is exceptionally roomy, but its 57 cm height and 44 cm width put it outside many standard cabin limits. Calling it carry-on luggage does not make it a low-risk carry-on.

• Cabin S — 55 x 40 x 20 cm; 4.2 kg; 31 L; best for stricter 20 cm depth limits.
• Cabin — 55 x 40 x 23 cm; 4.3 kg; 35 L; best balance of the aluminium cabin formats.
• Cabin Plus — 57 x 44 x 25.5 cm; 4.7 kg; 49 L; generous space with high gate-check risk.

Check-In M measures 69 x 44 x 27.5 cm, weighs 5.4 kg and holds 60 L. Its 140.5 cm dimension sum sits comfortably below the common 158 cm reference, and under a 23 kg allowance it leaves 17.6 kg for contents. Check-In L expands to 79 x 51 x 27.5 cm, 6.2 kg and 86 L, with a 157.5 cm sum and 16.8 kg of theoretical payload. It is almost exactly at the standard-size boundary before any airline-specific method is applied.

Choose M for solo travel, rail connections and trips where the case must share a hotel room. Choose L for two-week wardrobes or shared packing, but use a scale: 86 litres can absorb far more than the 16.8 kg available under a 23 kg limit. The aluminium frame keeps both cases resolutely rectangular; it will not forgive the last bulky layer the way a soft case might.

• Check-In M — 69 x 44 x 27.5 cm; 5.4 kg; 60 L; dimension sum 140.5 cm.
• Check-In L — 79 x 51 x 27.5 cm; 6.2 kg; 86 L; dimension sum 157.5 cm.
• At 23 kg, usable payload is 17.6 kg in M and 16.8 kg in L before allowing scale margin.

Trunk S is 65 x 39 x 34 cm, 5.3 kg and 66 L; Trunk is 73 x 44 x 36.5 cm, 6.1 kg and 90 L. Their dimension sums are 138 cm and 153.5 cm respectively. Trunk S is easy to place in a room but gives little capacity advantage over Check-In M. The standard Trunk earns its shape: 90 litres, a deep body for shoes and bulky clothing, and a sum still below the familiar 158 cm reference.

Trunk Plus reaches 80 x 44 x 36.5 cm, 6.4 kg and 105 L, while the size module lists Trunk XL at 80 x 43.5 x 44 cm, 6.8 kg and 130 L. Their 160.5 cm and 167.5 cm sums move beyond that reference. They suit relocations, long production trips or bulky equipment rather than ordinary holidays. More space is not more freedom when the case is charged as oversize and becomes difficult to lift into a car.

• Trunk S — 65 x 39 x 34 cm; 5.3 kg; 66 L; compact but not dramatically larger than Check-In M.
• Trunk — 73 x 44 x 36.5 cm; 6.1 kg; 90 L; the strongest capacity-to-size decision.
• Trunk Plus — 80 x 44 x 36.5 cm; 6.4 kg; 105 L; above the 158 cm reference at 160.5 cm.
• Trunk XL — 80 x 43.5 x 44 cm; 6.8 kg; 130 L; a 167.5 cm specialist rather than a default holiday case.

Original uses an anodised-aluminium shell, a rigid frame with two TSA-compatible latch locks, a stage-free handle, Multiwheel system and Flex Divider. The result feels precise at the closure and develops visible marks quickly in hard travel. RIMOWA calls deep dents and scratches patina; its guarantee covers functional aspects for eligible new suitcases but excludes cosmetic wear, misuse and abuse.

Buy the Original if that evolving surface is part of the pleasure and if its weight fits the routes you actually fly. Walk away if every dent will feel like damage, if your cabin allowance is regularly 7 kg, or if you need one checked case that maximises payload. The Essential Lite and Essential are less ceremonious objects, but they are often better travel tools.

• Best overall: Original Cabin for generous cabin rules; Original Trunk for checked capacity.
• Best conservative choice: Original Cabin S for routes that enforce a 20 cm depth limit.
• Skip Original: when low empty weight or a permanently pristine finish matters more than the aluminium experience.