Is Kenneth Cole good luggage?

Kenneth Cole produces designer luggage without the big price tags. Most of its hardside suitcases are made of ABS, so they are hard-wearing but also lightweight.

Who owns Kenneth Cole?

Kenneth Cole is currently a privately-owned company. The company was publicly traded until 2012 when it was valued at $280 million. Kenneth Cole himself is considered to have a net worth of $100 million.

Are Kenneth Cole backpacks waterproof?

Kenneth Cole backpacks are usually made from either nylon, faux leather, or polyester. While this may give a certain degree of water resistance in light rain, the backpacks by Kenneth Cole are not waterproof.

Why buy Kenneth Cole luggage?

Offering a range of backpacks, duffels, hard-sided suitcases, messengers, and day bags, all pieces offer a heady brand of innovative style and incredible practicality, available at much more attractive prices than most fellow luggage designers. Inspired by the city streets of New York, most of the Kenneth Cole luggage pieces are named after local neighborhoods, and every item has been conceived with the needs of the urban traveler in mind.

Which is the best Kenneth Cole carry-on?

The Renegade 20-Inch Expandable Upright Carry-On is made from strong and durable ABS materials, while still being lightweight enough to handle with ease. The fully-lined interior is spacious and well-designed with multiple interior pockets to keep your smaller items safe.

The 14 Best Kenneth Cole Luggage for Travelers [2023]

If you want to make a real statement at the airport, what better way to do it than by brandishing a piece of designer luggage that looks much more expensive than it is and that has been designed to function perfectly in transit.

Inspired by the city streets of New York, most of the Kenneth Cole luggage pieces are named after local neighborhoods, and every item has been conceived with the needs of the urban traveler in mind.

Table of contents

Why Buy Kenneth Cole?
The 6 Best Kenneth Cole Hardside Luggage
The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Softside Luggage
- A Smooth-Rolling, Upright Spinner Suitcase
- An Expandable Suitcase for Those All-important Extra Inches
The 4 Best Kenneth Cole Backpacks
The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Travel Bags
- A Supercool Crossbody Bag for Stylish City Dwellers
- Designer Looks and Practical Touches
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Why Buy Kenneth Cole?
The 6 Best Kenneth Cole Hardside Luggage
The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Softside Luggage
- 1. A Smooth-Rolling, Upright Spinner Suitcase
- 2. An Expandable Suitcase for Those All-important Extra Inches
The 4 Best Kenneth Cole Backpacks
The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Travel Bags
- 1. A Supercool Crossbody Bag for Stylish City Dwellers
- 2. Designer Looks and Practical Touches
Final Thoughts

Why Buy Kenneth Cole?

Way back in 1982, a young designer named Kenneth Cole became frustrated when he discovered that he could not afford to show his wares during the market week at the Hilton New York.

So, full of determination to make his finely crafted shoe collection available to trendy buyers and fashionistas, he set up a truck and sought to bypass the city’s permit regulations that only granted utility companies and production companies permission.

Innovative and creative from the outset, he swiftly changed his company name to Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and applied for a permit to shoot a full-length motion picture entitled “The Birth of a Shoe Company.”

In just 2 and a half days, he and his “fake” production team sold forty thousand pairs of shoes and a legend in the world of fashion design was born. Over the years, Kenneth Cole Productions has branched out into ladieswear, menswear, bags, and accessories and, more recently, into the lucrative luggage market.

Offering a range of backpacks, duffels, hard-sided suitcases, messengers, and day bags, all of its pieces offer a heady brand of innovative style and incredible practicality, available at much more attractive prices than most of his fellow luggage designers would even dare to offer.

Bottom Line: Made from high-quality materials, and featuring his signature logo and minimalist aesthetic, Kenneth Cole luggage comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

The 6 Best Kenneth Cole Hardside Luggage

1. Designer Good Looks and Impressive Construction

BEST OVERALL: Kenneth Cole Reaction Grammercy Collection Hardside Luggage

A stylish hard case made from ABS and featuring reinforced corners for maximum protection. It includes a lightweight design and 4 spinner wheels for easy maneuvering. The ample storage space allows for double-sided packing in the interior compartment.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Gramercy

Dimensions: 24 x 18.5 x 9.5 inches

Weight: 8.55 pounds

Offering designer good looks, this stunning metallic silver suitcase is made of impressively dent-resistant PAP (a blend of PC and ABS materials), combined with molded corner reinforcements to offer the ultimate impact resistance. Also available in a 20- and 28-inch versions, you can create your perfect travel set made up of carry-on cases and check-in-size luggage.

On the inside, this case has a superstrong, tear-resistant lining and a large main compartment that is divided via a zipper compartment to offer dual-sided packing. 1 side offers a side zipper pocket for smaller items and garment restraints to hold your belongings in place, while the lidded compartment features a mesh zipper pocket for keeping loose items secure in transit.

Offering a smooth ride across the terminal, the 4 spinner wheels allow for 360-degree rotation, while the locking, retractable handle, and padded grab handle make it easy to carry or pull your case alongside you.

What We Like

Very lightweight and durable

What We Don’t Like

Could do with some internal pockets for smaller items

2. A Super-sized Suitcase for Even Longer Adventures

UPGRADE PICK: Kenneth Cole Reaction Diamond Tower Hardside Suitcase

An expandable hard case with a textured exterior featuring excellent storage space in a fashionable design. The interior compartment is lined with tear-resistant fabric and includes zippered pockets, shoe pockets, and restraints for garments.

Diamond Tower Luggage

Dimensions: 30 x 20.5 x 12 inches

Weight: 11 pounds

A large suitcase for super-sized adventures, this hardside suitcase expands to offer a further 2 inches of packing space all around. Made from durable ABS material and with a stunning diamond-textured exterior, this case is also available in a 20-inch carry-on option.

The roomy clamshell interior can be divided into 2 parts using the U-shaped zipper pocket, and the side zipper pocket and full-length mesh pocket make it easy to keep your smaller items safe. Garment straps will hold your gear in place on the go, and the tear-resistant lining adds a real feel of quality and sophistication.

For a smooth and quiet ride across the concourse, this case comes with spinner wheels that offer 360-degree movement, and the retractable trolley handle extends so you can effortlessly get where you’re going.

What We Like

Stylish and durable exterior

What We Don’t Like

No integrated TSA lock

3. Perfect for Stylish Travelers Who Demand More From Their Carry-on

Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade Hardside Luggage

An elegant hard case with an ergonomic retractable handle and 8 360-degree spinner wheels to create a smooth travel experience. It includes corner reinforcements to keep your belongings safe from potential impact and offers efficient storage solutions.

Renegade 20-Inch Expandable Upright Carry-On

Dimensions: 22 x 16 x 12 inches

Weight: 7.65 pounds

As part of the highly sought-after Renegade collection, this carry-on case is made from strong and durable ABS materials while still being lightweight enough to handle with ease. Also available in a range of stunning metallic colorways as well as 24- and 28-inch options, the Renegade carry-on is the perfect accessory for stylish travelers on the go.

The fully-lined interior is spacious and well-designed, with multiple interior pockets to keep your smaller items safe.

There is a garment restraint panel for keeping your clothes neatly organized and wrinkle-free, as well as 2 elastic shoe pockets. With the capacity to expand and offer a further 2 inches of packing space, this suitcase will help you maximize your carry-on capacity for longer trips and weekends away.

4 molded corner guards help to protect the carry-on from the usual bumps and knocks of air travel, and the self-repairing coil zippers will keep your clothes safely tucked away for many years of adventures.

With smooth, multi-directional 8-wheel spinners that provide 360-degree rotation over any surface and a sturdy, locking, retractable telescopic handle, this case will glide with ease across the terminal.

What We Like

Lots of internal storage pockets

What We Don’t Like

Spinner wheels are not recessed

4. The Perfect Family-sized Suitcase for Frequent Flyers

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Hardshell Luggage

A durable hard case made from ABS that includes reinforced corners for protection. The ample interior storage is lined with tear-resistant material, and the 4 spinner wheels make handling smooth and comfortable.

Out Of Bounds 28 Inch Checked Suitcase

Dimensions: 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches

Weight: 9.6 pounds

Perfect for frequent flyers who like to travel in style, this large suitcase is made from durable ABS materials that make it incredibly hard-wearing and easy to stack and stow. Available in a range of stunning metallic colorways, the Out of Bounds range is also available in 20- and 24-inch versions for those looking to create a matching designer luggage set.

With a clamshell construction, you can utilize both sides of the suitcase to hold your belongings. The U-shaped zip-around pocket helps to divide the interior into 2 usable spaces, and the zipper pockets keep your gear organized on the go. There are also elasticated garment straps to hold down your clothing to keep it wrinkle-free, even in transit.

Offering lockable zippers, you can use a standalone TSA lock with this case, and the 8 spinner wheels offer 360-degree rotations to ensure a smooth ride. With a telescopic, retractable handle that has been ergonomically designed for improved comfort, this is a great suitcase for long journeys and far-away adventures.

What We Like

Molded corner guards for extra protection

What We Don’t Like

No integrated TSA lock

5. Stunning on the Outside and Incredible Practical on the Inside

Kenneth Cole Reaction Scott’s Corner Hardside Carry-On

A premium hard case choice made from PET that includes fully-lined interior storage. It features a durable and elegant design and efficient packing solutions with pockets and restraints to keep clothes in place during travel.

Scott’s Corner Hardside Expandable

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Weight: 7.05 pounds

This stylish hardside suitcase is available in a stunning metallic blue with black trims and corner protectors. Made from a sleek and lightweight PET thermoplastic polymer, this case will protect your belongings in transit while also being easy to stack and stow.

Featuring a clamshell design with 2 good-sized interior compartments and a tear-resistant lining, this case is large enough to hold all of your travel essentials.

A large U-shaped zip-around pocket divides the case when necessary, and a mesh zippered pocket stores small or flat items. There are also elastic garment straps to hold your belongings in place on long flights and far-away travels.

With 360-degree spinner wheels that offer supersmooth maneuverability and an extendable and retractable handle, you can pull this case alongside you with ease.

What We Like

Has an integrated TSA lock

What We Don’t Like

Spinner wheels are not recessed for protection

6. A Stylish Suitcase That Performs as Beautifully as It Looks

DISCOUNT: 21%

Kenneth Cole Reaction Madison Square Expandable Luggage

A fashionable hard case for women made from resilient textured ABS featuring plenty of storage space. The main interior compartment includes a divider panel and plenty of zippered pockets to keep belongings safe and organized.

Kenneth Cole Madison Square Hardside

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Weight: 6.5 pounds

This stylish carry-on suitcase offers a powerful mix of designer good looks and impressive practicality. This particular case also expands by a further 2 inches to offer extra storage space when needed. The Madison Square range is also available in a larger 28-inch hardside version to create a luxurious travel set.

The main compartment is large enough to hold everything you need for a weekend or quick trip away, and the side zipper pocket is perfect for keeping your smaller items safe and well-organized. There is also a garment panel with additional pockets to separate the case into 2 distinct storage areas and elastic tie-down straps to prevent your gear from moving around on the go.

Featuring 8-wheel 360-degree spinners, this carry-on can be wheeled through the airport with ease, and the flexible retractable handle and top and bottom grab handles make for supersmooth lifting and pulling along beside you.

What We Like

Chic chevron exterior is stylish and protective

What We Don’t Like

No external pockets for quick access

The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Softside Luggage

1. A Smooth-Rolling, Upright Spinner Suitcase

2,302 Reviews

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Expandable Luggage

A fashionable soft case designed for women and made from durable polyester. It includes ample storage space, especially in the main interior compartment that includes pockets for all organizational needs.

Chelsea Luggage Chevron Softside

Dimensions: 27 x 15 L x 10 inches

Weight: 8.4 pounds

This lovely lightweight softside suitable is as sturdy as its ABS counterparts and has a polyester-twill chevron-quilted exterior. With a wide trolley handle and well-designed storage spaces, this luggage is also available in 20- and 28-inch options.

On the inside, the elastic tie-down straps in the large main compartment will keep your clothing all in 1 place during transit, while the large mesh zip pocket in the lidded compartment is perfect for storing smaller items. With 2 large zippered pockets on the outside of the suitcase, you can also be assured of easy access to your travel essentials as and when you need them.

This case can roll along beside you on the smooth and silent spinner wheels, while the retractable trolley handle is easily adjustable and makes it incredibly easy to maneuver through the terminal.

What We Like

Exterior pockets for quick access to items

What We Don’t Like

Zippers can be a bit fragile

2. An Expandable Suitcase for Those All-important Extra Inches

Kenneth Cole Rugged Roamer Softside Luggage

A lightweight 28-inch soft case made from 1680D ballistic polyester for increased durability. It includes 4 spinner wheels for excellent, smooth maneuverability and plenty of storage space for its size.

Rugged Roamer Softside Luggage

Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 12 inches

Weight: 9.65 pounds

Made from super strong 1680D ballistic polyester, this lightweight yet durable expandable softside suitcase offers enough space to house your belongings for a couple of weeks or longer trip away. Available in a choice of 2 different colorways and with additional 18- and 20-inch options, this is a practical choice for frequent flyers everywhere.

On the inside, the large main storage compartment is deep enough to hold all of your belongings, while the full-length side zipper pocket is useful for keeping your smaller items safe. Elastic tie-down straps will hold your belongings in place during transit to ensure that they arrive well-organized and wrinkle-free.

The 2 large zipper pockets on the outside are designed to offer easy access to your most-used travel essentials, and this suitcase can also expand to offer a further 2 inches of storage space when you need it.

With 4 spinner wheels that glide seamlessly across any flat terrain and a retractable and adjustable handle, this suitcase offers sophisticated good looks and a practical storage solution for your next adventure.

What We Like

Supersmooth spinner wheels

What We Don’t Like

Can topple over if front heavy

The 4 Best Kenneth Cole Backpacks

1. A Great-looking Laptop Backpack for Work and Travel

Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Backpack

An elegant bag made from Colombian leather that makes for an excellent and stylish laptop carrier. It includes anti-theft technology to keep your valuables safe, and it has adjustable straps for comfortable carrying.

Colombian Leather Double Compartment 15.6″ Laptop

This gorgeous leather travel backpack offers designer looks and tons of practicality, with a dedicated laptop pocket and plenty of space for your day-to-day belongings. Perfect for trips away or the daily commute, this backpack is made from full-grain genuine Colombian leather.

On the inside, the padded laptop compartment is large enough to hold laptops up to 15.6 inches and has a separate tablet compartment. This laptop backpack has been designed with organization in mind and comes complete with 3 front zippered pockets, an RFID-blocking compartment, and is TSA-checkpoint friendly.

To help keep your backpack comfortable as you carry it, the padded shoulder straps are fully adjustable to find the right length to suit your height, and the handy trolley strap allows you to easily attach your backpack to a suitcase when traveling with more luggage.

What We Like

Has a trolley sleeve for easy transportation

What We Don’t Like

No water bottle or umbrella pocket

2. A Stunning Leather-look Laptop Backpack Complete With RFID Technology

Kenneth Cole On Track Vegan Leather Backpack

A durable and fashionable design made from vegan leather that also includes self-repairing zippers. The main interior compartment includes a protected laptop pocket, and the exterior has a zipper pocket that allows quick access to necessary belongings.

Faux Leather Laptop Backpack With RFID Protection

Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 x 16 inches

Weight: 2.3 pounds

This stunning faux leather laptop backpack is perfect for polished professionals, both at work and away. Designed to protect your belongings from theft and scammers, this great-looking piece of luggage comes complete with a tear-resistant lining with RFID-blocking technology.

The main compartment is incredibly spacious, and the padded laptop pocket can comfortably house devices with 15.6-inch screens. There is also a mesh interior pocket, as well as open-top accessory pockets. With a sleek, minimal design aesthetic, the front pocket has a flap-over cover for keeping your business essentials easy to reach.

Padded shoulder straps made from plush material sit comfortably on the shoulder and are easily adjustable to find just the right fit for every wearer. With a polyester lining and a wipe-clean coated PU exterior, this is a practical choice for everyday use.

What We Like

RFID-blocking in the organizer pockets

What We Don’t Like

Only a single zipper on the front compartment

3. Keep Connected on the Go With This Smart Little Laptop Backpack

Kenneth Cole Reaction ProTec Backpack

An ideal bag to use on business trips as a laptop carrier. It is made from resilient 1680D polyester and features numerous storage pockets. It includes anti-theft RFID technology and has adjustable shoulder straps for increased comfort.

ProTec Business 17″ Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 17.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches

Weight: 3.35 pounds

With enough space to keep your laptop and devices safely stored in transit, it also offers a front compartment with a pass-thru USB cord for keeping your phone charged using your power bank.

On the inside, the padded laptop pocket can hold laptops with up to a 17-inch screen, while the tablet pocket is compatible with most tablet sizes. With further elastic mesh pockets and zippered pockets for easy organization, a front exterior pocket that features RFID-blocking technology helps prevent electronic theft.

With a padded back panel with an air mesh to help aid circulation against your back and plush, adjustable shoulder straps, this is the perfect backpack for longer commutes. There is also a padded top handle for easy grabbing and a trolley tunnel that fits most upright trolley handles for hands-free carrying when you need it most.

Made from tough 1680D polyester, this great-looking backpack is perfect for those who like to stay connected on the go.

What We Like

Has a pass-through hole for a USB charging cable

What We Don’t Like

No lockable zippers

4. A Tech-friendly Travel Backpack

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Backpack

A fashionable bag made from water-resistant polyester-twill accented with gold zippers. It is ideal as a laptop carrier, with dedicated padded pockets for electronics. It includes comfortable adjustable shoulder straps.

Chelsea Chevron Quilted 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 7.5 inches

Weight: 2.1 pounds

Just right for city living, this stylish backpack has enough room to hold a 15-inch laptop, with a separate pocket that fits most tablets. Great for the daily commute and packed full of designer style and good looks, this little beauty accommodates all your business essentials for when you’re on the go.

The gold zippers and chevron-quilted polyester-twill exterior is beautiful to look at and is water-resistant, keeping your tech safe and sound even when battling the elements. With a good-size main compartment that features smaller organizational pockets and panels, as well as a handy front compartment for smaller items, this is a great backpack for work, school, or traveling.

Breathable and padded backpack straps are adjustable to your fit, and the easy-to-grab top handle means you can pick it up and set it down in an instant.

What We Like

Lots of internal pockets to stay organized

What We Don’t Like

Water bottle holders are quite small

The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Travel Bags

1. A Supercool Crossbody Bag for Stylish City Dwellers

Kenneth Cole Leather Tablet Bag — Image Credit: Macy’s

Colombian Leather Tablet Day Bag

Dimensions: 10.5 x 11.5 x 3 inches

Weight: 1.6 pounds

This Kenneth Cole leather crossbody bag offers hyper-functional chic for the urban adventurer. Perfect for business, vacations, or festivals, it keeps all your essentials close to hand while still looking supercool.

Made from durable, full-grain, Colombian leather, the crossbody bag completes Kenneth Cole’s range of luxury leather bags. With an adjustable strap, this bag can be worn on your shoulder or as a crossbody bag.

For easy storage, there is a main compartment for your tablet or larger items and slip pockets at the front and back for quick-access items. An interior pocket is made from RFID-blocking material to keep you passport and credit cards safe from identity theft.

What We Like

Has RFID-blocking material

What We Don’t Like

The strap is not slash-resistant

2. Designer Looks and Practical Touches

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron Tote

A fashionable bag made from polyester twill with practical storage solutions. It includes a main compartment with padded laptop and tablet pockets and a bottle holder. The exterior features quick access zippered pocket.

Chelsea Chevron 15″ Laptop & Tablet Business Tote

Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 5 inches

Weight: 2.15 pounds

This stunning tote bag redefines fashion with practicality and offers designer touches. Made from polyester twill with chevron-quilted detail, this tote is perfect for the fashion-conscious traveler.

Offering the sturdy feel of a backpack but with cleverly crafted features of a practical tote bag, the main compartment can hold a 15-inch laptop and your day-to-day essentials. The long rectangular shape offers maximum storage, and the slim handles or padded shoulder strap allow you to choose how you carry this bag.

Like a backpack, this tote has a handy front compartment to keep your smaller items safely stashed away within easy reach, while the rear trolley sleeve saves you from carrying this tote separately from your suitcase.

What We Like

Large front compartment to access your essentials

What We Don’t Like

Not a huge amount of room in the main compartment when carrying a laptop

Final Thoughts

Offering innovative features, well-organized interiors, and stunning designer details, the Kenneth Cole luggage collection provides exceptional quality cases, bags, and backpacks at affordable prices.

Bright pops of color, textured exteriors, and incredibly maneuverable upright spinners — you are getting much more than just a designer label with Kenneth Cole.

2 comments

Earl liller March 29, 2022

Do renegade luggage fit inside each other for storage ?

- Jarrod West March 30, 2022
  
  Hi Earl,
  
  Are you referring to 2 of the 20-inch models? If so, they will not fit inside of each other.

Why Buy Kenneth Cole?

The 6 Best Kenneth Cole Hardside Luggage

1. Designer Good Looks and Impressive Construction

Kenneth Cole Reaction Gramercy

2. A Super-sized Suitcase for Even Longer Adventures

Diamond Tower Luggage

3. Perfect for Stylish Travelers Who Demand More From Their Carry-on

Renegade 20-Inch Expandable Upright Carry-On

4. The Perfect Family-sized Suitcase for Frequent Flyers

Out Of Bounds 28 Inch Checked Suitcase

5. Stunning on the Outside and Incredible Practical on the Inside

Scott’s Corner Hardside Expandable

6. A Stylish Suitcase That Performs as Beautifully as It Looks

Kenneth Cole Madison Square Hardside

The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Softside Luggage

1. A Smooth-Rolling, Upright Spinner Suitcase

Chelsea Luggage Chevron Softside

2. An Expandable Suitcase for Those All-important Extra Inches

Rugged Roamer Softside Luggage

The 4 Best Kenneth Cole Backpacks

1. A Great-looking Laptop Backpack for Work and Travel

Colombian Leather Double Compartment 15.6″ Laptop

2. A Stunning Leather-look Laptop Backpack Complete With RFID Technology

Faux Leather Laptop Backpack With RFID Protection

3. Keep Connected on the Go With This Smart Little Laptop Backpack

ProTec Business 17″ Laptop Backpack

4. A Tech-friendly Travel Backpack

Chelsea Chevron Quilted 15-Inch Laptop Backpack

The 2 Best Kenneth Cole Travel Bags

1. A Supercool Crossbody Bag for Stylish City Dwellers

Colombian Leather Tablet Day Bag

2. Designer Looks and Practical Touches

Chelsea Chevron 15″ Laptop & Tablet Business Tote

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Is Kenneth Cole good luggage?

Who owns Kenneth Cole?

Are Kenneth Cole backpacks waterproof?

Why buy Kenneth Cole luggage?

Which is the best Kenneth Cole carry-on?

About Amar Hussain

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