Rimowa's grooved aluminium cases are a status symbol that lasts a lifetime. What you're paying for, aluminium vs polycarbonate, and whether it's worth it.
Rimowa is the luggage the well-travelled recognise across an airport lounge — those unmistakable grooved cases that have carried the world's most discerning travellers since 1898. But at a serious price, is it worth it? In most cases, yes — and here is why.
What you are actually paying for
A Rimowa is built to outlive the trip. The signature aluminium-alloy shell is riveted, not glued, repairable for decades, and ages into a patina of stickers and dents that only adds character. The multiwheel system, telescopic handle and TSA locks are engineered to a standard budget luggage cannot touch. You are buying a case you will still be using in twenty years.
Aluminium versus polycarbonate
- Original (aluminium): the icon — heavier, pricier, endlessly repairable, develops a lived-in patina. The status choice.
- Essential (polycarbonate): lighter, more colours, more affordable, scratch-resistant — the practical everyday choice.
- Both share the grooved silhouette, the wheels and the lifetime guarantee on the shell.
- For pure presence and longevity, aluminium; for lightness and value, polycarbonate.
Does it hold its value?
Rimowa holds value better than almost any luggage, and discontinued colours and collaborations (with the likes of Supreme, Dior and Off-White) can trade well above retail. As an everyday object that doubles as a quiet status symbol, few pieces earn their keep like a Rimowa.
So — worth it?
If you travel and value things built to last, a Rimowa is a genuine buy-it-for-life piece. Choose aluminium for the icon, polycarbonate for practicality. We source authenticated Rimowa, including hard-to-find colourways and collaborations — tell us what you are after.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rimowa worth the money?
For frequent travellers, yes. Rimowa cases are riveted, repairable for decades and built to a standard budget luggage cannot match, doubling as a lasting status symbol. They also hold value better than almost any luggage.
Should I buy aluminium or polycarbonate Rimowa?
Aluminium (the Original) is the heavier, pricier icon that develops a patina and is endlessly repairable. Polycarbonate (the Essential) is lighter, cheaper and comes in more colours. Choose aluminium for status and longevity, polycarbonate for practicality.
Does Rimowa hold its value?
Yes — better than almost any luggage. Discontinued colours and collaborations with brands like Supreme, Dior and Off-White can trade above retail on the secondary market.