Hogan - June 05 2025
The Ultimate Rimowa Classic Cabin Review - 2025

Introduction
If you're considering investing in the RIMOWA Classic Cabin, this post is for you. After using it on several trips over the past few months, I’ve gathered some real-world insights that might help you decide if it’s the right fit for your travel style. Let's dive into everything from dimensions and packing capacity to how it compares with other RIMOWA models.
Contents
- Price
- Size & Dimensions (Real vs Website Specs)
- Weight & What You Can Pack
- Handle Design & Telescopic Comfort
- Wheels & Maneuverability
- Exterior Design & Durability
- Interior Features
- Comparison with Other RIMOWA Models
- Pros & Cons
- Final Verdict
Price
Let’s get this out of the way: it’s not cheap. I paid $2,225 AUD in-store, which is around $1,500 USD. Definitely a luxury item—especially when there are solid suitcases on the market for a tenth of the price.
But honestly? It's stunning in person, and I love how it looks and feels. This review is less about convincing you it’s a must-have, and more about sharing my experience so you can decide if it’s worth the splurge.
Size & Dimensions
One thing that initially worried me were the listed dimensions:
Website Dimensions:
55cm (H) x 40cm (W) x 23cm (D) = 118cm
That’s a touch over the 115cm limit for many airlines. I even considered downsizing to the Cabin S (Total Dimensions = 115cm), but it was only about $75 USD cheaper—so I decided to “risk it.”
Thankfully, when I measured it myself (excluding the handles), it came in at:
Actual Dimensions:
53cm (H) x 36cm (W) x 22cm (D) = <112cm
Height (53cm) - Without Handles
Width (36cm) - Without Handles
Depth (22cm)
Smaller than expected—and even smaller than some other carry-ons I own. I haven’t had any issues fitting it in overhead bins so far.
Weight & Construction
The Classic Cabin weighs about 4.3kg, which is heavier than most carry-ons. That leaves you with around 3.7kg for your belongings if your airline enforces a 7–8kg carry-on limit (common in Asia and Europe). In North America, it’s usually more relaxed.
Pro tip:
- Use online check-in to avoid bag weighing at the counter.
- If needed, move heavier items into your personal bag until you pass security.
- Some airlines (like AirAsia) let you upgrade to carry up to 10kg.
- Or if you're flying business, they are more relaxed about weight.
Overhead Bin Struggles?
Once you're on the plane, lifting it into the overhead compartment can be a bit of a workout—especially if you’re not tall or carrying a full load.
How Much Can You Pack?
Officially, RIMOWA says it’s good for 2–3 days of travel. However, I can usually pack enough for 4 to 5 days of travel, including clothes, shoes, and essentials. That said, it really depends on your personal style and how you dress—if your outfits are more minimal and versatile, you’ll easily fit more. But if you like options or tend to pack bulkier pieces, you might find it fits closer to 2–3 days' worth.
What I fit for a warm-weather trip:
2 pants, 2 shorts
5 T-shirts, 2 shirts
1 jumper
1 pair of shoes, 1 pair of slippers
7 pairs of socks & underwear
It’s the boxy shape that helps—there’s less wasted space, and the wheels don’t intrude into the packing area like some other brands do.
Handles
The leather handles are beautiful and well-spaced—plenty of room for your fingers. You can customise the colours too (about $300 USD extra per set), which adds personality and helps with easy identification.
Compared to other brands like JULY, where the handle was a tight fit, this one feels more luxurious and functional.
Telescopic Handle
The telescopic handle is smooth and has a rounded grip that’s more comfortable than the flatter ones found on some other RIMOWA models such as the Essential and Original. It doesn’t start as low as some Essential models, but it feels much better in hand.
Wheels
Pushing this feels like driving a German luxury car—solid, stable, and ultra-smooth.
Other luggage brands like JULY feel lighter and “faster”—more like a Japanese car. Not bad, just a different feel. But with the RIMOWA Classic, you know you’re rolling with something premium.
Again, these are customisable in colour for around $150USD.
Bonus: Yes, You Can Sit on It
RIMOWA doesn’t advertise this—but I’m 65kg and can comfortably sit and roll on it. Even had a friend over 80kg try it, and it held up perfectly. Handy when you’re waiting in long lines or lounges.
Exterior Design & Durability
It’s iconic. The ribbed aluminium design has been around for decades and still looks amazing. Mine’s the silver, which I highly recommend over the matte black (looked too dull in person).
Scratches & Dents
Yes, it scratches and dents easily—it’s aluminium. But for a carry-on, it's usually manageable. You can now get a clear protective cover to keep it looking pristine (we sell one on our site, by the way).
Also, fun detail: the little screws have an airplane design on them. Very cool.
Interior Design & Functionality
The square frame makes packing efficient, and the Flex Dividers keep everything in place—even when you’re not packing it full.
Beware: If you are packing small items, it can fall out as you open and close your suitcase. You can however, use packing cubes or other organisers.
Compared to cheaper suitcases, the finishing inside is top-tier, from the lining to the stitching.
How It Compares to Other RIMOWA Models
Essential Cabin / Cabin S
- Lighter (around 3.2kg)
- One Flex Divider + One zippered compartment (Kinda nice!)
- More affordable (~$1000 AUD less)
- More colours available
- More scratch-resistant (polycarbonate)
- Great for weight-restricted flights
Essential Lite Cabin
- Super light (2.2kg)
- No side handles (!)
- Doesn’t feel premium enough for the price
- I actually returned mine
Rimowa Original Cabin
- Slightly different handle design (less comfortable)
- Doesn’t look as sleek in my opinion
- Similar price & weight as the Classic
- The rounded shape, means you pack slightly less.
I actually own both the RIMOWA Classic Cabin and the Original Cabin, and honestly, they’re both fantastic in their own ways. It really comes down to personal preference—and even the occasion or mood I’m in.
If I want something sleek and timeless with that vintage luxury feel, I’ll go for the Classic Cabin. But if I’m feeling a bit more modern or need something slightly more subtle, the Original Cabin is a great option.
It’s a bit like choosing between two great outfits—they both look amazing, but one might suit the vibe or destination better.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️ Timeless, iconic design
✔️ Beautiful finish & details
✔️ Packs more than expected
✔️ Smooth wheels & comfortable handles
✔️ Lifetime guarantee (functional parts)
✔️ You can sit on it!
Cons
❌ Expensive
❌ Heavy for a carry-on
❌ Not expandable
❌ Prone to scratches and dents (check out over covers)
❌ No built-in power bank
❌ Might attract attention (which isn’t for everyone)
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you're looking for a stylish, high-quality carry-on that’s built to last and makes every trip feel a little more elevated—the RIMOWA Classic Cabin in Silver is worth considering.
I’d personally skip the Matte Black version. I tried it and returned it within a week. The silver just hits different. Furthermore any scratches and dings on the Matte black are more visible.
It’s not the most budget friendly or feature packed suitcase, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful and enjoyable to use. And if you're someone who travels often or simply enjoys luxury design, this could be a suitcase that lasts you a decade (or more).
Let me know in the comments—do you own a RIMOWA Classic? Or are you thinking of getting one? Happy to answer any questions.