Why Is Rimowa Luggage Popular Despite Being So Expensive?

Last Updated:December 13, 2025, 13:29 IST

Rimowa luggage is taking over the world. But why are they so popular?

Rimowa are hot, they are in, they are expensive. But why? (Rimowa)

Some products are so popular that they transcend brands and acquire the generic name. Apple’s phone isn’t just a phone, it’s an iPhone. When desis think of noodles, they think Maggi. Coke and Pepsi replace the cola. Looking for petroleum jelly? Just ask for Vaseline. You don’t just search for something on the Internet, you Google it. Rimowa, a luxury luggage brand, is following similar footsteps. The steep price tag that a Rimowa carries still puts it in an “iykyk” category. The recent spikes witnessed on Google Trends don’t lie, though, nor does the growing chatter among Gen Z, who are drawn to the luxury suitcase even if it costs more than their entire vacation.

So what makes Rimowa so desirable?

The History

When a luggage company flaunts its “history” on its website, uses words such as “visionary” and “pioneer” to describe its heritage, it’s hard to ignore the weight (no pun intended) of the situation.

“In 1898, RIMOWA founder Paul Morszeck opens his first workshop in Cologne’s Bechergasse 16 near the Cathedral. What began as a saddlery company expands to craft custom suitcases for travelling professionals made of leather-coated plywood and cardboard,” an excerpt on Rimowa’s website read.

Rimowa’s luggage and vision have evolved in the past 125 years.

“With a growing cosmopolitan clientele, Paul Morszeck develops beyond trunks and suitcases. The workshop begins to specialise in smaller and more durable boxes and cases to suit their evolving lifestyles.”

In 1920, Paul’s son, Richard Morszeck, inherits his father’s legacy and vision, and explores the world of aluminium. Inspired by aviation, Richard chose aluminium to revolutionise lightweight luggage.

Thirty years later, Rimowa introduces its signature grooves, which not only enhances the luggage’s structural integrity but also becomes the brand’s defining visual identity.

In 2017, Rimowa joins the prestigious LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) group. Yes, the same group that owns the likes of Tiffany & Co., Givenchy, Fendi, Sephora, Hennessy, to name a few.

Why Is Rimowa So Popular?

Auto enthusiasts often overlook mileage, tech features, and cheaper spare parts in favour of German engineering. If it’s German, it is built to last. The same is the case for the cult of Rimowa. Travellers swear by its durability. They are at peace, accepting that their expensive piece of equipment might get roughly handled or outright abused by baggage handlers. Rimowa doesn’t fall apart like the regular, middle-class suitcases. Rimowa gains scratches and dents that their human companions flaunt like a badge of honour. An abused Rimowa, cluttered with airline stickers, is a personalised and polite reminder to everyone around that it is well-travelled. Those who own one also sing praises till the morning sun about its gliding wheels that eat bumpy roads for breakfast.

(Source: Google Trends)

Celebrities and social media personalities are routinely spotted at airports with Rimowa by their side.

What Does The Internet Think?

“Is buying a Rimowa still worth it?” a Redditor asked on r/Rimowa Subreddit. The responses were generally mixed.

“People have 20 year old RIMOWA luggage they’re still using. Depends totally on what you value out of a product,” wrote one.

“Would it be worth it if you flew every day? No. A $1200 suitcase that provides exactly the same functionality and longevity, even the aluminium construction, that you could get for a fraction of the price elsewhere is never going to be a sensible purchase from a value for money perspective. It’s a designer object. They’re not value propositions, no matter what anyone tells you. Are you overpaying? Absolutely you are,” part of a second response read.

The question often pops up on Reddit, where a section of travellers adore their Rimowa. While the other can’t help but shake their head at its tear-inducing price tag.

“They’re beautiful, but there’s no way the price can actually be justified in terms of protecting your stuff, especially with carry-on. They’re a product that fills a particular niche for a traveler who has no issues with budget and (like in Japan) having the correct brand is a sign of status.”

(Rimowa)

A typical Rimowa cabin luggage starts at $1425 (roughly Rs 1.3 lakh)

Many travellers also offer suggestions for cheaper Rimowa alternatives in Reddit discussions here.

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