This Level 8 Grace luggage review has all the information you need about these three beautiful suitcases in one.
The Level8 Grace Luggage Review: Introducing the 3-Piece Set
You know me, I love a good suitcase or a good bag. And here’s three that come in one.
While friends and family may mock my interest in these things, when you spend as much time on the road as I do, with a creaking back and shoulders, such choices can make or break a trip.
So, today we’re taking a look at the Grace Luggage 3-Piece Set, which includes three separate suitcases in graduated sizes: 20″, 24″, and 28″.
Each case is designed to nest within the larger one when not in use, which helps save valuable storage space at home and, if ever you’re planning a huge shopping spree or taking presents to people in another country, will be handy too. I would make some joke about a smuggling operation but we all know the robots reading this article have no sense of humour.
Visually, the Grace range is elegant and understated. The cases have a clean, matte finish with subtle branding, giving them a smart and contemporary look. You wouldn’t feel embarrassed turning up to a business meeting with them in tow but they’re interesting enough to have a bit of a personality.
They come in champagne, black and blue. And, naturally, I chose blue.
So that’s the gist of it. Let’s take a closer look with this Level 8 Grace review.
GET YOUR LUGGAGE SETDisclosure – Level 8 provided these cases for luggage review purposes. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. If you book or buy through any of the affiliate links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
10 Tips to Make the Most of Your New Suitcase
- Add a colourful luggage label or sticker to your new luggage to reduce mix ups at the luggage carousel.
- Use packing cubes or organisers to keep items sorted and maximise space inside your case.
- Weigh your suitcase before you leave for the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.
- Add a luggage tag with your contact details, but avoid including your home address for security reasons.
- Use the zipped divider to separate clean and worn clothing during your trip (but also pack a laundry bag.)
- Tuck small valuables or electronics into internal zipped compartments for extra security.
- Store shoes in fabric bags or shower caps to prevent marks on clothing.
- When storing your luggage at home, nest smaller cases inside the largest one to save space.
- Always remove old luggage labels and stickers before you fly.
- Do change the security code on the TSA-approved locks before you travel.
Materials and Build Quality
The Grace luggage set is constructed from a blend of polycarbonate and ABS plastic – a common combination in hardshell suitcases that aims to balance weight and durability. The result is a smooth, matte finish that feels solid without being overly heavy. In practical terms, it stands up well to the usual knocks and scrapes of travel, although I’m guessing that scuff marks will show up more quickly with the champagne coloured style.
Each case comes with a telescopic handle that extends smoothly and locks securely into place. It’s good and sturdy, with minimal wobble, making it smooth, easy and a delight to roll across bumpy pavements and long airport corridors. There’s also a reinforced top handle and side handle on the two larger sizes, which makes them easier to lift onto luggage racks or into car boots.
The spinner wheels are an absolute joy. All three cases glide easily, with 360-degree rotation that handles corners and tight spaces well. Even when fully packed, the suitcases move with little effort – an advantage not to be underestimated after a long-haul flight or when trying to steer through busy railway stations. All that said, you do have to be careful when leaving them somewhere. The jolt of a bus or a steeper than expected driveway can see them careering out of sight…
The zips are robust and don’t snag, and each case includes a built-in TSA-approved combination lock. The locks are easy to set and don’t feel flimsy or prone to jamming.
In short, the overall build quality is impressive for the price point. The materials strike a practical balance between strength and weight, and the moving parts – wheels, handles, zips – are well thought-out and reliable.
BROWSE THE GRACE RANGE
Interior Features and Organisation
Each of the cases open via a central zip to reveal a clamshell-style layout, with one half featuring a zipped divider and the other equipped with adjustable compression straps.
This simple design keeps contents securely in place during transit and makes it easy to organise clothing, shoes, and travel essentials. However, it does mean you need a lot of space to open them up, in contrast to suitcases which have more of a “lid” design than a clamshell. This is rarely an issue but can be slightly annoying in more cramped spaces like cruise cabins – or if you forget something and need to rearrange things at the airport.
That said, the carry-on suitcase has thought of this.
A dedicated laptop compartment
One of the standout features of the Grace Luggage Set is the inclusion of a dedicated laptop compartment in the 20″ carry-on case. Located at the front, this compartment is padded and easily accessible, making it ideal for travellers who frequently work on the go or need quick access during airport security checks.
It’s a great feature if you’re going to be with your suitcase most of the time. It’s more an advert for theft if you store your laptop in there and leave the suitcase unattended for a long time on a luggage rack or in hotels. On my last trip, I stored my laptop in my main suitcase for transfers where I had to leave my luggage in public and only used the laptop section when I wanted easy access at the airport.
Mesh Pockets
There are additional zipped mesh pockets for smaller items such as chargers, medication and paperwork, which is helpful for keeping everything in its place and reducing the dignity sapping rummage and scrummage on the floor in public.
Although the set is not expandable in the traditional sense, the 20″ carry-on does have a zipped expandable function, which can be handy for squeezing in last-minute additions on short trips.
See my other Level 8 Luggage review here.
What is a Level 8 Grace Suitcase Like in the Real World?
It’s one thing for a suitcase to look good in a product photo; quite another for it to hold up during the realities of travel.
In the name of research, I tell you, we took the set through a flight to Albania and a road trip to the Welsh coast.
The first and most noticeable benefit is manoeuvrability. All three cases glide smoothly over different surfaces, including polished airport floors, uneven pavements, and even cobblestones with some care. The 360-degree spinner wheels allow for excellent control, saving my back, shoulders and wrists.
The telescopic handle extends and retracts smoothly, with a solid feel that doesn’t wobble or shift under pressure. The side and top handles are well-padded and feel secure when hoisting the cases onto baggage carousels, into train compartments, or up flights of stairs.
In terms of durability, the hard shell offers solid protection for belongings. After multiple journeys, including checked-luggage flights, the larger cases showed only minimal surface scuffs – no cracks or dents. The zips remained smooth, and the TSA locks stayed functional throughout.
SEE FOR YOURSELF – SHOP HERE
Pros and Cons of the LEVEL8 Grace Collection: At a Glance
Like any piece of travel gear, the LEVEL8 Grace Luggage Set comes with its own set of strengths and a few minor drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look at what works well – and what could be improved.
Pros
- I love the modern design. The blue stands out on the luggage carousel – but not too much for business.
- The polycarbonate and ABS hardshell construction offers good protection for belongings while keeping the weight manageable.
- Smooth wheels. The 360-degree spinner wheels are fantastic, gliding across various surfaces and reducing aches and pains.
- Interior organisation is thoughtful and practical, with zipped compartments, compression straps and a dedicated laptop section in the carry-on.
- Built-in TSA-approved locks reduce opportunistic theft (though anyone with a knife can still get in.)
- You can store three suitcases in one, travel out with one suitcase and back with two and so on.
- Lifetime warranty available.
- Water resistant (practically waterproof.)
- No gimmicks. Just a lightweight design made of high-quality materials.
Cons
- The lighter-coloured finishes, such as champagne, may show scuff marks more easily than darker models – something to consider for frequent flyers.
- The laptop pocket, while convenient, can feel tight when the carry-on is fully packed. Those carrying a larger laptop or bulky accessories may find it a bit of a squeeze.
- No external USB charging port (a blessing if you ask me but I thought I’d mention it as I know it matters to some!)
What Size Suitcase Do You Really Need?
Choosing the right suitcase for the trip ahead can make all the difference.
The LEVEL8 Grace Luggage Set includes three sizes – 20″, 24″, and 28″ – but when should you use which?
Here’s a quick guide to help you match the case to your trip.
20″ Carry-On (Cabin Size)
Ideal for: weekend breaks, business trips, or minimalist packers
Fits in most overhead compartments on UK and European airlines
Best for: travellers looking to avoid baggage claim queues and extra fees
Tip: Use the laptop compartment for easy access at airport security, and pack versatile layers to maximise limited space
24″ Medium Case
Ideal for: 5–7 day trips or city breaks with a few wardrobe options
Too large for cabin use, but more manageable than a full-size suitcase
Best for: solo travellers or couples sharing one suitcase for a short holiday
Tip: Pack heavier items near the wheels and roll clothes to maximise space and reduce creasing
28″ Large Case
Ideal for: 10+ day trips, family holidays, or long-haul travel
Spacious enough for bulkier clothing or extra footwear
Best for: those who like to be prepared for all eventualities or bring home souvenirs
Tip: Use compression straps to keep contents secure and prevent weight shifting in transit
Other Things to Consider
- Always check your airline’s current baggage allowance. Some budget carriers have stricter size and weight limits, even for carry-ons
- If you’re travelling by train in the UK or Europe, medium-sized suitcases are often easier to manage in overhead racks or at the end of carriages
- Nest your cases at home to save space, and choose which one to use based on trip length, destination climate, and purpose
The Level 8 Grace: Who is it For?
It’s the perfect luggage for…
Frequent flyers, especially those travelling for business or short stays, for the laptop compartment in the carry-on, as well as the set’s professional aesthetic.
Couples or families planning multi-week trips will benefit from the three-size range. The nesting design makes storage at home simple, and having coordinated cases makes it easier to keep things organised while travelling. The choice of colours also makes it easy to keep track on the luggage carousel.
Style-conscious travellers. They look good! This set isn’t flashy, but it looks sharp in hotel lobbies and smart on luggage trolleys. It’s a good match if you want your luggage to reflect a polished, pulled-together look.
Substance over style travellers. There are no flashy tech features or novelty extras- just reliable construction, smart design, and a focus on what actually makes travel easier.
Need more help? Don’t miss our ultimate pre-travel checklist.
BUY YOUR LUGGAGE SET NOWHard Shell vs Soft Luggage – Which is Better for You?
The LEVEL8 Grace set is firmly in the hard shell camp, but is that always the right choice?
Here’s a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide what suits your travel style best.
Hard Shell Luggage
Best for: protection, security, and wet-weather travel
Pros:
- Offers better protection for fragile items, electronics, and souvenirs
- Often more water-resistant, making it ideal for rainy destinations or tarmac delays
- Generally easier to clean – simply wipe down with a damp cloth
- Usually includes integrated TSA-approved locks for added security
Cons:
- Slightly less flexible when packing – can be harder to squeeze in that ‘just one more’ jumper
- Takes up more space when open, as both halves of the case need to lie flat
Soft-Sided Luggage
Best for: flexibility, lightness, and over-packers
Pros:
- Often lighter than hard shell cases, giving you more room to pack without hitting airline weight limits
- Exterior pockets provide quick access to documents, jumpers, or travel snacks
- Easier to compress into tight overhead bins or under-seat spaces (essential for some safaris in small plane)
- Can expand more easily when you’ve bought a few extras on the way back
Cons:
- Less protection from impacts—may not be ideal for breakables or camera gear
- More prone to tearing or water damage in bad weather
- Can look worn more quickly, especially after a few airport conveyor belts
- Very easy to steal from
The Bottom Line:
If you’re travelling to a rainy destination, carrying electronics or breakables, or have back, neck or shoulder problems, then hard shell with smooth wheels is the safer bet. If you’re all about flexibility, quick access and squeezing in those extra layers, soft-sided cases might still have the edge.
There’s always a third option: using hard shell for checked luggage and a soft bag or backpack as carry-on.
More Travel Packing Resources
- Your ultimate pre-travel checklist
- Your complete holiday packing guide with printable PDF
- What to wear on a beach holiday
- What to pack for a cruise
- What to wear in the Amazon
- What to pack for a walking holiday
- What to pack for a ski trip
- Your cycling holiday packing list
- What to pack for a Bahamas cruise
- The beach camping checklist you need
- The ultimate self-catering checklist
