Updated on November 9th, 2024

Learning about the history of Rimowa suitcase prices is essential for savvy shoppers and travel enthusiasts. With the rising costs of travel gear, understanding how Rimowa’s prices have evolved can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. 

Knowing the trends and historical price data can help potential buyers assess whether they’re facing sticker shock or if investing in Rimowa luggage is justified.

In this post, we’ll explore the historical price trends, the reasons behind Rimowa’s premium pricing, and whether these suitcases are worth the investment.

Image Source: Rimowa

Historical price overview

Established in 1898, Rimowa began as a manufacturer of wooden luggage and transitioned into aluminum suitcases in the 1930s. The brand’s focus on innovative materials and design has always set it apart from competitors. 

Functionality and aesthetics have made Rimowa a go-to choice for travelers worldwide.

The early 2000s: affordability and entry into luxury

In the early 2000s, Rimowa positioned itself as a quality yet affordable luggage option, appealing to a broad customer base. The German brand was yet to be widely recognized as a luxury label, allowing it to attract frequent travelers and business professionals who valued functionality and reliability. 

Many consumers viewed Rimowa suitcases as practical investments, ideal for their on-the-go lifestyles.

The introduction of innovative features, such as TSA-approved locks and multiwheel systems, enhanced the appeal of Rimowa bags without significantly increasing their prices.

The early 2000s also marked a time of increased competition in the luggage market. As brands like Louis Vuitton and Tumi maintained their high-end status, Rimowa sought to carve out a niche that offered quality without the exorbitant price tags associated with luxury labels. 

This strategy worked well as more consumers began to view Rimowa luggage as an innovative and stylish travel choice. Many were drawn to the sleek designs and durable construction, making Rimowa a favorite for business and leisure travelers.

The 2010s: Rise in popularity and price

The 2010s ushered in a new era for Rimowa as social media and celebrity endorsements elevated the brand’s profile. Influencers and high-profile personalities began showcasing Rimowa luggage, cementing its status as a luxury travel accessory. 

This surge in popularity resulted in increased demand, allowing Rimowa to raise its prices. The company expanded its product line with new designs and materials during this period, further appealing to a broader audience. 

The introduction of polycarbonate suitcases provided a lightweight alternative to traditional aluminum models, making them attractive for travelers looking to save on weight without sacrificing durability. 

The polycarbonate suitcase gained traction among leisure travelers who appreciated the balance between lightweight design and sturdy construction. 

Despite the higher prices, consumers remained willing to invest in Rimowa luggage, viewing it as a status symbol synonymous with quality and style. This evolving perception allowed Rimowa to solidify its place in the luxury market.

2016 Acquisition and its impact on pricing

In 2016, Rimowa was acquired by the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. This acquisition profoundly impacted the brand’s positioning in the market. 

Under LVMH’s ownership, Rimowa gained access to extensive resources and expertise in luxury retail, enhancing its product offerings and expanding its market presence. Following the acquisition, prices for Rimowa suitcases began to rise significantly. 

The brand focused on maintaining its luxury status while appealing to a more affluent clientele. As the brand continued to develop high-quality, innovative products, the average price for a Rimowa suitcase escalated to around $1,000 or more.

The alignment with LVMH also allowed Rimowa to benefit from a global distribution network, increasing its visibility and availability in high-end retail stores and online platforms. 

This expanded presence increased the acceptance of the premium prices as consumers became more aware of the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship. 

The luxury aspect of Rimowa became more pronounced, aligning with LVMH’s other luxury brands. This created an opportunity for cross-promotion within the conglomerate, amplifying Rimowa’s exposure and solidifying its status in the luxury market.

Recent Years: The shift towards premium pricing

In recent years, Rimowa has continued to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The introduction of limited-edition collections and collaborations with high-fashion designers has propelled prices upwards. 

By 2023, the average price for a Rimowa polycarbonate suitcase exceeded $1,000, with some exclusive models fetching significantly higher prices.

Rimowa’s emphasis on materials, such as lightweight polycarbonate and durable aluminum, enhances the longevity and performance of their suitcases. Additionally, features like flex dividers and telescopic handles cater to modern travelers’ needs, justifying the higher price point. 

However, this rise in cost also raises questions about accessibility and the long-term value of investing in Rimowa products. Many consumers wonder whether the elevated prices truly reflect the product quality or are merely a result of luxury branding.

Data source: camelcamelcamel

Here is a graph illustrating the price increase of the Rimowa Classic Flight IATA Carry-on Luggage 21″ Inch Cabin Multiwheel from 2017 2024. 

Why are Rimowa suitcases expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high price of Rimowa suitcases, positioning them firmly in the luxury segment of the luggage market. They include: 

Excellent quality and craftsmanship

Each Rimowa suitcase undergoes rigorous testing, from the wheels to the zippers, to ensure it can withstand the rigors of travel. Rimowa bags are built to last and are good when navigating a busy airport, boarding a flight, or during a road trip,  

Durable materials, like lightweight polycarbonate or tough aluminum, protect your clothes and valuables from wear and tear. With four wheels and a multiwheel system, pulling your suitcase feels smooth and effortless—whether it’s a carry-on or checked luggage.

Rimowa’s attention to detail extends to TSA-approved locks, telescopic handles, and sleek designs that appeal to form and function. This is an investment in superior travel gear that outperforms other bags and ensures long-term durability.

Brand heritage and status symbol

Rimowa’s long-standing reputation plays a crucial role in its pricing. From its inception, Rimowa has consistently redefined premium luggage. Owning one of these carry-ons elevates your entire travel experience.

Innovation and design

Rimowa consistently innovates its luggage designs, which also explains the price. Each new luggage model has features to improve travel efficiency, such as its renowned multi-wheel system, which makes navigating crowded airports or streets easy. 

The Rimowa Original Cabin and carry-ons are especially favored for their space-efficient designs, which ensure that you can maximize the overhead bin space on most airlines. Rimowa’s lifetime guarantee reflects their confidence in the longevity of their suitcases. 

These suitcases are designed to withstand wear and tear while maintaining their shape, whether you use packing cubes to maximize organization or simply take a few essentials.

Limited editions and collaborations

Rimowa has solidified its position in the luxury world with limited-edition releases and collaborations with high-profile designers and brands. 

These unique collections and the stories behind them, like exclusive designs tailored for specific travelers or special features, create a sense of urgency among buyers. 

One of Rimowa’s most popular collaborations is with Tiffany & Co. to produce the Rimowa x Tiffany Collection.

Of course, the exclusivity and collaboration raise the price point, but they also create a collectible allure.

Is a Rimowa suitcase worth the investment?

With the high cost of a Rimowa suitcase, many travelers wonder if the expense is truly justified. Here’s why it could be a smart purchase: 

Longevity and durability

Rimowa suitcases are designed for life on the move. Their sturdy wheels, well-designed zippers, and reinforced frames allow them to withstand the constant demands of travel. 

Rimowa’s carry-ons and checked bags are built to last when pulled through the airport, checked for a flight, or squeezed into the overhead bin. 

Plus, with the lifetime guarantee, you’re covered if anything goes wrong—like a broken wheel or a gate check mishap.

Buying a Rimowa means getting a product that lasts well beyond the typical travel bag, ensuring you don’t need to replace your suitcase every few years.

Enhanced travel experience

Rimowa’s designs aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about making travel easier. The multiwheel system on all Rimowa suitcases makes navigating any environment effortless. 

Features like TSA-approved locks, telescopic handles, and smart compartments, such as packing cubes, make packing and pulling your bag smoother.

The Rimowa Original Cabin lets you stay organized and breeze through most airlines’ requirements. You spend less time worrying about fitting everything in or dealing with luggage issues and more time enjoying your journey. 

Prestige and status

For some, the investment is about owning a piece of luxury. A Rimowa suitcase is a status symbol recognizable in any airport or travel setting. 

Owning one signals that you value quality, design, and heritage in your travel gear. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to make a statement when traveling for business or leisure.

Takeaway: Rimowa suitacase is worth the investment 

Understanding the price history and trends of Rimowa suitcases provides valuable insights for potential buyers. The increasing prices reflect the brand’s status as a luxury icon in the travel industry. 

While Rimowa luggage may require a significant investment, its unique design and craftsmanship make it a worthwhile consideration for frequent travelers.

If you want to elevate your travel experience with a high-quality suitcase, visit the Gracefuldegrade blog. We offer tips on Rimowa products to help you find the perfect combination of style, functionality, and durability.