Differences in Preferences Between Men and Women When Choosing Travel Bags

Differences in Preferences Between Men and Women When Choosing Travel Bags

 

When the Baigou Luggage Price Index in June 2025 showed that women's bag prices fell by 0.13% month-on-month while men's bags only slightly decreased by 0.04%, this subtle market fluctuation revealed the fundamentally different value judgments of male and female consumers when choosing luggage. Data shows that women account for 62% of the global luggage consumption market, but their purchasing decisions are more easily influenced by trends and promotions; men, although holding a relatively smaller market share, demonstrate more stable consumption preferences. This difference is not simply due to gender labels but rather stems from long-term interactions of functional needs, aesthetic expression, and usage scenarios.

 

Functional Needs: Pragmatism vs. Refined Organization

 

Men's functional demands for travel bags reflect a distinct pragmatic tendency. Market research indicates that 70% of male consumers prioritize durability as the primary standard when purchasing, followed by capacity and ease of carrying. This preference is directly reflected in product selection-aluminum luggage, aluminum suitcase, and mens designer suitcase brands such as RIMOWA are highly popular, along with mens designer travel bags and business cases known for scratch resistance. Men tend to prefer simple structures; in surveys asking "how many interior pockets are needed," 30% of men chose 1–2 or none, while the same proportion of women chose 5–6 segmented compartments. In business scenarios, this is even more obvious: men's briefcases often use rigid designs and hidden zippers, focusing on protecting electronic devices and documents. Among male users of the 90 Points business series, 82% said that "a clean internal structure improves efficiency."

 

Women, however, demand more refined storage and scenario adaptability. Female college students' surveys show they prefer suitcases with 3–4 independent compartments, a trend extending to other bag types. Coach's Fiona tote, with detachable cosmetic makeup bag and document slot, is used by women 37% more than men. TraveRE's women's backpacks include bra storage and jewelry dividers, quickly capturing 29% of the niche market. Women carry 5–8 more item categories on average than men, from skincare to electronics, pushing innovation in structure. They also value versatility-ITO's double-sided two-tone luggage, favored by 73% of female buyers, enables quick shifts between business and leisure, matching modern women's lifestyles.

 

Ergonomic design further strengthens this divide. Men's backpacks use wide straps and straight back panels, with Gregory's men's systems reducing shoulder pressure by 40% on long trips. Women's series adopt S-shaped straps and curved panels, such as Osprey's women's backpacks that increase fit by 25%. Physiological differences drive this-women have narrower shoulders and more defined waist curves, requiring more precise support.

 

Aesthetic Design: Simplicity vs. Style Expression

 

Color preferences create a striking visual difference. On Tmall, black and silver dominate 68% of men's suitcase purchases, but only 41% of women chose these traditional colors. Women are more drawn to colorful luggage, such as RIMOWA's sage green or coral limited editions, 89% of which were bought by women. Ecoole's avocado green aluminum-frame colorful suitcase drew five times more inquiries from women than men. Women also pursue nuanced colors-apple green, mint, etc.-with 76% of buyers female. Men stuck to dark green shades. Interestingly, older women (45+) showed stronger preferences for navy blue, approaching men's choices.

 

Material and decoration choices also diverge. Men lean toward industrial-feel materials-73% of RIMOWA's aluminum-magnesium cases (a type of aluminum carry on or large 32 inch suitcase) are bought by men. Women show greater diversity-leather, canvas, recycled polyester. Decorative elements such as embroidery appear six times more often in women's bags. Younger men, however, increasingly accept personalization; for example, 61% of TUMI's autumn-leaf print buyers are under 30.

 

Bag "accessorization" further marks gender differences. Women see luggage as fashion extensions: 67% of female 90 Points users match luggage colors with outfits, while only 29% of men do. This fuels differentiated marketing-women's campaigns highlight styling with pink luggage sets, purple suitcase tones, or trendy orange suitcase shades. Men's campaigns emphasize understated textures, such as Samsonite's matte black line. On social media, women's sharing on Xiaohongshu about styling with hot pink luggage, purple luggage set, or carry on luggage pink is nine times more frequent than men's.

 

Decision Logic: Rational Balance vs. Emotional Drive

 

Price sensitivity and purchasing cycles contrast sharply. Men's luggage prices remain stable, with promotions only 1/3 as effective as for women. Male consumers focus on "long-term value of single investment," replacing luggage (including red suitcases and mens designer travel bags) on average every 3.2 years, longer than women. They pay 58% more attention to materials and warranty but are 42% less influenced by ads or influencers. Men also show higher brand loyalty; Osprey's male outdoor users have a 65% repurchase rate.

 

Women's decisions lean toward "emotion-led, rationally verified." While 62% compare more than three brands, ultimately 57% are swayed by design rather than cost. They buy bags more frequently-2.3 per year on average, twice men's rate. Promotions strongly impact them-during the 618 Festival, women's bag sales jumped 89% versus men's 37%. Younger women also show rational awareness-45% under 30 say they'd pay extra for eco-materials and smart features. Many select expressive designs like light pink suitcase, pink suitcase set, and purple luggage set.

 

Smart features also show gendered acceptance. Men prefer functional add-ons like GPS tracking and remote locks; women favor convenience, with USB ports and temperature-sensitive tags used 53% more. Female-oriented models even include cosmetic preservation features. Unisex designs-whether a luxury duffle for short trips or luxury luggage carry on-are blurring gender lines, with nearly equal male-to-female purchases.

 

Blurred Boundaries: Gender Fusion in Luggage Trends

 

Modern luggage design trends are becoming de-gendered. Tory Burch's tote uses modular features appealing to both men and women. Patagonia's Refugio backpack applies unisex cuts and recycled fabrics. The blending reflects lifestyle convergence-men embrace style expression, women emphasize professional function. Neutral lines, including colorful suitcase and pink luggage sets, grew 78% annually.

 

Outdoor and sports scenarios accelerate this trend. Unisex trail-running packs with adjustable belts are used equally by men and women. By 2025, 34% of new luggage launched was labeled "unisex," up 21 points from 2020. Brands now market by scenario-"business commute," "outdoor adventure"-instead of gender.

 

Ultimately, differences in luggage choices reflect varied needs and self-expression. Men value durability and capacity; women focus on organization and design. Yet as gender equality grows, luggage design evolves beyond binary categories toward personalized, scenario-based solutions. Whether choosing purple suitcase, hot pink luggage, or red suitcases, people share one goal: convenient travel and a better lifestyle-beyond gender.