Going somewhere?Let’s find you the right bag

There are few things worth investing in like the perfect travel bag. It’ll make your life less stressful, and make you look great on the go. So, what makes the perfect one? We asked fashion critic Hanan Besovic aka @ideservecouture for his takes.

By Justin Kendall

6 April 2025 · 4 min read

It’s official: travel season is in full swing. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, the right travel bag can make all the difference. But what, we ask, makes the perfect one? Is it all about organisation? Lightweight materials? A design that balances function and style?

For this episode of THE PERFECT X, we turn to none other than Hanan Besovic, otherwise known as @ideservecouture, for his thoughts. Hanan is a fashion critic, content creator, self-proclaimed Masters’ graduate of throwing shade, and, of course, an expert in effortlessly chic travel essentials. For Hanan, the perfect travel bag is all about versatility and ease. It should be spacious enough to fit the essentials yet compact enough to carry comfortably — something that transitions seamlessly from airport terminals to city streets. And we’d agree, wholeheartedly. To own a good travel bag is to have a reliable piece that looks good, feels good, and makes every trip smoother. Time to hear Hanan’s thoughts.

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“I think that it’s good to find a bag that’s a classic shape and neutral color.”

- Hanan Besovic

Hey Hanan! Tell us why it’s so important to you to have your perfect travel bag on lock.

It’s important because I always travel with the same bag. I know exactly what goes where in each part of the bag — that way, the chances of me forgetting something are very, very low.

Do you go for style over function or a bit of both? How can we nail this balance?

When it comes to a travel bag, it’s function over style. When it’s an everyday bag that I’m going to wear for dinner or similar, then it’s style over function. Nail it by finding the perfect bag — simple!

Do you like your bag to stand out, or do you prefer something that blends in and feels more discreet?

For me, it’s better for it to stand out, especially if it’s a bag that represents my style. But that’s just me.

What materials are key for a good travel bag?

One of my favourite travel bags is made out of nappa leather. I love the quality of it, the feel of it, and how light it is.

Are there any design features that you believe make a travel bag especially user-friendly or convenient for long trips?

A long strap is always a great option to have. Sometimes you just get tired of carrying the bag and you want to rest your arm. Also, a great addition to any travel bag is an outside pocket for your passport.

Outdoor-ready

“No one pulls off the travel look better than Bella Hadid.”

- Hanan Besovic

How many pockets is too many?

Three pockets is too many. One for the passport and one for the phone if you have to put it in the bag for airport security.

What are your top tips for styling a travel bag — whether you’re at the airport, the beach or on the go?

I think that it’s good to find a bag that’s a classic shape and neutral color. That way you can have the bag match many outfits — plus, the classic shapes never go out of style. More demanding and creative pieces are a lot more difficult to style.

Any celebs you’ve seen recently who manage to seamlessly pull off that travel look?

In my opinion, no one pulls off the travel look better than Bella Hadid. She wears clothes on the runway and in the airport so effortlessly. There is an ease to her clothing, and when she appears in sweatpants with a really cool luxury bag, I kind of have to stan.

What would we find in your travel bag?

In my bag you’ll find my laptop, my iPad, my notepad, my Covid test (I still check whenever I fly back home), my wallet, USB plugs, my sunglasses, and seven million other plugs that I need.

Any total red flags when it comes to travel bags? Any serious faux-pas?

I used to love them before, but completely transparent bags might be my red flag. We don’t have to see everything you’re carrying. Sometimes people have stuff that I really do not want to see or think about — in those moments, I really miss leather.

What’s one feature or design element that you think is missing from most travel bags?

Pockets. They just make traveling so much easier.

Finally, are there any brands that you’re loving right now?

I love a great duffle bag, and I’m currently travelling with an MCM duffle bag. I love it!