A hard-sided suitcase may include a first shell portion and a complimentary second shell portion connected to the first shell portion and movable between closed position in which the first and second shell portions enclose an interior of the suitcase and an open position permitting access to the interior. The first shell portion may have a first base wall and a first side wall meeting the first base wall at a first juncture. A first design panel may be coupled to the first shell portion. The first design panel covering at least a portion of the first base wall and the first side wall and extending across the first juncture.