A Brief Look at Luggage Suitcases and Other Accessories, Down through the Years

Baggage, luggage suitcases and containers for transporting our clothing and other items when traveling have changed over the years. The term luggage goes back to the year 1596 and simply meant “what is dragged or lugged about”. Modern devices, such as handles and wheels have made the “lugging about” easier. Here’s a brief look at how things have changed.

Chests or trunks were historically the most common type of baggage. They were made of wood or other heavy materials. Those that went away with students to college and soldiers to the field were usually referred to as foot lockers. They had a heavy lock that required a key to open.



The trunk has regained some modern popularity among college students and even as a decorative accessory. But, when it comes to lightweight traveling luggage suitcases and backpacks, particularly those with wheels or coasters, are more popular.

The suitcase came about during the Great Depression. American Tourister, now the Samsonite Company, was established in 1933. The original suitcase was made of either wool or linen. Leather bags were introduced as a “finer” alternative. Vinyl and hard plastic came later. The hard plastics were considered more durable.

Today, many companies use a nylon polyester blend, because it is both lightweight and durable. While some still bear key locks, combination locks are sometimes used. Telescoping handles are a recent addition. The wheeled suitcase is referred to by manufacturers as a “trolley case” or “wheeled upright”.

Carpet bags have been around for many years. As the name implies, they are made of carpet. They are very similar to today’s shoulder bags and totes.

The term “carpetbaggers” refers to Northerners that moved to the South during the Reconstruction Area after the Civil War. At that time, trunks and carpet bags were the most common pieces of luggage.

In 1826 a French designer created a carpetbag with a hinged iron frame, rather than being sewn as other bags of the time were. Later models included the Gladstone and the Roseberry, an oval-topped bag. You might say that these were forerunners to modern day luggage suitcases and briefcases.

A briefcase is simply a small, firm suitcase used to carry paperwork or lawyer’s briefs, which is where the name came from. “Satchels” were used during the 14th century by lawyers and accountants to carry money and valuables. They were also made of carpet, but were referred to as “budgets”, which is where the financial term “budget” is derived from.

Many of the phrases that we used today were originally used to describe some kind of carry along. When an artist creates a website to display his or her work, we call it a portfolio. But, a portfolio is actually a handle-less bag meant to be carried under the arm. A “folio” on the other hand has a retractable handle.

So, now you know a little more about luggage suitcases and other traveling accessories. It’s interesting how things have changed.