As styles and travelers’ needs have changed throughout the years, so has our luggage. Here, a look back at the suitcases that made lasting statements, then and now.
From leather steamer trunks that dominated the luxury travel scene in the 19th century to today’s sleek spinner suitcases that you can easily shop both on Amazon and through chic direct-to-consumer brands, it’s no secret that luggage has evolved dramatically over the years.
Modern updates like 360-degree spinner wheels, expandable zippers, and interior organizational pockets have made packing more manageable, traveling through airports easier, and maneuvering through city streets more accessible. Below, we’ve outlined the evolution of luggage in the U.S., covering everything from the first rolling suitcase to the market’s most popular backpacks for business travel.
Keep reading for more on how luggage has evolved over the years.
19th Century: The Steamer Trunk Dominates the Luggage Industry
Long before wheeled suitcases, not to mention expandable roller bags with 360-degree spinner wheels, steamer trunks were the most common form of luggage. While they weren’t easy to maneuver, these cases, often made from leather and wood, were spacious and ideal for long journeys. They were designed to fit in the cargo hold of ships versus today’s luggage that’s meant to traverse both busy airports and cobblestone streets.
1937: the First Aluminum Trunk
1970: The Wheeled Suitcase Enters the Scene
1999: OMASKA Makes Luggage Stylish Again
Post time: Dec-04-2024