In the golden age of travel—when flying meant dressing in your best and cruise ships were floating ballrooms—your luggage said as much about you as your clothes. Owning the right suitcase wasn’t just practical; it was a status symbol. From hand-tooled leather trunks to sleek jet-age carry-ons, these vintage brands turned every traveler into a style icon. Here are 19 retro luggage brands that made you look like you stepped off a Hollywood set.
1. Louis Vuitton
No brand epitomizes luxury luggage quite like Louis Vuitton. Since its founding in 1854, its monogrammed trunks have adorned the carriages of royalty and the limousines of Hollywood stars. These trunks, with their distinctive design, brought a flair of sophistication to any journey.
In the mid-20th century, the allure of Louis Vuitton was unmatched. Whether crossing the Atlantic on a luxury liner or stepping onto the tarmac of a private jet, carrying a Louis Vuitton trunk meant you had truly arrived in style.
Despite the passing decades, Louis Vuitton remains a symbol of timeless elegance. Its products, celebrated for their craftsmanship and durability, continue to be a favorite among celebrities and discerning travelers. Today, these vintage pieces are highly sought after by collectors, preserving the glamour of a bygone era.
2. Hartmann
Hartmann, with its origins dating back to 1877, was the epitome of understated elegance. Known for its rich leather and distinctive “Tweed” fabric, Hartmann luggage was the silent badge of the discerning traveler. Whether it was the executive jetting off for business or the socialite on a European tour, Hartmann was the brand of choice.
Its cases were more than just functional items; they were statements of wealth and taste. The craftsmanship was evident in every stitch, making them a favorite among those who valued quality over ostentation.
Today, Hartmann remains a beloved brand, admired for its timeless designs and enduring quality. Vintage Hartmann pieces are now collectible, celebrated for their unique blend of style and functionality.
3. Globe-Trotter
Established in 1897, Globe-Trotter became famous for crafting suitcases from vulcanized fiberboard, a material that was both lightweight and robust. This British brand quickly became the luggage of choice for explorers, royalty, and even fictional spies.
The craftsmanship and durability of Globe-Trotter suitcases were unrivaled. They were not just containers for clothes but companions on adventures, each one telling a story of its journeys.
Their appeal has not diminished over time. Today, Globe-Trotter cases are as much a style statement as they are a practical travel solution. Vintage pieces, once carried by the likes of James Bond, continue to be prized by collectors and travelers who appreciate their storied history and classic design.
4. American Tourister Tiara
In a time when travel was becoming more accessible, American Tourister introduced the Tiara line, offering style without compromise. Known for their durability and vibrant jewel tones, these molded suitcases captured the spirit of the 1960s.
The Tiara line was especially popular among honeymooners, who sought luggage that matched their excitement and joy. The suitcases were not only functional but also added a touch of glamour to any trip.
Today, these vintage pieces are sought-after collectibles, admired for their bold colors and sturdy design. They remind us of an era when travel was an event, and every suitcase had a story to tell.
5. Atlantic Luggage
Atlantic Luggage, founded in the 1910s, was at the forefront of lightweight, colorful luggage. As air travel boomed, Atlantic’s vibrant designs became synonymous with modern jet-age travel.
These suitcases, with their bold colors and innovative materials, were perfect for weekend getaways and business trips alike. They spoke to a generation eager to explore the world and do it in style.
Today, Atlantic’s vintage pieces are valued for their unique design and historical significance. They are a nod to a time when color and creativity were at the forefront of travel fashion, making each journey a celebration.
6. Oshkosh Trunks
Oshkosh Trunks, with their distinctive wooden frames and brightly striped canvas, were the must-have travel accessory of the 1930s. They were both durable and stylish, perfect for long cruises or college-bound students.
These trunks were more than just storage; they were a rite of passage. Whether heading off to university or embarking on a luxury cruise, owning an Oshkosh trunk was a symbol of prestige.
Today, collectors treasure these trunks for their craftsmanship and nostalgic charm. They are a reminder of an era when travel was an adventure and packing was an art form.
7. Innovation Trunk Company
True to its name, the Innovation Trunk Company was known for its inventive designs. With clever compartments, fold-out wardrobes, and elegant fittings, these trunks were the height of luxury for transatlantic voyages.
Travelers appreciated the convenience and sophistication that Innovation Trunks brought to long journeys. Each trunk was a testament to both form and function, designed to make travel as seamless as possible.
Collectors today seek out these vintage pieces for their unique design and historical significance. They represent a time when travel was a grand affair, and every detail mattered.
8. Belber
One of America’s earliest luggage brands, Belber was celebrated for its rugged yet refined designs. Known for fine leather trim and hand-stitched details, Belber suitcases were a blend of durability and elegance.
These cases were favored by travelers who valued both style and substance. A Belber suitcase was more than just a travel essential; it was a statement piece.
Today, vintage Belber pieces are cherished for their craftsmanship and timeless appeal. They serve as a reminder of an era when quality and design were paramount, and every suitcase had a story to tell.
9. Samsonite Streamlite
The Samsonite Streamlite series, launched in the late 1940s, became synonymous with postwar travel chic. Its sleek curves and robust construction were a testament to American ingenuity. Streamlite was the luggage of choice for those who wanted their travel gear to be as stylish as their destination.
During the 1950s and 60s, these suitcases were a common sight at train stations and airports. With their matching sets, they exuded an aura of coordinated elegance that many stars sought to emulate.
Today, Streamlite pieces are cherished for their retro appeal and durability. They speak to a time when air travel was glamorous and each journey was an adventure. Collectors and vintage enthusiasts continue to seek out these iconic cases, ensuring their legacy endures.
10. Mendel-Drucker
Catering to Hollywood’s elite, Mendel-Drucker offered custom luggage that was as luxurious as the stars who carried it. Each piece was lined in silk and finished with personalized monograms, making every suitcase unique.
These cases were more than just functional; they were a fashion statement for the rich and famous. Owning a Mendel-Drucker piece was a symbol of status and sophistication.
Today, Mendel-Drucker luggage is prized by collectors for its exquisite design and craftsmanship. They are a testament to the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, when even travel was an opportunity to make a style statement.
11. Airway Luggage
From the 1930s through the 1960s, Airway was a prominent name in lightweight, airplane-friendly luggage. Known for its art deco styling, Airway suitcases stood out in a crowd, making them a favorite among style-savvy travelers.
These cases were designed with convenience in mind, ideal for the burgeoning world of air travel. They combined elegance with functionality, appealing to those who valued both aspects in their luggage.
Today, Airway’s vintage pieces are appreciated for their distinct design and historical significance. They are a nod to the golden age of travel, when every journey was an event to remember.
12. Shwayder Trunk Company
The Shwayder Trunk Company, based in Denver, was known for its durable steamer trunks and cases. Eventually becoming Samsonite, Shwayder’s early designs remain highly collectible, cherished for their quality and history.
These trunks were built to withstand the rigors of travel, making them a reliable choice for long journeys. They were a symbol of craftsmanship and durability, qualities that continue to define the brand.
Today, Shwayder’s early pieces are sought after by collectors and vintage enthusiasts. They represent an era when travel was an adventure, and having a reliable trunk was essential.
13. Delsey
Emerging in the 1940s, Delsey quickly became known for its stylish and durable hard-sided cases. This French brand captured the essence of European sophistication, appealing to fashion-forward travelers.
Delsey’s designs were both practical and chic, making them a favorite among Europe’s jet-setting crowd. Each suitcase was a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and style.
Today, vintage Delsey pieces are admired for their timeless design and craftsmanship. They are a reminder of a time when travel was elegant, and having the right luggage was a matter of pride.
14. Sampsonite Silhouette
Introduced in the 1960s, the Sampsonite Silhouette line brought modern colors and streamlined shapes to the forefront of travel. It quickly became a favorite for business travelers of the Mad Men era.
These suitcases were designed to combine style with practicality, reflecting the needs of a modern traveler. The Silhouette line’s innovative design set a new standard for luggage.
Today, these pieces are appreciated for their retro flair and functionality. They are a testament to an era when travel was chic, and every piece of luggage was designed with intention.
15. Pan Am Flight Bags
Although not a luggage brand per se, Pan Am’s flight bags became iconic accessories in their own right. Featuring the airline’s famous logo, these bags were a symbol of the glamour of air travel.
Owning a Pan Am flight bag meant you were part of the jet set, whether or not you had flown with the airline. They were practical, stylish, and a nod to the burgeoning world of global travel.
Today, these bags are treasured by collectors and vintage lovers. They represent a golden era of air travel when every detail, down to your flight bag, was a statement of sophistication.
16. Rimowa
Founded in 1898 in Cologne, Germany, Rimowa introduced the world to aluminum luggage. These sleek, grooved cases became synonymous with style and durability, favored by photographers and fashion-conscious travelers alike.
Rimowa’s design was revolutionary, offering a lightweight yet robust solution for travelers. The cases quickly became a favorite among those who valued both form and function.
Today, vintage Rimowa luggage is highly collectible, admired for its unique design and historical significance. They remind us of a time when travel was both an art and a luxury, and having the right luggage was key.
17. Mendelsohn
Mendelsohn, a high-end American luggage maker, was known for its tailored leather and elegant brass hardware. Each piece was a work of art, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and design.
These suitcases were not just practical; they were a statement of luxury. Mendelsohn’s attention to detail set it apart, making it a favorite among discerning travelers.
Today, Mendelsohn pieces are sought after by collectors for their exquisite craftsmanship and timeless appeal. They serve as a reminder of an era when travel was glamorous, and luggage was a true reflection of personal style.
18. Wardrobe Trunks by Seward
Seward’s wardrobe trunks were a marvel of design, unfolding into closets ideal for long voyages. Stars traveling by ocean liner often used them, appreciating the convenience and luxury they offered.
These trunks were more than just luggage; they were portable wardrobes, allowing travelers to bring a touch of home on their journeys. The craftsmanship and functionality were unmatched, making them a symbol of luxury travel.
Today, Seward’s wardrobe trunks are prized collectibles, cherished for their unique design and historical significance. They remind us of a time when travel was a grand affair, and every detail was meticulously planned.
19. T. Anthony
Founded in New York in 1946, T. Anthony quickly became a favorite among the elite. Known for its understated leather cases, it was reportedly carried everywhere by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis herself.
T. Anthony’s designs were a blend of simplicity and elegance, appealing to those who appreciated subtlety. Each piece was crafted to perfection, making it a status symbol among the jet-set crowd.
Today, T. Anthony luggage is still admired for its timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship. Vintage pieces are highly sought after, representing an era when style was paramount, and every journey was an event.
