History

The story of a lifetime

When Jesse Shwayder founded Samsonite® in 1910 in Denver, travel was once reserved for only an exclusive few, those who had the means to see the world. Given this exclusivity, travel was a high quality experience from the transportation, to the attention to service, to even the accessories used to carry one’s belongings. As one of the original brands in travel, Samsonite has continued to leverage its craftsmanship and heritage as an innovator for the past 100 years, to create stylish and high quality solutions for the world traveller.

Today, Samsonite continues to lead the luggage category with the same core principles, further expanding Shwayder’s vision globally with design and innovation into product categories and consumer targets.

1910

Jesse Shwayder, the company’s original founder, redesigns the basic wooden trunk with shiny metal studs and corner-pieces making it more eye-catching and “strong enough to stand on”.

1941

Streamlite™

In an early use of a new cutting-edge technology, the Streamlite suitcase is clad in a lightweight lithographed paper to create a “rawhide” effect. Its tapered shape is destined to become a classic within the industry.

1958

Silhouette™

The most advanced luggage made up to that time, included a new modern shape with recessed hardware to protect it from the wear and tear of travel.

1963

The Classic Attaché case

The first ABS attaché case is created for a new generation of business men. This sleek case soon became emblematic for the early-60s Mad Men-style executive.

1969

Saturn™

As a response to the rising demand of lightweight luggage, Samsonite launches its first polypropylene suitcase with injection-moulded shells. The Saturn collection was the niftiest iteration of lightness and strength yet.

1974

Silhouette – first case on wheels

The introduction of wheels to the Silhouette frame transformed the luggage world for ever. The case was a true revolution in travel comfort and convenience, targetting a new generation of frequent flyers.

1986

Oyster™

Oyster was the first suitcase with a three-point locking system, providing ultimate strength and security. The case was an immediate triumph, with 140.000 bought in its first year, it was the fastest-selling case of all time.

1994

Ziplite™

With Ziplite, Samsonite introduced its first polypropylene suitcase with a zipper closure, thus combining both the benefits of hardside and softside luggage. Sales took off quickly and the market for hardside suitcases with zippers was born.

1998

Xylem™

Introduction of the first Samsonite suitcase in aluminium. Its matching attaché would go on to play a key supporting role in the James Bond movie “The World Is Not Enough,” where it was used to tote bundles of cash around Europe.

2004

Samsonite markets the four-wheel Spinner, which could be steered in any direction and toted right alongside the traveller. This innovation radically improved mobility and convenience for travellers as they navigated their way through modern airports.

2008

Cosmolite®

Samsonite launches Cosmolite as an answer to the market’s increasing demand for stronger and lighter suitcases. It was the lightest and strongest Samsonite case yet developed. Its sea shell inspired design became an instant success and the collection went on to win many design awards, including Red Dot Award “Best of the Best”.

2018

The Eco Collection

Worldwide, Samsonite launches 23 product lines that are made from recycled polypropylene or Recyclex™, a fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles.

2019

S’Cure ECO Green Grey edition

The “Green Grey” edition of S’Cure ECO is Samsonite’s first suitcase that repurposes post-consumer recycled plastic waste. The suitcase’s shells are made using recycled polypropylene from post-consumer household waste, turning a material too valuable to be thrown away into a high-quality functional product.