From the Industrial Revolution to Luggage Systems: Timeline of Product Introductions and Industry Refinements

During the Industrial Revolution, women began to carry pretty handbags made of fabrics and trimmed with braids, tassels and embroidery that matched their coats. After World War II, fashion and function joined together, introducing personal leather goods in colors and matched sets.

Recent major innovations include luggage transport systems, "downsized" carry-ons, "stealth" business cases, backpacks and duffels on wheels, hard-sided luggage that includes a detachable seat, "transformer" bags which begin as one bag and end up as another, "piggyback" bags where one bag is attached to another by a zipper, and packing systems designed to organize clothes and keep them wrinkle-free.

According to the Travel Goods Association (TGA), sales of luggage, casual bags, backpacks/daypacks, business and computer cases, and men's and women's wallets, billfolds and accessories reached $4 billion in the second half of 2000.

"People traveling for business and pleasure are constantly on the lookout for innovative new products to make their travel easier and more comfortable," says Michele Marini Pittenger, vice president of TGA. "Consumers are shopping for bags that are lighter, easier to transport, have multiple pockets and compartments, and are fashionable as well as functional."

Year		Product Event
World War II		Duffel bags
1970s		Garment bags
1988		Wheeled carry-on introduced to general public
1990		Bag-within-a-bag
		Jumbo cargo bags
		Sturdier wheel systems
		Expandable and extendible items
1991		Green! New color hits the market
1992		Special compartments built into luggage for computer electronics
		Broad variety of the color blue introduced in fabrics
		More daring luggage designs
1993		Wheeled carry-ons take off
		Broad variety of the color green—subtle, muted shades introduced in luggage fabrics
		Rounded and more aerodynamic looks for molded luggage
		New twists in tapestries for luggage
		Environmentally-correct fabrics, and colorful patterns and prints
1994		Environmentally-friendly colors (tan, brown, green)
		Versatile bags
		Organizer panels in briefcases
		Bags made from recycled soda bottles
1995		Office-on-the-go wheeled carry-ons introduced
		Garment bags on wheels and vertical pullmans—the next generation of wheeled luggage
		Trend in luggage: casualness
		Computer-compatible bags
		Chic and stylish minibags
		Earth-friendly colors continue
1996		Backpack on wheels introduced
		Piggyback bags (one attaches to another by a zipper)
		"Stealth" brief bags (conceals laptop computers)
1997		Color explosion: fruit flavors and bold primary colors
		Specialty bags accommodate in-line skates and sports equipment from golf and tennis to scuba gear and snowboards
		Accessories (from cigar cases to tiny hairdryers)
		Focus on kids’ luggage
		Return to nostalgia (1920s & 1930s style luggage)
		Briefcases that conceal laptop computers; computer briefcases that allow user to work on computer while it’s inside the case)
1998		The move from luggage sets to luggage systems—travel systems, transport systems, packing systems, stacking systems, handle systems, wheel systems
		Downsizing: carry-ons shrink from 21"-22" to 17"-20" without losing functionality
		Wheels. Luggage wheels became much more versatile, utilizing in-line skate wheels, retractable ball-bearing wheels, four-wheel drive, and recessed wheel systems.
		More color added to the 1997 color explosion with pewter, bright navy, ice blue, salmon, sage, rust, brown, and more red than ever.
1999		Handle systems, wheel systems, and transport systems continue to be strong.
		Stackable luggage that lays on its side, allows travelers to carry more.
		New colors include gray, silver and sage green.
		Ergonomically-designed bags take the stress off user's backs.
2000		Primary colors, such as bright red, yellow and blue, continue to be strong.
		Introductions of sleek-looking hard-sided cases.
		Children's backpacks with shelves for comfortably storing books and papers.
		The trunk is back with wheels, pockets, and bright colors and finishes.
2001		More of an emphasis on women's collections.
		Accessories, such as disposable underwear, travel blankets, and silk sleepwear.
		More colors in luggage.
2002		Products that make going through security checkpoints easier.
		Improved handle systems for pulling luggage.
		More accessories.
2003		Products geared for women.
		Lightweight luggage.
		More brand names.
2004		Focus on ladies’ handbags and accessories.
		Greater emphasis on comfort items, such as head rests and travel socks.
2005		Hard-sided luggage makes a comeback.
		Products geared toward children and young adults.
		Exotic colors and new materials.