Samsonite Logo PNG
A swirling decorative icon distinguishes the characteristic Samsonite logo. The stylish emblem is quite recognizable thanks to its unusual layout, minimalist design, and futuristic font. Expressive design is a key feature of quality brand products and reflects the brand’s core principles and values. Many customers associate the Samsonite badge with high-quality products that meet all requirements.
Samsonite began on March 10, 1910, when 28-year-old Jesse Shwayder returned to Denver from New York with $3,500 in savings. After working at Seward Trunk and Bag, he rented a small downtown space and founded Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company. His father, Isaac, and four brothers later joined, covering production, sales, technology, and legal work.
Shwayder named his first suitcase line Samson, after the biblical strongman, and built the brand around durability. In 1916, the family posed standing on a board laid across one of their trunks under the line “Strong enough to stand on.” By 1917, annual sales reached $76,000, and by the 1930s, the Denver factory had become one of the world’s most advanced luggage plants.
In 1939, the company introduced the Samsonite case, made with vulcanized fiber and leather edging. During World War II, Shwayder factories produced equipment cases and later returned to luggage production. In 1958, the company launched the world’s first magnesium suitcase. In 1965, it became Samsonite Corporation and opened its first European factory in Oudenaarde, Belgium.
The Shwayder family sold the company in 1973. Under Astrum International, Samsonite bought American Tourister in 1993, then became independent again in 1995. After a 2001 debt crisis, Bain Capital invested $103 million in 2003. CVC Capital Partners bought Samsonite for $1.1 billion in 2007, and Samsonite went public in Hong Kong in 2011. Later acquisitions included Hartmann in 2012, Tumi for $1.8 billion in 2016, and eBags in 2017.
Meaning and History
The very name Samsonite is dedicated to the biblical hero Samson. The modified inscription appears in all versions of the logo the manufacturer used throughout its operation. The company used many versions, and each new emblem conveyed a clearer message of an ever-evolving company. In later versions, you can also notice the characteristic decorative symbol composed of several inwardly swirling stripes. The figure shows a wide range of products with similar purposes.
What is Samsonite?
Samsonite is one of the world’s best manufacturers of bags and suitcases. It produces high-quality products that customers in many countries appreciate. The range includes briefcases, small bags, travel cases, and accessories. The main headquarters are in Luxembourg. The corporate and financial departments are located in Mansfield (USA) and Tsim Sha Chui (China). The company currently has over 14,000 employees.
1938 – 1942
The first company emblem didn’t appear until 1938, after the brand was founded. It signified the brand name under which the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company manufactured durable conical suitcases. The logo was strictly minimalist, with only the name Samsonite on each product.
The badge design used a classic, powerful font with massive serifs. It could be attributed to the traditional Serif category. Fonts in this group demonstrated reliability, reverence, and confidence. These features were also evident in the simple, basic coloring. It used black, symbolizing prestige and authority, and white, emphasizing an excellent reputation.
1942 – 1970
In 1942, the visual concept changed dramatically. Instead of a minimalistic emblem, the company used a bright, energetic picture. The central element was the lettering, made in a classical serif type. Unusual cuts, including the letter T, were a feature. This style highlighted the brand’s value and forward-thinking approach.
The brand also used a bright picture during that period, featuring a strongman and two inscriptions. The sporty man symbolized the product’s reliability. The picture conveyed vigor, strength, authority, and professionalism.
1970 – 1973
In 1970, Samsonite returned to the minimalist visual image with a modern interpretation. The new emblem featured only the name, which conveyed resilience and authority. At the same time, it reflected the desire for change, progressiveness, and openness to new solutions. This was emphasized by the original elongated font, which combined rounded shapes and straight lines. The T had a sharp diagonal cut. The coloring became achromatic again. Black symbolized prestige and elitism, and basic white symbolized responsibility.
1973 – 1996
In 1973, the brand rebranded again. The result was the distinctive Samsonite badge. It represented a circle of intertwined stripes. The symbol demonstrated the variety of the manufacturer’s products and their shared identity. Almost nothing changed in the inscription’s design. The inscription was set in an elongated, stylish font, as in the previous version. The coloring also remained, indicating the company’s stable development and growing status.
1996 – 2006
Samsonite’s visual image changed again in 1996. This time, the designers changed the location of elements, colors, and the size of the decorative badge. The circle of stripes became larger and was placed on top.
Below it, the same flat, thin inscription was used as in previous emblems. This arrangement made the logo compact and neat, and the enlarged graphic symbol emphasized the range of products. The rich blue hue revealed an important company principle: trust.
2006 – today
The current version of the Samsonite logo was formed in 2006. It shares similarities with the 1966 and 1973 versions. Mostly, it comes down to the font and a creative addition. But unlike the earlier icons, the 2006 logo is more stylish. An unusual design approach is used here, replacing the letter O with a distinctive symbol composed of intertwining stripes.
This significantly refreshed the visual concept and made the logo memorable. The changes are also evident in the font size. In the letters M, N, and T, the sharp corners were removed, and in “I,” the point was changed. The new stylization makes the image friendlier and more futuristic, hinting at the company’s progressive image.
Font and Colors
Samsonite has a fairly light, progressive logo in which all the details harmonize. The chosen font is a unique, modern style that creates a stylish, contemporary look. This style is defined by its lack of serifs, smooth rounded lines, neat curves, and a fairly dense letter arrangement.
It gives the impression of an actively developing business that monitors its reputation and product quality. The company also conveys reliability, professionalism, and a responsible attitude toward production. Visually, these features are reflected in the light blue-and-white color scheme.