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 real decoration of quality brand products and demonstrates the basic principles and features of activity. 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 most advanced luggage plants in the world.
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 debt crisis in 2001, Bain Capital invested $103 million in 2003. CVC Capital Partners bought Samsonite for $1.1 billion in 2007, followed by a Hong Kong IPO 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 is present in all versions of the logos used by the manufacturer throughout its period of operation. There were many of them, and each new emblem more clearly expressed the message of the constantly 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, which customers from different countries highly 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 a staff of over 14 thousand employees.
1938 – 1942
The first company emblem did not appear until 1938, sometime after the brand was founded. It signified the brand name under which the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company manufactured durable conical suitcases. One could notice a strict minimalist logo with just the name Samsonite on each product.
For the badge design, a classic, powerful font with massive serifs was used. 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 was based on 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 classical serif type. Unusual cuts, including the letter T, were a feature. This style showcased the brand’s value and progressiveness.
A bright picture was also used during that period, featuring an image of a strongman and two inscriptions. The figure of a man with a sporty physique 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 an inscription in the form of the name, which demonstrated 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 rebranding took place again. Its result was the appearance of the distinctive Samsonite badge. It represented a circle of intertwined stripes. The symbol demonstrated the variety of manufacturers’ products and their belonging to one group. Almost nothing changed in the design of the inscription. It was made in an elongated, stylish font, as in the previous version. The coloring also remained, indicating the company’s stable development and strengthening of its status.
1996 – 2006
Another change in Samsonite’s visual image occurred 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.
Under it was an inscription decorated with a flat, thin font used in previous emblems. This arrangement made the logo compact and neat, and the enlarged graphic symbol emphasized the range of products. The coloring, with a rich blue hue, revealed an important principle of the company: trust.
2006 – today
The current version of the Samsonite logo was formed in 2006. It has some similarities with the versions created in 1196 and 1973. Mostly, it has to do with the font and the presence of 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. In addition, the changes are 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 made the image friendlier and more futuristic, hinting at the company’s progressiveness.
Font and Colors
Samsonite has a fairly light, progressive logo in which all the details harmonize. The chosen font is a unique variety within the Modern group, creating a stylish, modern look. This format is distinguished by the absence of serifs, smooth, rounded lines, neat curves, and a fairly dense arrangement of letters.
It gives the impression of an actively developing business that monitors its reputation and product quality. Additional company characteristics are reliability, professionalism, and a responsible attitude to production. On the visual level, these features are reflected in the light color scheme consisting of blue and white.