Luggage Terms Glossary

Are you running into some words that don't come up in everyday conversation? Between technical descriptions and marketing names, it can sometimes be hard to understand what each manufacturer is trying to tell you without a little help.

#10 zippers: Large coiling zippers with a well-deserved reputation for durability.

ABS: a durable plastic; used on football helmets, etc.

Add-a-bag: A method of connecting a non-wheeled bag to a wheeled bag.

Belting Leather: Thick leather of the type often used for belts. Very sturdy. Often used in briefcases and the trim on luggage.

Ballistic Cloth: Heavy nylon, originally created for use in bullet-proof vests. Very difficult to slash or puncture.

Cordura Nylon: Heavy nylon, originally created for use in bullet-proof vests. Very difficult to slash or puncture.

D-ring: metal ring used for attaching straps.

denier: a unit of measurement related to the thickness of a fabric fiber.

EVA: an especially lightweight foam.

Gussetted: The accordian-like folds on the sides of internal pockets in briefcases. Allows the pocket to snuggly hold large or small stacks of paper.

Hand Leather: Heavy leather taken from the outside of the hide. Very durable.

Hardware: Refers to the buckles, latches, zippers, etc. on the bag.

Key Lock: Locks often used on Pullman luggage. Click closed and lock with a key.

Napa leather: a smooth leather, first dyed in a vat of aniline, then colored with a light pigment that evens out the color and increases the durability of the leather.

Pullman: Also known as an Upright Case. The standard large suitcase-style case. These days almost all such cases have wheels on one end and a telescoping handle on the opposite end for pulling the case behind you.

PVC: a durable vinyl often used in upright frames and wetpaks.

Rollaboard: A Carry-On case with wheels.

Self-Repairing (Self-Healing) Zippers: Coiling zippers that are very durable, and will continue to function even if a few teeth are broken off.

Skid Plate: Metal or plastic plates attached to the exterior of some luggage to protect against abrasions.

Spinners: Wheeled luggage with 4 wheels that move in all directions, as opposed to the standard Pullman which has 2 inline wheels. Spinners allow you to easily pull your luggage with less resistance.

Suiter: An Upright Case/ Pullman with an internal compartment or hanger with padded bars that will hold suits, dresses and other garments in place when the bag is packed to reduce wrinkling.

TPR: "Thermal Plastic Rubberized" used on handle grips for comfort.

Tuck Lock: A lock that inserts a leather tab into a matching loop. Often used on the front of briefcases.

Turn Lock: Locks often used on Pullman luggage. Click closed and then turn a metal latch.

Upright Case: Also known as a Pullman. The standard large suitcase-style case. These days almost all such cases have wheels on one end and a telescoping handle on the opposite end for pulling the case behind you.

Wet Pack: An internal plastic compartment used to hold wet items such as gym clothes and wet bathing suits.

YKK Zippers: Large coiling zippers with a well-deserved reputation for durability.