Luggage Glossary - Ever wonder what all those terms mean?

Not all luggage is alike. In fact, with today’s descriptions it may be hard to figure out what each type of suitcase is. Here’s a scorecard, for those who want to know.

ABS - A Hard rigid plastic-type material that is used for luggage because it is resistant to chipping and cracking. Often used in conjunction with other materials.

Add–a-bag – A system that allows you to attach luggage together by using a strap or hook.

Belting Leather – A thick, high quality leather used in belts, briefcases and luggage trim.

Ballistic Cloth – An extremely durable fabric, usually nylon that is resistant to abrasions and tears making it a common luggage fabric.

Cordura Nylon – Lightweight, durable nylon material that is tear and puncture resistant, often used to make luggage.

Denier – The amount of threads per inch of fabric. The denser the fabric, the higher the denier. Typically, the higher the number the heavier the fabric is.

EVA Foam – A lightweight polymer material that is often used in addition to fabrics in luggage.

Gusseted – Extra fabric that is sewn together in a way that will allow expansion. Suitcase pockets often use gussets to provide extra room for packing.

Hand Leather – Hand crafted leather is high quality leather that is finished at least partially by hand and not machine.

Hardware - The components that keep suitcases together, generally latches, buckles, fasteners, handles, locks and hinges. The more sturdy the hardware, the longer the luggage will last.

Napa Leather – A soft, full-grain leather usually made from sheep, lamb or kidskin.

Pullman – A type of suitcase that was popularized for its use on trains. Nowadays it refers to any type of wheeled suitcase.

PVC – A firm, rigid plastic material that is often used to support other fabrics in luggage.

Rollaboard – Used to mean any rolling upright luggage, the term is specific to the Travelpro brand.

Self Repairing (self healing) Zippers – Special zippers that are able to function even when some teeth are missing. If something gets caught in the zipper and it gets un-meshed, a self-repairing zipper will be able to be zipped anyway.

Skid Plate – Hard plastic or metal plates found on the exterior bottom of luggage to keep it from getting scratched or torn.

Suiter – A separate piece of luggage that holds garments such as suits and dresses, to keep them from getting wrinkled.

TSA Locks – Special luggage locks that TSA (Transportation Security Administration) personnel have a special key to. In case the bag needs to be opened for inspection, these locks will not be broken off but will be unlocked and not harmed.

Wet Pack – A special plastic compartment or bag inside of a suitcase that allows you to pack wet or soiled clothing to keep it away from other packed items.

YKK Zippers – A brand of zipper generally known to be the most durable available. They are often oversized.