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This article serves as a general overview of the Streamlite Luggage line produced from 1938-1968 by Shwayder Bros. Inc., later renamed Samsonite Corporation. It is told primarily through magazine adverts, though many other contemporary sources were referenced in compiling this information.

Useful meta knowledge to be aware of, Samsonite Streamlite was a revolutionary product in the Shwayder catalog. It not only coined the Samsonite name by which all products eventually were marketed under, but it also paved the course by which Samsonite became primarily known for their luggage around the world.

Since 1914, Shwayder products were often marketed under the 'Samson' name, intended to emphasize strength and durability. It had always been applied to their trunks and luggage, but it was such a signature trademark that it was also used for their folding tables and later folding chairs. By 1930 their general luggage line was known as Samson Luggage, cementing the association with the biblical figure. The produced luggage cases were very similar to most manufacturers' cases of the time, essentially following the industry standard.

In the 1930s, it became popular for a particular style of luggage to be 'themed' under a brand. The most well-known at the time was Amelia Earhart's Aerolite Luggage, released in 1934 during the explosion of her popularity.

In 1938, Shwayder Bros. Inc. released their themed luggage titled "Samsonite Streamlite Luggage". Different from prior Shwayder luggage, Streamlite featured a new scuff-proof material dubbed in marketing as 'Samsonite', as well as a unique tapered shape.

The above advert is a good example that early on, as with prior Shwayder trunks and luggage, very few styles were available: natural cream or rich brown. These early cases are also identifiable via their badge, featuring a cursive, stylized Streamlite logo that was later replaced with an generic ovoid Samsonite Luggage badge in the late 1940s.

At some point between 1940 and 1942, the Samson Luggage name was replaced entirely with Samsonite Streamlite Luggage in marketing. Production of Streamlite was limited during 1943-1945 due to WWII, switching over to wartime production.

In 1947, the larger Pullman and Hand Wardrobe cases began to be sold as "Armor Bound" with riveted trim and metal corners. 1947 was also the beginning of the "Flight Proven" marketing via Pan Am Airways as well as "matched sets", in which two or more pieces of luggage would be sold in a bundle usually for a reduced price. This was also when Shwayder Bros. changed the clasps on the case, replacing the larger originals with the lens shaped clasp.

At some point between 1947-48, the decision was made to drop 'Streamlite' in general marketing, simply advertising Streamlite as 'Samsonite Luggage'. The difference can be seen in the above and below adverts as well as on the badges on the cases as well.

Presumably, 'Samsonite' was so well-known that it completely overshadowed the Streamlite name, and Shwayder Bros. leaned into it. It was not until the introduction of Ultralite in 1955 did the Streamlite name return in marketing, likely to differentiate the two lines within the 'Samsonite Luggage' umbrella.

In 1948, a new color was introduced, saddle tan. It was available alongside the two original colors: natural cream (then renamed to natural rawhide) and rich brown (renamed to cordovan brown).

1949 saw an explosion of different colors due to Firestone's Velon, which was used in almost all industries at the time. The new colors were marketed under "Fashiontone Luggage" for a short time, though it was still Streamlite. Four new colors were introduced, some of which were exclusive to women's styles: admiral blue and bermuda green, beige clay and pink copper. Beige clay and pink copper were both shortlived and only were produced for 1949-1950.

With the retirement of some colors, 1951 was the introduction of another very rare color: sapphire blue. It was only produced in 1951 and should not be confused with the later, much-lighter hawaiian blue:

1954 saw the introduction of the Ladies' Hat Box and the alligator finish for men's styles. The Ladies' Hang-It-All was released in 1956 along with the new color london grey:

While the "travel tested" marketing had been largely absorbed by the Ultralite Luggage line, it made a strong return in 1957 with the promotional "Samsonite Travel Bureau" countertop display for retailers:

With several new lines of luggage all being introduced in 1959, as well as pre-existing lines being produced alongside Streamlite (Ultralite, Travel Bags, and the breakout success Silhouette), Streamlite was kept relevant and sustainable by reducing the prices. 1959 saw the final new color for Streamlite being introduced: crystal green, later renamed to leaf green.

Through the 1960s, Streamlite was often underrepresented in national advertising, having taken a backseat to allow the newer luggage brands room. When seen, such as the below advert from 1964, it was often described as "traditional" and "classic". The low prices were also emphasized:

Streamlite did, however, see some representation in the form of the LEGO license Samsonite carried, with Streamlite's clasps being reused on 1963's 7100 Educational Set and a modified version of the Beauty Case tray being used for the 695 Bulk Assortment Set.

In 1965, Shwayder Bros. Inc. renamed themselves after the Samsonite name, becoming the Samsonite Corporation. And in January of 1968, with all luggage production being moved to Samsonite's Montbello plant and out of the old 1050 South Broadway plant, the final Streamlite cases were produced.

An estimated 1,000,000 cases, per style, were produced per year. By that estimate, over 100,000,000 Streamlite cases were manufactured over its thirty year run.