Valise

A valise is a type of luggage that refers to a portable bag or small suitcase used for travel. Traditionally, valises are rectangular and designed to hold clothing and personal items, with a hinged lid or zipper, handles for carrying, and sometimes a shoulder strap. They are commonly made from materials such as leather, canvas, or other heavy fabrics, and may include interior pockets, compartments, and simple metal fastenings or locks. The term is often associated with mid-sized bags intended for short trips or as a compact alternative to larger trunks.

Etymology and history. The word valise comes from the French valise meaning a traveling bag, a term adopted into English in the 18th or 19th century. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, specialized forms such as the doctor’s valise, a portable medical case with organized compartments for instruments and medicines, were widely used by professionals. Military and diplomatic contexts also employed valises designed to transport documents, uniforms, or equipment. Over time, the rise of wheeled suitcases and larger carry-on designs has changed the practical landscape of luggage, but the valise remains a common name for a compact, non-rigid or semi-rigid travel bag in contemporary usage.

Usage and variants. In modern contexts, valise often refers to a lightweight, non-wheelable case, though the term can be applied more broadly to various compact luggage styles. Alongside fashion and design, valises appear in historical accounts, literature, and film to symbolize travel, mobility, or expedient packing.