What is a train case used for?

A train case is a cosmetic and toiletry travel partner for commuters to keep essential items accessible while aboard trains, planes, and automobiles. They often have mirrors inside, transforming a box for toiletries into a miniature vanity equipped with everything you need to prepare for bed or spruce up before your arrival. Some makeup train cases have shelves, drawers, and dividers to help organize your cosmetics, so you know where everything is whether you’re all-aboard or glamming up at home.

Why is it called a train case?

Train cases rose in popularity alongside train travel in the industrial era. They were designed as a case to keep makeup and toiletries handy in an easily accessible box. As most luggage was out of reach during the journey, the train case became a solution and a precursor to the modern-day carry-on bag and toiletry bag . They were sized to fit compactly into snug storage spaces and pack in neatly with other baggage regardless of their design. Over time they grew more stylish, but they kept the name as a callback to their railroad roots.

Train cases have expanded in popularity to extend beyond railcars and are now used on airplanes, boats, cars, and even at home. These are some of the popular types of train cases you’ll find from shops on Etsy: Leather train cases give off a classy feel and say, “I’m ready for a journey.” They’re durable, long-lasting, and gain more character over time. A modern clear train case allows you to see its contents at a glance and makes it incredibly easy to find that required mascara tube among the pile of lipsticks and eyeliners. Looking at vintage train cases , you can almost hear the click-clack of the railroad and the creaks of the wooden train cars. Picture commuters wearing hats and reading the paper or opening their train case to touch up their lipstick after a light meal on the go. Bring these retro vibes into your space with a range of vintage options from sellers on Etsy.

Train Cases

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Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

ebabemayhew

5 out of 5 stars

"This case was beautifully made."

Leather toiletry bag - Makeup organizer women - Personalized cosmetic bag - Train case - Anniversary gift for her - Birthday gift for wife
Amanda Munro

5 out of 5 stars

"I don’t have a photo because I wrapped them without taking one 🤦🏻‍♀️. These turned out to be the perfect size for the gifts to my BFFs. The textures of the leather were all slightly different, but there were no big inconsistencies in the leather. My only wish was that there were dimensions in the description for the particular case I bought, but that was it."

OOPSIE - Leather Toiletry Bag - Beauty Imperfections
Lesley Hooker

4 out of 5 stars

"The case is even better than expected."

Large cosmetic bag - Toiletry bag women - Gift for wife - Monogrammed makeup case - Gift for girlfriend - Gift for mom - Anniversary gift
underbirdnest

5 out of 5 stars

"Hi I am Mizah from Malaysia. Have been in bagmaking for 3 years and counting! This case project tested my bag sewing skill. Deal with various of thicknesses to get a very worth product. See my end product in instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.mizahdothis/ Awesome project indeed ! https://www.instagram.com/p/CEVYw1FjH2Z/?igshid=1rn33cyypg0v1 https://www.instagram.com/p/CEVYmi2jEZT/?igshid=1asvnlibfox4g https://www.instagram.com/p/CEVY2x8jz0x/?igshid=pte8ylxaec51 Lets try my pattern too while having discount for my birthday month! https://www.etsy.com/shop/underbirdnest?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=778010279 Thanks!"

Norma Jean's Train Case PDF Sewing Pattern ... NEW ... 2 variations ... Makeup Bag ... Cosmetic Case ... Zippered Bag
Cheryl Myers

5 out of 5 stars

"Purchased this case previously in a different color. Love so much ordered another. Excellent quality and craftsmanship. Great customer service and fast shipping."

Personalized cosmetic bag - Leather toiletry bag - Train case - Wedding gift for her - Engagement gift for fiancé - monogrammed - Custom
cabotcab

5 out of 5 stars

"Beautiful leather, quality workmanship! (Fast shipping, too!) The case was a Christmas gift for my sister - she absolutely loved it! Thanks so much!"

Leather toiletry bag - Personalized gift for wife - Gift for mom - Anniversary gift - Cosmetic bag - Monogrammed makeup case - For daughter

Train Cases

Tan Carry On Luggage Weekend Bag Train Case Purse Mad Men Style Vintage 60s

Avocado 1970s Train Case, Hard Shell, Makeup Case, Luggage, Carry On, Wide Handle, Locks Key Included, Green

Samsonite Train Case / Cosmetic Tote - Vintage 1970s Silhouette model - Navy blue

Retro Yellow Train Case Makeup Storage, Golden Yellow Overnight Travel Carry Case Sewing Box, Mid Century Luggage Decor, Upcycle Project

Classic Samsonite Brilliant Blue Train Case 1970's

Vintage Train Case Revived Day of the Dead

Vintage Black Travel Train Case Small Carry On Luggage Hard Shell 8 Track Cassette Box

Vintage 8 Track Case Travel Train Case Small Carry On Luggage Hard Shell Box

Mid Century Suitcase, Tweed Style, Cosmetic, Small Travel Train Case, International Travel Stickers

Mid Mod Samsonite Train Case Samsonite Ultralite Textured Gray MCM Gray Tone 1950s 1960s Train Travel Case Make Up Case Overnight Case

Vintage Langmuir Airway Luggage Travel Case with Mirror / Mid Century Hardshell Suitcase / Vintage Train Luggage / Weekender Makeup Case

Vintage turquoise blue Samsonite train case

Vintage black leather beauty case. monogram fabric and brass details - Pierre Balmain - 1960s

SAMSONITE SILHOUETTE 5 Midnight Blue Textured Vinyl Train Case Overnight Bag, Mid Century Drag Cosmetic case, 1970's Luggage Made in USA

SAMSONITE HORIZON Light Blue textured Vinyl Train Case overnight bag, Mid Century Cosmetic Drag case, Vintage 1960's Luggage Made in USA

Train Cases- Elephant monogrammable 2 piece- burgundy make up set-Travel Set

Vintage Shortrip Cowhide Full Grain Brown Leather Croco Embossed Train Case with Large Mirror Cosmetics Case Accessories Luggage Midcentury

Vintage Monarch Blue Train Case --- Retro Small Luggage Carry On Cosmetic Toiletry Make-Up Carrying Case --- Traveler Gift Storage Box

Mid Century Hard Shell Train Case With Two Keys/Mirror, Vintage Luggage, Retro Train Case, Mid Century Luggage.

Brown Hard Side Suitcase BELBER Neolite Vintage Stackable Trunk Brass Locks Storage Box Retro Train Case Travel Luggage

Red train case vintage Royal Traveller luggage 1960s suitcase vintage travel

Men's Train Case Plaid Navy Blue Green Tartan Leeds Make-Up Bag Toiletry Vanity Overnight Luggage Carry On Storage Box Cosmetic Black Owned

Vintage White Suit Case, Train Case, 1960s Mid century, Satin Interior

Vintage Blue Train Case, Vintage Luggage by Vactioner Royal Luggage, Cosmetic Case, Film Props, Petersburg VA

Retro Carry-on, Blue Suitcase, MCM Overnight Bag, Hard Shell Luggage, Train Case, Book Display, Retro Home Décor, 2 Inside Pockets, No Keys

English Antique Victorian Portmanteau Travel Suitcase

Strawberry Shortcake Oyster Card Holder - Upcycled 80s Vintage book page in PVC - Metro, Rail, Bus ticket, Travel Wallet

Vintage Baby Blue Samsonite Profile Train Case, Cosmetic Case, Travel Case, Luggage, No Key or Tray

Hardshell case, Traincase, quilted lining.

Samsonite Suitcase Small Mid Mod Overnight Case Small Samsonite Streamlite Beige 50s Train Travel Overnight Case 5421 Samsonite O’Nite Case

Embossed Pink Carry-on Overnight Case, Retro Hard Shell Train Case, Vintage style Women Weekender Bag, travel accessories, Memory Case

Vintage Train Case, Upcycled Vintage Suitcase, Retro Suitcase, OOAK Luggage, Unique Luggage, Unique Train Case, Nostalgic Luggage,

Vintage Mid Century Modern Wig and Carrier

Leather Overnight Case by London Fog

Vintage 1980s AMERICAN TOURISTER floral tapestry zippered train case / luggage bag

Vintage Blue Train Case by Travel Smart, Cosmetic Case, Vintage Luggage, Theater Prop, Vintage Storage

SEARS Vintage Train Case Travel Bag Cosmetic Toiletry Case Vinyl Canvas Navy Brown

Leather holdall mens, Large travel bag, Leather overnight bag mens, Weekend holdall, Weekender bag for men, Custom made in NY by hand

Vintage Caboodles Wide Makeup Mirror case .

Vintage Mauve Pink American Tourister Train Case, Cosmetic Case, Travel Case

Vintage Teal/Blue/Blue-Green American Tourister Train Case, Cosmetic Case, Travel Case

14" Samsonite Silhouette Vanity Train Case with Tray, Key, and Mirror | Cosmetic Luggage Marble White

Pink Train Case, aluminum makeup box, butterfly pattern, travel cosmetic case, small size box purse, hobby carry case, silver jewelry vanity

Vintage White Train Case - Towncraft - Train Case - Vintage Makeup Case - Small Suitcase - Vintage Luggage

R1801 box leather with 3 bottles

R1561 necessary Drew and sons tea

Vintage Gray American Tourister Makeup Train Case with Tray Vintage 1990s Hard Sided Airplane Carry On Luggage

Vintage train case with flowers, hand painted black white floral upcycled box, cosmetic suitcase for garden supply, seeds and tool storage

Vintage train case with flowers, hand painted teal lavender floral upcycled box, cosmetic suitcase for garden supply, seeds and tool storage

Vintage Aspen by Samsonite Train/makeup Case

Vintage Blue & White Train Case or Makeup Case

Toiletry bag | cosmetic bag | Environmentally friendly | faux leather | Cosmetic bag for women| Pocket organizer | Large cosmetic bag

Vintage Train Case

Vintage Blue Taperlite Train Case | Vintage Luggage | Carry on Bag

Vintage Marbled Beige Samsonite Train Case, Cosmetic Case, Travel Case, Luggage, with Original Tray, Key, and Mirror

Vintage Blue American Tourister Tri-Taper Train Case, Travel Case, Cosmetic Case, with Original Tray and Key (No Mirror)

Vintage Macy's Hemisphere Pale Yellow Train Case, Hard Case, Luggage

Gucci Suede Sherry Travel Boston Bag Authentic Designer Vintage

Royal Traveler Medalist Red Samsonite Corporation Train Case with Tray and Key

Vintage Leather Train Case with Mirror - Hard Luggage Traincase - Travel - Movie Prop - Photo Shoot Prop

Vintage SAMSONITE Concord Train Case Blue Plastic Hard Sided Luggage Travel Vanity Carry On Luggage Overnight Weekender Tote Top Handle Bag

Vintage 'Starline' Traincase - Bright Red - Large Overnighter - Train Case - Large Mirror - Grey Interior - Baltimore Luggage Co.

Vintage Train Case Luggage Leather Look Hard Case Retro Storage Travel Carrier Foot Locker Vintage Retro Display Suitcase

VTG Train Case and More lot Items ladies, 2 Train/Make Up/Hat Case, Jewelry, Pocket Books, Doll,

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