“Catch flights, not feelings” is just one of the cheeky sayings emblazoned on Talking Out Of Turn’s colorful, retro-inspired travel accessories. The boutique in Dallas’s Bishop Arts neighborhood got its start with stationery but has since expanded with patterned duffel bags and color-blocked hip bags made from recycled water bottles. Their packing cube sets are great for practical reasons but also pack a punch with “flower power” ripstop nylon fabric that feels straight out of the seventies (in the best way). But the thing that really caught our eye? The skate bag. It’s the perfect excuse to bring along the roller skates and pretend like you’re still a teenager living it up on summer break.
Below eight more homegrown brands to shop as you plan your next getaway. From passport holders to engraved luggage tags, these will ensure everyone knows you’re from Texas.
Bexar Goods Co. (San Antonio)
The founders of Bexar Goods Co. know a thing or two about being on the road: Together, they retrofitted a vintage Airstream trailer to create a mobile boutique (most days it can be found at the SA Yacht Club) and their bags are designed with adventure in mind. Take, for example, the Porter Satchel, a favorite of co-owner and geologist, Guy Rubio. It looks like a briefcase and has pockets for a laptop or tablet, but he routinely puts his to the test in the field, using it as a protective barrier when hopping over barbed wire fences, carrying it into coal mines, and packing it as far away as Iceland. Over time, the brass hardware and saddle-stitched leather—sourced from one of the oldest tanneries in the country—show their age, but the patina is part of the beauty. Bexar Goods also make passport holders as well as canvas duffels and weekender bags (count yourself lucky if you nab one of those as they routinely sell out).
Frankie Jean (Austin)
Sometimes you may want to show your Texas pride in a more subtle way. Enter online boutique Frankie Jean. The owner, Ashley Green, grew up in Buda and applies her signature cursive to cozy sweatshirts (for those chilly flights), hats (for when you forget the sunscreen), and packable tote bags (for holding souvenirs when your suitcase is overflowing). Some sayings might only make sense to Texans—such as “I love you so much,” a nod to the iconic mural outside Jo’s Coffee—while other styles highlight hidden gem destinations like Georgetown. If you only want to show your love for a certain Texas food group, like barbecue or tacos, she’s got you covered there, too.
Ida Mae Home (Fort Worth)
This Cowtown company is an homage to Ida Mae Grant, a “feisty grandmother” who grew up on a farm outside of Waco and passed down stacks of well-loved quilts. Today, her descendants turn colorful, quilted fabric into machine-washable duffels, totes, and boot bags. Go the patchwork route or choose from a plethora of patterns including retro, toile, modern ranch, or Victorian-esque floral. There’s even one featuring Big Tex.
Jon Hart Design (San Antonio)
For more than fifty years, Jon Hart Design has outfitted Texans with roller suitcases, garment bags and roller suitcases with built-in garment bags. The only thing more impressive than the number of travel accessories offered is the personalization options. There isn’t a piece you can’t monogram. Choose the style of text, gold or silver foil, or even add a varsity number if you’re an athlete. More unusual colorways (think mint and coral) and funky patterns (leopard, camo) help ensure your bag doesn’t get lost or taken by mistake. Don’t sleep on the smaller items either, like the leather handle wraps or clear, TSA-approved pouches. The coolers come in clutch for nursing moms or those who want to enjoy their own snacks on the plane.
Odin Leather Goods (Lewisville)
Odin Clack’s favorite thing about leather is that it tells a story. As he puts it, all the scuffs, scratches, and stains make a piece identifiable and—thanks to Clack’s quality craftsmanship—his designs can be handed down for generations. Opt for a classic cross-body bag or trendy fanny pack (the one-of-a-kind marbling effect adds another layer of personality). His sturdy luggage tags come engraved with your contact information and the choice to inlay “USA” or “TX-USA,” plus the outline of the state. Have multiple pieces to keep track of? We love the three-pack of leather luggage markers.
Revival Cycles (Austin)
Revival Cycles is known for the hand-built, custom motorcycles that come out of its East Austin shop, but the small business is also responsible for a series of roll top “dirt bags.” Available in black or army green and in backpack or duffel form, the bags are made with heavy-duty coated nylon and aircraft-grade aluminum hardware. The seams are 100% waterproof, so it does just fine if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm on your bike or want to take it on a canoe trip down the Colorado River.
Sendero Provisions Co. (Waco)
There’s a reason cowboys are never without a bandanna—they’re the perfect travel accessory. Whether you’re on the Chisholm Trail or just out for a walk, bandannas can help protect you from the sun in the summer and provide an extra layer of warmth in the winter. Sendero Provisions Co. offers some of the prettiest. Made from 100% organic cotton, their bandannas feature illustrations of jackalopes and cosmic cowboys, as well as “old Western proverbs” like “Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.” If you’re a fan of national parks, be sure to check out the design dedicated to Big Bend.
Texas Cork Company (Bryan)
The mother-daughter duo behind this sustainable brand sell stylish, cork-based sling backpacks, passport holders, luggage tags, and cases for your glasses. But they don’t stop there. In an effort to inspire more eco-friendly practices, they reuse packaging for shipping and have even planted their own orchard of cork oak trees in Central Texas to study new ways of using the trees’ regenerative bark.
- More About:
- Style & Design
