Handbags and purses are not just functional accessories; they are essential elements of fashion that reflect personal style and creativity. For consumers, choosing the right bag can enhance an outfit and serve practical needs. For designers, understanding the diverse types of handbags and purses is crucial for creating innovative and marketable products. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 42 different types of handbags and purses, categorized for both consumers and industry professionals.
Clutch & Handheld Bags
Clutch and handheld bags are ideal for formal events or stylish outings. These bags are typically small and designed to be carried in hand or under the arm, making them a staple in evening wear. Here are some notable styles:
1. Pouch
2. Clutch
Typically without straps or handles, a clutch is a small handbag designed to be handheld or carried under the arm. Due to its compact size, clutches are usually used for evening occasions to carry minimal essentials such as a phone, credit cards and smaller cosmetic items.
3. Envelope Clutch
A slim clutch bag with a triangle flap closure, designed to resemble an envelope. It is a better choice for people who do not prefer zipper closures.
4. Box Clutch
A structured bag with a boxy shape, often adorned with intricate details, ideal for high-fashion statements.
5. Minaudière
Typically richly embellished with beads or crystals, a minaudière is a small hard-cased clutch or evening bag suitable for grand and formal occasions.
The world's first minaudière was invented by luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels in 1930. It was inspired by the metal cigarette case used by Florence Gould, an American socialite and parton of the arts, to carry her belongings.
6. Kiss Lock Clutch
A handbag fastened by a kiss lock clasp - a type of framed closure which snaps shut with two spherical knobs.
7. Bracelet Bag
A unique design featuring a bracelet-like handle, allowing for easy carrying while making a fashion statement.
8. Wristlet
A wallet or clutch with a loop-shaped wristlet strap designed to be worn around the wrist.
Wristlets are considered more convenient than clutch bags, as they can be looped around the wrist to free up your hands, whereas clutches need to be handheld at all times.
9. Bermuda Bag
A casual, slouchy bag perfect for summer outings, often made from lightweight materials.
10. Basket
Typically woven, this bag adds a bohemian flair and can be a canvas for sustainable design practices.
11. Knot Bag
A bag with a distinctive knot design, offering a playful touch and opportunities for creative fabric manipulation.
12. Pochette
A small, flat bag that can be used as a clutch or a pouch, versatile for various occasions.
13. Hat Box
A round bag resembling a hat box, adding a vintage vibe and unique silhouette to collections.
14. Box Bag
A type of hard, boxy shaped handbag. With a more defined structure, box bags are a sleeker and sturdier alternative to traditional handbags, which are typically soft and more casual.
15. Doctor’s Bag
Originally used by physicians, traditional doctor's bags were constructed from leather and featured a split handle which opened from the loop. Modernized versions come in a variety of different materials and designs, such as multiple pockets and pouches, and may be fastened with a zipper or hook-and-loop closure.
16. Boston Bag
A barrel-shaped bag with a top zipper closure and handheld with two top handles.
17. Gladstone Bag
Named after four-time Prime Minister of Great Britain, William Ewart Gladstone, the Gladstone bag is a boxy briefcase-like travel bag. Traditionally made from stiff leather and often fitted with lanyard belts, it is constructed with a hinged rigid frame which opens and closes the bag.
18. Handheld Handbag
A bag which is larger than a purse, designed for women to hold their personal items and daily essentials.
19. Trapeze Bag
A handheld bag which is larger than a purse, designed for women to hold their personal items and daily essentials.
The trapeze handbag's distinctive trapezoid shape gives it a more refined, architectural appeal. Luxury French fashion house Cèline made this style famous with its highly sought-after Trapeze bag, which features a flap cover, single top handle and signature winged sides.
20. Half Moon Handbag
A handheld bag which is larger than a purse, designed for women to hold their personal items and daily essentials.
A half-moon handbag shaped handbag in which two corners are rounded off for a softer appearance.
21. Ruffle Handbag
A handheld bag which is larger than a purse, designed for women to hold their personal items and daily essentials.
Parda's Gaufre Tote is one of the most iconic ruffle handbags. It gave Prada's classic elegance a fun and youthful twist.
22. Bowling Bag
A retro style widely popular in America in the 1990's, the bowling bag was originally designed for carrying bowling balls, bowling shoes and other equipment. It is always trapezium in shape with a wider base, and features two top handles.
Similar to the original design, modern bowling bags also come in a trapezium shape and feature double top handles, but have dropped the classic piping to create a more streamlined look.
Crossbody & Shoulder Bags
Crossbody and shoulder bags are designed for convenience and comfort, allowing for hands-free carrying. These styles are essential for both casual and professional settings. Here are some popular options:
1. Baguette Bag
A long, narrow handbag which resumable the shape of a French baguette. One of the most iconic baguette handbags in history is the Fendi Baguette, which achieved it-bag status after it was featured in the wildly popular American TV comedy Sex and the City. It was used by Carrie Bradshaw, the protagonist played by Sarah Jessica Parker, throughout the entire series.
2. Hobo Bag
A slouchy shaped shoulder bag with a long, usually flat shoulder strap and a scooped center. Gucci's Jackie bag is one of the most well-know hobo bags in fashion history. It was renamed after Jackie Kennedy in around 1961, as the trend-settings First Lady of the United States was often spotted carrying the bag. The original style was designed as a unisex carryall. Subsequently, Tom Ford relaunched the bag in 1999, while creative director Frida Giannini relaunched it again in 2009 as the 'New Jackie'.
3. Straw Bag / Beach Bag / Kenya Bag
A large bag designed for carrying items to and from the beach, such as a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen lotion, etc. It can be made of a variety of materials including canvas and straw.
4. Muff Bag
A cozy bag that can be worn around the waist or carried like a muff, blending fashion with functionality.
5. Shopper Bag
A rectangular tote suitable for shopping. A cross between a tote and a box bag, it offers more room to hold your personal belongings and shopping.
The cut-out handles are a better alternative for people who do not prefer shoulder straps or top handles.
6. Tote Bag
A large bag typically with an unfastened open-top compartment and parallel double top handles.
Longchamp's Le Pliage is one of the most signature totes ever. A foldable design made of water-resistant nylon, it was an instant success since its launch and continue to be the brand's most iconic and best-selling bag to date.
A lot of the afforable or free totes nowadays are made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled materials, minimally processed natural fibers, by-products of organic material refinement processes, etc.
7. Fringe Bag
The fringe bag is an iconic design that encapsulates the 70's bohemian spirit, a recurring trend that is constantly on the style radar. With eye-catching leather or suede fringing which sways with the wearer's movement, it is a fun and playful choice for those who adore the boho or hippie style.
8. Bucket Bag
A bag with a rounded base and drawstring cinched opening, thus named due to its bucket-like shape. Its height is usually greater than its width.
9. Accordion Handbag
A handbag or briefcase with a compartment that folds open like accordion bellow.
10. Canteen Bag
Named after the traditional water bottle used by hikers and soldiers know as 'canteen', a canteen bag is a stiff, rounded-shaped bag that usually comes with a shoulder strap.
11. Saddle Bag
The most traditional from of the saddle bag consists of two large bags or pouches which hang on either side of a saddle on the hips of a horse.
In cycling, saddle bags could be attached under the seat of a motorcycle or bicycle.
Nowadays, it also refers to a small horseshoe-shaped crossbody bag with a flap cover.
12. Satchel
Traditionally used by school children to carry books, a satchel is a rectangular leather bag featuring a flap cover and a long shoulder strap. The Cambridge Satchel Company is one of the most internationally renowned satchel manufacturers.
13. Quilted Sling / Crossbody Bag
A handbag made from quilted fabric with a decorative topsitiched pattern.
Name after its creation date February 1955, Chanel's 2.55 is one of the ost legendary quilted bags in history. The iconic design is made of luxurious quilted leather and features a flap cover and chain handles. It is said that the burgundy lining represents the color of the uniform of the convent school Coco Chanel attended, while rumors have it that the inner zipper pocket was where she stashed her love letters.
14. Lady Camera Bag
In comparison to functional camera bags which are larger and bulkier, trend-conscious ladies prefer smaller camera bags which are just the right size for compact cameras.
15. Sling Backpack / One Strap Bookbag / One Shoulder Backpack
A single-strapped backpack meant to be carried on one shoulder. Some people dislike backpacks as their straps tend to slip off the shoulders easily. This problem can be solved by using a one shoulder backpack instead, as the single strap keeps the bag better secured across the body.
16. Messenger Bag / Courier Bag
A large and usually horizontal crossbody bag with a long, adjustable shoulder strap and a flap cover. It is named after the style of bags traditionally carried by mail couriers.
The modern-day messenger bag originated from the utility lineman's bag manufactured by De Martini Globe Canvas Company in the 1950's, which was designed for linemen to keep essential gear and tools easily accessible while climbing utility poles.
17. Haversack
A simple, practical bag often used for carrying essentials, appealing to minimalists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Purses
Purses are smaller bags designed to hold money, cards, and other small items. They are essential for both everyday use and special occasions. Here are some common types:
1. Purse
A general term for a small bag used to carry personal items, often a staple in every woman's wardrobe.
2. Coin Purse
A small pouch specifically designed for holding coins, often featuring playful designs and materials.
3. Clasp Purse
A purse that features a clasp closure, often with a vintage design, appealing to those who appreciate retro aesthetics.
Conclusion
With a diverse array of handbags and purses available, there is a perfect style for every occasion, personal taste, and design vision. Whether you are a consumer looking to enhance your wardrobe or a designer seeking inspiration for your next collection, understanding the different types of bags can help you make informed choices. Embrace your style, explore innovative designs, and choose the handbag or purse that best complements your lifestyle and creative expression!