What are the different types of handbags?
Hisuper HernándezShare
30 types of bags you should know
Today I'll introduce you to 30 types of handbags based on their shape and function. I'll also show you several examples from popular designer brands. You can view the type you're interested in by clicking on it.
Wallet type bag
Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are a type of handbag with a horizontal rectangular shape. Thanks to their academic style and book-storing capacity, they are often used as school backpacks.
They also feature a flat base that allows them to stand upright, a short top handle, and a crossbody strap. They're also often made from different types of leather .
Messenger bag
Messenger bags are almost identical in shape to satchels: rectangular with a long strap, worn over the shoulder or across the body. However, they are traditionally made of canvas rather than leather.
Currently, they are primarily made from more durable and water-resistant fabrics, such as leather, canvas, or nylon. They can generally be used as a business bag, which is less formal and more casual.
Briefcase
Briefcases are characterized by their narrow shape and rigid edges. They often have a handle and are commonly used by businesspeople or lawyers to carry office supplies such as laptops, documents, etc.
Sometimes, they can also be designed as a handle-less case that can be carried in the hand or under the arm. They can also be made of various materials , such as leather, canvas, Oxford, etc.
Handbag
Tote bags feature two handles and a wide top opening, making them easy to carry over your shoulder and easily find your belongings. They're also typically made of soft leather, such as faux leather, and sometimes other materials like canvas.
Plus, they often have a large capacity and simple design, making them very popular, especially among people in the US and Europe.
Bucket bag
Bucket bags look like small cubes. They typically have a rigid bottom, a drawstring closure, and a snap button inside.
People love them for their spaciousness and practicality. They also often have a long crossbody strap or a short handle for carrying across the body or on the shoulder.
Barrel bag
Barrel bags are barrel-shaped bags with drawstrings at the top and a long handle or strap. The main difference between barrel bags and bucket bags is that the former always have two circular sides.
There are generally two types of barrel bags: the horizontal one and the small vertical one. They come in different sizes and materials, such as leather and fabric.
Duffel bag
Duffel bags originated in the military and are now often used as travel bags or gym bags due to their spacious interior. They have a nearly identical structure to barrel bags. They also feature two top handles and a top zipper slider.
However, canvas bags don't have two circular sides, but rather a hard, flat bottom. They're also typically large and made of fabrics like canvas, nylon, and so on.
Doctor's bag
Medical bags originated from the bags doctors used to carry their medical supplies. They can now also be used on a daily basis.
They feature durable leather, a simple design, and a vintage style. They're also now available in a variety of sizes.
Clutch
Handbags are a type of small, flat bag, without handles or straps, so you can carry it only in your hand or under your arm.
Handbags can also come in a variety of shapes, such as rectangular, oval, or circular. They also come in different sizes and materials. They're even small enough to carry in your hand.
Box-type bag
Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are a type of handbag with a horizontal rectangular shape. Thanks to their academic style and book-storing capacity, they are often used as school backpacks.
They also feature a flat base that allows them to stand upright, a short top handle, and a crossbody strap. They're also typically made of leather.
Evening bag
Evening bags are small, compact handbags that women wear on formal occasions. Therefore, they are often adorned with beads or diamonds to match the dresses .
Additionally, they are usually designed to be carried in the hand or on the shoulder with a chain. Thanks to their compact design, they are used to store small items such as cosmetics, keys, etc.
Bracelet
A clutch bag is a type of bag with a long handle, designed to be worn on the wrist. It has similar characteristics to a clutch, but it can be carried not only in the hand but also on the wrist.
Wallet
Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are a type of handbag with a horizontal rectangular shape. Thanks to their academic style and book-storing capacity, they are often used as school backpacks.
They also feature a flat base that allows them to stand upright, a short top handle, and a crossbody strap. They're also typically made of leather.
Phone bag
Phone cases are small rectangular bags with dedicated compartments for your phone. They often include a long strap for carrying across your body or around your neck.
The main materials for phone cases are usually leather or other waterproof fabrics. Some cases can be transparent and tactile, ideal for use in water.
Baguette bag
The baguette bag is a small, thin bag with a short strap for carrying just under the arm. It's named after the way the French often carry long, thin loaves of bread.
Hobo bag
The strap and top of hobo bags can be almost circular. Bags come in many sizes, but they all have in common their crescent shape and loose fit.
Saddle-style handbag
The carryall is similar to the equipment bag used by a rider. It features a curved bottom edge with a flap.
Furthermore, saddle bags are always designed with a buckle closure. But now snap fasteners are also used for added convenience or faux buckles for decoration.
Frame Bag
Frame bags are designed with a metal or wooden frame at the top closure. They are typically rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and feature a clasp closure.
Plus, they always have a vintage and unique look. They're often made of leather, cotton, and canvas.
Fanny pack
Fanny packs are fashion accessories that can be worn by both men and women. There are two typical styles: waist packs and fanny packs.
This way, you can wear them as a shoulder bag or fasten them around your waist. Plus, they can be worn in a variety of ways for comfort.
Shell bag
Shell bags have a shell-like structure, with curves at the top. They're also typically made of sturdy leather so their shape won't change, even if they're carrying something inside.
They generally have a short top handle. Their simple design makes them practical for a variety of occasions.
Shoulder bags
Crossbody bags are designed with long straps that can be worn over one shoulder or across the body. Different styles of bags can reach the hip with long straps or the waist with short straps.
Long strap materials include leather strap, canvas strap, or metal chain.
Flap bag
Flap bags have a flap on the front that covers the zipper. The flap usually has a snap closure at the bottom.
Flap bags are often designed in a variety of styles, such as shoulder bags, clutch bags, or crossbody bags.
Round bag
Round bags, also known as circular bags, are circular in shape. They are typically designed to be carried crossbody or by hand.
The most commonly used materials for round bags are leather and rattan, which are good at maintaining their structure.
Toiletry bag
Toiletry bags are small, sturdy bags, usually with a top handle or long strap. They have small compartments inside to separate different items, such as makeup.
They usually have hard cases and are lined with leather. Sometimes, these types of bags also have mirrors on the inside of the lid, which can be used for applying makeup.
Bag of bowling pins
Bowling bags are medium-sized, with a distinctive domed shape and short handles at the top. Their name is inspired by bowling ball-shaped bags.
Bag
Drawstring bags are small bags designed to carry small, lightweight items. They are usually made of canvas or nylon. Other bags also have zipper closures.
Foldable bags
Foldable bags have the top folded over itself like a flap. The advantage of this type of bag is that they can be expanded at will or folded down to reduce their size if you're not carrying a lot of belongings.
Bindle
The Bindles were inspired by the packs carried by poor homeless people. These are cloth bags tied at the end so they can be carried over the shoulder.
Water bottle bag
Water bottle bags have the same structure as water bottles. They are typically designed with a main compartment to hold the bottle.
Additionally, they can have long straps that can be worn across the body or around the neck.
Purse
Coin purses are specifically designed for storing coins or other small valuables, as they usually have only one compartment. They're always small and attractive, ideal for storing in another bag or even carrying in your hand.
