Type of Handbag

As a fashion accessory, handbags can be categorized according to the silhouette of the bag, as well as the type of handle. The current popular handbag silhouettes are (as of 2011):

·         Baguette: a small, narrow, rectangular shape purse, resembling a French loaf of bread (baguette)

·         Barrel: shaped like a barrel or closed tube, usually with shoulder-length straps

·         Bowling bag purse: a popular 1990s "retro" style for younger women, modelled after American bags used to carry bowling balls

·         Bucket bag: shaped like a bucket, medium-size or large, with shoulder straps and a drawstring closure

·         Clutch: a handbag without handles, rectangular in shape, often an evening bag but used during the day as well

·         Doctor's bag: modelled after a Victorian era doctor's bag for making housecalls

·         Drawstring: a purse that closes with a drawstring at the top, may have wrist- or shoulder-length straps, popular as an evening bag style

·         Half-moon: shaped as a half-moon

·         Hobo: medium-size crescent-shaped bag with a top zipper and often a slouch or dip in the centre; a modern, casual silhouette

·         Kiondo: a handwoven handbag made from sisal with leather trimmings. It is indigenous to Kenya

·         Lighted: a handbag with a lighting system which has been attempted since the 1950s without success until recently when in 2011 the first successful lighted handbag was brought to market.

·         Messenger bag: one long strap worn across the body, inspired by bags worn by urban messengers to deliver business mail, a modern silhouette

·         Minaudière: a small rectangular evening bag, usually hard-bodied, sometimes held inside a soft fabric bag that serves as a sleeve

·         Muff: a winter bag made of real or faux fur, wool or velvet that has zippered compartments and a slip opening for hands

·         Pocketbook: small purse, rectangular shape

·         Pouch: small bag such as a pocket, teabag, money bag, sporran, etc.

·         Saddle purse: shaped like a horse saddle, may have equestrian motifs and hardware to emphasize the design

·         Satchel: a soft-sided case usually of leather

·         Tote: medium to large bag with two straps and an open top

·         Trapezoid: shaped as a trapezoid, usually made of stiff material

As a fashion accessory, handbags can be categorized according to the silhouette of the bag, as well as the type of handle. The current popular handbag silhouettes are (as of 2011):

Baguette: a small, narrow, rectangular shape purse, resembling a French loaf of bread (baguette)

Barrel: shaped like a barrel or closed tube, usually with shoulder-length straps

Bowling bag purse: a popular 1990s "retro" style for younger women, modelled after American bags used to carry bowling balls

Bucket bag: shaped like a bucket, medium-size or large, with shoulder straps and a drawstring closure

Clutch: a handbag without handles, rectangular in shape, often an evening bag but used during the day as well

Doctor's bag: modelled after a Victorian era doctor's bag for making housecalls

Drawstring: a purse that closes with a drawstring at the top, may have wrist- or shoulder-length straps, popular as an evening bag style

Half-moon: shaped as a half-moon

Hobo: medium-size crescent-shaped bag with a top zipper and often a slouch or dip in the centre; a modern, casual silhouette

Kiondo: a handwoven handbag made from sisal with leather trimmings. It is indigenous to Kenya

 Lighted: a handbag with a lighting system which has been attempted since the 1950s without success until recently when in 2011 the first successful lighted handbag was brought to market.

Messenger bag: one long strap worn across the body, inspired by bags worn by urban messengers to deliver business mail, a modern silhouette

Minaudière: a small rectangular evening bag, usually hard-bodied, sometimes held inside a soft fabric bag that serves as a sleeve

Muff: a winter bag made of real or faux fur, wool or velvet that has zippered compartments and a slip opening for hands

Pocketbook: small purse, rectangular shape

 Pouch: small bag such as a pocket, teabag, money bag, sporran, etc.

Saddle purse: shaped like a horse saddle, may have equestrian motifs and hardware to emphasize the design

Satchel: a soft-sided case usually of leather

Trapezoid: shaped as a trapezoid, usually made of stiff material