30 Different Types of Handbags You Need to Know

Don’t worry, today I’m going to take you on a journey to explore 30 different types of handbags. They come in various styles, types, functions, and shapes, suitable for a range of occasions. Ready? Let’s embark on your educational journey into the world of handbags.

I. Casual Bags

1. Pouch

A pouch is typically made from soft materials and is used to hold, carry, or package small items. Pouches can come in various shapes and sizes and usually feature an opening secured with a zipper, button, drawstring, or other devices for effective sealing.
Pouches have multiple uses in everyday life. For instance, they can serve as wallets to conveniently store change, credit cards, and small receipts. During outdoor activities, small pouches are often used to carry cell phones, keys, flashlights, and other small items.

Most Popular Pouch Brands

Comme des Garçons Leather Pouch

2. Tote Bag

A tote bag is a large and simple, yet popular, shopping bag often without zippers or other sealing mechanisms. Usually equipped with two handles for easy carrying, it is also characterized by its reusability. Tote bags are typically made from non-woven fabric, canvas, or other sustainable materials.

The Most Classic Tote Brand

Louis Vuitton Leather Tote Bag

3. Hobo Bag

A ‘hobo bag’ is a uniquely styled women’s handbag. It is characterized by its large, curved shape with a broad base and narrow top, and a relaxed material design on the sides, resembling the bag used by hobos. The design of the hobo bag is usually simple with minimal decorations, exuding a casual vibe. It has a spacious opening without zippers or buttons, making it convenient to access items. Hobo bags are often made from soft and flexible materials, making them extremely comfortable to wear over the shoulder.

The Most Classic Hobo Bag Brands

Bottega Veneta Leather Hobo Bag

4. Barrel Bag

A ‘barrel bag’ is a cylindrical handbag that resembles the shape of a barrel, hence its name. This type of bag typically has a circular cross-section with a broad base and a narrower top, featuring a streamlined design. t features a simple and practical style, with a main compartment that zips or buttons shut. and two short carrying handles, along with a detachable long shoulder strap.

Most Popular Barrel Bag Brands

Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag

5. Coin Purse

A ‘coin purse’ is a small pouch designed to hold coins. These wallets are often made from soft materials like leather, fabric, or synthetic materials and are compact and convenient for carrying a small amount of change. Their main function is to facilitate the carrying of coins, keeping them organized and easily manageable. Additionally, they can easily fit into larger bags or be carried on their own for quick trips.

The Most Classic Coin Purse Brands

Louis Vuitton Coin Purse

6. Bucket Bag

‘bucket bag’ is a uniquely designed handbag with a shape reminiscent of a bucket, featuring a flat round bottom and a drawstring closure similar to that of a water bucket. Its design is typically relaxed with a main large pocket that can be easily opened and closed with a drawstring or similar device. Moreover, bucket bags usually have longer handles that can be easily slung over the shoulder, as well as being suitable for hand carrying.

Most Classic Bucket Bag Brands

Mansur Gavriel Leather Bucket Bag

7. Fanny Pack

A ‘fanny pack,’ also known as a bum bag or waist bag, is designed to free the hands and unburden the shoulders. t is a small bag that secures around the waist or hip with a strap or elastic band. Additionally, it usually has a main zipper or button pocket for storing small items.

Most Popular Fanny Pack Brands

Supreme Waist Bag

8. Wallet

A wallet is a small, refined, and practical folding holder with a rectangular shape, designed to carry money and cards. Its design is characterized by elegance, often made from selected leather, giving it a soft touch and luxurious appearance. Wallets have multiple compartments and card slots inside, allowing for the orderly storage of money, credit cards, IDs, and other small items.

The Most Classic Wallet Brand

Gucci Canvas Wallet

9. Baguette Bag

A “baguette bag” is a handbag with a long, narrow, and flat silhouette, inspired by the shape of the French “baguette” bread, from which it gets its name. This medium to small-sized bag is known for its distinctive shape, being narrow and long. It typically features a main zipper or button pocket and a short handle that fits snugly for hand carrying or slinging over the shoulder.

The Most Classic Baguette Bag Brands

Fendi Baguette Bag

10. Phone Pouch

A phone pouch is a small bag or sleeve designed specifically to accommodate and protect a cell phone. Its design is snug, often with a strap or clip, intended to keep the phone securely inside the bag and easily accessible when needed. Phone pouches are usually made from soft materials such as fabric, leather, or synthetic materials, aimed at providing comprehensive protection for the phone.

Most Popular Brands of Cell Phone Pouches

Marc Jacobs Leather Phone Pouch

11. Flap Handbag

A “flap handbag” is a handbag with a flap design. Typically, this type of handbag has an opening at the top or front that is secured by a flap. The flap can come in various forms, such as magnetic snaps, zippers, buttons, or other closure mechanisms, providing a more secure closure for the handbag while adding a touch of style.
Flap handbags come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, suitable for different occasions and personal preferences. They can range from small and delicate evening bags to larger bags for everyday use. Some flap handbags may also feature adjustable shoulder straps, offering more carrying options, such as hand carrying or crossbody.

Most Popular Flap Handbag Brands

Céline Leather Flap Handbag

12. Crossbody Bag

A “crossbody bag” is a shoulder bag that is worn across the body. It typically comes with an adjustable long shoulder strap that can be worn over the shoulder, allowing the bag to hang on one side of the body, positioned at the opposite hip or waist. Crossbody bags usually have a zipper or flap closure mechanism to secure the items inside. They also often have multiple compartments for organized storage of various items.

Most Popular Crossbody Bag Brands

Kate Spade Leather Cross-body Bags

13. Round Handbag

A “round handbag” refers to a handbag with a circular design. This type of bag has a round or nearly round shape, making it stand out as unique and fashionable compared to traditional rectangular or square handbags. It usually comes with one or two handles and sometimes a shoulder strap, offering various carrying options. The closure mechanism can also vary, including zippers, buttons, flaps, and more. Round handbags are generally made from materials like leather and wicker, both reflecting elegance and maintaining their structure.

The Most Classic Round Handbag Brands

AMI PARIS Leather Round Handbag

14. Saddle Handbag

A saddle handbag is inspired by traditional riding equipment, featuring a front-high, back-low, curved, semi-circular shape. This type of handbag usually has a curved top that tapers down on the sides, creating a distinctive look. Saddle handbags typically come with a main carrying strap and a flap with a buckle design. However, for added convenience, some modern designs use snap buttons instead of buckles, or decorative faux buckles for a unique touch.

The Most Classic Brand of Saddle Handbags

Dior Calfskin Saddle Handbag

II. Business Bags

15. Briefcase

A “briefcase” refers to a hard or semi-hard carrying case, typically used for transporting documents, papers, electronic devices, and other office supplies. Equipped with one or two handles, and feature a clasp or zipper for closure. Some briefcases may also have additional pockets or zippered compartments for smaller items such as business cards, cell phones, or wallets. Common materials for briefcases include leather, canvas, and Oxford cloth, giving them a sophisticated and elegant appearance, making them an ideal companion for business settings.

Most Popular Briefcase Brands

TUMI Alpha 3 Organizer Briefcase

16. Satchel Bag

A “satchel bag” resembles a school bag, drawing inspiration from traditional student satchels, characterized by its flat rectangular shape with one or two long and sturdy crossbody straps. It is rectangular in overall shape with a flat bottom that allows it to stand upright. This type of bag is usually made of leather, canvas, or synthetic materials, retaining the classic elements of traditional school bags while incorporating modern fashion and practicality.

Most Popular Satchel Bag Brands

Michael Kors Leather Satchel Bag

17. Messenger Bag

A “messenger bag” is a shoulder bag that resembles the bags used by messengers to deliver parcels, typically featuring a long and crossbody strap that can be worn over the shoulder with the bag hanging on one side or behind. It has a main zipper or button pocket and may also include multiple additional pockets on the inside and outside. These bags have a simple design and are commonly made from materials such as canvas, nylon, or synthetics.

Most Popular Messenger Bag Brands

Fossil Leather Messenger Bag

III. Formal Bags

18. Clutch

A clutch is a small handbag that usually has no handles or shoulder straps, requiring the user to hold it in their hand or under their arm. These bags are usually in a simple rectangular shape, making it easy to carry small items. Of course, they can also present a variety of structures, such as oval or round.
Clutch bags are made of a variety of materials, including silk, satin or leather, and are often embellished with sequins, beads or jewels to add to their sophistication.

Most Popular Clutch Brands

Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Clutch

19. Wristlet

A wristlet, slightly larger than a clutch, features a wrist strap or loop, allowing the user to wear it around their wrist without the need for additional handles or straps. Wristlets are typically made from a variety of materials, including leather, canvas, and nylon, offering a rich selection of colors and patterns.

Most Popular Wristband Brands

Coach Canvas Wristlet

20. Box Clutch

A box clutch, a variant of the traditional clutch, is aptly named for its box-like shape. This type of bag is often made from metal or hard acrylic materials, highlighting its durable qualities. Its unique appearance not only showcases a sense of fashion but also adds depth to formal attire for special occasions.

The Most Classic Box Clutch Brands

Alexander McQueen Leather Box Clutch

21. Evening Bag

An evening bag is designed for women’s evening events, usually small and delicate, complementing evening gowns and formal attire. They may come with metal chains or handles, or be designed for hand carrying. Evening bags can take various forms, including clutches, box clutches, wristlets, etc., and are typically made from exquisite materials and decorations such as silk, jewels, sequins, embroidery, etc. Due to their compact structure, these bags usually only accommodate a few small essentials.

Most Popular Evening Bag Brands

Chanel Black & Silver Evening Bag

22. Frame Handbag

A frame handbag is characterized by its metal frame closure, creating a secure and timeless look. They vary in size but mostly maintain a compact shape that complements formal attire. The frame often features intricate designs with complex patterns or clasps, adding an element of elegance. The materials for frame handbags can range from leather to brocade, giving a diverse array of fashionable allure to these bags.

Most Popular Frame Bag Brands

Miumiu Snakeskin Frame Bag

IV. Specialty Bags

23. Bindle bag

A bindle bag, with a long history, is typically made from cloth or other soft materials. Its name derives from the traditional “bindle,” often associated with the simple bundle of belongings or food carried by hobos. However, the modern interpretation of the bindle bag infuses this classic concept with fashionable elements, transcending stereotypes.

The Most Classic Bindle Bag Brands

THE ROW Nylon Bindle Bag

24. Shell Bag

A “shell bag” is a handbag with a curved top and a shell-like structure, inspired by the unique shape of a seashell. It is usually made from sturdy hard leather, featuring two short top handles. Shell bags are suitable for various occasions, but due to their special aesthetic design, some shell bags may also be used for specific themed events or fashion shows.

The Most Classic Shell Bag Brands

BALENCIAGA Leather Shell Bag

25. Doctor Bag

while the bag was originally designed for medical professionals, it has since become a fashion item. It has a rectangular or oval shape with a sturdy, flat bottom, and a spacious main compartment. It also comes with sturdy handles and a short, robust zipper or clasp for easy access to contents.

The Most Classic of Doctor Bag Brands

Prada Leather Doctor Bag

26. Vanity Case

A vanity case, also known as a cosmetic case, is a small, solid bag typically equipped with a top handle or long strap for easy carrying. Its interior is designed with different compartments to neatly separate cosmetics and other items. Vanity cases are usually made from durable hard-shell materials and PU leather, not only protecting the contents but also showcasing a sense of fashion.

The Most Classic Vanity Case Brands

Goyard Calfskin Vanity Case

27. Bowling Bag

Inspired by traditional bowling bags, a bowling bag is a medium-capacity bag with a distinctive dome shape and short handles. This bag features a retro style. but also offers ample interior space, making it a fashionable choice for vintage accessory enthusiasts.

The Most Classic Bowling Bag Brands

Bally Calf Suede Bowling Bag

28. Fold-over Bags

Fold-over bags feature a top half that can be folded down, creating a compact and modern appearance. The advantage of this design lies in its flexibility, allowing users to adjust the bag’s shape and size according to their needs. Materials commonly used for fold-over bags include canvas, leather, and synthetic materials, providing consumers with a variety of options.

Most Popular Fold-over Bags Brands

Proenza Schouler Leather Foldover Bag

29. Water Bottle Bag

A water bottle bag is designed to conveniently carry water bottles. structured to accommodate the shape of a water bottle. These bags usually have a flexible design to fit different sizes of water bottles and provide a convenient way to carry water on the go. Additionally, some water bottle bags may use insulating materials to maintain temperature, offering users a more comprehensive experience.

Most Popular Water Bottle Bag Brands

Lululemon Water Bottle Bag

V. Travel Bags

30. Duffel Bag

A ‘duffel bag’ is a large, cylindrical bag with two handles on top and an adjustable long shoulder strap. Its structure is similar to that of a barrel bag, offering a very spacious interior, commonly used for carrying sports equipment, travel items, or other larger objects. These bags are often made of nylon, canvas, leather, and other materials to ensure durability and a stylish appearance.

Most Popular Duffel Bag Brands

Herschel Duffel Bag

VI. Conclusion

With the conclusion of this exploration of “30 Different Types of Handbags You Need to Know,” you now have a comprehensive understanding of 30 different types of handbags. We sincerely hope that this article will provide you with wise references and convenient guidance for your future choices.
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