20+ Different Types of Handbags Simplified: A Complete Guide
Want to learn more about handbags? You’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll explain the different types of handbags in the luxury world.
Clutches and wristlets
Clutches and wristlets are similar in shape and design.
The major difference is that wristlets have a little loop strap where your hand can pass through, letting you carry it on your wrist.
While clutches are when you hold or clutch the luxury item while out and about.
And you can break it into smaller categories as well:
1. Pouch
A pouch is a small bag that lets you carry any essentials like your phone, various cards, and even small makeup items.
It can be used by itself or inside a larger designer bag for extra organization.
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2. Clutch
A clutch can elevate any outfit and make a great luxury bag for dinners, parties, and formal events.
You can break it clutches down even further in their design:
- Envelope clutch: a small and rectangle shape with a folded-over flap that looks like an envelope.
- Box clutch: a more structured and compact design that usually has hardware, crystals, or metallic finishes.
Depending on the item, some clutches will have a removable strap, allowing them to be converted into a shoulder or cross-body bag if you so desire.
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3. Wristlet
Wristlets are small bags with a loop strap that can be carried on your wrist. They are great for letting both your friends be free.
Of course, you can still use it as a clutch by holding the main body.
4. Pochette
A pochette is a pouch or a small bag, which can also function as a clutch, as it’s small enough to hold in one hand.
Many pochettes have a small strap that lets you carry them on your wrist, elbow, or even on your shoulders.
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Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags are a great option as they free up your hands to hold other items.
Since their straps are long and adjustable, many of them can be worn over the shoulder as well.
5. Camera Bag
Originally, these bags were designed to hold compact cameras. But now, these make great bags to hold your essentials.
With its structure, boxy shape, and zip-around closure, they are a practical bag to choose.
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6. Quilted Sling
Quilted swings got their name from the stitching or padded patterns, featuring a chain or leather strap.
With the strap, wear it as a crossbody or shoulder bag.
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7. Messenger Bag
Also known as courier bags, these are recognizable by their long strap that can be worn across the chest or over one shoulder and interior space to hold more than your daily essentials.
Courier bags are seen as more professional, while messenger bags have a broader purpose, like for work or school.
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Handbags
Handbags, like the name suggests, are bags that are held by the hand, usually by the handle.
It differs from a clutch as handbags are much bigger, offering more space to hold more things, and are usually held by the handles rather than the body.
Some of these designer handbags can have an attachable strap, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder or across the body.
8. Boston Bag
A Boston bag is a barrel-shaped handbag with two top handles and a top zipper.
You can see the influence of a travel duffle bag, but the Boston Bag is a style step up.
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9. Trapeze Bag
The Trapeze handbag has an iconic trapezoid shape that makes it look refined and gives it a more stable structure.
This is a great type of handbag for people to hold things from their daily essentials to small paper documents.
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10. Bowling Bag
The Bowling Bag was inspired by the traditional bowling ball carrier’s shape. From its a more dome-like body, long top handles, and a structured base.
Shoulder Bags
Shoulder bags tend to have shorter straps, making it only possible for them to be carried on your shoulders.
However, some luxury items have a long, attachable strap, making them into a crossbody bag.
11. Baguette Bag
A Baguette Bag is named after the French loaf, baguette, and is supposed to resemble one when it’s being carried.
The most famous baguette bag is the Fendi Baguette.
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12. Hobo Bag
The hobo bags are a more relaxed, almost crescent-shaped handbag. With its soft structure, it drapes naturally when being carried, but still relatively holds its shape.
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13. Bucket Bag
As the name suggests, the bucket bag has a bucket-like shape, as it’s more cylindrical, has a top opening, and has a top closure.
They are spacious and can be used like any other handbag.
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14. Tote Bags
Tote bags are a type of handbag that is large and functional for all your needs. They can even be broken down to open totes, structured totes, and shopping totes.
They are extremely spacious.
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- Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene Canvas
- Goyard Saint Louis PM in Black Goyardine Canvas
- Dior Large Book Tote in Navy Oblique Embroidery Canvas
Business handbags
There are many different types of handbags that are perfect for business and business attire.
18. Business briefcase
They are large and have a sturdy frame, letting you hold many items from laptops, files, and all your workday necessities.
They have top handles and will sometimes come with a detachable strap, allowing you to wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
15. Portfolio Bag
A portfolio bag is a sleek, flat luxury case to carry your documents, laptops, and other business essentials.
The minimal design and clean colors make it great in a professional setting. If a briefcase isn’t for you, then consider a portfolio bag.
16. Document Case
A document case bag is practical and sophisticated that will organize your business essentials.
It’s like a briefcase where it has top handles, a zip closure, and interior compartments for organization. But they are more lightweight as they’re designed for paper, contracts, and tablets.
Travel Pieces
17. Duffels
A luxury duffle bag are spacious and cylindrical bags that can be for travel or sports.
Its soft sides, zipper top closure, and handles make it a comfortable bag to carry. Because of its roomy interior, a duffle bag is perfect for a weekend trip, being a designer gym bags, and even for casual everyday use.
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Backpacks
While backpacks are not a type of handbag, they are still an option when people choose between a bag.
18. Classic Backpack
Gucci Backpack in Tian GG Supreme Canvas (left) and Louis Vuitton Montsouris PM in Monogram Canvas (right)
You can never go wrong with a classic backpack design. They are practical with two shoulder straps, allowing its weight to be balanced as you carry your items.
They are great for school, work, and everyday use. With plenty of space and many compartments, they are functional and stylish.
19. Drawstring Backpack
Gucci Tiger Drawstring Backpack in GG Supreme Canvas
Drawstring backpacks use a cord or leather strap to tighten the top to close it.
It has an unstructured silhouette, which isn't a bad thing as it makes it lightweight for casual outings or for your gym items.
20. Convertible Backpack
A convertible backpack is great for those looking to combine a backpack and a handbag.
They have adjustable and detachable handle straps, so you can make the item a shoulder bag, crossbody, backpack, or handheld tote.
How many types of bags are there?
There are endless types of handbags out there. After breaking down how to wear the bag, such as a clutch vs a shoulder bag, you can categorize many of these bags by their shape, design, purpose, and material.
From this post, we calculated that there are about 20 different handbags out there.
Which type of bag is the best?
The best type of bag depends on your style and what you want to do with it.
For example, many choose a tote or shoulder bag for everyday use. While for more formal events, a clutch or small handbag fits more people's style.
A bag for every occasion
There are so many different types of handbags to choose from. And if you are looking for any of these preloved items, check out WeeklyLuxDrop.