This May we are celebrating all things mum – and what better pressie for the hard working women that have dedicated and shaped our lives than a well-serving, durable and stylish handbag.
For time immemorial, handbags have been every woman’s go-to carry item – this cuts across women from all walks of life.
We have taken time to share just 10 of the most common types of handbags you’ll find out there – giving you the 411 into checking your style and hopefully adding one or two to your collection.
1. Backpack Purse
The backpack purse is a stylish, small backpack often the size of a large handbag. This bag is more for casual looks and it’s a good fit for weekend outings, trips and casual week days. It also carries well for the more outgoing and athletic ladies hence we have seen the sports brands such Nike presenting some backpack designs.
There are different variations to the back packs – these come in the form of daypacks, which typically have several compartments of varying size – they are an elongated and slim style.
Haversacks – these have a distinct one-strap shoulder style and are commonly known as field bags. They are often referred to as sling bags.
Backpacks are more popular with urban, young ladies as they are fashion-forward, practical and convenient for hands-free carrying. The leather varieties are perfect for a dressier, polished look.
2. Bucket Bag
The bucket bag is a stylish everyday bag created by Louis Vuitton originally to carry wine. Evidently the bag evolved use to be an everyday handbag. Similar to a basket bag, the bucket bag has a round base instead of a rectangular one, and its sides are not firm. Bucket bags also come with draw strings closures and a long strap plus short handles.
The bucket bag is suitable for a casual look as it is fairly spacious and carries quite a lot of carry-on items.
3. Crossbody bag
Crossbody bags are small, streamlined bags designed with long straps and worn across the body to rest on the hip. The uniqueness of these bags is that they are unisex, and recently pooed into the fashion scene known as man bags. These bags are inspired by fanny packs from the 80’s which were also unisex but worn around the waist.
4. The Clutch
This is one of the most recognised bags and has stood the test of time as the choice accessory for evening wear. The clutch is versatile and often designed without a strap hence the wearer has to ‘clutch’ it. The designs are often rectangular making them easy to hold and giving them enough room to carry a few key items such as a cell-phone, lip gloss and some powder.
5. Duffel Bag
Shaped like cylinders, duffle/duffel bags make super cute handbags and are designed to hold a lot of items. Duffle hand bags usually come with carry handles and shoulder straps. The bags have rounded ends and are generally larger making them suited for casual and athletic wear.
6. Hobo bag
The hobo bag is a slouchy, wide centre bag made in a continuous designs with the same material throughout. The bag style makes it perfect for casual wear – but recently the hobo has started making way into fashion couture styles. The hobo – is inspired by sacks tied on a stick that used to be carried by individuals of less fortune. The bag is very roomy and can literally carry your entire wardrobe (sic).
7. Trapezoid bag
This style of bag is new to the fashion scene and is renowned for its extended sides that are wider than the base of the bag. The name is derived from an accordion due to similarity in its distinct shape. The trapezoid bags have a very wide mouth and short carrying handle.
8. Tote bag
Tote bags are a simple, stylish and perfect addition to your wardrobe if you are all about carrying more. Tote’s are one of the largest hand bag styles around and can be found in different fabrications from cloth, canvas to the more high end leather styles. The tote’s handles are versatile allowing it to be carried by hand or off the shoulder.
9. Speedy bag
This is a triangular handbag that has a flat bottom and two carry handles and general shaped like a triangle. As the name suggests. The more edgy/fashionable styles come with contrasting handles making them great conversational pieces.
10. Kelly bag
The Kelly handbag has been popularised by Hermes. It is a simple styled, elegant and highly fashionable short bag with hand-held carry handles. It is one of the most popular handbag styles available on the market.
