The handbag, or purse, has evolved into a fashion accessory that shows a woman’s style, while also providing a storage and holding device for her belongings. There are many different styles of handbags, from a practical wallet carrier to a stylish designer purse that will keep up with the latest trends. While the handbag industry isn’t quite as robust as it once was, there are still plenty of options available for women to choose from.
The bag manufacturing business in the United States has been on the decline since the early 1980s. In 2002, industry shipments were less than a fifth of what they were 20 years earlier, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The decline in handbag manufacturing has been partly due to labor and social changes in the twentieth century. Women entered the workforce in greater numbers, requiring reticules to hold their valuables and other belongings while at work.
There are also a number of design considerations that can be important to consider when choosing a new handbag. For example, some bags are designed with a flat bottom and feet on the sides to protect the bag against the ground. Others may be narrow, without a defined bottom, which can add a sleek look to the handbag or provide space for additional pockets.
Another design consideration is the choice of hardware. Gold is a popular color for handbag hardware and looks good with most colors. It is also durable and resists tarnish and corrosion. Other types of hardware include push-button clasps, zippers and buckles.
Coach Women's Jacquard Kisslock Frame Bag 16
$495.00 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Puffer Tote Bag for Women, Lightweight Puffy Work Handbag Teacher Nurse Quilted Shoulder Bag for School Travel Gym
$25.48 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SYTRAH Sling Bag for Women, Anti-Theft RFID Crossbody Bag Nylon Sling Purse for Travel, Puffy Small backpack for Daily Hiking Sports Green
$29.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Montana West 3PCS Purses for Women Tote Bag and Wallet Set Shoulder Satchel Handbags
$35.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sightor Silver Mini Crossbody Bag for Women, PU Leather Small Evening Purse, Dressy Clutch Handbag for Nightclub Parties
$12.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Dooney & Bourke Handbag, Penrose Suki Crossbody
$74.24 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hobo Bags for Women Soft Vegan Leather Shoulder Handbag Slouchy Tote Purses
$28.90 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=Choosing+a+Handbag|Purses+%26+Handbags&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_e57e48377e2f4a2d10c1575542cc40d4