A handbag is a bag, typically of leather or fabric, with handles or straps for holding money, toilet articles, small purchases, etc. It is a common accessory for women, and often considered a status symbol. Handbags come in a wide variety of styles to complement different outfits. They can be worn over the shoulder or clutched in the hand. Some have removable straps to allow the handbag to be carried as a crossbody bag.
The word handbag first appeared in 1900 to describe the luggage (similar to todays satchels or briefcases) that men carried in their hands, but they soon came to be used for womens purses as well. In fact, there is a surprisingly large amount of history in the evolution of the handbag: from the earliest pouches found in ancient Egypt to today’s covetable It bags on Fashion Week catwalks and everywhere in between.
As the Industrial Revolution took hold, it fueled change in both apparel and handbag production, and the retail industry started to grow. As fabrics and materials became more accessible and affordable, a larger range of designs and styles exploded onto the market. The first reversible handbags also entered the market, as shoppers began to demand more than one handbag that could be carried in either direction and that matched both their outfit and their mood.
During the 1970s, handbags mirrored the feminism movement as designers incorporated ethnic-inspired, patchwork and sturdy leather into their collections. These bags aligned with the ideas of multiculturalism, anti-materialism and working class utility – all ideologies that were at the forefront of the movement. These bags were a counterpoint to the glittering designer showpieces that had been popular during the previous decade and were seen as more pragmatically stylish.
APHISON Trendy Leather Crossbody Purse with Adjustable Strap, Women's Shoulder Handbag
$21.99 (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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Puffy Tote Bag with Zipper, Large Quilted Shoulder Bag with Compartments for Travel, Work, Gym
$21.65 (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.)
SENDEFN Wallets for Women Leather Credit Card Holder with RFID Blocking Large Capacity Wristlet
$17.77 (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.)
higouta Quilted Puffer Tote Bag for Women Large Puffy Carryall Crossbody Shoulder Purse, Lightweight Travel Nylon Hobo Bag
$27.72 (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.)
Women's RFID Slim Card Holder Wallet: Thin Bifold with Multi-Card Case & Zipper Coin Pocket Purse (Deep Purple)
$8.99 (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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Teacher Tote with Insulated Compartment, Large Puffer Work Tote Handbags for Work
$24.49 (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=Purses+%26+Handbags|The+History+of+the+Handbag&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_5795d97da4a93c13a795beddf44c6940