The handbag is a fashion accessory that is usually worn over the shoulder. Often made of leather or fabric, it has a wide opening that can hold small items such as keys, wallets and cell phones. It is also used to carry pens and other writing implements, cosmetics and other personal items. It can be decorated with embroidery and other ornaments to add a personal touch or serve as a statement piece.
Although handbags are mostly associated with women, there is a growing number of men who carry them. In Europe, bags designed especially for men are gaining in popularity. These bags are typically leather in construction and some can even be mistaken for briefcases or laptop cases.
As the Industrial Revolution brought with it changes in the world of work, handbags became more useful. Women began using reticules as they entered the workforce and these bags soon started to become larger and sturdier. This is when the word handbag first appeared to describe these wearable accessories.
During the 1990s, manufacturers of handbags suffered from many of the same problems faced by the apparel and leather industries to which they were closely linked. As a result, many companies decided to move their manufacturing operations overseas. This gave them access to a large pool of labor that was non-unionized and allowed the production of more affordable products.
Designers and manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve the functionality of handbags. One area of special interest is finding new materials to use in the creation of these fashionable accessories. Some designers are also experimenting with features such as interior lighting and storage specially designed to accommodate iPods and other personal digital assistants.
Toughergun Women’s Small Slim Leather Wallet with RFID Protection, Compact Bifold Mini Purse with Clear ID Window
$9.99 (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 Expandable Tote Bag for Women, Puffer Work Tote Handbag, Quilted Carry On Bag for Travel Gym
$23.98 (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.)
CYHTWSDJ Shoulder Bags for Women, Cute Hobo Tote Handbag Mini Clutch Purse with Zipper Closure
$16.98 (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.)
Lapensa Small Wallet for Women -Bifold Embroidery Flower Wallet RFID Blocking PU Leather with Zipper Pocket for women girls(Black)
$6.29 (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.)
JSENGIFT Gifts for Women Basket Set of 6, Christmas Mothers Day Birthday Gifts for Mom Grandma Sister Daughter
$19.97 (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 Tote Bags for Women Medium Top Handle Satchel Purses
$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.)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