A handbag is a fashion accessory that is carried by hand or hung from the shoulder using straps. It can have various pockets and compartments for carrying personal items. Bags can be made of a variety of materials and are often stylishly designed. They are commonly used by women, but may also be carried by men and young children. Throughout history, the handbag has been both a necessity and a statement of style.
Historically, the handbag has evolved with both social and cultural changes. The Industrial Revolution enabled textiles to be manufactured more quickly and cheaply, and the introduction of the zipper allowed for easier access to the contents of a handbag. The onset of World War II forced the handbag industry to make changes as well, as many metals were needed for the war effort. Women began to enter the workforce in large numbers, and they needed more sturdier purses to carry their essentials with them.
In addition to traditional handbags, many companies produce specialty bags for particular occasions and activities. These may include backpacks, messenger bags, tote bags and drawstring bags. The latter are sometimes called coin purses and feature a string or cord cinch closure. Messenger bags are similar to handbags, but they are larger in size and can be carried over the shoulder rather than in the hands.
Other types of handbags are also in use, including camera bags and phone pouches. Camera bags have a unique shape that is broader at the bottom and slimmer at the top, and are commonly used by photographers or vloggers. A phone pouch is a small bag that holds a mobile phone and can be carried by itself, or placed inside a larger handbag for safekeeping.
TOPDesign Personalized Initial Canvas Beach Bag, Monogrammed Gift Tote Bag for Women
$17.99 (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.)
Lapensa Small Womens Wallet-soft Leather RFID Blocking Bifold Zipper Pocket Credit Card Purse-Floral Pattern Wallet with ID Window (green)
$5.99 (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.)
MINTEGRA Women Shoulder Handbag Roomy Multiple Pockets Bag Ladies Crossbody Purse Fashion Tote Top Handle Satchel
$32.39 (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.)
YOOLIFE Christmas Gifts for Women - Initial Jute Tote Bag & Makeup Bag, Birthday Gifts for Women Mom Wife Teacher Friend
$27.99 (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.)
GIANCOMICS Goth Book Shelf Womens Wallet RFID Blocking, Gothic Skull Witchy Credit Card Holder Bifold, PU Leather Travel Billfold, Long Cute Cash Purse, Zipper Coin Pocket Clutch, Ladies Gift Woman
$16.99 (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.)
COACH Women's Crystal Jacquard Swinger 20 with Chain
$225.00 (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.)
Afroyla African Women's Circle Crossbody Bag, Premium Vegan Leather, Adjustable Strap, Zipper Closure
$61.95 (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