A handbag is more than a small leather pouch with a handle; it is a fashion statement and a symbol of femininity. Women carry them to work, to shopping and even to the beach. They can contain their most personal possessions and men find it mysterious what goes in them. Unlike the flimsy mesh reticule or decorative coin purse sealed with a string, handbags snap shut. The 20th century was a renaissance for the handbag, with designers offering bags in various sizes and styles.
Like the apparel and leather industries, the handbag industry is a multi-product business, manufacturing other products such as luggage and clothing in addition to purses. This helps to keep production costs down and also gives the company a greater distribution reach.
As the economy improved and consumers became affluent, specialty retail grew. This sparked interest in boutique stores and helped to spur the growth of the handbag industry.
In the United States, handbag and purse manufacturers experienced high production costs, causing them to move to overseas markets in search of cheaper labor and materials. This caused a major shakeout in the handbag industry, and fewer companies existed in 2002 than in 1997.
When purchasing a handbag, it is important to examine the quality and craftsmanship of the product. It should be constructed with sturdy leather and the hardware should be well made. The stitching should be equidistant and even, and the bag should not have any loose threads that could come undone easily. It is a good idea to also check the interior of the handbag, as well as the corners of the bag. These areas are susceptible to wear and tear, so it is best to purchase a high quality bag that will last for years.
Wrangler Wallet for Women Bifold Card Holder with Zipper and ID Window
$23.99 (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, 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.)
SYTRAH Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse for Women, Crossbody Shoulder Bag with Built-in Wallet & RFID Blocking for Travel Workout
$23.75 (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.)
BOSTANTEN Quilted Crossbody Bags for Women Vegan Leather Purses Small Shoulder Handbags with Wide Strap
$29.59 (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.)
LOVEVOOK Crossbody Bags for Women with 2Pcs Adjustable Strap, Leather Small Purses with RFID Blocking Slots, Shoulder Handbag
$19.98 (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.)
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.)
Tactical Double Shoulder Armpit Bag,Anti-Pickpocket Hidden Strap Wallet,Adjustable Leather Armor Crossbody Pack Multi-Pocket
$14.49 (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+Industry&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_7a5ef67fe1d3cb0e19420cd721270662