A handbag is a purse used to hold personal items like keys, cell phones and lipstick. Handbags can be made from a variety of materials including leather, fabric, fur and exotic skins such as crocodile or snake. Handbags are sold in a number of ways including in a maker’s own branded stores, department and specialty stores, mass merchants or through catalogs.
The handbag industry has been affected by social and labor changes in the twentieth century. In the 1940s the use of many handbag materials was restricted due to war needs, and women’s fashions changed quickly from the flowing gowns of earlier eras to tailored suits. By the late 1950s, the bouffant hairdo was in decline and Mary Quant’s miniskirt was in vogue. The changing styles of dresses and skirts were reflected in the designs of handbags, which became more utilitarian in style.
After the war, manufacturers began to produce handbags that resembled small suitcases. These bags became known as handbags and were favored by businesswomen for their functional design. A well-known bag designer in this period was Coco Chanel, whose first bag had a handle that extended to the wearer’s elbow and allowed her to carry it with both hands free. Grace Kelly sported this style bag after marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956, and a six month waiting list developed for the model of the “Kelly Bag.”
Today, handbag production has declined in the United States. In 2002, industry shipments were less than a fifth of what they had been 20 years prior. Many handbag makers have moved their manufacturing plants overseas to take advantage of lower labor costs and access to more inexpensive raw materials.
Lapensa Small Womens Wallet-soft Leather RFID Blocking Bifold Zipper Pocket Credit Card Purse-Floral Pattern Wallet with ID Window (green)
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CYHTWSDJ Shoulder Bags for Women, Cute Hobo Tote Handbag Mini Clutch Purse with Zipper Closure
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BAGSMART Mini Backpack for Women, Lightweight Puffer Small Backpack Purse, Quilted Casual Travel Daypack, Cute Water-Resistant Bookbag for Daily, Black
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SYTRAH Sling Bag for Women, Anti-Theft RFID Crossbody Bag Nylon Sling Purse for Travel, Puffy Small backpack for Daily Hiking Sports Green
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Montana West Tote Bags for Women Medium Top Handle Satchel Purses
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Airkit Small Wallet Women RFID Blocking Soft Leather Bifold Compact Card Holder Wallet for Women with Zipper Coin Pocket 4 ID Window
$11.99 (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.)
Vera Bradley Premium Cotton Original 100 Handbag
$135.00 (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.)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=The+History+of+the+Handbag+Industry|Purses+%26+Handbags&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_5a4e1785b4af1f0d94a3b9358d33c9e4