A handbag is a handled medium to large bag used to store personal belongings such as wallet, keys, phone, and makeup. It is a popular accessory for women, but is also seen worn by men in the form of messenger bags. The handbag has evolved over time to become a fashion staple.
The modern handbag (also known as a purse or pocketbook in North America) emerged during the Industrial Revolution, when women took their reticules with them into the workplace. This required larger, more functional bags that could fit pens, notepaper, and extra items like opera glasses or fans for evening outings. These new bags were often made of leather and adorned with needlepoint patterns of home and hearth, embroidered lace, or elaborate beaded designs of flowers encoded with private messages for loved ones. At the other end of the spectrum were commercially made leather frame bags for shopping and train travel, which were far plainer in style.
The nineties saw the most exciting developments in handbag design. In 1993 Lulu Guinness created the flower pot, a surreal basket bag festooned with silk roses, while Kate Spade’s top handled square tote established an American classic. Moschino dripped rich brown calfskin over a pristine white handbag, creating the iconic strawberry bag.
Today, the handbag has become a beloved passion asset, coveted and collected by many people. The handbag’s status as a status symbol has contributed to the multi-billion dollar market for luxury designer bags. The industry continues to develop with new styles and innovations, as well as new categories of handbags such as backpacks and messenger bags.
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
JANKS Small Crossbody Bag for Women - Mini Phone Purses with Crossbody Strap and Wallet - Nylon Arm Bag
$7.59 (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.)
Lands' End Pre-Monogrammed Letter Canvas Tote Bag
$39.96 (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+Modern+Handbag&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_8b43544eefae301ed6436030058e659f