A handbag is a bag or purse designed to hold personal items such as keys, lipstick, cell phones and papers. Handbags are available in a wide range of styles and prices, and may be made from leather, fabric or another material. Often, a bag’s shape and features are determined by the practical needs of its users. In other cases, a bag’s design and style are dictated by fashion trends or social and cultural norms.
The term “handbag” is typically reserved for high-end women’s bags, although some companies manufacture handbags alongside other products such as luggage, clothing or scarves. Some companies sell their goods directly to consumers through websites and catalogs, while others distribute their products to department stores and other retail outlets.
In recent years, the demand for high-end women’s handbags has increased due to the emergence of fashion designers that specialize in this area. A variety of different types of handbags are now available, including clutch bags, shoulder bags and tote bags. Many of these bags feature unique handles that make them attractive and easy to carry.
Until recently, women tended to buy handbags in neutral colors such as blue, black or tan, so that one purse would coordinate with several different outfits. But the handbag industry has become increasingly dynamic, and now women often purchase multiple bags to express their individual styles.
The handbag industry has been affected by the same issues that plagued the apparel and leather industries during the 1990s, such as high production costs and a large number of labor unions. As a result, many manufacturers began to move their manufacturing operations overseas. The United States is still the largest market for handbags, but China and other countries are also major suppliers.
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.)
KJEYOB Ita Bag,DIY Clear Pin Display Bag with Insert and Accessories,Anime Kawaii Ita Crossbody Purse,Women Y2K Shoulder Bags
$25.99 (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.)
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.)
Montana West Purses for Women Hobo Shoulder Handbags with Zipper
$18.99 (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.)
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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Lightweight Puffy Tote Bag with Compartments Shoulder Bag Handbag for Travel, Work, Gym
$25.26 (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.)
Dooney & Bourke Handbag, Penrose Suki Crossbody
$74.24 (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|What+Is+a+Handbag%3F&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_f6d32f0f674e1d375072ea9fa5e26354