A handbag is an accessory that holds many things and reflects the style of the wearer. A handbag is usually made of leather or fabric. It can have one or two straps to be carried over the shoulder or by hand like a backpack.
The handbag is a woman’s most often worn accessory. It has also become a status symbol. In recent years, women have begun to purchase handbags in a wide range of colors and styles to match their outfits. The typical woman now carries four handbags, double the number she purchased five years ago.
When the first purses were introduced in the 1800’s, they had a long strap to be carried by the hands of the wearer. This helped them to keep their valuables secure. In the early 1900’s, Louis Vuitton began producing a line of handbags that were named after a particular bag used by Princess Grace Kelly during her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco. The bags became known as the Kelly Bags and had a six month waiting list for customers.
The word handbag is more fashionable than purse and is used in the fashion industry to describe a designer bag. Some companies that make handbags also produce other fashion accessories such as hats, scarves, jewelry and luggage. Handbags are sold in their own branded stores, retail and specialty shops, online and through catalogs. The most popular brands of handbags are sold in department stores which account for 30 percent of sales.
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.)
APHISON Trendy Leather Crossbody Purse with Adjustable Strap, Women's Shoulder Handbag
$21.99 (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.)
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.)
SYTRAH Small Backpack Purse for Women, Mini Backpack Vegan Leather with RFID Blocking & Tablet Pocket, Cute Shoulder Handbag for Travel, School & Work Brown
$37.99 (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.)
Travelambo RFID Wallet Women Large Size Bifold Multi Card Wallet Case with Zipper Pocke Credit Card Holder for Women
$12.99 (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.)
Sightor Silver Mini Crossbody Bag for Women, PU Leather Small Evening Purse, Dressy Clutch Handbag for Nightclub Parties
$12.99 (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.)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_9333b0b866242c89f4341aec3a8a3825