A bag or pouch of leather, fabric, plastic or other material carried by hand with a handle or strap. A handbag may contain several compartments and pockets to hold items such as money, toilet articles, keys, a mobile phone and makeup. It may be a simple, utilitarian bag or a sophisticated fashion accessory.
The advent of industrialization in the nineteenth century and the onset of the women’s rights movement helped to boost the demand for handbags. With the advent of needlepoint, embroidery and appliqué techniques, the leather, trunk and apparel accessories industries were able to produce and distribute these bags in increasing numbers as a women’s accessory.
Today, women carry a large range of handbags for all occasions and activities. In the past, it was common for women to purchase a neutral color such as blue, black or tan to coordinate with a variety of outfits, but now women tend to select a purse that expresses their personality. Many manufacturers are introducing features such as interior lighting, specifically designed storage for iPods and personal digital assistants, and biometric technology that allows a woman to open her purse by scanning her thumb or eye.
The emergence of luxury brands that specialize in the manufacture of high quality, fashion forward handbags has also helped to spur growth in this industry. These designer brands often employ artisans who spend dozens of hours crafting a single purse and have a rigorous quality control process that rivals ultra-costly, high fashion houses such as Hermes.
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.)
Afroyla African Women's Circle Crossbody Bag, Premium Vegan Leather, Adjustable Strap, Zipper Closure
$61.95 (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.)
KKXIU Small Shoulder Bag for Women - Mini Purses for Women Vegan Leather Purse Classic Retro Handbag with Removable Strap
$19.99 (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.)
BLESSAC Bible Leather Handbag For Christian Women, Medium, Zipper - Christmas Gift For Wife, Mom, Grandma
$79.95 (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.)
dassymia Tote Bag for Women Foldable Shoulder Bag Nylon Weekend Hobo Handbag
$29.99 (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.)
MINTEGRA Women Shoulder Handbag Roomy Multiple Pockets Bag Ladies Crossbody Purse Fashion Tote Top Handle Satchel
$32.39 (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.)
YOOLIFE Christmas Gifts for Women - Initial Canvas Tote Bag & Makeup Bag, Birthday Gifts for Women Mom Sister Friends
$35.99 (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=What+is+a+Handbag%3F|Purses+%26+Handbags&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_28b0762d8ab8beb24adbf7dbe0b86c36