A handbag is a bag used by women for carrying personal items. It can be small or large and is usually fashionably designed. Other terms that are sometimes used for this type of purse include ‘purse’, ‘pocketbook’, ‘pouch’ or ‘clutch’. Handbags have evolved over the centuries, influenced by innovation, culture and social status as much as fashion.
A good quality handbag will last a long time, especially when care is taken to make it well made. For example, the corners of a handbag should not have any unnecessary protrusions that will wear and tear over time. Similarly, the base of the handbag should be solid and have metal “feet” to protect it from wear and damage. Leather is the preferred material for bags because it lasts and can be easily cleaned. Using plastic or other materials in a bag will result in less durable handbags that quickly show signs of wear and age.
Another good way to determine the quality of a handbag is to examine the stitching and the hardware. A handbag that has been well made will have equidistance stitching, which means that each stitch is the same size as its neighbors. A bad handbag may have uneven or mismatched stitching, which indicates a lack of skill and attention to detail in the craftsmanship of the bag.
A good handbag will have several pockets and compartments to keep items organized and easy to find. It should also have a secure zipper and a comfortable handle or strap. The style of the handbag should complement its owner’s clothing, and it should be sturdy enough to carry without tearing or riping.
Women's RFID Slim Card Holder Wallet: Thin Bifold with Multi-Card Case & Zipper Coin Pocket Purse (Deep Purple)
$8.99 (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.)
Hobo Bags for Women Soft Vegan Leather Shoulder Handbag Slouchy Tote Purses
$28.90 (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.)
Wrangler Wallet for Women Bifold Card Holder with Zipper and ID Window
$23.99 (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.)
BAGSMART Cross Body Purse, Mini Crossbody Bags for Women Travel Purse, Puffy Shoulder Handbag Wallet with RFID Blocking Slots, Black-small
$15.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)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_8ac16399c51bb9fa34f976f26f21a99b