A handbag is an accessory bag used for carrying personal items such as cash, keys and credit cards. Traditionally, the term has been applied to bags made of leather or other fabrics but they can also be constructed from plastic, vinyl and precious metals. The bags are usually worn over the shoulder and have a closure such as a zipper or drawstring. They are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors, with some displaying the logos or designs of fashion houses and brands.
The bags are generally marketed through the manufacturers’ own branded stores, any of a number of retail departments and specialty shops as well as via catalogs and the Internet. In the United States, department stores account for 30 percent of handbag sales. Specialty stores and mass merchants each take 20 percent of the market.
The industry grew rapidly at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century as labor laws changed and women entered the workforce in increasing numbers. The word “handbag” first appeared about this time to describe leather bags that resembled small suitcases; they had sturdy handles and a large vacuous space inside lined with various compartments for storage of items. The term was soon applied to other types of bags such as women’s reticules. Once pockets were introduced into men’s clothing, however, the use of bags for carrying personal items dwindled.
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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Teacher Tote with Insulated Compartment, Large Puffer Work Tote Handbags for Work
$24.49 (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.)
COACH Women's Crystal Jacquard Swinger 20 with Chain
$225.00 (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 Cute Small Wallet for Women,Colour-blocked Slim Wallet RFID Blocking Bifold Zipper Pocket Credit Card Holder with ID Window (Pink)
$5.69 (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.)
XquiziFit Clutch Purses for Women Formal Evening Clutch with Detachable Chain Faux Suede Purse for Wedding Party
$15.59 (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.)
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=Purses+%26+Handbags|What+is+a+Handbag%3F&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_9333b0b866242c89f4341aec3a8a3825