A handbag is a small bag used by women (and some men) to store a variety of items including make-up, files and diaries. These are usually carried on the shoulder or originally in the hand (hence the name) and are also used as a fashion accessory. The most popular handbags are designed by fashion houses and sold in their own stores and through catalogs and in department stores. The design of a handbag is influenced by many things including art and fashion trends and by the needs and wants of the consumer.
One of the first modern handbags was made by Coco Chanel for her friend Grace Kelly after she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. The Kelly bag became so popular that there was a six month waiting list to get one. Chanel’s success led to the formation of her own handbag company, which is still operating today.
In the 1990s handbag manufacturers began to move their manufacturing operations overseas, like the apparel and leather industries did before them, in order to control production costs. During this period, Coach was one of the companies that gained the most market share for luxury bags by offering a wide selection of fashionable styles at reasonable prices.
There are a variety of different types of handbags, and the style largely depends on what sort of function the bag will serve. For example, evening bags may have one or two long straps for carrying on the shoulders. Those that are only intended to be held in the hand may be small and decorative, such as clutches or minaudieres. Some may have flaps that snap closed, and others use zippers or drawstring closures.
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.)
SENDEFN Wallets for Women Leather Credit Card Holder with RFID Blocking Large Capacity Wristlet
$17.77 (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 Jute Tote Bag & Makeup Bag, Birthday Gifts for Women Mom Wife Teacher Friend
$27.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)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