A handbag is a bag that can hold money and other essentials, usually made of leather or fabric. Its handle may be of a contrasting material to the bag, or it might be a decorative feature in its own right. Some bags also have interior and/or exterior pockets for organization. Handbags are primarily used by women to carry personal items, but men sometimes use them as well.
The history of the handbag stretches back more than 5000 years. Otzi the Iceman, Europe’s oldest natural mummy, was found with a purse made of chamois hide, and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs depict men carrying pouches around their waists. In the nineteenth century, luggage creators began to make small suitcase-like bags, which were first referred to as handbags.
Today, handbag makers produce a wide variety of designs to fit any fashion sense. In addition, manufacturers are continually looking for new materials that can help reduce the environmental impact of their products. For example, recycled plastic and/or other materials are now being used to produce handbags.
Handbags are sold in a number of different retail outlets. Department stores typically account for about 30 percent of sales. Specialty and mass merchants each take about 20 percent of the market, and the remaining 15 percent is divided among a number of other types of retail outlets.
In recent years, however, the popularity of designer handbags has increased dramatically. Women’s desire for individual style and a need to keep up with fashion trends have contributed to this growth. In 2005, the typical American woman purchased four handbags.
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.)
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.)
INICAT Travel Small Crossbody Sling Bags Valentines Day Gifts Women Her Cross Body Purses Vegan Leather Birthday
$25.99 (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 Tote Bags for Women Medium Top Handle Satchel Purses
$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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Lightweight Puffy Tote Bag with Compartments Shoulder Bag Handbag for Travel, Work, Gym
$25.26 (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 Sling Bag for Women, Anti-Theft RFID Crossbody Bag Nylon Sling Purse for Travel, Puffy Small backpack for Daily Hiking Sports Green
$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.)
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.)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