What Is a Purse?

purse

A purse is a small bag or pouch for carrying money. You may also use the term to refer to any large bag used to carry multiple items, such as a handbag or tote bag.

The word purse can also mean the total amount of money a company or government has to spend. When a company’s board decides to tighten its purse strings, outside labor is often the first to go. The word purse can also be used to describe someone’s mouth, especially when they move them into a small, rounded shape to show disapproval or disgust.

Designer purses are considered a luxury accessory because of the high-quality materials they use. As such, they are generally a better investment than fast-fashion bags that may wear out quickly. The best purse brands include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes and more. These designers create recognizable everyday purse shapes that are coveted by fashion bloggers and celebrities alike.

If you’re planning to invest in a designer purse, be sure to select one that is made of genuine leather. You can tell if a purse is made of real leather by smelling it and examining the label or materials tag. The smell of leather will linger in the bag for long after you take it out of its original packaging. Other ways to ensure you’re investing in a quality bag include looking for a signature design element, such as a logo or a specific type of hardware (like Hermes’ famous horsebit hardware) that will make the item instantly recognizable.