A purse is a small bag designed to hold money or other personal items. They are usually worn on a shoulder or across the body. Many people also use them as a fashion statement. However, the term is more commonly used to describe a large bag for carrying necessities.
There are many different types of purses, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Typically, they are made from leather. Some are constructed of silk net-work, but they may also be made of other materials.
During the mid-to-late medieval periods, a purse was a small, leather bag tied around the girdle of a man’s clothing. These bags were probably only useful for small items.
In the 18th century, the discovery of Pompeii led to the development of a more sleek style of purse. The purse of the time was a slender piece of leather fitted over a triangular metal frame. It was secured by a drawstring at the top, and the metal loop at the bottom could be used to hang the bag.
As the middle ages passed, women began to wear more modern clothes. This meant that purses were no longer practical to carry under dresses.
By the beginning of the 19th century, purses were made for both men and women. Samuel Parkinson, a savvy entrepreneur at the time, ordered several bags of different sizes for his wife. He reportedly wished to have them made of the same fine leather that his travel cases were made of.
Toughergun Women’s Small Slim Leather Wallet with RFID Protection, Compact Bifold Mini Purse with Clear ID Window
$9.99 (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 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.)
BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women, Puffy Tote Bag with Zipper, Large Quilted Shoulder Bag with Compartments for Travel, Work, Gym
$21.65 (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.)
Jogjam Black Cat Floral Rfid Women Wallet, Small Slim Thin Credit Card Wallet, PU Leather Bifold Cash Zipper Coin Pocket ID Window for Female Ladies Teen Girls Girly
$14.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)
Lapensa Small Wallet for Women -Bifold Embroidery Flower Wallet RFID Blocking PU Leather with Zipper Pocket for women girls(Black)
$6.29 (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+Purse%3F|Purses+%26+Handbags&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_5b4091c9d72522ced6d5f506d421f2f0