A purse, also known as a handbag, is a usually closable bag used for carrying keys, a wallet, and other personal items. It’s typically carried on one shoulder or in the crook of an arm, though there are also models that can be worn around the waist. It can be made of leather, vinyl, or fabric and is often embellished with pockets and compartments to organize its contents.
The word purse comes from the Middle English words purse and pursen, meaning “a bag for coins.” Originally, large bags that held more than just money were called pocketbooks, but the term has since evolved to include all types of handbags. Many people use the terms purse and handbag interchangeably, though the word handbag is considered more fashionable.
To keep up with the latest trends, we scoured sales from go-to luxury resale sites Rebag, The RealReal, Fashionphile, and Vestiaire Collective to find the best purses of the season. Then, we compiled our favorites into a list of must-have styles for spring and summer.
While you might be tempted to grab a plastic purse to hold your essentials while you’re on the go, a high-quality bag will last longer and look better if you treat it with care. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near artificial heat, and avoid touching the surface with dirty hands or sharp objects. Using an anti-static spray or purse wipe is also a good idea to prevent the interiors from getting grimy.
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.)
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.)
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.)
LOVEVOOK Purses and Handbags for Women, PU Leather Tote Shoulder Purse with Scarves, Satchel Top Handle Bags with Strap
$25.98 (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.)
WEEKXING Crossbody Bag for Women Shoulder Handbags Top-Handle Lightweight Large Capacity Casual Nylon Purse Handbag
$24.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)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+Purse%3F&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_8106b900f4807dc6693fbfa7cf1936ef