A couture handbag or a designer bag is almost always stylish, designed either by a single designer or by a fashion house. A couture handbag can also be designed for the masses in multiple colours, shapes and sizes.
In the US, a handbag is also known as a pocketbook, a purse or a bag. In the UK, a handbag is somewhat larger than a purse (which is just used for holding money and cards). A wallet is used by men and a purse by women in the UK. A handbag is used by women all over the world in order to store everyday items like keys, money, credit cards, make-up, tissues, a hairbrush and a mobile phone.
There are many different types of handbags in use these days. A clutch is a palm-sized handbag, which is long and often rectangular in shape. It doesn’t have handles because it is meant to be “clutched” between the palm and the fingers of one hand. Clutch handbags are usually matched with formal evening wear and used at parties. A satchel is a really large handbag with a strap that allows it to be slung onto the shoulder instead of the arm. Satchels are usually carried by school children. While travelling or while storing sports goods, a duffle bag is often used.
This type of a handbag was first used by soldiers to carry their personal items. A tote handbag has two straps and has its own distinctive shape.
A messenger handbag is also very fashionable and is slung across one shoulder. A sling bag is somewhat similar to a messenger bag, but smaller and is hung from one shoulder with a long strap that makes it hang down to the waist.
Handbags can be made from all sorts of materials like cotton, denim, nylon and leather. They can feature printed, plain or embroidered designs, or they can have an assortment of different fabrics stitched together.
In the twentieth century, people began referring to bags used to carry luggage as handbags. Handbags were adapted to include zips, fasteners and inner compartments. Today, handbags are an extremely popular accessory for women and are available in a wide range of colours and designs.
