Handbag Glossary

Any fashionista knows that an outfit is not complete without the perfect purse to match. You have your everyday bag, your evening bag, your weekend bag, and a few others tucked away in your closet. Is your everyday bag a bucket, crossbody, or both? Whether you’re a fan of chasing the current trend or are looking for a classic bag worth investing in, this guide will help make your next purse purchase an educated one.

The Crossbody

A strap, usually adjustable, that can be used to carry a handbag across the body. This type of bag doesn’t necessarily refer to the shape of the bag, but its adjoining strap. The crossbody has a long strap that is meant to be worn, as the name suggests, across your body.  

The Hobo Bag

A medium to large sized bag with a zipper top closure and a shoulder strap. This bag was originally named after the “bindle” sack, a piece of cloth tied on a stick carried over the shoulder by cartoon “hobos.” Legend has it that a late fashionista took note from these cartoon characters and tied her belongings in a stylish handkerchief, giving birth to the hobo bag. 

The Messenger Bag

A handbag with a long, adjustable strap designed to be worn across the shoulders. Named after those bags originally carried by mail couriers. The messenger bag finds its place in history because of its classic utilitarian design, from the days of the Pony Express to the modern-day bicycle messengers. Typically made of durable materials like leather, canvas, or wool, the messenger bag has a thin structure with a flap over the top that secures with two belt-like clasps. It has a long strap that is meant to be worn as a crossbody, often with the bag resting on the side of the hip or in back. 

The Satchel

The satchel purse is truly the most versatile of the bunch. It can take the form of a mini messenger bag or it can have a classic ladylike look with a handle on either side of a top zipper enclosure. Additionally, some designs come with a detachable long strap to wear the purse as a crossbody that allows for even more outfit options. Satchel handbags are often made of leather and are structured with a flat bottom so it can maintain its shape when set down.

The Saddle Bag

Used by the equestrian set since the first horse saddles were invented, the saddle bag was originally intended for storing a few vital items while trotting about town. The saddle bag is easily identified by its round-shape and crossbody strap. It features a round fold-over flap that matches the bag’s shape and often a buckle closure.

The Bucket Bag

A large, bucket-shaped bag; typically longer in height than width. The bottom is typically round. The bucket bag was originally introduced by Louis Vuitton’s Noe Bag that was made for champagne vintners to transport bottles. Now the bucket bag has come upon an new renaissance in modern day street This style also features a crossbody strap for convenient, hands-free carrying. 

The Bagpack Purse

A bag held to the back by two symmetrical shoulder straps attached at the top and bottom of the bag's outer edges. This bag is great if you’re looking for the ultimate hands-free accessory to store all your necessities. It has two straps that are worn on each shoulder and hangs off the back. 

The Foldover Purse

The foldover purse can take any shape or silhouette because the defining factor of the foldover bag is, obviously, the folded over top section. This versatile handbag is a smaller bag when folded over, but if you find that you need a little bit more room, you can transform it into a large bag by simply unfolding it. 

The Barrel Bag

A handbag with a cylinder shape, similar to that of a barrel. Similar to the messenger bag, the barrel bag was originally associated with men in the army. This classic shape was ideal for soldiers to carry around their equipment while traveling around during wartime.

The Duffel Bag 

A roomy, rectangular bag with a zipper closure and two top handles. The duffel bag is a bigger, more casual type of barrel bag. It has the same horizontal, cylindrical shape, but unlike the fashion barrel bag, it is usually made of a flexible and durable material that is waterproof. This extremely roomy and functional bag makes it ideal to carry around clothes and toiletries when traveling. 

The Tote Bag

Also known as the “shopper’s bag,” the tote bag is a practical basic that is sure to come in handy when you’ve found yourself with a little more than you can carry. This bag is typically worn with both its short straps upon one shoulder, and has a simple structure with minimal to no pockets.

The Baguette Bag

The baguette bag was designed to look like a loaf of French bread that inspired its design: long, thin, and a perfect addition to a Parisian stroll. The baguette bag has a petite structure, similar to the clutch (below), that is designed to hold only your bare essentials. The small strap can be worn in hand or upon your shoulder.

The Frame HandBag

A handbag with a strong, typically angular structure. Frame purses refer to a rectangular or trapezoid-shaped handbag that has one or two short handles and a metal hinge top opening with a clasp closure or a kissing lock closure, which consists of two metal round balls that interlock, snap together, and “kiss”. This type of closure is reminiscent of handbags or coin purses from the 1920’s to the 1950’s, and would be an ideal choice for vintage lovers. 

The Doctor’s Bag

The signature bag of the original Wonder Woman, the doctor’s bag was traditionally used by doctors to carry around their medical gear when making house calls. Today, you will see fashionistas everywhere carrying around this handy and roomy purse. Its flat bottom and slightly elongated shape makes is ideal to haul around everything you need. It comes with two short handles to carry around easily in hand and a magnetic flap or clasp closure. 

The Minaudiere

A hard-cased clutch or evening bag, often covered in crystals or beads. The minaudière is a type of clutch that is specifically intended to be worn as an evening bag. Generally made of rigid materials such as metal, this small purse is usually adorned with small beads or crystals. These decorations give the ultimate glam factor, making it perfect for any black tie event.

The Envelope Clutch

A flat bag with a square or rectangle shape and a triangle shaped top flap that folds over the close the bag, thus resembling an envelope. Whether you carry your clutch by hand, or looped around your wrist as a wristlet, it’s a great lightweight addition to both casual and formal ensembles. These purses are typically small in size and usually can only hold the absolute bare minimum.