Handbag terms

Shoulder bag

Any shape or size bag with long chain or strap to place over the shoulder. Some types of shoulder straps convert into double chain handles unbuckling a section of the strap may shorten others

Accordion

Bag made like an expandable filing envelope which is narrow at the top and pleated at sides and bottom.

Squaw bag

Handbag inspired by Native Americans. May be made of genuine doeskin in natural color or made of tiny geometric contrasting patches of colored leather

Barrel

Handbag shaped like a stubby cylinder with a zipper closing and handles attached to the sides.

Demi handbag

Handbag with a single carrying handle at the top. The handle or strap can be worn over the shoulder but it is not as long as the strap of a shoulder

Bracelet bag

Handbag with one or two angles bracelets as handles. Soft pouch bag made of leather or fabric or it may be made with a frame

Drawstring

Handbags which are closed by pulling a cord, usually of pouch type

Lunchbox

Identical in shape to the traditional deep lunchbox with a curved lid

Envelope

Long narrow handbag made in the shape of the correspondence envelope usually of clutch type without handle

Saddle bag

Pair of soft leather bag joined to central straps handle

Clutch

Regular size handbag without a handle. A hand may be inserted or a fine gold chain attached in such a manner that is of optional use

Umbrella tote

Similar to a tote bag. A pocket at side for holding and umbrella. Conventional satchel type bag with zippered compartment at bottom for umbrella

Mini bag

Small bag became important in the 1960's with the introduction of miniskirts. Some had double and triple frames, usually with attached shoulder chains or straps

Pokey

Small drawstring pouch made of suede leather, sometimes with tiny pocket on front

Fold-0ver clutch

Small envelope bag may be open at the top with zippered closing. The bag is folded over double and carried in the hand or under arm

Minaudiere

Small rigid metal evening bag used to hold cosmetics made in a oval, oblong or square shapes

Safari

Soft leather bag with curved shape, a top zipper, two straps handles and two outside pockets with flaps and buckles

Bucket bag

Soft-sided handbag that is shaped like a bucket with a round bottom base and is usually longer in its height and shorter in its width.

Doctor's bag

Sometimes called Gladstone bag is modeled after a physicians bag. The bag has a triangular side profile with rather short and wide appearance. The bag has short double handles or single handle that meant to be carry in hands. The bag has top closure and usually features easy access to contents

Backpack

This bag has straps fitting over the shoulders so that it can be worn on the back

Mesh bag

Tiny links of metal joined to make a flexible bag

News bag

Tote bag style with separate section on the outside to slip in a rolled magazine or newspaper

Man- bag

Usually a shoulder bag style, carried by a man

Tote bag

Utility bag large enough to carry small packages sometimes with inner zippered. Made with open top and two handles sometimes with outside loop to hold umbrella

Bowler bag

A bag shaped like a bowling ball bag, usually has reinforced straps and sort of a half oval shape

Baguette

A bag style that is usually small to medium in size with long narrow shapes like the shape of French loaf baguette Others define it as wide shallow bag or purse that is relatively long from side to side and small from top to bottom

North- south bag

A bag with a distinct longer height than width. The vertical axis from. North to south or vice versa act as a focal point of the bags shape

East-West bag

A bag with distinct width than height. The horizontal axis from east to west or vice versa act as the focal point of the bag shape

Duffle bag

A big or large bag made of soft material (fabric or leather) which a cylindrical shape and designed to carry personal belongings for traveling purpose.

Valise

A medium hand bag which closes at its top and has two carrying handles with a triangular or oval side profile

Hobo bag

A medium to large size shoulder bag with a shape that scoops down at the top towards the center of the bag

Belt bag

A small bag worn at the waist having slots in the back through which a belt is drawn. Usually has a flap closing and is worn in sportswear