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Types Of Handbags




                    
A bag is a container, which made from different materials or combination of materials; it allows carrying valuable and needy items during your travelling and commuting. Despite their simplicity bags play a very important role for the development of human civilization, as they allow people to collect loose materials and to transport more items they can carry in hands. Bags are use by man, women and children’s. The changes in the use of bag are developed along with the changes of human civilization and purpose of carrying bags. Present world, bags are widely used globally, many people carrying bags regularly to their work place, shopping and traveling in the form of leather handbags, backpacks, luggage, office bags, shopper bags.

Bags are varying in the form of size, shape, utility and functionality. There are no global standard sizes for the bags; bags are made according to the needs and purpose, for example camera bags, office bags they are made as per the needs to carry, sizes and protection depend on the requirement. Worldwide there are different sizes available for handbags, luggage bags extra large, large, medium and small size. Bags are name after their utility, like backpack, used to carrying stuffs behind on back with the supported shoulder straps.

Backpack:

Dated back centuries, many cultures have used sacks, baskets and bags carried on their backs (Otzi Backpack is one of the evidence found as early as 3300 BC.). The backpacks were serve in the World War I providing a way for carries everything’s they need. The first backpacks faced a tougher challenge than a trek through Thailand. They had to keep soldiers alive in a war unlike anything that had come before

“At the beginning of the first World War there started a process, which continues right up to the present day, which tries to make the soldier able to carry with him the gear he needs, not only to function in battle, but to sustain himself with food or water for a prolonged period of time.” –
Raymond Callahan, University of Delaware

Early 20th century, US Army designed a custom-made military backpack, which is the improved version of previous design, like “Soldier’s Trunk”, used during the US Civil War and they decided that no soldiers should carry more than one-third of his body weight with gear and equipment.

Trapper Nelson Backpack - In 1922 Lloyd F Nelson designed a backpack with the detachable frame. He developed it independently, the rigid frame spreads some of the weight on the back, but again there is no need to include a hip belt, because more than 90% of the weight rests on the shoulders.

Kelty Backpack - In early 1950s, the husband and wife duo of Dick and Nena Kelty started making bags in there home (California). Dick welded each aluminum frame by hand while Nena stitched together the plain green material of the bag (leftover of WWII parachute pack fabric). She even used wool carpeting for shoulder strap padding. Together they created lightweight and durable materials for backpack, which gives rugged and functional aesthetics to the bag. After 1960 hip belts added in to the backpack to give more support and balancing the weight for carrying. As century goes backpack evolved as more functional to serve different purpose.

Appearance – It is one of the most utilized bags of all handbags; backpacks are usually rectangular in shape with two shoulder straps on the backside of the bag. They usually have many pockets, which are secured with zipper fastening. It is always worn on the back with two shoulder handle straps. It also called as knapsack, Rucksack, Backpacks or school bags, it also used as fashionable accessories.

Functionality - Everyone likes to carry backpack to work, school and for traveling because it is comfortable and can carry more loads. Initially backpacks are used to carries heavier loads in military and later the hikers, rock climber and for camping started using backpacks. Now day every one using backpacks. Some backpacks are specifically used to carry certain items. Examples of backpacks for small and valuable items such as laptops and cameras; backpacks designed to hold laptop computers, generally have a padded and cushioned compartment to hold the computer and medium-sized pockets and flaps to accommodate accessories such as charger cables and mice.

Now backpacks are comes in different sizes. Extra Large, Large, Medium and Small sizes Extra Small backpacks are also in trend as fashion accessories.

Duffel Bag

The duffel bag obtained status during the surfer subcultures of post World War II California and east coast Australia. It grew in California in late 40’s and 50’s by the ex-Navy personnel. In early 60’s it became popular in Australia. In 60’s the duffel bags are made of canvas and drawstring closure (use of rope to pull the eyelets of top together). The bag named after the town called Duffel in Belgium, where the thick fabrics are used to make the bag. 

A duffel coat is a coat made from duffel (a coarse, thick, woolen material). The name derives from Duffel, a town in the province of Antwerp in Belgium where the material originated. Duffel bags were originally made from the same material. It also known as Sea bag or Ditty bag

Appearance - It’s a large cylindrical bag with soft and flexible structure, used to carry personal belongings. Initially it is used in military (cylindrical bag with circular bottom, one grab handle and two shoulder straps to carry in back and rope drawstring closer. Now days there are different variation of duffel, cylindrical shape with two circular sides, two shoulder handles (grab handles), and long adjustable shoulder straps and with zipper closer. Instead of circular shape square shapes also used in duffel bag with additional zipper pocket in both sides and front part to carry extra items. It is also known as athletic bag, gym bag.

Functionality - The range, diversity and flexibility of duffel bags make them the ideal luggage for a large number of situations. Duffel bags are easily accessible due to which they are considered to be a handy piece of luggage to have around. Duffel bags are great for overnights, weekend getaways and mundane road trips. They are also ideal to carry to a beach. In addition to this, they make a perfect gym bag as they offer a lot of space and ease to clean. You can also lug them over your shoulder when going on a business trip or for sports and recreation.

Many travelers nowadays opt for backpacks than duffel bags. However, this doesn’t mean that the duffel bag is far less reliable than backpacks. Actually duffel bags remain popular to athletes and some travelers still prefer it to backpacks as they swear it offers more comfort and easier movement.

Advantages of Duffel Bags 

1. Spacious - Nowadays there are different sizes of backpacks available (Small Medium and Large) duffel bags also offering more space for many decades. This is why the military still prefers duffel bags as their main type of bag for carrying equipment, where as commuter who carries more items prefer to use backpack.

2. Less Prone to Back Problems – Carrying large backpack develops back problems, so it is no longer become an option for many to carry large amount in back. As compared to backpack duffel bags offer bigger spaces with less weight on your back. Since duffel bags can be carried on either shoulders or across the body, the entire upper half body can support the duffel bag without putting strain on back.

3. Less complicated - Backpacks are now modified to carry different types of equipment. Unlike duffel bags, what you see is what you get. Although there could some side pockets, it doesn’t really take rocket science to figure it all out. Athletes mainly prefer this because all their equipment is inside and easy to grab.

4. More fashionable - Yes, backpacks have are also well designed now, but in many people opinions, duffel bags somehow compliments a wider variety of outfits, which is why many stylish people opt for duffel bags.

5. Easier to move in confined spaces - Some travelers still choose backpacks because it is easier to move in confined spaces. When going into planes or jam-packed rides, it can be quite bothersome having to contort your body in removing backpacks. Duffel bags in these cases become great options because you can just sling them around your body for a more comfortable position.

Weekend Bag: 

Weekend bags are the bags, which are usually, carry during the weekend holidays. The workweek and weekend are complementary parts of the week to labor and rest, respectively. Most countries have adopted a two-day weekend; however, the days of the weekend differ according to religious tradition, i.e. Thursday–Friday, Friday–Saturday, or Saturday–Sunday. Sometime Friday evening is also considered as a part of weekend. It is the time when most people do not go to work or school. People go places to spend their weekend with friend and family. So weekend bags are used to carry limited stuff for two to three days. Weekend bags could be any medium size travel and luggage bags i.e. Barrel bags, Duffle bags, extra large size Doctors bags, Extra-large size tote bags.

Appearance: Weekend bags are medium to large size bags or large enough to carry stuff for according to the two days requirements.  That is usually open on top with two handles on each side and a long shoulder strap.

Functionality: Every men and woman can use weekend bag, whether it is for a short trip or to carry everyday essentials. There are a variety of weekend bags, they come in different sizes and designs and are made from materials that range from cheap and cheerful canvas to luxurious leather.

Messenger Bag:

A messenger bag is a type of sack, Usually made out of cloth that is worn over one shoulder with a strap. This bag has been designed to carrying mail and goods send by the messengers, Including Mail service providers, Postal workers, messengers and bicycle couriers. Messenger bags used by the mail service are now urban fashion images, they are also called as carryalls and often called sling bag.

Appearance – It is a long strap square and rectangle shape bag worn across the body, inspired by bags worn by urban messengers to deliver business mail. Modern silhouette are more spacious addition of some pockets and compartments with a long strap that lies across the body. Bicycle messengers often use messenger bags, though they are increasingly becoming an urban fashion icon.

Functionality – It is used to carry documents, papers and office stationery. Now day students and office goer used to carry documents, books and study materials. It is comes in medium size, it may contain. It wasn’t until the early 17th Century when the satchel bag made a move in to fashion. It’s simple shape makes it an ideal accessory for carrying items and

Sling Bag:

Sling bags are the bags with a long shoulder strap, smaller in size and similar to the messenger and backpack bags. The sling bags are combination of the backpack and the messenger bag.  A sling bag is a bag that has "one end of the strap attached to the top of the bag and the other end attached to the bottom of the bag.

Appearance: - The size of sling bags will change depending on the design and the purpose of the bag. The bags are usually smaller in size, allowing for more space to put various items. The straps on sling bags are used to create a specific angle on the body. The straps can be adjusted, but are put on a diagonal to always keep an angle. Sling bags have outside pockets. It sized from medium to small, it has lesser space but has long shoulder strap.

Functionality: - It used by the both gender (Men and Women). These bags are small to medium in their size. Sling bags usually have lots of compartment to carry small items or belongings. The sling bag is something that you can quickly throw on cross body but not have the pack hanging on your side.  It also fits snug to your body just like a backpack. So the sling bag does not provide enough space for items as much as backpack, as but more as the messenger bags and pouches. It provides easy access to items. You can simply sling the pack across to front instead of stop and remove the pack.

Sling bags used by both gender, it’s a kind of unisex bag. Usually carry in traveling or casual roaming in city area.

Advantages of sling bag

· Simplicity - As mentioned above, sling bags are very simple because you just need to hang it on one shoulder. Aside from that, when you wear the sling bag it does not give you any complications or hassles. Moreover, it can be worn with different kinds of clothes.

· Small and Handy - Because sling bags are small, you can just take it anywhere. This is the reason why ladies who want to pick up an errand or who are in a hurry would rather bring a sling bag because it is small. Also, it is lightweight which means you can carry it wherever you may go.

· Easy Access - Probably, a lot of girls can relate when they look for a very small thing inside a big bag, they just feel so stressed. When you have a sling bag with you, everything is there when you open it. You do not need to play hide-and-seek with your stuff especially the small ones. Aside from that, a sling bag can be handled easily. You just have to open its zipper and you are good to go. 

· Safe - If you are worried of the safety of what is inside your bag, then worry no more if you are wearing a sling bag. As long as it is wrapped around your body then surely nothing is going to take that bag away from you. Just make sure though that you choose to have a sling bag with a good strap especially a good material with good thickness.

Overall a sling bag is a good choice for a bag because it has so many advantages. It fit with casual wear.

Satchel bag: 

Satchel bags are a traditional school bag. The back of a satchel extended to the front to form a flap that folds over to cover the front with fastens. The long shoulder strap is often worn diagonally crosses the body, and hanging on the hip.

The traditional Oxford and Cambridge style satchel is a simple design that features a simple pouch pocket with a front flap. Various include with a single or double pocket on the front and a grab handle on the top of the bag (Flap). The classic satchel school bag often had two straps, so that it could be worn like a backpack, with the design having the straps coming in a V from the center of the back of the bag, rather separate straps on each side of bag. This style is called as a satchel backpack. In the 17th century satchel bag becomes the fashion accessories, science that it remains in fashion. It’s shape and design has made this bag for both genders, with the rise of the ‘men bag’.

Appearance: The Satchel is a large Rectangular sturdy handbag with a wide flat bottom, a main pocket covered by a flap, two small handles, a shoulder strap and zippers and/or clips for sealing pockets. Both men and women wear this type of handbag, usually with the strap over one shoulder and the satchel resting on the opposite hip.

Functionality: Being one of the larger handbags, satchels are used for carrying large items such as books, files and laptop computers. People that are going to school or work predominantly use them.

A good messenger bag is a like a large cross body purse: easily accessible and convenient whether I am walking, standing, or sitting. Messenger bags they are ideal for small and lighter things like some documents, and Ipad and some other things in between. It is very easy to carry.

Tote Bag:
          
Tote bag is a large bag and often without the closer in opening, with two shoulder handles. The work Tote means, “to carry”, United States began the tote bag craze in 1940s, because they were easier to carrying than a luggage. In 1950s women initially used them as a functional handled bag, until 1960s the tote bag treated as a personal style. The US outdoor label, L.L.BEAN came up with an idea of a bag that can carry large volume of, is known as “ICE BAG”. People began to use bag d to carry other things like daily groceries and personal belongings. Finally, in the ’60s L.L. BEAN released a tote bag made of canvas, opening the door to a spectrum of new ideas and designs for personal tote bags. Today, fashion follower can find tote bags in a variety of style. It is still known for its practical use – its large size, double handles and open top and its designs... 


Appearance: Tote bags are quite large compared to your regular handbag, but not as large as the satchel. They have a rectangular or square shape with a large wide bottom, an open top and two shoulder straps. Some tote bags come with the zipper closer top with the shoulder strap. Today it available in various sizes, extra large, large and medium size Tote.

Functionality: The main function of tote bag is to carry items. People like take tote bag for the shopping, so it also known as a ‘shopper’ because women often use it when they are shopping due to its large capacity to carry many items.

Leather Tote bag can frequently be found with handles, which are stitched into the top of the bag. You can find various totes for various purposes. One of the main disadvantages to a tote is its lack of interior partitioning

Doctor's bag:

In 19th century men in mainstream professions, such as doctors, lawyers, plumbers and electricians used the bag during the war, and it is also known as a Doctor’s bag, for obvious reasons. A traditional doctor's bag is a duffel-shaped bag with frame closer, used to carry small amount of medical necessities when making house calls. During the American Civil War, physicians were used medical saddlebags. Science 19th century great advancement in the invention of medical tools occurred to aid doctors in making their diagnosis. Due to many medical tools for diagnosis, they required to carry them around. So the bag was developed with the sturdy leather materials to carry all the diagnosis tools with the safety. The classic doctor's bag is flat-bottomed with rectangle shape and rounded sides, slightly elongated. Single grab handle, the opening of the bag has a collapsible metal frame that springs open when handles are separated and tugged. The gaping of opening makes it easy to see into the bag and extract items. The bag was symbolized as a doctor’s bag.

Appearance – Doctor's bag have flat-bottomed with rectangle shape and rounded sides, slightly elongated. Single or double grab handle, the opening of the bag has a collapsible metal frame that springs open when handles are separated and tugged. The opening of the bag makes it easy to see into the bag and extract items. It also knows as a Gladstone bag, once it was a workingman’s asset – but today it a inspiration for the designers.

Functionality: - The actual function of the doctor bag is to carry medical tools, an appointment diary, and some drugs. Doctor’s bags come in to the fashion; People used it to carry few items for the travel or as a weekend bag. Small size bags are used as fashion accessories carried by women. 

Baguette Bag:

The bag is large enough to carry French loaf. It is only used to carry French loaf. In 1997, Silvia Venturini Fendi was proposed with the task of creating a practical bag for women, and instead, she created the Fendi Baguette. Science 1997 baguette bags are added in to the list of fashion bags. It does not have and distinctive design element that can be found on each bag.


Appearance: - A baguette bag is a small purse, which is rectangular in shape, with a small single shoulder strap for carrying, a long wide bottom and short depth, usually secured with a zippers. The bag resembles the shape of a French baguette, so bag names after the French baguette.

Functionality: - Due to its small size, baguette bags are not very utilitarian. They are used in a similar fashion as the clutch, to carry small items such as money, cards and lipstick; however, they are slightly easier to carry with the shoulder strap.

Bowling Bag:

Bowling sports gaining popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. As it gaining popularity, a person used to carry heavy bowling balls to the lanes is very difficult for players, so the bowling bags is invented to carry the ball. The bag introduced was made out of strong material and design truly functional to carries the weight of the bowling balls, yet now this covetable design possesses a distinct place in our fashion wardrobes, with strong aesthetic appeal With its distinctive rounded shape, the bowling bag is still considered the quintessential bag structure that continues to influence designers today.

Appearance: - The shape of the bags resembles as D shaped, with square base and zipper closer, two grab handles with the single detachable long shoulder strap.

Functionality: - The main function of this bag is to carry bowling ball; it a women’s handbag. Now it used as a fashion handbags to carry personal belongings.

Bucket Bag:

According to the Vogue Magazine, Bucket Bag trend started in the early 1900’s. It appeared first as a simple drawstring pouch, later it known as, a reticule. It’s a soft-sided handbag that is shaped like a bucket with a round bottom base or oval shape and is usually height of the bag is more than the width of the bag. Sometimes it has one single shoulder strap handle and sometimes it has two shoulder handles to carry in shoulder (as a combination of bucket tote bag style).  The first version of a bucket was probably the Neo, in 1930’s for carrying wine (Big size hold 6 bottle of wine).

Appearance: - Typically a cross-body bag, it has round or oval bottom and drawstring closure give it the appearance of a bucket. The height of the bag is usually bigger than the width of the bag. It has slouchy and soft character, with spacious enough to carry personal belongings. Usually with an open top and drawstring closer. Its women’s handbag can be combined with the formal and semi-formal look.

Functionality: - Due to it’s spacious design and structure, bucket bags are used to carry various items that you would find in a regular purse such as make-up, money, cell phones and also larger items, which can include shoes and pair of clothes. Bucket bags come with different sizes also.


Hobo bag:

The hobo bag is a style of handbag or purse that is typically large and characterized by a semicircular shape, a slouchy posture and a long strap designed to wear over the shoulder. Hobo bags are made out of soft, flexible materials and tend to slump, or slouch, when set down. There are many different sizes and shapes of this popular woman's fashion accessory

The word hobo evolved in the mid of 19th century and referred to people who were generally homeless and traveled from place to place by way of railroads. During and after the depression, the population homeless people grew significantly in US.

A larger sized hobo bag is good for carrying loads. Large hobo bag, it might have one or more than one compartment to more easily organizes things. Smaller versions can still have a terrific shape and loads of style.


Appearance: - The hobo bag is a handbag, which is Spacious and usually has one main opening at the top with a shoulder strap for carrying. Semicircular shape, the main opening is often secured with a zipper and there can be small compartment inside the bag, usually have one shoulder strap handle. Hobo bag handle strap is often long enough to be worn on the opposite shoulder, so that the strap runs across the chest.

Functionality: - The hobo bag is an everyday handbag used by women to carry their personal belongings such as makeup, phones, wallets, keys and other accessories.

Saddle Bag:

Saddle bag are bags, which attached with saddles. Saddle bag is a women bag, which inspired from the large bag (or pair of bags) hung over a saddle. Therefore, their bags are called saddle bag, even though they are not actually saddle bag.

According to the Sources saddle bags have been used science the saddle were first used. Earlier known saddle like equipment were fringed cloths or pads used by Assyrian cavalry. Saddles are attached with the straps and ties. Traditionally it was made of leather and heavier as compare to the modern bags.


Appearance: - Saddle bag are small D shaped handbags with long detachable shoulder strap and an adjustable buckle to adjust the length of the strap. Usually have flap, which cover the front or half of the front with the lock fastening. Saddle bag flaps are usually decorated with handcrafted techniques or with the used of decorative fittings.

Functionality: - The Saddle bag is a daily handbag used by women to carry their personal belongings such as makeup, phones, wallets, keys and other accessories. Medium size saddle can fit to the working environment; Small size can be suitable for the relaxed and casual evening.

Clutch Bag:

Clutch bag is a bag or purse that you hold in your hand, the sizes and style vary from small to oversize. Unlike Minaudiere clutches also provide enough spaces to carry stuff. Clutch shape more like envelop but not structured, it include with zip top, Flap top, lock closer and some with gusseted. Clutches can be used for anything from day to evening events; it can pair with any type of attire.  The idea of the clutch purse is originated from the Victorian era with the reticule, a decorative bag in which women can keep her handkerchief and smelling salts. Then they went of fashion. After the World War II, the world was darkened by the devastating struggle; the conflict caused shortages of everything’s. With limiting demand that thing become smaller.  As a result small purses came into the fashion, science then the only purses that could be made, and the clutch bag was reborn. Clutches become evening bag of choice for women everywhere. Some made of Silk, Satin or brocade, it could be tailored to match your dress and shoes.


It is also called as ‘Fingerer purse’, originated in 1930’s and was associated with Hermès. The Wall Street crash in 1929 in America, the financial crisis started, it forced manufacturer to produces products with cheaper materials. During crisis women’s came to the social events not more than a pair of gloves and lipstick, as a result the bags remain finger sized and clutch like. Evening accessories is become a fashion norms science 1920s and 1930s. As per the Ellen Goldstein-Lynch, professor and founder the Accessories Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology “Nobody wanted anything off of their shoulder or arm because it took away from the silhouette of the clothing,"

As time change the shape and sizes of clutches changed according to the needs.

· In 1920’s clutches were reflective of the women of the time – sleek and sharp.

· In 1930’s, a slight variation to the pochettes led to the creation of the clutch and also led to the introduction of glamour. Crafted from gold or silver, and featuring jewels. Varying in designs and shapes, from animals to cupcakes, they were the evening choice for the rich and famous.

· The clutch in the 1960’s was viewed as more of a symbol of youth, on trend and complimenting the mini skirt.

· Fold over clutch is variations of clutch bag, which are deep in height as compare to the width, with, zip closer and folded from the top over the front side.

Appearance: Clutch bags varying in design and shapes. Initially it comes with small size, now days it large and oversize clutches are in use, as per the requirement they carry the bag. It may have fold over closing, top zip closing; it may have detachable shoulder strap or the chain. Oversized clutch can be folded the top and rollover to use.

Functionality:  It is very popular style for the day and evening event. You can choose the size of clutches to carry you necessary items. The clutch is probably one of the most famous because it is small just like an envelope and very ideal for any occasion may it be formal or casual.

Advantages of clutch bags 

· Handy. Most clutches are held by one hand. It is not bulky and therefore you can carry it all day wherever you go.

· Small. When you have a small bag, the focus is either on your outfit or the way you look. It gives more emphasis on what you are wearing. Aside from that, by having a small bag, you do not really need to worry of bringing so many things.

· Relaxed Neck and Shoulder Muscles. Carrying clutch, you can go easy. You just grab your clutch bag and you are ready to go.

· Light. Due to its size, clutch bags tend to be lightweight and this is also in relation with relaxed muscles. And because it is light it becomes handy and it can be taken anytime and anywhere. Moreover, it can be placed in small or big areas. Just do not forget about it or you might end up going home without a ride.

· Matches with any outfit. As long as you choose the right color of clutch, it will surely match with any outfit that you have. Long ago, women think that clutches are only used for evening parties. However these days, clutches can also be utilized for casual purposes.

Clutch bags will never go out of style as long as you know how to choose the right outfit and the right pair of shoes that go with them. Choosing clutch bags have so many advantage that other bags cannot give.



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