Different Types Of Handbags – Which one would you pick?

The World of Handbags

“Fashions fade, style is eternal” said Yves Saint Laurent What better way to add a dash of style to your outfit than carry the perfect handbag? Here is a list of the most popular forms of handbags carried by women around the world.

The shoulder strap bag 

This is perhaps the most common type carried by women today. This type consists of a single or double strap that goes over the shoulders. This type comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. This bag is very versatile and goes with all casual and semi formal clothes. The oversized shoulder bag teamed with jeans adds a touch of class. Shoulder Strap Bag

The “hand” bag Hand Bag These bags are meant to be carried rather than slung across the shoulder. They go best with Western semi formals and formals. They are not very popular with some women as holding on to the bag means one hand is always occupied. But its definitely one of the chicest of the lot!

The satchel satchel This bag has a long strap and is popularly worn slung across one shoulder. This is the ideal bag for students and also for picnics. This is my personal favorite when I am running errands. This bag goes well with western casuals.

A cousin of this bag I would is say is our good old mirror worked “jhola” bags that we get off the streets. While the satchel can be teamed with western wear, the mirror worked versions can be carried with Indian casual wear. Jhola The hobo bag Hobo Bag The hobo bag is typically half moon shaped with a medium length shoulder strap. Most often these bags are made of soft material. This bag goes well with the “boho chic” kind of outfits. They can be teamed with casual pants or long skirts. They can also be carried with casual kurtas .

The clutch Clutch The clutch is a hand held purse literally meant to be “Clutched”. These are strictly for formal wear. It goes well with both Western and Indian formals. In my personal opinion I think this is what goes best with sarees.

The Tote Tote Totes are over sized bags usually made of cloth or other soft material. These bags are perfect for traveling, running errands, grocery shopping etc. Carrying this bag while grocery shopping is not just a style statement but also an environment friendly option to reduce plastic! I love the tote bag because it is extremely useful when I have to carry clothes to the tailor or when I have to carry sarees for matching blouses.

Laptop Tote Laptop Tote God bless the lovely person who invented this! This bag saves you the trouble of carrying a handbag and a laptop case to work. This bag is a tote made of leather or similar material. It has a separate case for your laptop and individual sections to put other personal belongings.

Beach bags Beach Bags Beach bags are colorful large bags usually made of cloth, straw or other such material. Some of the high end beach bags have a plastic lining inside which protects the bag from moisture. Beach bags are also ideal for other picnics and even the gym. The best beach bags are the colorful ones sold on the roadside. Tie a contrasting sash around it or the handle and you have got yourself a fashionable beach bag!

Do’s and Don’ts of Bags

  • • Never mix prints. Printed bags are meant to be carried with solid colored outfits. Carrying a printed bag with a printed outfit will spoil the beauty of both.
  • Some fashion gurus insist that shoes and bags must always match. While some fun adventurous insist otherwise. So who is right? While like all other fashion trends, there is no rule; ensuring your shoes and bag at least go with each other always makes a difference.
  • Sometimes carrying a nice formal hand bag with jeans and a plain tee can look quite glam. However the vice versa of carrying a casual bag with a formal outfit is plain disaster!
  • And this final tip is from personal experience. Be cautious while carrying a light colored handbag when wearing a naturally dyed outfit. Colors from your clothes can transfer to your bags and these are quite difficult to get rid off. 🙁

Maintain your bags!

Whether your bag is from Louis Vuitton’s limited edition or off the streets, maintaining your bags is important.

  • The best way to store leather bags is to stuff them with newspaper (this is to ensure they don’t lose shape) and place them in cloth bags. Most bags come with these cloth pouches. If you don’t have one, stitch up an old duppatta to make a cover.
  • All other types of bags are best stored inside a cupboard. Keeping them outside can attract dust and contributes to fading
  • If you have a stain on your leather bag, try wiping it with a damp cloth. If this does not help there are special cleaning liquids available in the market. Using your regular clothes detergent is a strict no no.

So what is your favourite type of handbag? 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Today’s Pick is Turquoise’ Multi Charm Necklace

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42 thoughts on “Different Types Of Handbags – Which one would you pick?

  1. I have satchel by USI and I think that is the best bag i have. I am college going girl so the satchels and jholas fit my books, stationery, sunglasses and a bunch of things that i cary with me. :laugh: very nice comprehensive article. just came across this blog and instantly fell in love with it. keep up the good work. ta da!

  2. I personally favor Handbags with a shoulder strap, that way I can wear it both ways!
    I NEVER carry Hobo bags, I just don’t think they’re functional and find them to be a little too shabby for my taste…weird right?

  3. Have carried loads of jholas, totes and satchel during my college days but now I am addicted to hobos, hand bags and beach bags. I keep clutches only for my indian traditional wear.

    But I love hobos the most even though I feel lost with them most of them time. :rotfl: :rotfl:

    Good to have you back, Wanderlust. 🙂

  4. I am a complete bag person and can never get enuf 😀 I prefer big bags so that I can stuff everything in one.. My colleagues comment that they can stuff me inside my bags

  5. Hi Wanderlust…nice post 🙂 I almost always end up using only the shoulder strap bag or the beach bags. I feel I can never pull off anything else 🙂

  6. There was a time I was too obsessed with handbags…I have 2 clutch bags for party..satche bag and beach bag…also formal bags from high design and have some small cute shoulder bags which I carry on picnic…

    Great post:)

  7. I opt for the extremes, I like the big handbag to hold my son’s diapers, milk bottle, my small purses, papers, and what not and I also cannot do without a clutch which is where I store my cards, important papers, and money……I love both and cannot choose which one I cannot do without 🙂 🙂

  8. my favourite r the hand bags & the shoulder strap bags…i think the hand bags look awesome if carried wel & also aids to put to classy look to the outfit…….
    the shoulder bags r gr8 going with almost every outfit…yes the clutches too look hot with sarees..i hv 2 of them, one in black & other in golden… :-)) :-))
    Nice post….. :yes:

    1. The previous comment is mine.There was some problem with the posting of the comment(I forgot to add my name and email) so almost the same comment appeared twice.

  9. Wowww Bagss…I love the shoulder and hand bags…. I love them ..Everytime I go somewhr I buy Bags for sure.. :laugh: Latest one is handbag from Da Milano. I simplyyyyyyyyy love it

  10. Wowie…

    I love handbags and I have a cute li’l collection.

    Totes,Jholas,Hobos,Laptop Tote, Shoulder bag, “Hand” bag,clutch,small shoulder bag(can be used with saree or formal salwar kameez), beaded party bags etc

    I love brands like Hi Design, Fiorelli, Bulchee, Baggit as of now.. Would love to own a Prada, JC, and of course an LV sometime 🙂 Well who wouldn’t right? 😛 😛

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