About Purses
Purses, or handbags, serve a practical function as well as being a fashion accessory. Although purses were once simple pouches carried by both men and women, most purses today are a woman's accessory, and the way a purse looks can be just as important as what it holds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Type
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Purses come in many shapes and sizes. Some of the most common include shoulder bags, clutch or envelope purses, satchels, bucket bags and hobo bags. Shoulder bags come in a variety of styles but always have long straps that can be hung over the shoulder for hands-free carrying. Clutch and envelope purses resemble small, elegant wallets, with or without a shoulder strap, and are often used with evening wear. Satchels, or handbags that resemble mini-duffel bags, have short, rounded handles that can loop over the arm. Bucket bags are deep bags, often with a drawstring top. Hobo bags often resemble satchel bags, but usually have a single strap.
Features
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Purses may have different closure types, such as zippers, snaps, drawstrings or buckles. They may also feature faux closures, such as buckles or buttons, that are purely decorative. Many purses have several pockets inside, and sometimes pockets on the outside, for organization and easy access to items. Some purses also have a built-in or removable coin purse, or small pouch for holding change. Purses also come in a wide variety of colors and fabric styles.
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Size
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Purses range from tiny coin purses and those that are essentially a wallet on a strap to large backpack-style, shoulder or tote bags suitable for carrying a large amount of items when traveling to school, the office or with children. The size of purse a woman chooses depends on how many items she needs to carry, and the look she wants to achieve. Small purses for evening wear, which hold just the essentials, may measure about 5 inches high by 9 inches long, while large purses may measure more than a foot wide and tall.
History of
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Throughout history, both men and women have carried pouches for holding seeds, religious items or money. In the 17th century, men began to wear breeches with built in pockets, while women continued carrying separate pockets on strings, or purses, since their clothing was often too close-fitting or too fashionable for pockets. By the late 1700s, women customarily carried small purses, or reticules, for their handkerchiefs and makeup, and larger versions for their needlework. During the Victorian era, women began making or buying purses to match different outfits.
Significance
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Today, most women rarely leave home without a purse. Purses can be used to carry essential personal items such as money or makeup, as well as larger items such as wallets, key rings, books, pens and items for the office or baby diapers. Since most women own more than one purse, handbags have become a huge industry for both discount stores and top designers. Some women carry purses mainly for practical purposes, but for others, finding just the right purse for a particular occasion or outfit can be as important as finding the right clothes or shoes.
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