Different Styles of Bags

There are a range of bags people use every day.

Bag are an everyday tool used by people to transport a range of implements. The size, shape and materials used to construct bags varies greatly depending on their intended use. The most common bags, such as purses and backpacks, tend to be small items for carrying personal effects on a daily basis.

Fashion

Typically caried by women, purses are used every day to carry personal items such as wallets, cash, cosmetics and cell phones. Purses are considered an item of fashion and can themselves come in a range of styles to suit different occasions. Smaller evening-use purses, often with or without a short strap or handle, are called "clutch" bags, as they are designed to be held more often than worn. A larger purse with two handles, or a "handbag" as they are called in the UK, is referred to as a tote bag.

Everyday

The purpose of bags used on a daily basis is primarily function rather than style. The design of everyday bags therefore differs depending on their use. Satchels are thin bags no bigger than notebooks traditionally made from leather and primarily designed to be worn on a strap at a person's side. The primary function of a satchel is to carry paper documents, notepads or smaller books for academic use. A duffle bag is a large bag thrown over the shoulder with a single strap and a pull cord traditionally used to transport sporting uniforms or clothing for trips away. Messenger bags, and a smaller version called a sling bag, feature a long strap and are to be worn across the chest.

Man Purse

Traditionally purses are carried by women. However, in recent years the man purse, or "manbag" as it is called in the UK, has grown in popularity amongst men as an alternative to carrying either a briefcase or a backpack. Despite sounding simply like a masculine version of a fashion purse, the man purse is often a versatile container which can perform several functions and can easily double between business and social use while remaining stylish.

Other Bags

Beyond everyday personal use, bags tend to serve an increasingly practical function, and style is of limited significance. These kinds of bags may carry a range of good or products which can be bought by consumers, they might carry industrial goods, or aid travel by safely storing clothes and other personal affects on long journeys.

References

• Handbag Style News: Guide to Purses