Handbags Glossary

Think east-west and north-south are just directions your boy gives you to make driving difficult? Don’t get the difference between a satchel and a tote? Need a clutch on what all the fuss about hobos is?

I didn’t write fashion articles during English literature classes at a private school in New York without learning piles – let’s chat barrel bags to yoga mat totes, doll.

Barrel: n. a handbag with a long cylinder shape that resembles a barrel.

Prada brown nylon barrel satchel

Belt bag: n. a purse that hangs around your waist, like a belt. The bag of a belt bag may or may not be detachable.

Clutch: n. a handbag without straps or handles that must be held – or “clutched” – by you. Clutches are usually small evening bags, and were popularized during the 1950’s.

Computer bag: n. a purse – usually a tote or shoulder bag – specially designed to carry a laptop and its accessories. See also “shoulder bag” and “tote.”

Convertible: adj. describes a bag that can be converted from one function or shape to another. For example, some belt bags have detachable bags, so that the bag may be carried alone as a clutch. See also “belt bag.”

Duffel: n. a large bag made of cloth. Duffle bags are typically used to carry atheletic equipment or as casual luggage.

Kashmere red canvas duffle

East/west: adj. describes a bag that is longer than it is tall. See also “north/south.”

BCBG Max Azria east/west leather bag

Evening: adj. describes a bag designed to be carried during the evening to formal dress events.

Frame: adj. describes a handbag with strong, inflexible structure. Frame handbags were popular during the 1950’s.

Hobo: n. a slouchy, crescent-shaped bag. Hobos are usually also shoulder bags, and were popularized during the 1960’s.

Kenneth Cole Reaction gold leather hobo

Messenger bag: n. a unisex shoulder bag designed to be worn across the shoulders. Messenger bags are usually made of cloth and, while a now a fashion accessory, designed to have the functionality of a back-pack. Messenger bags are named after bags originally used by couriers and the post office.

Minaudiere: n. an evening clutch purse with a hard case. Minaudieres are usually covered in Swarovski crystals. See also “clutch” and “evening.”
Swarovski crystal minaudiere

Muff: n. a handbag designed to keep hands warm. Muffs are usually cylinder in shape and covered in fur. See also “cylinder.”

North/South: adj. describes a bag that is taller than it is wide. See also “east/west.”

Satchel: n. a bag with a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel was inspired by the shape and utility of luggage and comes in a wide variety of sizes.

Prada brown trimmed canvas satchel

Shopper: n. a bag designed as a carryall for shopping. Shoppers are usually rectangular.

Fendi beige shopper

Shoulder: adj. describes a bag designed to be worn hanging from your shoulders. A shoulder bag is usually a day bag.

Top handle: n. a handle that is attached to the top of a bag and designed to be carried in your hands. Top handles are often paired with frame bags. See also “frame.”

Tocca aquamarine carpet top-handle handbag

Top zip: adj. describes a bag with a main opening that can be zipped shut.

Tote: n. a bag designed as a carryall. Totes are usually sturdy and rectangular in shape, with shoulder straps and a wide top opening. Totes are similar to shoppers. See also “shopper.”

BCBG Max Azria evergreen studded tote

Wristlet: n. a clutch with a bracelet-like strap so that the bag can be carried hanging from your wrist. See also “clutch.”

Chanel green ’5′ canvas wristlet bag

Yoga mat bag: n. a bag specially designed to carry a yoga mat. Yoga mat bags are usually tote or shoulder bags. See also “shoulder bag” and “tote.”