30 Handbag Types You Should Know: A Guide to Different Styles

Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are handbags with a rectangular shape that is wider than it is tall. They have an academic style and are often used as school bags because they can store books and other items.

Messenger bags have a similar form to satchels – rectangular with a long strap, worn over the shoulder or across the body. However, they are typically made of canvas rather than leather. Nowadays, they are often made of more durable and water-resistant materials such as leather, canvas, or nylon. They can be used as a business bag, which is less formal and more casual.

Briefcases have a narrow shape and hard sides, making them a popular choice for business people and lawyers to carry office essentials such as laptops, documents, and more. They usually come with a handle, but can also be designed without one for carrying in the hand or under the arm. Additionally, briefcases can be made from a variety of materials, such as leather, canvas, oxford, and more.

Totes typically feature two handles and a wide-open top, making them easy to carry on your shoulder and locate your belongings. They are usually made of soft leather fabrics, such as PU leather, or other materials like canvas. Additionally, they often have a large capacity and simple design, making them popular among people in the USA and Europe.

Bucket bags resemble small buckets, typically with a hard bottom, drawstring opening, and snap button inside.

These bags are popular for their spaciousness and practicality, often featuring a long cross-body strap or a short handle that allows for both cross-body and shoulder wear.

Barrel bags are a type of handbag that takes the form of a barrel, featuring pull strings at the top and a handle or long strap. The main difference between barrel bags and bucket bags is that barrel bags always have two circular sides.

There are two main types of barrel bags: horizontal barrel bags and small vertical barrel bags. They come in various sizes and can be made with different materials, including leather and fabrics.

Duffel bags were originally used in the military and are now often used as travel or gym bags due to their roomy interior. They have a similar structure to barrel bags, featuring two top handles and a top zipper slider.

Unlike barrel bags, duffel bags have a hard and flat bottom instead of two circular sides. Additionally, they are typically large bags made of fabrics such as canvas or nylon.

Doctor bags were originally developed from the handbags that doctors used to carry medical supplies in the past. Today, they can also be used for everyday purposes.

These bags are made from durable leather fabrics and feature a simple, vintage design. Additionally, they are available in a variety of sizes to suit different needs.

Clutch bags are a type of small, flat handbag that do not have handles or straps, so they are meant to be held in the hand or carried under the arm.

These bags come in various structures, such as rectangular, oval, or circular, and are made from different materials. They can be small enough to hold in one hand, making them a convenient accessory.

Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are a type of handbag with a horizontally rectangular shape. Due to their academic style and ample space for books, they are often used as school bags.

In addition to a short top handle and a cross-body strap, they have a flat bottom that allows them to stand upright. Furthermore, they are frequently made of leather.

Evening bags are small handbags carried by women on formal occasions. They are often beaded or ornamented with diamonds to match dresses. They are designed to be handheld or carried on the shoulder with a chain. Due to their compact structure, they are used to store small items such as cosmetics, keys, and more.

A wristlet is a type of bag that is designed to be worn around your wrist with a long handle. It shares some similarities with clutches, but unlike clutches, can be held in the hand or hung from the wrist.

Satchel bags, also known as Cambridge satchels, are a type of handbag with a rectangular, horizontal shape. Due to their academic style and their ability to hold books, they are often used as school bags.

In addition, they have a flat bottom that allows them to stand upright, a short top handle, and a cross-body strap. They are typically made of leather.

Phone pouches are small rectangular bags with compartments designed specifically for holding mobile phones. They typically come equipped with a long strap for wearing across the body or hanging around the neck.

The most common materials used for phone pouches are leather or other waterproof fabrics. Some phone pouches are transparent and touch-friendly, making them suitable for use in water.

The baguette bag is a slim and small purse with a short shoulder strap that is worn snugly under the arm. It is named after the French loaf of bread of the same shape, which is often carried in a similar manner.

Hobo handbags typically have a strap and top body that form a nearly circular shape. Although they come in various sizes, they are all characterized by their signature crescent shape and slouchy posture.

The saddle handbag resembles the kit bag used by horse riders, featuring a curved bottom edge with a flap. Additionally, saddle handbags are typically designed with a buckle latch, although snap fasteners are now commonly used for convenience and fake buckles for decoration.

Frame handbags are crafted with a metal or wooden frame that secures the top closure. These types of bags usually take on a rectangle or trapezoid shape and are equipped with a kissing lock.

Moreover, they exude a vintage and unique aesthetic and are often fashioned out of leather, cotton, and canvas.

Fanny packs are versatile fashion accessories that can be worn by both men and women. They come in two typical styles: belt bags and waist packs. This allows you to wear them either as a cross-body bag or to snap them around your waist. Their convenience makes them useful in a variety of situations.

Shell bags have a structure that resembles that of a shell, featuring curved edges at the top. They are typically crafted using sturdy leather that maintains the bag’s shape, even when filled.

These bags are often designed with a short top handle and are highly versatile due to their simple yet practical design, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions.

Cross-body bags are a type of bag that are designed with long straps that allow them to be worn over one shoulder or across your body diagonally. These bags come in different styles, with some falling at the hip with long straps and others falling at the waist with shorter straps.

Long straps can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, canvas or metal chain.

Flap handbags have a flap in the front that covers the zip closure. The flap often has a snap button closure on its underside.

Flap bags are available in various structures such as sling bags, clutches, or cross-body bags.

Round handbags, also referred to as circle bags, are designed in a circular shape. They can be worn across the body or held in the hand. Leather and rattan are the most commonly used materials for these types of handbags, as they maintain their structure well.

Vanity cases are compact bags, typically featuring a top handle or strap. They contain various compartments to organize makeup and other items.

These bags are often hard and leather-bound, and may even include mirrors on the inside of the lid for makeup application.

Bowling bags are bags of medium size with a distinctive dome shape and short handles on the top. The name is inspired by the bags used to carry bowling balls.

Pouches are small drawstring bags designed to carry lightweight items. They are typically made from materials such as canvas or nylon, but newer styles may feature a zippered opening for added convenience.

Fold-over bags have a flap that covers the top of the bag. The advantage of this style is that it can be expanded or folded to a smaller size depending on the amount of belongings.

Bindles were inspired by the packages that hobos would carry. They are fabric bags that can be tied at one end and slung over the shoulder for easy carrying.

Water bottle bags have a similar structure to water bottles. Typically, they are made with a main compartment for holding the water bottle. Additionally, they may feature long straps that can be worn across the body or hung around the neck.

Coin purses are designed for storing coins or other small valuable items with their single compartment. They are small and adorable enough to be carried in another bag, or held in the hand.