Handbag Glossary

Baguette: shaped like a long roll of bread, a French baguette
Bowler: As the name implies, this bag is shaped like a bowling ball bag, usually has reinforced straps and sort of a half oval shape.
Bucket bag: This handbag usually has a single strap, can be made of many types of materials. The botton is typically round and the bag has a longer north to south shape.
Clutch: a small purse designed to be carried in the hand. This type of bag does not have a strap and has a long narrow shape.
Demi handbag: small handbag with a single carrying hanle at the top. The handle or strap can be worn over the shoulder but is not as long as the strap of a shoulder bag.
Drawstring bag: bag closes at the top with a cord or string pulled through a series of eyelets.
Doctor’s bag: features easy access to contents and a good use of space. This bag is of course modeled after the traditional physician’s bag.
Evening bag: designed for more formal events.
Flapbag: comes with a fold over flap. Often this type of bag has a shoulder strap
Haute couture: French for “high sewing” or “high dressmaking” common name for custom made clothing in Paris. Usually implies the use of expensive material and expertise in design and manufacturing. The label is actually a protected term in France and industries have to meet certain requirments to use the label with their products.
Hobo bag: larger type handbag that is half moon shaped. Usually has a long strap and a “slouchy” look.
Messenger bag: Usually has a cross body strap and is shapped to allow for couriers to carry documents, typically comes with a large flap. Of course, the history behind the style does not limit it’s usefulness for whatever you want to carry in this bag.
Satchel bag: closes at the top and usually has a metal frame at the top opening that snaps shut, can be made of many materials, the side seams form a triangular shape.
Shoulder bag: As the name implies this bag is usually carried with a shoulder strap that may have a shoulder guard with the strap.
Signature bag: This type of bag has become well known due to the signature logo affixed to the bag. Typically a well known designer’s logo insures a certain level of quality in the manufacturing and represents that designer’s status within the world of fashion.
Sling bag: similar to the shoulder bag, but one end of the strap is attached to the top of the bag and the other end is attached to the bottom of the bag. The result is how the bag hangs at an angle.
Tote: comes in several varieties shopping, beach etc. This bag is open at the top and has two handles.
Wristlet: the bag is meant to be carried with a wrist strap. The bag itself is often a clutch style.