A handbag, or purse in American English, is a handled medium-to-large bag that is often fashionably designed, typically used by women, and used to hold personal items such as wallet/coins, keys, cosmetics, a hairbrush, mobile phone etc.
A medium-to-small-sized handbag with a short handle, designed to be carried (clutched) in one's hand, is often called a clutch which is similar to a pocketbook. A larger handbag with two handles is often called a tote. A security bag protects the carrier from travel theft and includes an invisible stainless steel strap sewn into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper.
Man purse
In North America and the United Kingdom, handbags are traditionally carried only by women. Although much less common in North America, younger men might increasingly carry one as a smaller alternative to a backpack; such a handbag is sometimes termed a manbag, or in American slang, murse (portmanteaus of "man" with "handbag" and "purse", respectively), also a male purse or man-purse.
Many handbag companies now have specific collections that cater to men's bag needs. Some of the styles are actually messenger bags. A messenger bag typically has a much wider, longer strap than a purse.
Child's purse
Young girls also use small purses or clutches, but usually just for play or dress-up.
Types of handbagsCrocodile skin handbags in a conservation exhibit at Bristol Zoo, England
* Clutch, a small, yet long (rectangular), evening bag without a handle
* Pocketbook
* Satchel, a soft-sided case usually of leather, used to carry papers or books; usually has a handle and often has a strap
* Duffle bag, a large bag usually used for travel or sports
* Tote, a medium to large bag with two straps
* Messenger bag, a bag with a long strap to be worn across the body
* Sling bag, a bag with a long strap (similar to a messenger bag), yet smaller
* Laptop purse, a medium to large bag that contains a padded interior compartment or sleeve for protecting a laptop computer.
Handbag manufacturers include Belen Echandia, Birkin Bag, Coach, Inc., English Retreads, It Bag,Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ruehl No.925, Hansengross, Vera Bradley, Hester van Eeghen, Kooba, and Dedua.
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