It’s 2024. There’s no way we can just call it a bag.
These days, bags don’t fall under one generic term anymore. Especially in the world of ultra-luxury. There are names to distinguish different types of handbags. At FASHIONPHILE, we recognize these different handbag categories and separate them on our site to make shopping easier for you.
Expanding your handbag collection might involve sticking with a beloved bag silhouette, a color, or even a brand. But if you’re feeling extra bold these days, your collection can flourish with some new handbag styles. Whatever reason brings you to FASHIONPHILE, here are the different types of handbags that you should know.
Different Types of Handbags
Traditional Handbags
You can never go wrong with a traditional handbag. I.e. a tote bag, a top handle bag, or a clutch. Regardless of size, color, or brand, traditional handbag silhouettes will take you from day to night and everything in between.
Tote bags serve as essential carryalls for everyday use. Think the iconic Louis Vuitton Neverfull, the Goyard Saint Louis, the Christian Dior Book Tote, and so much more. Their spacious designs accommodate everything you need to take with you, from work to class, to the airport, to packing for a day at the beach. Tote bags are indispensable additions to any wardrobe and are fit for any season. With spring upon us, you could argue these basket bags are a close cousin to tote bags.
I’m not sure if there’s a better way to put it but it feels as though top handle bags bring a little bit of “extra” to the table. They’re perfect for literally anything: a lunch date, a family celebration, or maybe you’re looking for a dressier alternative to a tote bag.
Top handle bags are typically more structured than tote bags, but are just as roomy. They come in many different colors, sizes, and styles from nearly all luxury brands. Some come with the added bonus of a removable strap. You can’t beat having a top handle bag ready to grab when you need it. Styles that come to mind are the Christian Dior Lady Dior, the Gucci Diana, the Hermes Kelly, and the Chanel Coco Handle.
Clutches are great for anyone who prefers to travel light or wants to elevate their evening ensembles. Whether you’re getting ready for your first date, attending business meetings, or enjoying a night out, clutches make it easy to look great while packing the bare essentials effortlessly.
Go-to styles that are top of mind include Judith Leiber clutches that will have you turning heads, Hermes Jige Elan clutches, and even the Bottega Veneta Pouch. Some of these bags could also be considered east west bags depending on its shape. East west bags share a common silhouette that’s making headlines in the fashion world right now.
Hands-Free Versatile Handbags
Outside of traditional bags, you also will come across handbags that make it possible to go about your day hands-free and provide added versatility.
Belt bags are popular for those seeking versatility and functionality in their accessories. These gender-neutral styles are the perfect complement to an athleisure look without adding bulkiness. Belt bags are compact enough to not take up much room, yet spacious enough to carry your essentials close and comfortably.
Whether worn across the waist, or chest or carried on your shoulder, belt bags seamlessly integrate into your outfit. A top-selling belt bag style that’s top of mind is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Bumbag. Check out these top ultra-luxury belt bags, and the different types of Louis Vuitton Bumbags you can shop for.
Described as a small to medium-sized bag with a long adjustable strap, crossbody bags are worn across the body, as the name implies. We adore Chanel crossbody bags for their timeless appeal. Among the top crossbody styles are the Chanel WOC, the Gucci Soho Disco, and Saint Laurent Lou Camera bags all popular ultra-luxury picks at FASHIONPHILE.
What’s beneficial about most crossbody bags is their hands-free convenience, combined with their lightweight design. So many crossbody bags can also be easily converted into shoulder bags, adding the best touch of versatility to your handbag collection. It’s so effortless.
Shoulder bags sometimes blend the features of a tote and crossbody bag, as they can often be worn both ways. But generally speaking, shoulder bags are designed to be worn on your shoulder. Iconic shoulder bags include the Dior Saddle Bag, Prada Cleo Shoulder Bag, Fendi Baguette, Chanel 22, and Celine Triomphe Shoulder Bag.
Everyone wears a backpack at some point in their lives. No matter what motivates you to need a backpack — whether that’s for school or a glamping trip — they definitely have you covered and can pack a bunch. Backpacks have two shoulder straps and in many cases a top handle as well as plenty of pockets both inside and out. Backpacks come in different design variations too.
Prada revolutionized the backpack in the ‘70s, turning the style into a luxury staple piece. Since that historical moment, other brands followed. From the Prada Tessuto Vela backpack to the iconic LV Palm Springs backpack, you’ve got options at your fingertips. To get started here is our buyer’s guide to ultra-luxury backpacks.
Soft Slouchy Handbags
Soft and slouchy handbag silhouettes can be soft to the touch while at the same time providing plenty of room for what you need to bring with you.
Often characterized as having a rounded, or curved silhouette, almost resembling a crescent shape, hobo bags are ultra-luxury must-haves, especially for the trendspotters looking for a statement piece. Think of the iconic Bottega Veneta Jodie bag or even the up-and-coming Miu Miu Wander Hobo bag.
Hobo bags come in all sorts of sizes, colors, and materials and you can find both soft hobo styles and more structured hobo bags. Read more about why crescent bags are a must-have.
Bucket bags come in various styles, from soft-bodied to more structured, and are known for their tall shape and deep open interior, resembling a bucket. Take, for example, the Louis Vuitton Noe bag, designed in 1932 to carry champagne bottles, or Mansur Gavriel’s sleek and minimalistic bucket bag that gained widespread popularity in 2012. Drawstring bags often share similarities with bucket bags, but sometimes incorporate other features like top handles or backpack straps. Arguably due to their iconic silhouette, your collection isn’t complete without one.
Mini Handbags
Mini bags are exciting because they embody all your favorite things about regular-sized bags but are downsized to a miniature version of them.
Shop Mini Bags
We know you can barely fit your phone in them but mini bags are so adorable and prove to be useful when all you need is some cash and your lipgloss. Mini bags are not a one-size-fits-all all. All types of handbags can fall under mini bags.
The array of tiny bags available range from mini to nano and micro sizes, such as the Dior Micro Lady Dior, Chloe’s Nano Woody tote, Celine’s Mini Claude, Fendi’s Nano Peekaboo, Chanel’s Mini Nano Kelly Shopper, and Goyard’s Nano Saigon bag.
Wallet style bags are bags that double as a wallet. So yes, Chanel’s WOC is indeed a wallet style bag that can also be worn as a crossbody. Other styles include the Gucci Dionysus, the Louis Vuitton Felicie Pochette, the Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet, the Hermes Wallet To Go and so much more.
Travel Luggage
While not your everyday companions, travel and luggage bags are vital for on-the-go adventures, ensuring all your essentials stay safe and organized. From iconic duffle bags like the Louis Vuitton Keepall to compact carry-on suitcases, toiletry pouches, and organizers, these bags are indispensable for seamless travel experiences. For a little bit of inspiration, explore these travel bags loved by some of the world’s most famous athletes.
