Dear Bag Lady,
As you are probably aware, brands are competing with one another to produce contemporary handbags that are useful, stylish and fashionable. This, in turn, results in variations of bag types that you may have seen everywhere.
Consider how many variations of bags you’ve seen in a shopping mall, that are worn by your favourite celebrities and on e-commerce sites. Those bags differ in style, shape and colour, don't they?
Not to mention the unique names given to each bag. Different brands will have their own distinct handbag names. Trying to recall the name of the product can be a struggle, especially if you have only seen the product once and forgot it immediately.
Shopping for appealing handbags that complement your lifestyle is much easier when you understand the varieties rather than depending on the bag names. And in this article, we will compile the most popular bag types, providing you with more alternatives before purchasing the one you desire.
Keep on reading and make a wise decision about your bag, ladies!
What Makes Bag Types So Divergent?
Customers preferences are becoming more diverse thus it is no longer enough for brands to produce one or two types of bags. Customers will swiftly move their attention to other brands that offer the handbags they desire. As a result, brands are increasingly competing by creating a wide range of bag designs and producing a variety of bag types. They are doing this in order to appeal to a broader customer base and to meet the demand of the ever-changing fashion trends.
The competitive market should allow you to select a handbag that suits your needs and preferences. So, while the brands are striving hard to design innovative products, you can enjoy the following perks:
Choose a bag that reflects your personal taste
When it comes to selecting a handbag, everyone has their own distinct taste. Their preferences are influenced by their personal style, budget and practicality of the bag type. Apart from that, peer and media influences frequently shape their preferences for handbags.
A bag which others may find appealing and desirable may or may not be suitable for you. For instance, your mom or aunt may be keen on vintage bags, but you prefer a more contemporary and functional bag that you can carry everywhere.
Hence, the varying bag types are beneficial for you to embrace your special style. You can easily pick one that you love the most and let the visually-appealing handbag express your personality.
Rock any occasion with a special handbag
Different occasions require a particular amount of formality or dressiness. Considering its significant role, you must choose the right handbag to attain your desired look. Let's say you are going to attend a wedding, gala dinner, or a soirée; an elegant and formal handbag will be perfect for the occasion.
On the other hand, if you are planning an informal outing such as a picnic, lunch date, or day at the beach, you'll want to go with a more laid-back and functional handbag. With the right bag type, you can avoid overdressing or underdressing and feel more confident about your style.
Effective mix matching with daily outfits
A handbag can be a functional and fashionable accessory that complements your daily wardrobe. Aside from using it as an item to carry your personal belongings, you can also use it to add a touch of style and personality to your look.
That explains why it's common for women to own multiple bag types in their wardrobes to accomplish their everyday looks. For instance, if they are in the mood for a simple earth-coloured outfit, a nude handbag would be a perfect match.
In order to create a polished appearance that reflects your personality, you might want to consider owning a few handbags that match the outfit variations you usually wear. This strategy will make it easier for you to put together a cohesive and polished look.
Pick a handbag that meets your budget
Each person has a varied amount of money they can allocate for a handbag. Some people prioritise their money on other things, thus, they go for a more affordable handbag. Meanwhile, others perceive a handbag as an investment and don't mind spending more on it.
If you are hesitant in purchasing an expensive handbag, it does not necessarily mean you have to sacrifice quality. There is a wide range of high-quality handbags available that are similar in style to designer brands but are more affordable.
Overall, whatever your preference is, ensure that the handbag you are about to purchase fits within your budget. This way, you can avoid overspending, which can harm your finances and cause unnecessary stress.
What You Need To Look For When Choosing The Best Bag Types
It is important to consider several factors before making a decision on your handbag purchase. By doing so, you can ensure that the handbag checks all of the criteria you are looking for.
For example, if you want a long-lasting handbag, you should identify the bag type that has high durability. Aside from the durability, it will also be great to have a bag that suits your daily uses, so you need to pick one with the shape you prefer.
Save your regrets and ensure you evaluate these aspects when choosing a handbag you will treasure, as listed below:
Material
The material of a handbag is a crucial factor to consider, as it can affect the lifespan and appearance of the bag. There are various materials used to make handbags, each with its own unique properties and suitable for different purposes.
Natural Leather
Natural leather is a popular and durable material for handbags. It has the highest durability and develops a patina pattern over time, making the bag looks one-of-a-kind for a long time.
Regular leather bag types are often made from calves, lambs, and sheep's skin. These animals are widely available, which differs from exotic leather acquired from rare animals, such as snakes, alligators, and crocodiles.
PU Leathers
PU or polyurethane is a synthetic material imitating natural leather. It is often a go-to option for those who prefer vegan leather for their handbags, which costs more affordable than real leather.
Aside from its vegan and affordable characteristics, PU leather is a bag material type that suits humid and wet environments. However, it is not as durable as natural leather, which can be a disadvantage if you are concerned about your handbag's longevity.
Cotton and canvas
Cotton and canvas are lightweight and breathable fabrics. It's common to see these fabrics used for casual bags, though they may not be as durable as the other materials.
Style
A handbag can be a complementary item that makes a statement about your fashion taste. Choosing the right handbag style which fits in with the rest of your wardrobe is essential, allowing you to use the appropriate one for the occasion or environment.
For instance, going to a formal evening event calls for a more elegant and formal handbag, while a casual day out with your friends is better suited to a more relaxed and casual handbag style. With the right handbag style, you can feel more confident and put together.
Colour
Colour is an essential element to consider while browsing for a handbag, as it can affect how the handbag coordinates with the rest of your outfit. A cohesive and polished appearance usually calls for matching item colours, including your handbag.
Unless you want to be the centre of attention with distracting colours, make sure to choose a handbag that complements your outfit. For example, pair a neutral-toned bag with a bright or earthy-coloured outfit, or opt for a vibrant bag to match eye-catching clothing.
Size
Handbags come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs. Choosing the appropriate size can help ensure it serves its intended purpose – whether it be for practicality, comfort, or style.
- Practicality: If you are the type of person who carries a lot of items on a daily basis, a larger bag type may be more practical for you. On the other hand, if you only need to bring fewer essentials, a smaller handbag may be more suitable.
- Comfort: A handbag that is too large can be uncomfortable to carry, leaving your upper body to ache if you need to carry it for a long time. Hence, a bag type that is in the right size will be more comfortable to use.
- Style: The size of the handbag you choose affects your overall style and the look you are trying to convey. A larger one may be more durable for a laid-back look, while a smaller bag type is best paired with a formal or dressy outfit.
Does the Type of Bag Affect the Investment Value?
If you care about your handbag's investment value, then it's essential to consider the bag type and materials used to make it before making your purchase. One of the types that are often considered a good investment is made of leather and has a timeless design.
Leather is a high-quality and durable material that stands the test of time. It is even considered a luxury material that can develop a unique patina over time, adding to its character and charm. In turn, leather handbags tend to hold their value well with time.
Before you purchase a leather handbag, keep in mind that not all leathers are created equal. Opt for bags made from full-grain leather, as it is the most superior and durable. Look for the craftsmanship quality as well, as it plays an important role in preserving the handbag’s value.
On the other hand, timeless design can greatly enhance the value of a handbag. These designs are characterised by their simplicity, elegance, and lack of adherence to swiftly changing trends. Their versatility in being appropriate for various occasions and their ability to remain stylish throughout the years and seasons make them highly appealing.
All in all, it's also essential to consider the intended purpose of the bag if you care about its investment value. You may want to invest in a timelessly designed leather handbag that serves as a versatile bag or a statement clutch for a formal event, which is highly desirable.
Remember to take proper care of your leather handbag
Even after you make a purchase of a timeless leather bag type, it will hardly have a high investment value without you taking proper care of it. Taking proper care of your leather handbag is essential so that the material will be preserved in its pristine condition.
Despite its value, leather is a material prone to wear and tear. It is common to see leather handbags discoloured and cracked due to neglectful use. That is such an unfortunate event, especially when it is easy to care for a leather handbag to prevent such damage.
Protect your bag from liquids
One of the most important things to remember when caring for a leather bag type is to protect it from water, oil, and other liquid splashes. Leather is porous, which means that it can absorb moisture and become damaged.
That means you need to immediately and properly dry your bag if it becomes wet. However, you need to prevent drying it with direct sunlight or other heat sources, as it can bring more problems rather than removing the liquids from the bag.
Keep your bag clean and conditioned
Another important aspect of caring for a leather bag is to keep it clean and conditioned. Leather is a material that may become dry and brittle over time, which means it can lead to cracking or other forms of damage.
It's advisable for you to perform a regular leather bag cleaning with a mild leather cleaner, followed by a leather conditioner application. This will help your leather handbag be supple and prevent cracking or other forms of damage from occurring on it.
Store your bag in a cool and dry environment
Proper caring for your leather handbag entails storing it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. You must also place it in a dust bag since you will be storing it for an extended time, keeping it free from dust and other forms of grimes.
Perform a regular inspection of your leather handbag
Regular inspection of your leather handbag includes keeping an eye out for wear, scratches, or tear that occurs on it. It's advisable to get your precious bag repaired by a specialist if you notice any damage it experiences, ultimately preventing the damage from spreading.
Should you Frequently Update Your Bag Collections?
Lusting for different bag types is frequent among handbag enthusiasts. If you have similar tastes, frequently updating your bag to add to your collection may be for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a minimalist lifestyle, less frequent updates may be more suitable.
Whatever your lifestyle is, updating your handbag collection can offer many benefits. From a fashion perspective, handbags are a popular accessory that is constantly evolving in style. Hence, keeping up with the latest trends can help you look and feel current.
Additionally, different occasions call for different bag types. Updating your collection and owning several handbags in your wardrobe can give you a variety of options to choose from, ensuring you have the perfect handbag for any event.
For some people, personal style is the reason why they update their handbags. They might like to change their looks every so often, and updating their handbag collections is a way to do that, resulting in a confident feeling.
Whether you prefer to have more or less frequent handbag updates, ensure that you opt for fine-quality leather handbags. This way, you won't have to worry about them breaking when you declutter them by passing them down to your family or friends.
Fine Quality Leather Bag For a Better Environment
Aside from its likeliness to stay in its pristine condition, fine quality leather that is sustainably sourced is better for the environment. Bags made with fine leather are also made to last, significantly reducing the buy-and-throw culture of mass fashion.
Here are a few other reasons why sustainably resourced fine leather has a positive impact on the environment, making your fine leather bag purchase a responsible and eco-friendly choice.
Reduced Environmental Impact of Production
Conventional leather production is known to have a significant environmental impact. For instance, a traditional tanning process may cause pollution and water contamination due to the toxic chemicals used.
The toxic chemicals, which usually contain chrome, are dangerous to both human health and the environment. It's unfortunately common to witness the chemicals harming water bodies as well as aquatic life and causing air pollution as well.
On the other hand, sustainable leather sourcing prioritises environmentally friendly tanning and production methods. One of the popular techniques is by using vegetable tanning, which can significantly reduce the harmful impact of conventional leather production.
In addition, ethically sourced leather entails choosing materials from sustainable farms. Farms must adhere to best practices in terms of animal welfare and land management to be deemed sustainable, eventually leading to minimise harmful emissions.
Reduction of Waste and Pollution
The fast-fashion industry has long carried the reputation of causing a massive amount of waste due to rapid product turnover. Such practice is not only dangerous for landfills, but it is also irresponsible for the sustainability of our planet.
Fine leather materials, on the other hand, are made to last. The high-quality ensures that anyone can use or pass down their fine leather bags for years. It is also fairly easy to repair fine leather materials through a restoration service, eventually leading to a less buy-and-throw culture of the fast-fashion industry.
Supporting Ethical Practices
Sustainable fine leathers are beneficial for the environment and ensure that all steps are taken into mind. That includes fair treatment of workers in the production and supply chain lines.
Mass production in the fast-fashion industry may produce cheap goods, but they often treat workers unfairly under inhumane conditions. Choosing sustainable leather materials means you can contribute to stopping such practices.
There is no means of owning a fashionable handbag if you know that many workers are struggling with the process. Opting for ethical leather bag production means you are more responsible in your purchase and support fair treatment for workers.
Is The Finest Bag Type Always The Most Expensive?
Now you have figured out the positive impacts of fine leather handbags, you may be wondering if the items will cost higher. In fact, handbags come in a wide range of costs, and high price does not always equal the best quality.
Rather than looking solely at the high cost and expecting to get the finest leather handbag from it, you might want to look at the following factors when shopping for your favourite bag type:
Materials
Natural leather is the most popular material choice among bag lovers out there. People adore this bag type as it has durability, quality, and style that stand against long-term use.
However, due to the perks that this material has, many customers think that it is expensive. In fact, natural leather can be an affordable material you can pick for your handbags as long as you know its price range.
For instance, calves, sheep, and lamb skins are the most common affordable material used to make natural leather bags. The reason behind this is that these animals are easier to obtain due to the larger amount of farming.
On the other hand, snakes, crocodiles, and alligator skin are mostly used to make exotic leather bags. Since these animals are rarer than the commonly farmed flocks, the price of exotic leather tends to cost higher.
This comparison should give you the idea that not all natural leather made of animal skin is always expensive. You might want to go with a calfskin leather bag type if you prefer a more affordable choice or choose an exotic leather bag that you can keep as an investment item.
Craftsmanship quality
Craftsmanship quality includes clean stitching, fine edges, polished surface, and smooth zipper. Unfortunately, splurging your money on an expensive leather bag does not guarantee that it will have these expected criteria.
Instead of fixating on the high price, you might want to ensure that the luxury handbag you want is designed with quality craftsmanship. Carefully look at the small details while you are visiting the store or browse through as much as testimonials while shopping online.
Looking through the refund and exchange policy will also be beneficial if you shop for your handbag online. This way, even though you only have a digital preview of your purchase, you can relax knowing that you can get a replacement in the event of damage.
Sales, discounts, and deals
Owning a quality luxury bag can be affordable because of the sales, discounts, and deals offered. Nowadays, many brands are competing with one another to provide the most valuable offer for customers through this method.
You might want to stay updated with the latest offer from a particular brand that you love the most by subscribing to their newsletter. This way, you won't miss out on the opportunity to save money for your chic handbag purchase.
How About The Brand, Does it Matter?
A brand name can be an essential aspect to consider when purchasing a bag type of your choice. However, this does not mean that your option should be limited to designer brands, as they often cost so highly.
Many local brands are offering the same well-made and luxury bags nowadays, which you surely don't want to miss out on. But now the question is how can you be sure that local brands remain superior and on par with designer brands?
In order to give you a better understanding of the differing appeals between designer and local brands, we will further explain it below.
Status symbol vs Craftsmanship quality
Designer bags are known to possess status symbols, especially those with visible logos. People tend to easily notice that those are expensive luxury bags. Yet, the striking logos often inflate the bags' prices without giving added value.
If you value craftsmanship over status symbols, designer brands that prioritise the latter may not be of interest to you. In this case, it may be more worthwhile to focus on the build quality of the handbag rather than spending a large amount of money for social recognition.
Silent vs Loud Luxury
Designer bags often boast striking logos that serve as status symbols, which some customers prefer to avoid. If you wish to look more down to earth, a silent luxury bag type may be a better fit for you.
These types of bags, in contrast to loud luxury ones, place a greater emphasis on design quality. The logos are typically subtle, small, or even hidden, blending seamlessly into the surface colour.
List of Bag Type Collections
As we have previously mentioned, there is a wide range of bag types, each serving a specific purpose. The key to successful handbag shopping is understanding how different bags complement different occasions.
To simplify your shopping experience, we have compiled a list of popular bag types for you below.
Evening handbags
Attending a formal event is best suited with an evening handbag. This bag type is usually smaller in size and made of luxurious materials to enhance your overall elegant outfit. Here are the choices of evening handbags that you can choose:
1. Long Purse
Long purse is a flat and small handbag that complements any evening event. This type of handbag serves as an eye-catching accessory to enhance your overall formal outfit. Using a long purse offers you elegance without having to carry a larger handbag, which may be impractical and uncomfortable to wear for attending a formal evening event.
2. Mini Handbag
A mini handbag is a compact clutch that is designed to be worn as a fashion statement item. This bag type is usually smaller in size and versatile for you to match with any kind of formal attire to attend an evening event. If you usually only carry essentials like a phone, keys, and a small wallet, then choosing a mini handbag is perfect. This way, you can make a fashion statement and have a stunning appearance without carrying a large bag.
ABARA has a variety of mini handbag collections that you can pick from depending on your taste, which include:
- Weekend Clutch Mini (Exotic Leather) Available in: Fuschia/Grisaille & Bleu Izmir/Dahlia Shop Now
- Bow Bag Mini (Exotic Leather) Available in: Rose/Bleu Sapphire, Emeraude/Navy Blue, Poppy/Brick, Rose, Ultraviolet, Pink & Bleu Izmir.Shop Now
3. Belt Bag
A belt bag is a small pouch designed to use around your waist or by attaching to an extendable belt strap. This bag type serves as a fashion statement item rather than a practical one in which you can carry essentials inside.
Using a belt bag may bring a simple yet unique appearance when you attend a formal evening event. You can also style it in many different ways, depending on the outfit of your choice.
Shop your favourite belt bag from our collections:
- Bow Accordion Mini
Available in: Monogram and Grege Shop Now
- Bow Accordion Mini (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Beige & Pink Shop Now
4. Top handle bag
The top handle bag, as the name suggests, is a type of handbag that has a handle on top of the bag. The handle is meant for carrying the bag by hand, arm, or crook of the elbow.
This bag appears more formal and sophisticated than other types of handbags. In turn, using a top handle bag is best suited for attending a dressier occasion, such as a business meeting, an evening reception, and many more.
Interested in owning a top-handle bag? Let's take a look at Abara's Top Handle Bag collections:
- Weekend Clutch (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Rose/ Bleu Sapphire, Cerise/Poppy, Bordo, Yellow/Black
- Bow Bag (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Black/Beton & Snow
- Tr'Apeze Bag
Available in: Grège & Monogram
- Tr'Apeze Bag (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Black & Burgundy
5. Wristlet
A wristlet is a small bag type designed to be worn around the wrist. It is usually smaller in size and has a wrist strap attached to it.
You can use a wristlet for attending an evening event as it looks simple yet complements your formal attire perfectly. This way, you can be trouble-free from carrying a larger handbag.
Day and night handbags
Day and night handbags are the bag types you can wear during a formal or semi-formal occasion. Whether you need to attend an evening event or a lunch date with your friends, using this type of bag will complement your outfit perfectly.
1. Bow bag
A bow bag is a type of handbag that resembles a bow. The resemblance can be in the form of additional decorative accessories or in the shape of the bag itself, making the bag appears to be sophisticated.
Aside from its sophistication, a bow bag is also practical for you to wear to either a formal or semi-formal event. You can carry plenty of essentials, such as phone, wallet, and keys, inside a bow bag.
Shop Bow Bags From Abara's collection:
- Bow bag (Exotic leather)
Available in: Black/Beton & Snow
2. Cross-body bag
A cross-body bag is a type of handbag that is designed to be worn across the body, typically with a long strap placed on one shoulder and across the opposite hip. The strap is usually also adjustable, resulting in a more comfortable fit.
A cross-body bag makes a perfect match that you can wear during a casual day out or a semi-formal evening occasion. It's a comfortable handbag that keeps your hands free, allowing you to fully enjoy your activities.
Aside from its practicality, a cross-body bag can also be complementary to your outfit. Mix matching this handbag with your clothes is also easier, as Abara has got you covered with these cross-body bag types:
- Vanity Case
Available in: Grège & Monogram
- Keeps'Ake Cross-Body Bag (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Caramel GF, Silk AFS, Black AFS
3. Flap bag
A flap bag is a handbag type that features a flap covering the top of the bag and secures with a closure like a magnetic snap, a turn lock, or a buckle. This type of handbag comes in different styles, including shoulder, cross-body, and clutch bags.
A flap bag makes a perfect complement that you can use during a casual outing or a dressy evening occasion. Not only will this handbag boost your confidence, but it also offers practicality and comfort.
Shop Flap Bag from Abara's curated collection:
- Weekend Clutch (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Rose/ Bleu Sapphire, Cerise/Poppy, Bordo, Yellow/Black
- Keeps'Ake Cross-Body Bag (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Caramel GF, Silk AFS, Black AFS
- Weekend clutch mini (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Fuschia/Grisaille & Bleu Izmir/Dahlia
4. Trapeze Bag
A trapeze bag is a unique type of handbag resembling the trapeze shape. It usually has a wider base with a narrow top, giving the interior some space. Due to the space, many women are into this bag as they can easily carry their essentials without any problem.
Aside from its practicality, a trapeze bag also offers a stylish complement to your outfits. You can easily mix and match this versatile bag, whether you are going for a casual hangout or attending a formal event that requires a dressier appearance.
Now you can get a premium trapeze bag from Abara's curated collection, as listed here:
- Tr'Apeze Bag
Available in: Grège & Monogram
- Tr'Apeze Bag (Exotic Leather)
Available in: Black & Burgundy
5. Quilted bag
A quilted bag is a type of handbag that has a quilt pattern on its surface. The quilt pattern, on the other hand, is made by stuffing and sewing cloth into diagonal designs.
The quilted bag is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes since it is more focused on the pattern rather than identifying a single bag design. For instance, you can get a smaller or bigger quilted bag, which also may have cross-body, top handle, or flap bag type styles.
Everyday handbags
Everyday handbags are those bag types that you can wear to casual occasions, such as lunch dates, beach days, or hanging out with friends. These bags have emphasised simplicity and have higher practicality than other bag types.
1. Sling bag
A sling bag is a bag type that is designed to be worn by slinging it down using a strap. The strap also varies in style. Some use leather, while others may use chains.
Despite its simplicity, using a sling bag can add to your cute and pretty appearance. This bag comes in a variety of styles, which you can choose from depending on your personal taste.
Take a look at Abara's sling bag collections:
- Vanity Case
Available in: Grege and Monogram
2. Tote bag
A tote bag is a larger type of handbag used to carry everyday essentials more easily. It is typically shaped rectangular, with a handle on top of it that allows you to carry it by hand or place it on your shoulder.
A casual day out that requires you to bring plenty of items with you is an ideal match for a tote bag. Using a tote bag, you won't have to worry about your belongings not fitting into your bag.
3. Baguette bag
A Baguette bag is a small and cute handbag type shaped like a baguette. The Baguette bag looks simple and innocent, making it perfect for a casual and laid-back occasion.
Even though the baguette bag appears to be simple, you can still make a distinctive laid-back appearance with Abara's baguette bag collection.
- B'Aguette Bag
Available in: Grege and Monogram
4. Satchel bag
A satchel is a bag type used to carry plenty of items such as books, laptops, tablets, and many more. Due to these characteristics, satchels are typically larger in size.
Satchel makes a perfect match to use on casual occasions, such as attending classes, catching up with your friends in a cafe, and many other laid-back settings.
5. Shopper bag
Shopper bags are larger in size and made of lightweight materials. They are meant to be used to carry plenty amount of items, hence popularised with the name shopper bag.
The shopper bag is often focused on the quantity it can carry rather than the look. Hence it looks very casual, which is more suited to use during grocery shopping, a workout at the park, or a chilling day at the beach.
The Beauty of Personally-Crafted Bags
Despite the varying bag types available, in some cases, you may long for a unique bag created specifically for you. It may be your name embroidered on your bag, material customs, to shape customs.
At Abara, we provide a personally-crafted bag that fits your desired bag, lifestyle, and personality. It all starts with a consultation with our designer, whether at the shopfront or in the comfort of your home.
Our team will also measure your profile, making sure that the bag shape and length of straps suit perfectly to your body. As a result, you can own your dream bag, truly unique to your taste which you can cherish for years to come.
Final Thoughts
As you come to the end of this informative article, we hope that you've not only enjoyed reading it but also gained all the valuable knowledge you need to confidently shop for the perfect bag type that fits your unique preferences and lifestyle.
But if you're still feeling unsure about which bag type is the best fit for you, or if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team of experts is always ready to assist you in finding or creating the perfect bag for you.
So why wait? Contact us today and let us know how we can help you elevate your style to the next level.
