Guest Post by Saadia Khizer
We all know there are so many different kinds, styles and shapes of handbags in the market today, not to mention all those gorgeous colors, textures and brands. As soon as you enter either a handbag section of a retail store or a designer-brand handbag store, you are exposed to an array of varying colors, shapes, sizes and, of course, price tags.


In this article, I will educate you about terms the handbag industry uses to define various handbags and their shapes and sizes. That way when you go shopping for your next handbag, you are not overcome by the variety there but rather have an idea of what you are looking for and how to ask for that particular shape that is so “in”.


To learn more about how each style accentuates your figure and personality you can go to designer handbags.


Hobos are basically small handbags with a slouchy top and either a shoulder strap or small handle. These now do not come only in small sizes but there are now small hobos, large hobos and mini hobos on the market. Size of the hobo can also be chosen according to the age of the lady for example teenagers will look great with cute colorful mini hobos while mature ladies can show off their sense of style with medium or large hobos to carry all their essentials.


Satchels are the handbags in various elongated shapes. They are a bit sac shaped hence the term satchel. These can be held in hand or carried with shoulder straps. They give you an air of confidence.


Clutches are small handbags and usually the evening bags come in this style. They can barely hold two or three things but the ways they are making them now are a huge boost to your sense of style.


Shoulder bags are large handbags that can be easily used to hold career woman’s folders or new mom’s baby diapers. They are easy to carry around. The tip about choosing them is according to their height and what part of your body you want to attract attention to. They should hang at waist if you are tall and slender or if you want to detract attention from your hips.


Messenger Bags are another kind of shoulder bag that are all the rage today and loads of designer bags come in this style. These are supposed to sling across your opposite shoulder for easy carrying. They are rectangular shaped and can easily carry your laptop or kids stuff. They usually come with shoulder straps and enough pockets to easily organize your things.


Evening Bag or baguette is another name for the formal clutches for your night out or glamorous dinner function.


Backpack needs no definition. You carry it on your back and it’s great for hiking, climbing and outdoor activities. Louis Vuitton has redefined the backpack with its great creations.


Totes are inspired form shopping bags and are mostly made of soft material like fabric and quilted material. They have small handles and great to tote around at beaches or picnics.  


These are some main broad categories of the handbags. Of course there are many other that fall in these categories but are unique enough to have their own name like cigar box purses, coin purses, pouchettes, reticule, beach bags, straw bags etc.


I am posting pictures of some popular ones. You can look for more at my website if interested.

Shown: Kate Spade Clutch, Burberry Hobo, Botkier Satchel


Saadia Khizer is a fashion enthusiast and designer handbags fan. Her website http://www.designerhandbags2u.com is your free online guide to selecting, owning and choosing designer handbags that fit your budget, style and figure.


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