A handbag you use every day needs to suit how you carry it and what you put in it. A beautiful bag that will not take your phone, or a strap that slips off your shoulder, soon ends up in the wardrobe. A bag for a party only has to hold a few essentials and look right with the outfit.
Before browsing, decide two things: how you want to carry it (hand, shoulder or across the body) and what has to fit inside. Then check the measurements on the product page, because photos on a white background make every bag look the same size.
The main styles
| Style | How you carry it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tote | Shoulder or hand, open or zipped top | Work, laptop or tablet, shopping |
| Shoulder bag | On the shoulder, shorter strap | Everyday use |
| Crossbody | Long strap across the body | Travel, busy days, hands free |
| Clutch | In the hand or under the arm | Parties, weddings, evenings |
| Backpack | On both shoulders | Commuting, carrying weight evenly |
| Top handle | In the hand or crook of the arm | Smart days, often with a detachable strap |
Many bags in the bags range come with two straps or a detachable strap, so one bag can work as a shoulder bag by day and a crossbody in the evening.
Size and strap drop
Look for three measurements: width, height and depth. Depth is the one people forget; a slim bag can be wide and tall but still not take a water bottle.
The strap drop is the distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag. As a rough guide:
- Under about 15 cm: carried in the hand or on the forearm.
- About 20 to 30 cm: sits on the shoulder.
- About 50 cm or more: works across the body.
Lay out what you carry every day (phone, purse or card holder, keys, glasses, a small umbrella) and check it would fit. If you carry a laptop, measure it, and look for a padded sleeve. Weight matters too: large leather bags can be heavy before you put anything in them. A heavy bag carried on one shoulder all day is uncomfortable; a crossbody or backpack spreads the load better.
Materials and what the labels mean
- Full grain leather: the strongest leather, with the natural grain intact. It ages and softens over time.
- Top grain leather: lightly sanded and finished, smoother and more uniform.
- Saffiano leather: leather pressed with a cross hatch texture and coated, so it resists scratches and water. The technique is closely associated with Prada.
- Suede and nubuck: soft and matte, but they mark easily and dislike rain.
- Patent leather: a glossy coating; wipe clean, but can crack if folded.
- Synthetic or faux leather: often polyurethane. Lighter and cheaper, and an option if you avoid animal products, but it usually wears faster.
- Nylon and canvas: light and practical for travel and backpacks.
Check the product description for the material, as similar looking bags can be leather or synthetic.
Signs of good construction
- Even, tight stitching, especially where handles meet the body.
- Smooth zips that run without catching.
- Solid metal hardware that does not look painted or flake.
- A lining that is stitched in neatly, with inside pockets for small items.
- Feet on the base of larger bags to protect the bottom.
Clutches and evening bags
For a party you need room for a phone, a card, keys and a lipstick. Check the phone fits; many clutches are smaller than a modern phone. A clutch with a chain or detachable strap leaves your hands free for a drink. The guide to choosing a party dress covers matching the bag to the outfit and dress code.
Looking after your bag
- Store it stuffed with tissue paper so it keeps its shape, in its dust bag, away from sunlight.
- Do not store leather in plastic; it needs air.
- Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth. Use a conditioner suited to the leather type occasionally, testing it on a hidden spot first.
- Keep pens capped and make up in a pouch; ink and foundation are hard to remove from linings.
- Empty the bag now and then and hang it by the strap only if the maker says so, as weight can stretch handles.
Small leather goods are listed separately under purses and wallets, and the accessories section has belts and watches to match.
Quick checklist
- Decide how you will carry it: hand, shoulder or across the body.
- Check width, height and depth against what you carry.
- Check the strap drop and whether the strap is adjustable or detachable.
- Read the material: leather type or synthetic.
- Look at stitching, zips, hardware and lining.
- For evening bags, make sure your phone fits.
- Store stuffed, in a dust bag, out of sunlight.
Common questions
What size handbag do I need for everyday use?
It depends on what you carry. Lay out your daily items and compare them with the width, height and depth listed. Many people find a medium shoulder or crossbody bag of around 25 to 30 cm wide covers a phone, purse, keys and glasses.
Is saffiano leather real leather?
Yes. Saffiano is real leather that has been pressed with a cross hatch pattern and given a protective coating, which makes it harder wearing than many smooth leathers.
How do I get a bag back into shape?
Stuff it firmly with acid free tissue paper and leave it for a few days. For leather that has creased badly, a specialist leather cleaner or repairer can help.
