Types of BAGS!

A write-up of the various types of bags makes for an interesting read. I discovered some of them quite late myself. Each has its own purpose and style quotient. Let’s get started:

 

i)                    Shoulder Handbag

This is a very generic term and refers to any bag that can be carried on a shoulder. Many of the bag types described next may also loosely fit into a shoulder bag.

 

Source: pinpurse.com

ii)                    Sling Bag

A sling bag is a triangular backpack with just one shoulder strap instead of two as in the traditional backpack. The single strap justifies the triangular shape. Strictly speaking anything that can be slung over the shoulder, that winds around the chest and goes cross-body is a sling bag.

 

Source: mec.ca

iii)                    Satchel

A satchel is a more specialized version of a sling bag. It has two regular shoulder straps as well as provision for a single long sling. Hence, it can be carried either way. This is my favourite kind of bag, for the flexibility it provides.

 

Source: newlook.com

iv)                    Backpack

This one needs no introduction – it is most handy when one needs to perform heavy-duty activities as it does not get in the way. This is a favourite among trekkers. As we saw, a backpack comes with two shoulder straps as opposed to a sling bag that has only one.

 

Source: evo.com

 

v)                    Clutch

You clutch this bag with your hand, hence the name. It does not have a strap to sling around. This is very high on the style aspect and is very lady-like.

 

vi)                    Wristlet

This again is a specialized clutch with a small strap to put your wrist through. It has the added dimensions of flexible carrying and security to it – you won’t leave it somewhere as you need to use both hands and then forget to pick up later.

vii)                    Pouch

This is the ethnic, small bag that opens and closes with a drawstring. Extremely elegant and goes very well with the Indian attires. Again, very high on looks but may not be very functional.

 

viii)                    Tote

A tote is usually open at the top – that is, it lacks a fastening mechanism. The advantage is that you can stash items slightly larger than the bag as well. It is also easier to quickly access items as you do not spend any time opening a zip or flap. The downside, of course, is that there is reduced security to the items within.

 

 

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

ix)                    Wallet

Again – another very familiar item. Just the basic purse to hold the essentials – money, cards and sometimes the phone. This is carried either standalone or inside a bigger bag. Some of them are tiny enough to go inside pockets of trousers/jeans.

 

Source: igicanada.com

x)                    Muff

This is an interesting one. Muff is a bag made of wool, fur or some warming material that has sections with zips and openings at either end to slip your hands into. Purpose? To keep your hands warm, while still providing to carry essentials.

 

Source: etsy.com

xi)                    Minaudière

This is a precious, embellished version of a clutch – the kind we see celebrities often sporting. The space is usually very constricted and allows for the absolutely bare minimum storage. It is more of a thing to flaunt than to carry something in. Not my kind, though.

 

xii)                    Messenger Bag

This is a large bag meant to carry items to be delivered such as paper, files etc, hence the name. To aid in carrying out the delivery, this bag has a single long strap that is provided to be worn across the body. For the same purpose, these bags are made of water-proof or water-resistant material. You’d spot your courier guy usually having these.

 

Source: blokesbags.co.uk

xiii)                    Hobo Bag

A hobo has a crescent shape and lacks a sturdy frame – if set down, it would simply slouch. It usually has one main compartment that has a zip mechanism and may also have smaller sections on the exterior.

 

Source: designerbagcatalog.com

xiv)                    Bowler Bag

This is also a crescent-shaped bag but an inverted version of the hobo. As the flatter side is towards the bottom, helps the bag to have a sturdier frame. It derives its name from the fact that it was originally intended to carry the big bowling balls.

 

Source: designerbagcatalog.com

 

xv)                    Fold Over Clutch

As the name suggests this is a variation of the regular clutch – usually longer, implying improved storage space. This is made of flexible material, such as cloth, that allows the bag to be folded.

 

Source: outblush.com

xvi)                    Baguette Bag

A medium sized bag that seems inspired by the French Baguette. It is significantly longer (from side to side) and has a relatively short height.

 

Source: lyst.com

xvii)                    Kelly Bag

This list would be incomplete without a mention of the bag, an example of which has stood the test of time and has been a classic since historical times. This is made of a sturdy material and has a triangular side frame. The finest example is the Hermes Birkin that has a metal latch at the top opening. These bags are characterized by short handles. This kind has been named after Grace Kelly, who had taken a liking for the bag, when she was pregnant. The large size seemingly helped to take the focus of her belly.

 

Source: coolspotters.com

The above are more or less, the various types of bags available in the market. There may be minor variations and features of multiple bags could be seen in one. For example, a tote with a thick drawstring.