The modern purse did not arrive until the Industrial Revolution. Before then hand pouches were primarily used by men for storage of flint and tools. Sinched sacks of gold or silver coins gave way to billfolds and pocketbooks of printed currency. As the quality of life rose for many during the revolution, they put down trade tools to carry lighter things.
Purses, clutches, and pompadours were swept away from only function into the fast-paced changes of the fashion industry. Slender silhouettes were all the rave in the late 18th century, and large, untidy bags were replaced with smaller bags of fine fabric. Sigmund Freud noted that purses, which were once carried beneath a woman’s clothes, are now carried externally. He likened the continual interest in the contents of a bag to a form of physical satisfaction.
Handbags for women now come in every material we know of, and shapes or sizes to match that variety. Similar to Doctor Who Tardis, the external size or appearance of a ladies purse has no bearing on contents. Here is a small sampling of available options today.
- A clutch is shaped like an orange section. Called a clutch because they are generally designed without a strap for carrying.
- Crossbody bags are very versatile and have a long strap to keep your belongings attached as you cavort.
- For carrying bulkier items for the beach or a picnic, totes and basket bags can handle the load.
- There are some who didn’t get the message that fanny packs died years ago.
- Backpacks and duffle bags will hold all you need for hitting the gym before/after work, or a simple weekend get-away.
- I have belt bags. Non-metal belts with a plastic zipper which seals a clandestine pocket for emergency ID or cash.
- Shouldered purses or slings come in too many sizes and shapes to have individual names.
- Personally, bedazzling your luggage helps you find them on the carousel, but a fetching scarf or charms will make your department store purse purchase all your own.
I escaped the men’s wallet tradition to a money clip decades ago. Now a thin card holder is barely needed because I can scan everything. However, living in the tropics causes me to carry bug repellant, sun lotion, a hat, etc. Now I need a modern men’s handbag to fit my phone and everything together.
It is important to note, we can’t call a man’s handbag a purse though. Dude-bag, mandolier, or bro-sack are somehow acceptable to the sensitive male ego. To be fair, I’ve seen the industry produce some seriously cool and versatile bags for men, but I still like the Karenni Burmese bags best.
A natural habit during domestic or foreign travel is shopping for unique items from those destinations. Double check materials of bags and clothing as some are forbidden. Can you bring that home? is a question normally posed while dating but a recent returning citizen found out her $19,000 purse had to be confiscated at the arrivals gate. What is in your wallet?
