EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BAGS

Do you need a new bag? There are many bags to choose from, whether you need something to carry your belongings on a night out or a reliable bag for your daily commute.

This piece will talk about four types of bags: Sport & Travel Bags, Everyday Bags, Evening Bags, and Day to Night Bags.

Cocktail (Evening) bags are great for attending fancy events or going out to a date at the end of the day These bags are usually small and stylish, and they’re made to hold only the most important things, like your cell phone, keys, and makeup.

Different from other bags, Day to Night Bags can be used from work to happy hour. Even though they’re bigger than Evening Bags, these bags are still small enough to carry all day.

Another great choice is an Everyday Bag, which is perfect for use on a daily basis. You can fit all of your important things in these bags, like a notebook, purse, and water bottle. They are useful and spacious.

Furthermore, Sport & Travel Bags are made for people who are constantly moving. These bags are strong and roomy, with lots of pockets to keep your things in order while you travel.

EVENING BAGS

When it comes to evening bags, there are a variety of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a small and sleek wristlet or a classic clutch, there is a bag out there that will suit your style and needs.

Wristlet

A wristlet is a small bag shaped like a clutch, but with a long handle or strap that wraps around the wrist. This type of bag is perfect for those who want to keep their hands free while still carrying their essentials. You can easily fit your mobile phone, keys, and other small items in a wristlet.

Minaudière

 If you’re looking for a more glamorous option, a minaudière might be just what you need. This hard case bag is oblong in shape and small enough to be held within your hand. It often contains several small compartments inside for storing makeup, glasses, or keys. The design of the minaudière is attributed to Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels, a French luxury jewelry company. These bags are typically made with rigid materials and have a metallic finish or metal plating. They may also be decorated with beads, crystals, or lacquer. Some minaudières come with a chain to place over your wrist, while others have a satin or velour pouch to hold the bag.

Clutch

 A classic clutch is a small, rectangular-shaped bag without a handle. It’s designed to be held in the hand, but some clutches come with a strap to carry the bag on your shoulder. Clutches come in a variety of styles and shapes, from the classic rectangular version to rounded versions. They lend a chic and sophisticated touch to any outfit and can be carried at any time of day, whether in the morning or at an evening get-together with friends. While originally an evening bag, clutches also come in larger sizes that are perfect for office wear.

Envelope Clutch

 A specific type of clutch bag is the envelope clutch, which is similar in appearance to the classic clutch. It’s a flat, usually rectangular bag with a triangular flap top that makes it look like an envelope. This type of clutch is perfect for those who want a classic look with a bit of added flair.

Frame Bag

 The frame bag is a classic evening bag that is quite rigid and rectangular in shape. It’s similar to a money purse, with a long metal part that supports the textile or leather of the bag like a frame. It often comes with a kissing lock closure, which is two interlocking metal beads set on top of the frame, and has a long metal shoulder strap. Due to its vintage design, the frame bag is perfect for polishing off any retro outfit.

DAY TO NIGHT BAGS

When it comes to bags, it’s always a good idea to have a few options that can take you from day to night effortlessly. Here are some of the most popular day to night bags and how they can work for you:

Micro Bag

The micro bag is the smallest bag available and is more of a statement piece than a practical bag. If you’re happy with just fitting your wallet, keys, and perhaps a lipstick, then a micro bag is ideal. This kind of bag is a great office-to-evening option, and you can just pop it into your larger tote bag and take it out when required.

Cross Body Bag

 The cross body bag has an extra long strap for looping it over one shoulder, and across the body. The bag rests on the waist or hip. Cross body bags are the best combination of stylish and practical – keeping your hands free while you’re out doing your errands. But not only can they do daytime, cross body bags also double up as evening bags – depending on the style. With an endless variety of sizes, colours, and materials available, finding the right bag is not that hard.

Flap Bag

The flap bag is named after the folding flap closure placed on the front of the bag, and was invented by Coco Chanel. The Chanel flap bag has been a classic and timeless handbag since. Flap bags are now also featured in other designers’ collections and are available in a variety of styles and colours. This type of bag can take you from day to night with ease, and is perfect for a more formal occasion.

Quilted Bag

Quilted bags feature a topstitched pattern similar to a quilt. The quilted chain bag has long been an iconic accessory and wardrobe staple. Its chic, geometric finish plus its ability to transition seamlessly from day to night is one of the many reasons these designs will never go out of style.

Bucket Bag

Bucket bags are roomy and shaped like a bucket. They usually have an open top with a drawstring closure, and either a shoulder strap or a handle. Some bucket bags don’t necessarily look like buckets, but they will have a flat bottom that is round or oval in shape, which allows the bag to sit upright without falling over and spilling its contents. This type of bag is a statement piece and can hold all of your essentials for a casual weekend or an evening out.

Box Bag

The box bag is similar in shape to a bucket bag but with more structure. It looks like a box, with a handle on top, and sometimes also with a shoulder strap. The box bag is a classic design and reminiscent of luxurious leather trunks once used for travelling. If you like a classic style and you’re usually attending meetings, dinner and drinks all in the same day, this might be the bag for you.

Saddle Bag

The saddle bag is typically a shoulder or crossbody bag, and made out of leather. It is a medium-sized bag great for everyday use and can also transform into a (not too formal) evening bag. The classic equestrian-style shape consists of a rounded bottom with a top flap that comes over the top of the bag, and a shoulder strap.

EVERYDAY BAGS

When it comes to bags for everyday use, there are plenty of options available to you. From small handbags to large shoulder bags, there is a bag out there that will fit your needs and style. Here are some of the most popular everyday bags:

Baguette Bag

The Baguette bag is a small handbag that is relatively long from side to side but small from top to bottom. It has a short strap to be carried in hand or over the shoulder. Although it does not fit much more than everyday essentials, it is the perfect bag for when you don’t have much to carry.

Canteen Bag

The Canteen bag has an unexpected yet structured, circular shape and a long, multi-functional strap to cross over the body like a cross body bag. Typically made out of leather, they also come in woven basket form. Canteen bags are great for everyday use.

Hobo Bag

The Hobo bag is a large, shoulder carried bag with a main compartment closure. It is characterized by a crescent shape, a slouchy posture, and a long strap designed to wear over the shoulder. Hobo bags are made out of soft, flexible materials (mainly leather) and tend to slouch when set down. These handbags are casual but stylish, and go well with relaxed, everyday outfits – although more sophisticated styles for office wear are also available.

Doctor Bag

The Doctor bag is flat-bottomed with rounded sides, slightly elongated and with two large handles over a collapsible metal frame. The doctor bag is named after the medical bag it resembles.

Trapeze Bag

The Trapeze bag is characterized by two flared gussets at either side of the bag and a flap front. Although it was never Céline’s biggest success story during its heyday, the trapeze bag has enjoyed sustained popularity for years.

Bowling Bag

The Bowling bag is an oblong, roundish, medium-sized bag, with top handles, and often with a removable strap to be worn around the body. Typically crafted from leather to give it stability, the bowling bag emerged in the 1920s, originally to carry the heavy bowling balls to the lanes.

Messenger Bag

The Messenger bag has a long strap to be worn across the body and is meant to be worn against the lower back, then pulled around to the side or front to access the contents of the bag. Buckles, clasps, and zippers are commonly used to protect the contents. Traditionally, a messenger bag will have a weather-proof exterior such as waxed canvas, but they can also be found in leather.

Satchel

The Satchel has a flat bottom and the back extends to form a flap that folds over to cover the top and fastens in the front. It may come with a top carry handle, and always has a strap that is worn so that it diagonally crosses the body, with the bag hanging on the opposite hip, rather than hanging directly down from the shoulder. A centuries-old accessory of English students, satchels are traditionally used for carrying books. But unlike a briefcase, a satchel is soft-sided. This is the perfect bag for carrying heavier items.

Shopper Bag

The Shopper bag is a rectangular, single-handled bag without any fastenings. Due to its characteristics, it is ideal for shopping – hence its name. Shoppers are mainly made out of heavy canvas, dyed, or treated to resist moisture and mold. They may also be made out of jute, heavy nylon and other easy-care synthetics, although these are not as durable as canvas. Easily foldable, and very lightweight, this is the perfect bag for your grocery shopping.

Tote Bag

The Tote bag is a large, spacious and often unfastened bag with double handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch. The modern tote bag emerged from the original canvas shopper bag into a large leather bag. It may come with fastenings or may be open, but nowadays tote simply refers to a large leather bag. An easy bag for everyday wear, a tote is both appropriate for a long day at the office and after-work drinks. It can be styled in many different ways. And made for tucking under an arm, a tote is convenient to carry if you’ll be walking around, or carrying multiple items at the same time.

SPORT & TRAVEL BAGS

When it comes to outdoor activities or traveling, having the right bag can make all the difference. Different types of bags are designed to suit different needs, and choosing the right one can ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free experience. Here are some popular types of sport and travel bags:

Backpack

A backpack is a popular choice for outdoor activities such as hiking and traveling. It is a spacious and practical bag that allows you to carry heavy items comfortably on your back. The double handles of the backpack are supported by the shoulders, making it easy to carry hands-free. Compared to bags carried on one side of your body, backpacks are much better for your posture. They are now available in various styles, including sporty, chic, elegant, and boho, making it acceptable to wear a backpack to the office.

Barrel Bag

A barrel bag is a cylindrical-shaped bag that is larger than a backpack. It is fastened using pull strings at the top and often has one thick shoulder-length strap to carry it. Barrel bags are made of canvas and are often used for travel or sports activities to carry numerous objects.

Weekender Bag

A weekend bag, also known as a “weekender,” is a spacious travel bag that is perfect for a long weekend trip. It is a soft-sided bag that unzips across the top and usually features both a removable shoulder strap and a handle. A true weekend bag qualifies as carry-on luggage for commercial flights. Weekend bags are typically made of ballistic nylon, canvas, leather, or some combination of these. They come in various styles, such as plain, dark colors with minimal contrast or in a more sporty style.

Duffel Bag / Seabag

A duffel bag, also known as a duffle bag, is a very large bag usually meant for travel or sports gear. It is named after a town in Belgium where the thick duffel cloth used to make the bag originated in the 17th century. Duffel bags are frequently used by sailors and are also known as seabags. Though similar in appearance to a weekend bag, a duffel bag is bigger and won’t be allowed on commercial flights as carry-on luggage. Duffel bags often have a sportier look than weekenders and are great for carrying heavy items.