A handbag is a practical accessory that adds elegance and femininity to your outfit. Which one to choose the “right” one?
Even before the handbag was born, there was a so-called belt bag in a woman’s (but also a man’s) wardrobe. It was made of leather and various small things were stored in it. The first predecessor of the handbag did not appear until the end of the 18th century. It was a small cloth bag with a narrow chain that was carried in the hand and was called a string. It was quite a decorative piece of velvet, with embroidery, a brooch and a drawstring. In it, ladies carried powder, perfume, lipstick or small coins to spend. And exactly this content lasted even in today’s handbags…
From pouch to purse…
Today’s handbags took the form of “leather” safes mainly thanks to the development of the railway. In the 19th century, more travel began and specialized bag companies were created to produce luggage, such as the iconic Louis Vuitton. The funny thing is that the first leather handbag was created more by mistake. The story goes that a certain wealthy toffee manufacturer – Samuel Parkinson – complained about his wife’s cloth purse, which was small, torn and could not hold anything. That’s why he decided to have a small handbag made for his “half” when buying travel equipment. The lady brought it out in 1841, and from that time a big boom in leather handbags started.
In the name of skin…
The company was among the first manufacturers of women’s bags HJ Cave & Sons. Her leather women’s handbags also inspired other manufacturers of travel accessories, such as the talented French bag maker Luis Vuitton. Today, his handbags are sold as iconic pieces and cost several tens of thousands of crowns. Traditional handbag brands also include Gucci, Delvaux and Hermès. Pieces from Chanel, Dior or Furla are considered more modern luxury handbags.
Choice for “slims”
Today you can buy a handbag in different sizes, colors, prices and brands. “When choosing, you should take into account your body type, wardrobe, lifestyle, but also an idea of how long you want the handbag to last,” says stylist Emmanuelle Alt, adding that the handbag should balance the proportions. Therefore, for smaller and petite women, she advises a baguette-style handbag with a short strap, a smaller hand model or a crossbody handbag in pastel colors or an animal print.
Handbag for tall figures
Did nature give you a tall figure? Then, according to Emmanuelle Alt, you should bet on spacious handbags of the shopper type, which will balance the proportions. Square or oval crossbody handbags with a longer strap or various structured briefcase-type handbags don’t look bad either. When choosing a color, the stylist recommends choosing brown (chocolate, caramel) or white.
Entered for full-bodied
“Slim women are best suited to medium-sized semi-long handbags made of solid materials. Crossbody handbags of the briefcase type or handbags in the form of handbags are suitable,” says the expert, adding that neutral shades such as burgundy, olive or black will benefit a stronger figure. The so-called “snake patterns” also look elegant. which continue to be on trend for spring 2026.
Materials that lead
The lifetime of the handbag also depends on the chosen material. Leather handbags last the most. The “eco-leather” version is not bad either. Animal prints, suede denim and fringes will be worn. So happy hunting!
