The Ultimate Bag Guide. Bags and wallets are natural enemies. Women are more likely to impulse-buy a designer bag than clothing. They then force themselves to hold on to the bag because it cost them so much. Surveys have shown that some women spend as much as $200 on a bag and sometimes more, just because it’s shiny and pretty and begging to be taken. In truth, you can get one for a lot less if you consider the practicalities carefully before buying.
What makes a bag a bag is its ability to organize your things and make you feel like you have your life put together. Every woman needs at least three bags in her closet for different purposes. Each bag should serve that purpose to the fullest while representing your style and your responsibilities as a person.
The Ultimate Bag Guide for Women: All You Need to Know
After surfing too many online shopping websites and stores, women often get confused about what type of handbag they should own. While aesthetics are certainly not to be ignored, they shouldn’t be the sole reason for buying a bag. This is where our ultimate bag guide comes into play. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly the type of bag you need in your life right now.
How to Choose the Perfect Bag
Types of Bags and Their Uses
There are over one hundred kinds of bags, each serving a specific purpose. We can’t go into the details of each but let us summarize them for you to recognize the ones that suit your needs.
1- Backpacks:
These are the types of bags carried primarily on your back, though they sometimes have shoulder straps and hand straps. Varying in size, they are used by children and adults alike for varying purposes.
2- Waist Bags/Belt Bags:
Also called fanny packs, waist bags are buckled or fastened around your waist and come in handy during travel or short trips, as they can carry all your essentials.
3- Clutch Bags/Pouches:
These are small handheld bags that sometimes have handles as well. These can be used to organize your things inside a bigger bag. The more elaborate ones serve as accessories during formal events. A simple zippered pouch, a pochette, an envelope clutch, a wristlet, and a knot bag are a few examples.
4- Crossbody/Shoulder Bags:
These bags are either worn on a single shoulder or across the shoulder. They have a single medium-long length strap that is often adjustable. Tote bag, saddlebag, camera bag, and sling bag are a few examples. Their uses depend on the type of bag you’re using.
5- Functional Bags:
These are often large-sized bags classified in terms of the function they serve instead of their build or the way they are carried. Travel bags, bags for athletes, instrument bags, diaper bags, laptop bags are functional bags. Each bag is constructed according to its specific function.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Bag
Several things must be considered before you go to buy a bag. These are tips for buying bags in general. No matter what the type/function of bag you want, here’s what you need to consider:
1- Your Budget
Millionaires buy whatever they want. The rest of us plebeians have to respect the Wallet.
2- Functionality of the Bag
The second most important thing while choosing a bag is determining its usefulness. You need to be conscious of two things:
- Occupation: What you do as a person usually defines the kind of things you keep in your bag on a regular basis. The bag you intend to buy should take this into account.
- Occasion: If there’s something specific you need the bag for, travel, for example, the bag should completely cover all your travel needs.
3- Practicality
What makes a bag practical, you ask? These three things:
- Washability: If the tag says never to get it dirty because you won’t be able to get it clean, steer clear of that bag.
- Durability: The quality of the materials used and the bag’s construction determine if it will last long. You’ll be able to tell if you inspect closely. Don’t buy bags that look nice but are poorly made.
- Portability: A bag that is too big or too small to be carried safely is obviously a no, no, though that is rare.
4- Construction of the Bag
As far as the assembly of the bag is concerned, here is what’s important:
- Size: Whether that bag is spacious enough for your purposes. If you’re a new momma in need of a bag that holds all your baby’s things, your bag should be large-sized with lots of pockets.
- Storage: Whether the storage space is appropriate for your needs. A casual, everyday bag needs enough pockets and space to hold all your essentials. A small-to-medium-sized crossbody bag suits those needs better than a large and heavy designer bag.
- Color: To save money, opt for bags in black, white, or neutral shades, as they are bound to look good with outfits of any color.
- Material: You’ll need to choose a bag based on its function, right? This is where the material is important. Travel bags and cases usually work best if they’re made of leather instead of, say, cotton.
- Quality: Never compromise on this! If you’re thrifting, don’t buy a bag that’s obviously been through rough waters.
- Brand: The bigger the brand, the higher the quality. However, this is not necessarily written in stone. Bags by relatively unknown companies and brands can be just as good.
5- Aesthetics and Personal Style
How beautiful the bag looks and whether or not that appeals to your personal tastes are just as important as any objective reason. If you like what you’re wearing, the psychological effects of that are amazingly positive. So, just imagine having a bag that checks all boxes in terms of being functional and practical but looks ugly to you. Your dislike won’t disappear, and eventually, it will show. As a worst-case scenario, it will begin to affect your mood and performance.
6- Current Trend
That does not necessarily mean that you seek the latest branded bags that cost a fortune. Rather, it refers to not-buying bags that have long gone out of fashion. Unless you’re super into breaking the mold and doing something different, having a bag in an outdated design will not work in your favor.
Must-Have Handbags For Every Woman: Best-selling Amazon Bags Under $100
Best-selling is synonymous with ‘economical’ and ‘useful.’ This is a great selection of highly-rated handbags available on Amazon. You should have at least 3 of these bags.
How Did We Decide:
We have ranked the best-selling handbags on Amazon by price, listing them from the most expensive to the cheapest.
↓ 10 – Women’s Fashion Handbags 4pcs Set
Seller: YTL
Product Description:
- There are four products in this set: a big shoulder bag (10.4″ x 12.9″), a wallet clutch (7.9″ x 3.9″), a messenger bag (10.2″ x 7.5″), and a wristlet (6.3″ x 9.8″).
- The set comes in different colors.
- It’s made with synthetic leather, has a polyester lining and gold hardware.
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $39.99
Best For: The different sized bags can be used on countless occasions.
Pros:
- It’s a great set of bags for an affordable price.
- The bags are all sturdy.
Cons:
- The Wallet is small, and the plastic card slots look cheap.
- Some pieces are not as shown in the pictures.
↓ 9 – Women’s Multipurpose Backpack
Seller: ZOCILOR
Product Description:
- It measures 2.3″ x 13.4″ x 6.3″
- It’s made with vegan leather.
- It has backpack straps, a small handle, and a multicolor detachable satchel strap.
- It’s multipocketed.
- The bag is available in more than half a dozen shades.
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $30.90
Best For:
- School/college/university.
- Travel/short trips.
- New moms.
Pros:
- It’s roomy and spacious.
- Good quality
- Stylish
Cons:
- The backpack straps are bulky.
- The zippers reportedly get damaged easily.
- It has a strong smell.
↓ 8 – Large Designer Hobo Bag
Seller: Realer Store
Product Description:
- It’s made from synthetic leather.
- The size of the bag is 12.4″ x 4.7″x 11″.
- It has an adjustable and removable strap, as well as a shorter handle.
- It has pockets on the outside as well as the inside.
- There are many color options.
Amazon Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $30.58
Best For:
- Business trips
- Shopping
- Traveling
Pros:
- The bag is of great quality.
- It is spacious and has many compartments.
Cons:
- The bag is heavy on its own.
- The leather peels off of the straps.
↓ 7 – Triple Zip Pocket Large Crossbody Bag
Seller: ALYSSA
Product Description:
- It’s made with faux leather.
- It has gold-toned hardware.
- The size of the bag is 10.5″ x 11″ x 2.75″
- The inside has pockets as well.
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $24.95
Best For:
- Trave/vacation
- Business trips
- Everyday use
Pros:
- The bag is compact and great for organization.
- It’s sturdy yet feels soft.
Cons:
- The zippers on the bag get stuck.
- It has a strong plastic smell that takes a while to fade.
↓ 6 – Forever Young’s Small Crossbody Phone Bag/Wallet Purse
Seller: Myfriday Store
Product Description:
- It’s made from synthetic leather.
- It has three zippered compartments.
- The dimensions of the bag are 7.4″ x 4.7″ x 2.5″
- It’s available in a dozen colors.
Amazon Rating: 4.1/5
Price: $19.99
Best For: Daily use
Pros:
- It’s small and compact but still allows you to carry all your essentials like phone, money, cards, and keys, etc.
- It’s big enough to fit even the largest phone.
- It can turn into a wristlet as well because of the adjustable strap.
Cons:
- The compartments don’t stretch, so if something big is placed inside, it takes up all the room.
↓ 5 – Retro Classic HandBag with Zipper Closure for Women
Seller: BARBAUM
Product Description:
- It’s made with crocodile-pattern PU.
- The bag measures 10.8″ x 5.5″ x 2.1″ with an 8.26″ strap.
- The strap is detachable.
- It has a zipper closure. There are pockets inside as well.
- It’s available in many colors.
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
Price: $19.99
Best For: Formal occasions
Pros:
- The bag’s crocodile pattern is trendy.
- It easily fits all essential items.
Cons:
- It slips off the shoulder a lot.
- The zipper rips if roughly handled.
↓ 4 – Lightweight Medium-sized Crossbody Bag
Seller: DELUXITY
Product Description:
- It has one outside pocket and two pockets on the inside besides the main compartment.
- It comes in several different shades.
- It’s made of faux leather and gold hardware.
- The strap of the bag is adjustable.
- It measures 10″ x 9″ x 0.5″
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
Price: $16.50
Best For: Everyday use
Pros:
- It’s lightweight and great for organizing.
- Despite being medium-sized, it offers good storage space.
- It stores a lot without distorting its shape.
- It’s comfortable to wear.
Cons:
- There is a staggering difference in the quality of the different colored versions.
- The bag is flat, and the lack of depth causes storage problems if something bulky needs to be stored.
↓ 3 – Women’s Signature Cotton Zip ID Case Wallet
Seller: Vera Bradley
Product Description:
- The zipper case measures 3″ x 5″
- It comes in dozens of different patterns.
- The pouch is quilted.
- It’s made with 100% cotton.
- It has a key ring, two interior slip pockets, and a vinyl ID pocket at the front.
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
Price: $15
Best For: Organizing cash and cards inside bigger bags.
Pros:
- It’s incredibly durable and lightweight.
- A wristlet strap can be attached to it, which makes it easy to carry.
Cons:
- The keyring is too thick, which causes problems if the keys have smaller holes.
- It does not come with the wristlet strap. The strap has to be bought separately.
↓ 2 – Ladies Small Crossbody Bag
Seller: SIMYEER
Product Description:
- It’s made with good quality faux leather.
- The bag measures 6.3″ x 7.5″ x 3.15″
- It has three zipper pockets, an adjustable strap, decorative hardware.
- It’s available in up to 40 colors.
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $13.98
Best For: Everyday use
Pros:
- It’s a multipurpose bag that can serve as a handbag, messenger bag, or shoulder bag.
Cons:
- The decorative hardware falls off after a while.
- A few seams rip after short use.
↓ 1 – Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote Bag
Seller: Dreubea
Product Description:
- It’s made from soft faux leather.
- It’s a medium-large capacity bag that measures 14.1″ x 11.8″ x 4.3″
- The handle measures 9 inches.
- It has a small side pocket inside.
- This product is available in several colors, but Antique Brass is the best-selling one.
Amazon Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $13.29
Best For:
- Daily use
- Traveling
- Work
- Shopping
Pros:
- The bag is lightweight.
- It’s spacious enough to hold all essential items and more.
- It’s well-made and durable.
Cons:
- Some buyers have claimed that the bag smells bad.
- The shoulder straps are uncomfortable.
We hope you found our bag guide helpful and are on your way to find your dream bag!
