While many were made of leather or wool, Indian ethnic fabrics were also often seen in designer handbags. 1960s: Messenger bags, shoulder bags, and purses with forearm straps were all regularly chosen by women.
Smaller handbags were often seen as they accentuated a woman's femininity. 1950s: Most purses made during the 1950s were either clutches or box styles, and they were made of leather or straw with needlework, pearls, and beads.Many women chose synthetic fabric purses such as rayon while others carried purses made of wood or plastic. A purse carried by a forearm strap was sold in many stores. 1940s: Like the 1930s, purses did not bear much adornment during this decade due to World War II.Many of these bags, handbags, and cases closed with zippers. Leather was often seen as a status symbol, while silk and satin were often used by the middle class. 1930s: A number of different styles were carried by women in this decade, including shoulder bags, box-style purses, pochettes, and clutches.After the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1923, many purses were decorated with Egyptian themes. Others, however, selected shoulder bags made of velvet. 1920s: Small leather or metal mesh wristlets or clutches decorated with iridescent beads were often chosen.Dorothy bags large enough to carry opera glasses and a fan were often the evening bag of choice. 1910s: Women who had to go to work often wore briefcases made from leather that hung from their shoulders.These usually closed at the top with a metal clasp, and they were carried from the shoulder on a chain. 1900s: Satin purses decorated with glass beads were carried by many women.Rucksacks: This type is a strong bag designed to be worn on the back.Įach decade of the 20th century had its own handbag style:.Wrist: Usually made of leather, these choices have a wide strap that fits snugly around the wrist.Scalloped: These options have a scalloped design at the bottom before rising to a smaller top, and they have no handles.Envelope: These choices were built on a metal frame and are usually about 12 inches tall.Doll: These choices were often designed to look like the person carrying them.Pochette: This is a handle-less clutch often decorated with geometric shapes.Dorothy: These options gather at the top, and they were often made to match a woman's robe.In the 20th century, women carried a variety of styles that are now vintage, including: What are some types of vintage bags, handbags, and cases? Starting with the turn of the 20th century, each decade has seen its own style. Fashion Mini Backpack Purse for Women Teen Girls Cute Small Backpacks PU Leather Crossbody Shoulder Bags Handbags Multifunctional and Large-Capacity Daypack Purse L-YELLOW. While they were often tied to the leg inside outer garments, by the start of the 19th century, many people carried handbags, bags, and cases with them regularly. Since at least the 14th century, men and women have carried pouches filled with essential items.