Upgrade Your Style: Types of Bags

Want to upgrade your fashion game but have grown accustomed and comfortable to your clothes? Consider investing in a bag to complement your chic. 

Unlike the 19th century, when bags were just functional totes, today, there is a wide variety of bags for different individuals and multiple use cases. However, no matter what, every type of bag should have the following characteristics:

• Use of Durable Material
• Good Stitching & Reinforced Stress Points
• Quality Zippers & Buckles

This blog will cover everything you need to know about different varieties of bags for both men and women, alongside a proper bag cleaning guide. So stay till last!

Why Bags Have Become So Essential?

Have you ever thought about how some clothing types and accessories became so popular? Interestingly enough, this has always happened to those functional pieces. Perhaps people begin to understand how functionality is just as important as outlook.

Bags are some of the most affected items with this positive rise. Consider this: Bags on their own are a must-have for everyone, but when it’s paired up rightly, they can take your outfits to the next level of flair. 

This is why, currently, there are many types of bags available in the market, ranging from spacious totes to fashion-ready handbags for ladies. Almost everyone is guaranteed a serviceable yet vogue bag.

Types of Bags To Look Out For

Finding the right bag for yourself can get tricky, but if you are equipped with adequate knowledge, then this hide & seek effort can be reduced significantly. 

Below mentioned are different Types of bags with names and pictures alongside best use cases!

• Tote Bags:

The word “tote” itself means “to carry,” and that’s precisely what tote bags are made for. They are unfastened bags with two handles from both sides extending from the main compartment. 

Tote bags or carryalls are exceptionally versatile, and they can be used for a wide variety of uses, ranging from everyday casual handbags to practical gym bags and even compact travel companions. Owing to such versatility, tote bags are usually made with sturdier materials like canvas, leather and polyester.

→ Wearing down totes can bring more out of your everyday wear, such as jeans, tees and flowy dresses. However, if you want that smart-casual look, then opt for structured leather totes.

• Backpacks:

A backpack, also commonly known as a knapsack and rucksack, is a bag very carefully designed to distribute equal weight on both shoulders. 

This design strategy facilitates hands-free carrying and generally a comfortable wearing experience with heavier loads. Typically, backpacks are made with nylon for enhanced tear-free resistance, but if you want waterproofing, then going for canvas-made backpacks will be best for you.

A well-designed backpack should have the following:

• Padded Shoulder Straps
• Padded Back Panel
• Sternum Strap
• Hip Belt

Fact: A backpack’s weight should not exceed 10-20% of total body weight. Otherwise, it may cause discomfort or injuries.

• Duffel Bags:

Want something suitable to carry your high-end sportswear? Then there is nothing better than duffel bags for you. These are large cylindrical bags characterized by zipper closure alongside either on top or side with a shoulder strap. 

Premium duffel bags are either made using materials such as waxed canvas and leather for a polished look or made with affordable options like nylon and polyester. These bags are also considered top contenders in the debate of the best types of bags for travelling.

• Crossbody Bags:

Crossbody bags are another hands-free carrying solution as they are made with one singular long strap, which is designed to be worn diagonally across the body. These bags capture the true essence of “Casualness” as they can be used for everyday errands and go extremely well whenever you are travelling or just going out with friends.

This type comes in many sizes and styles, from the ones that are focused on carrying small necessities like phones and wallets to larger versions for holding more items.

• Barrel Bags:

You may think barrel bag is just another name for duffel bags, but that is far from the truth. Although both of these types are significantly similar, unlike duffel bags, barrel bags have rigid construction and shorter handles for hand carrying. They are also very suitable for casual hauling carrying gym wear and are very practical for day-to-day use.

For clear differentiation between barrel and duffel bags, check out the table below!

Feature	Barrel Bags	Duffel Bags
Structure	Rigid & Always Cylindrical	Flexible & Unstructured
Zipper Style	Top Straight Zipper	Top U-shaped Zipper
Design Appeal	Sleeker	General Practicality

• Belt Bags:

Fanny packs, bum bags and many more; there are so many titles associated with belt bags, and this should be enough to tell you how popular these are. 

Belt bags have a singular adjustable strap that can be worn either around the hips or waist and are perfect for carrying small items like keys, phones and wallets. Think of it like a tote, but just in a smaller size and due to its usability, it has also gained a quick rise as a popular type of leather bag for men.

Style Guide for Belt Bags:

→ Placement:

Wear it around the waist with high-waisted jeans for that classic look, and wear it around the crossbody for that modern and trendy look.

→ Outfit Pairing:

Belt bags can pair up with almost anything, from casual dressing like trendy printed tees and essential hoodies to ones focused on athleisure and formalwear.

5 Popular Handbags for Ladies

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the market is filled to its very brim with different types of handbags for ladies, and shockingly enough, two handbags might look the same, but on closure inspection, you would come to know they differ not just in effectiveness but also in appearance and quite frankly if you are not well aware then you can easily make a wrong choice.

This is why we have carefully picked out some of the most popular handbag types available in the market right now!

• Hobo Bag:

Hobo bags are perfect for ladies who want a lightweight handbag. These bags are renowned for their slouchy crescent-like shape and ease of carrying because of the softer material used in their making, such as suede and knitted fabrics. Hobo bags are pretty versatile as they easily mold to the wearer’s body without causing any discomfort or itch.

 → Quick Fashion Tip:

Hobo bags look absolutely timeless when worn with high-waisted jeans, oversized sweaters and white sneakers.

• Shoulder Bag:

What comes to your mind when you hear about shoulder bags? If it’s a bag with either one or two straps that go over your shoulder, then your assumptions are absolutely correct. 

These bags are designed to provide that sleek, semi-professional look with a somewhat hands-free experience and are very popular among ladies due to being available in different styles and strap lengths. Do you want something with a short strap for that edge fashion statement? or do you want a practical bag with multiple pockets for organizing your essentials? 

→ Chances are you might even find these in your local supermarket!

• Clutch:

Clutch bags are as trendy as they are helpful. It is for those who want a quick solution for carrying their essentials without the unnecessary carrying big bags like totes and bucket bags. It is a small strapless handbag meant to be carried in hand or otherwise “clutched,” and due to its small size, it often emphasizes elegance and discretion. 

Clutch bags, unlike other mentions in this blog, are made strictly using premium materials like satin, velvet and embellished fabrics for formal events and parties.

• Satchel:

If you’re someone who wants the functionality of a backpack in the shape of a handbag, then satchel bags are what you should be looking out for! A satchel bag is characterized by its structured look with two short handles and spacious room for carrying laptops, books and other large items.

→ Satchel is a practical type of bag best for work and school purposes.

• Bucket Bag:

If having a classic tote is not enough for you, then maybe buying a bucket bag would be appropriate for you. Bucket bags are subtypes of tote bags and come with a drawstring closure, which makes them not just practical but also a very stylish option. It is a round-shaped bag with wide room for stashing bulkier items.

Popular bucket bag types: 

• Canvas/Cotton Bucket Bags: Lightweight casual options for bohemian styles.
• Suede Bucket Bags: Perfect for a dressier casual look.
• Straw Bucket Bags: Ideal for pairing with summer and resort wear for that breezy natural vibe.

Must-Read Note: Bucket hats are also subcategorized by their size, strap configuration and design complexity.

• Check out these must-have handbag types according to reddit.

What 4 styles of handbags are your must haves?
byu/resistantly inhandbags

How To Take Care of Your Bags?

Got your perfect bag and love using it? But now what? Consider learning how to take proper care for extended longevity. Bags are just like anything else; they get wear and tear along with nasty stains, and if these are not taken care of properly, then you should get ready to say goodbye to your high-end luxury bags.

Know Your Material:

• Use a damp cloth with a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner to prevent cracking on your leather bags.
• Use a suede brush and eraser to remove dust and stains from your suede bags.
• Spot cleaning using mild detergent and water (Always hand wash your fabric bags).
• For nylon-made bags, always use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe away stains.

• Clean Regularly:

Always wipe the exterior regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dirt from bonding and also dust out the inside as well.

• Store Smart:

Stuff your bags with tissues to ensure they hold their original shape, and also consider buying a cheap dust bag to cover your bags. Always keep your bags in a cool and dry place.

• Don’t Overload:

Avoid putting too much weight in your bags, as it can stretch the handles and overall shape.

• Don’t Overuse:

Never use one bag consecutively; always rotate your bag choice, as continuous use can cause quick wear and tear.

Final Thoughts: Bags as Fashion Accessories.

In modern times, handbags, let alone essential bags, are not just used for carrying your indispensables. Instead, they have become a fashion staple not just for women but also for men. 

You may find yourself shocked with how much of a difference a bag can make to your outfit, and honestly, you can’t experience this value addition of bags unless and until you buy a couple of bags yourself, not for their serviceability but for their fashion flair.

We suggest you start your collection with a tote bag. They are exceedingly useful and popular for their styling potential. However, be very careful, as buying tote bags online can prove to be a sham. So, always stick to reputed sellers and websites.

Common Questions Regarding Bag Styles

What are some of the best materials for a durable everyday bag?

There is no direct answer to this question, but depending on your intended use case, different materials can prove to be best for you. Consider full-grain leather for premium bags and options like nylon if waterproofing and affordability are what you are going for.

What’s the best bag for travelling?

If you are going on week-long trips, then having a duffel bag would mean all your essentials in one place, but for short trips, opt for crossbody bags.

What is the difference between handbags and purses?

The main difference relies on use and size, and typically, handbags are larger in size, unlike purses, which are highly compact and spacious enough for small items like keys, credit cards and wallets.