Purse Meaning, History, Uses, Types, and How to Style in 2026

A purse is such an essential of daily life that you may not have ever wondered exactly what it is, where it comes from, and the different ways in which you can use and style it.

Purses do a lot for us, apart from just holding what we need. They save our time and energy. They also make us happy with beautiful designs. 

Today, we will cover the purse meaning, history of purses, what made them evolve over time, 8 types of purses, their features, uses, and how to style them.

Purse Meaning in English 

A purse is a small bag that is supposed to hold your most essential items, including your cash and cards, keys, identity card, photograph, etc. It can be made out of fabric, leather, PU leather, and other such strong materials.

History and Evolution of Purses

Where did purses come from? What was the purse meaning, purses history in ancient times and what is it now?

1. In ancient times, people used purse-like bags. A pouch was unearthed in the remains of a mummy called Ötzi the Iceman.

2. Egyptian hieroglyphs show people having a pouch around their waist, functioning as a purse. 

3. In the medieval times, men and women carried pouches around their waists. Women often had these pouches under their dresses. These purses closed through a drawstring at the top and were quite small. They were mostly made with leather.

4. Men’s pockets came about in the 17th century, which meant that purses now became mostly for women’s use.

5. Due to industrialization in the 18th century, people needed to travel more and carry more items. Purses became larger and more suited to daily use. 

6. By the end of the 19th century, the modern hand bag as we know it today, was created. 

7. In the 20th century, people wanted fashionable and stylish bags, and big fashion brands like Chanel started making luxury bag designs which are popular even today.

8. From here on, there was an explosion of different kinds of shapes, styles and designs of purses. Today, we have a large number of options when choosing a purse. 

9. Recently, there has been a rising demand for sustainable purse materials like fabric or PU leather instead of genuine leather. The meaning of luxury has been redefined and combined with a love for the earth and its creatures.

8 Different Purses, Their Uses and How to Style

1. Clutch Bag

A clutch is a small purse that you hold in your hand. Usually, clutches are very structured and often have metal bodies.

They might close with a clasp, zip or buckle. Sometimes, a clutch purse has a longer strap for carrying on the shoulder.

Clutches are mostly used to carry a small number of things during an event or party.

They can be styled with an evening dress, a fancy saree, a beautiful suit set, and even a pantsuit.

2. Hand Bag

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A hand bag is a multi-use purse which usually has more space than a wallet or clutch-sized bag. It is compact but spacious, and has sturdy handles which are to be held in the hand. 

Hand bags have one or two main compartments, with smaller pockets that keep the items less cluttered. They close with a buckle or zip, usually both.

Hand bags are carried to work, casual and formal outings, and parties. You can style a hand bag with just about any outfit, including a casual dress, a party dress, a formal saree, etc. 

3. Sling Bag

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A sling bag is a small purse with a long strap that can be worn on the shoulder for ease. You can carry a sling purse hands-free. These purses hold only your essentials. Larger slings can carry bigger and heavier items too. Slings are quite durable. 

These purses mostly have one main compartment (sometimes two), and often a small extra compartment inside. They usually open with a zip.

Sling bags are carried for casual outings, or while traveling. You can style a sling purse with a casual dress, t-shirt and pants, top and jeans, or comfortable sporty set.

4. Crossbody Bag

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A crossbody bag is similar to a sling bag, but its strap is even longer so that it can be worn across the body. Crossbody purses can be carried in a fully hands-free manner. They hold your phone, keys, money, etc. Usually, a sling purse can also become a crossbody purse, and vice versa.

A crossbody purse has one or two main compartments and is compact. It usually opens with a zip.

These bags are good for longer travel, hikes and walks, and other physically intensive activities. Style a crossbody purse with an athletic outfit, a top and jeans, a casual dress, a sweatshirt and sweatpants, and anything else comfortable.

5. Wristlet/Potli Bag

A wristlet bag is a very small purse with a small strap that you put around your wrist like a bracelet. These usually only carry a few important items.

A wristlet purse usually only has one main compartment, and opens with a zip, clasp or drawstring. The potli bag, an Indian bag worn with ethnic outfits especially during wedding functions, can also be called a wristlet purse.

These bags are good for fancy events such as weddings or parties. You can carry a wristlet or potli bag with a lehenga, anarkali suit, sharara set, saree, formal dress, or pantsuit.

6. Shoulder Bag

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A shoulder bag is a purse that can be worn on the shoulder. They are usually a bit smaller than a hand bag but larger than a sling or crossbody purse. They can hold quite a few essential items that you need. 

A shoulder purse has one main compartment and opens with a zip and/or buckle. 

Shoulder bags are used with a variety of outfits and aesthetics. Nowadays, women put cute bag charms on their shoulder bags to show their personal style. Style a shoulder bag with a dress, tshirt and shorts, top and jeans, suit set, saree, and much more.

7. Satchel Bag

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A satchel purse is a handheld and structured bag. It is usually square or rectangular shaped and can have rounded edges. It is compact and sturdy and can hold many important items. 

A satchel bag usually has one main compartment. It usually opens with a clasp or buckle, and has a zip inside to keep everything secure.

Women’s satchel bags are used for fancy occasions such as parties or gatherings. You can wear a satchel bag with a formal outfit such as a suit set, saree, pantsuit, evening dress, etc. 

8. Smaller Tote Bag

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A tote bag is a type of larger capacity purse which holds a lot of things, from an electronic device and charger to books, lunch, water bottle, and more. It is either structured or flexible, depending on the material. A smaller tote bag can be considered a purse as well.

A tote bag has one main compartment and many smaller compartments within it. It opens with a zip.

Tote bags can be taken to work or for other formal events that require you to carry more than a few things. They can also be used for shopping or school/college. There are many styling options with tote bags, such as a saree, formal dress, pantsuit, kurta and jeans, t-shirt and shorts, and many more.

Conclusion

Now you understand the purse's meaning, history and various types to use on various occasions, find the perfect purse for you to look rich and glamorous. The meaning of a purse for a girl is not just utility, it's an emotion that she carries everyday with her style. We also write blog on types of bags which you must read.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the full meaning of purse?

The full meaning of purse is a small bag meant to carry the most essential things such as money, cards, keys, etc. Purses are mostly used by women.

2. What is called a purse?

A small bag for women is called a purse. 

3. Is purse male or female?

Purse is mostly used by women. It can also be used by men. Usually, the styles of women’s and men’s bags differ.

4. What does a purse symbolize?

A purse can symbolize a lot, from wealth, personal style, social status, to the latest trends. The most popular purse style of an era also reflects its priorities.

5. What is a synonym for the word purse?

Purse synonyms are as follows bag, handbag, wallet, pocketbook, clutch, etc. 

6. What is a common purse?

A common purse is a daily-wear bag that only holds a few essential items and lasts through heavy usage.

7. What is the difference between a purse and a bag?

The main difference between purse and bag varies from their sizes, purpose and where to use. 

8. What is a purse also called?

A purse is also called a handbag. Depending on uses it can also refer to a wallet, tote, clutch, sling bag, etc.