Handbag Terms Explained: A Plain-English Glossary
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Handbag descriptions are full of words that sound clear until you try to picture them. What exactly is a trapeze bag? Is a saddle bag the same as a flap bag? This glossary explains the most common terms in plain English, so you can read a product page quickly and know what you are looking at. We use examples from our own collections where it helps.
Bag Shapes
Saddle bag
A bag with a curved flap that covers the front, inspired by the shape of a horse saddle. Examples: the Off-White Saddle Bag with Twist Lock and the Black Suede Foldover Saddle Bag.
Dome bag
A bag with a rounded, domed top. It often has a zipper along the curve. See the Blue Dome Cross-Body Bag.
Trapeze bag
A bag that is narrower at the top and wider at the base, like an A-line shape. The Black Trapeze Handbag is one example.
Hexagon bag
A bag with a six-sided outline, usually with a top handle. Example: the Off-White Top-Handle Hexagon Bag.
Bucket bag
A bag shaped like a bucket, often with a drawstring or open top. The Horse Brown Bucket Bag is an example.
Envelope bag
A flat, slim bag with a triangular flap, resembling an envelope. See the Dark Brown Buckle Envelope Bag.
Messenger bag
A bag designed to be worn across the body, often with a front flap. The mini versions in our range include the Blue Push-Lock Messenger Bag.
Clutch
A small handheld bag with no strap, or a removable one. Browse the Clutches collection, or read our guide to carrying a clutch comfortably.
Carry Styles
Top handle
A short handle you hold in your hand or in the crook of your arm. Our guide to top-handle bags explains how to carry them.
Shoulder bag
A bag with a strap long enough to sit on the shoulder.
Cross-body bag
A bag with a longer strap worn diagonally across the chest. For a comparison, see crossbody vs. shoulder bag.
Convertible
A bag that can be carried more than one way. Always check the listing to confirm which carry options are included.
Closures
- Twist lock: a metal piece that you turn to close the bag.
- Push lock: a clasp you press to open or close.
- Buckle: a strap and buckle closure.
- Zipper: a toothed track that opens and closes the bag.
- Flap-over: a panel that folds over the opening.
Measurements
Width, height, depth
The three basic dimensions. Width is side to side, height is top to bottom, and depth is front to back.
Handle drop
The distance from the top of the bag to the highest point of the handle. It tells you whether the bag will sit on your shoulder or in your hand.
Strap drop
The distance from the top of the bag to the strap when it hangs. It helps you judge where the bag lands on your body.
For help applying these measurements to your own frame, see our handbag size guide.
Other Useful Terms
- Chain strap: a strap made of metal links, sometimes with fabric woven in.
- Gusset: the side panel that gives the bag its depth.
- Hardware: the metal parts such as clasps, rings and zippers.
- Structured: a bag that holds its shape.
- Slouchy: a soft bag that folds or sags.
- Compartment: a separate interior section. Our guide to multi-compartment shoulder bags shows why they matter.
How to Use This on a Product Page
- Identify the shape from the title.
- Check the closure and carry options.
- Read the dimensions and compare them to what you carry.
- View every photo for color and hardware.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a handbag and a purse?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Which one people use varies by region.
Does a bag name tell me the material?
No. A shape name describes the form only. Read the description for materials.
The Takeaway
Once you know the vocabulary, product pages become much easier to read. Bookmark this glossary and browse the Crossbody Bags and Shoulder Bags collections with confidence.