Types of Bags

Share this Article:

Learn all about the types of bags. We all love buying bags, sewing bags, and even looking at bags. The possibilities are endless! Essentially a bag is just somewhere to carry all your stuff but the humble bag has been elevated to an art-form and fashion statement of its own. Here is a list of all the most common types of bags. Enjoy!

Backpacks

Backpacks have two shoulder straps and are designed to be worn on the back giving you a hands-free option. They are commonly small to medium-sized and are designed to fit all the extras you may need for work or school. Extra-large backpacks are used by travelers young and old, backpacking around the world. They can also be called rucksacks.

Barrel Bags

Barrel bags have circular or oval ends with a cylindrical body. They have two shoulder straps and may additionally have a long strap. These bags are often larger and suitable for travel, sports and the gym.

BASKET BAG

Basket bags are made from cane or rattan and usually have an open top and shoulder length handles. Great for carrying towels to the beach, they are extremely popular in summer.

Belt Bags

Belt bags are similar to waist bags except they are designed to thread through or attach to a belt. The bag may be attached or detachable.

Box Bags

Many box bags are wooden or leather and of course have a boxy shape! This term can be used not only for bags made of boxes but modern bags that are rectangular prisms in shape.

Bucket Bags

Bucket bags have a round base forming a cylindrical shape. They often have very open tops and can have long or short staps. Because of their wide bottom, they fit a great deal of contents inside without looking too large.

Clutches

Clutches are small types of bags used for formal or evening occasions. They have no shoulder straps but may have a wrist strap. Types of clutches include envelope clutches, box clutches, wristlets and bracelet bags.

Coin Purses

Coin Purses are small pouches to put coins inside. They may fit a credit card as well but not much else. They have no straps. Coin purses may have a metal frame or a top zipper.

Cross Body Bags

These types of bags have a long strap to wear diagonally across the body. The bag generally sits at the hip but may be slightly higher or lower depending on your height. They are considered a comfortable hands free types of bags which are extremely popular.

Daypack

Daypacks are smaller sized backpacks designed for everyday use. Favored by students and workers needed to carry more than a small bag can carry, they are extremely popular. Daypacks can be made from fabric or leather.

DUFFEL Bags

Duffel bags are long roomy bags with a zipper top that are designed for travel and sport. They are easy to get into and hold a large amount of contents.

Envelope Clutches/Bags

Envelope clutches have a flap that is triangular much like the back of an envelope. They don't fit much due to their slim width but are useful for carrying a phone, some money and lipstick when you are going out. Envelope clutches may also turn into a bag with the addition of a thin strap that is often made from metal chain.

Frame Bags and Clutches

These smaller bags have a metal frame at the top giving them structure and elegance. Most often used for evening wear, frame bags have chain straps that can be tucked inside when you want to use it as a clutch.

Grocery Bags

Grocery bags are large fabric or paper bags designed to hold food and your precious shopping. They typically have open tops and a flat bottom to fit a large amount of items. Most grocery bags have 2 handles but some designs have just one. There are no closures on grocery bags.

Messenger Bags and Satchels

The term messenger bag is sometimes used interchangeably with a cross-body bag. Messenger bags are typically larger satchel type bags made from canvas or soft leather. They have long straps and the bag often has a large flap on the front.

Saddle Bags

Saddle bags are inspired by horse's saddle bags and are rounded satchels with a round flap and a long strap.

Shoulder Bags

Shoulder bags have one or two straps that allow the bag to fit under your arm. Unlike tote bags, they usually close with a zipper or magnetic closure and are likely to have compartments inside. This term is often a generic term used to describe any bag with a strap of a length that fits over your shoulder.

Tote Bag

Totes are large soft bags with an open top. They are mainly produced in fabrics but can also be soft leather. A tote bag has a simple rectangular construction and can have short or shoulder length straps which are usually double.

Waist Bags and Bum Bags

Waist bags of course are worn around the waist. They typically clip around your waist and are designed for holding smaller items and for traveling. Perfect for when you need your hands free, waist bags are popular for men in particular. They are also known as bum bags and fanny packs.

Wallets

We all know wallets! Somewhere safe to put our cash and cards, it is a type of bag you will use every day. Most wallets have multiple compartments to separate items and to speed your payment at checkout.

Wristlet

A wristlet is a small clutch bag with a strap attached through which you can thread your wrist. This makes it particularly handy when you go out but are worried about losing a small bag. It gives you something to grab on to.

Types of bags - In Conclusion

So there you have many types of bags. A lot of these designs can cross over and look completely different decorated in different fabrics, leathers, trims and hardware.

Types of Bags - The A to Z of Bags & Purses