Young American Store

A lot of women utilize a handbag most days of their lives, but where did they originate? 

Handbags - A Long Time Ago

Although nowadays handbags are frequently a fashion statement and chosen for style, to begin with they were only designed for convenience.  Early handbags were basically a pouch.  A small circular piece of fabric had a leather strap sewn right around the circumference.  When the drawstring was tugged tight, a pouch was formed.

It’s interesting to realize that these early variations of the handbag were almost always used by men.  They used them to transport small valuables and coins, and these items were kept safe by attaching the bag to the man’s belt.  Mostly they were tied near the sword, so that he could protect his valuables easily.