As a fashion accessory, handbags can be categorized according to the silhouette of the bag, as well as the type of handle. The current popular handbag silhouettes are (as of 2011):
Baguette: a small, narrow, rectangular shape purse, resembling a French loaf of bread (baguette)
Barrel: shaped like a barrel or closed tube, usually with shoulder-length straps
Bowling bag purse: a popular 1990s “retro” style for younger women, modelled after American bags used to carry bowling balls
Bucket bag: shaped like a bucket, medium-size or large, with shoulder straps and a drawstring closure
Clutch: a handbag without handles, rectangular in shape, often an evening bag but used during the day as well
Doctor’s bag: modelled after a Victorian era doctor’s bag for making housecalls
Drawstring: a purse that closes with a drawstring at the top, may have wrist- or shoulder-length straps, popular as an evening bag style
Half-moon: shaped as a half-moon
Hobo: medium-size crescent-shaped bag with a top zipper and often a slouch or dip in the centre; a modern, casual silhouette
Lighted: a handbag with a lighting system which has been attempted since the 1950s without success until recently when in 2011 the first successful lighted handbag was brought to market.
Messenger bag: one long strap worn across the body, inspired by bags worn by urban messengers to deliver business mail, a modern silhouette
Minaudière: a small rectangular evening bag, usually hard-bodied, sometimes held inside a soft fabric bag that serves as a sleeve
Muff: a winter bag made of real or faux fur, wool or velvet that has zippered compartments and a slip opening for hands
Pocketbook: small purse, rectangular shape
Pouch: small bag such as a pocket, teabag, money bag, sporran, etc
Saddle purse: shaped like a horse saddle, may have equestrian motifs and hardware to emphasize the design
Satchel: a soft-sided case usually of leather
Tote: medium to large bag with two straps and an open top
Trapezoid: shaped as a trapezoid, usually made of stiff material
According to type of handle, handbags are often categorized as:
- Tote: a medium to large bag with two straps and an open top
- Cross-body:one long strap that crosses over the body, with the bag resting at the front by the waist
- Sling bag: one long, wide strap that crosses over the body, with the bag resting on the back
- Shoulder bag: any bag with shoulder-length straps
- Clutch:handleless
Handbags that are designed for specific utilitarian needs include:
- Laptop purse: a medium to large bag that contains a padded interior compartment or sleeve for protecting a laptop computer
- Camera bag: for carrying photography equipment
- Cosmetic bags: small bags for holding cosmetics, often made of synthetic protective material
- Duffle bag: a large bag usually used for travel or sports gear, sometimes called a “weekend bag”
- Security bag: protects the carrier from travel theft and includes an invisible stainless steel strap sewn into the fabric and a protectant on the main zipper