Clutch bags are small handbags designed to hold essentials and often used as evening bags. They come in various shapes, styles, and materials, and are used to accessorize outfits. The history of purses dates back to ancient times, and the clutch bag experienced a resurgence during World War II.
A handbag is a women’s accessory designed to accommodate a few necessities, such as a driver’s license, cell phone, and credit card. Clutch bags are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn over the shoulder. There are many different styles of clutches, and some form of small bag has been in use since the Babylonian era, although specific styles have since gone out of style. In modern times, they are most often used as evening bags.
Clutches come in a wide variety of shapes, brands, and styles, all of which can vary between brands and seasons. They come as small square, triangle, or heart-shaped boxes, covered with satin, beads, or brocade. They are fastened with tassels, loops and other imaginary decorations. Leather or vinyl clutches are available for less formal events when a smaller bag is still desired. Its price ranges from $10 US dollars (USD) up, depending on the design.
Since they are so small and come in a wide range of styles, clutch bags are often used to accessorize an outfit. A woman who wears a conservatively colored dress might choose a brightly colored tote bag to add some color to her outfit, or she might swap out a more utilitarian tote she carries for everyday life for a unique tote bag if she’s going out for an evening event. Since they are often relatively cheap, some women choose to buy many clutch bags in different styles so that they have one bag that goes with many different outfits.
The history of purses in general dates back to the Babylonian era. Purses were generally used in religious ceremonies back then, but were later more commonly used to carry money and valuables. Both men and women in ancient times wore small bags on a belt. In the early 1800s, women began carrying crosshairs, the forerunner of the modern handbag, which closely resemble the styles seen today. The ladies would carry handkerchiefs and smelling salts in their reticules, along with perhaps a packet of rice papers to dull a bright spot on their faces.
The clutch bag fell out of fashion in the early 19th century, but experienced a resurgence in popularity during World War II. With rationing, the smaller clutch required less material to manufacture and fit in well with a war mentality. It remains popular today as an evening bag, although some women use them for everyday use, particularly if they don’t need to carry many accessories or are simply running errands.
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