The various patterns and forms of purses available nowadays will undoubtedly confuse you.
This has influenced me as a woman, especially when I’m getting ready to hang out with friends or attend a special occasion.
So I decided to face my phobia and debate what size purse should I carry.
While we have a variety of handbag sizes, there are additional factors to consider before choosing the correct size of purses like your body type or fashion style.
Not to mention, the size of the purse you choose is heavily influenced by your personality. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE IDEAL SIZE FOR A PURSE?
To begin with, I assumed that purses were only for ladies. I had no idea that males used purses but under a different name. Check this article on what you call a man’s purse.
Before we get into the best purse size, it’s important to understand that purses, or handbags as they’re more commonly known, come in a variety of styles. Check out these articles for more information:
How many handbags does an average woman own?
5 Bags every woman should own?
Below, you will find various handbags or purses and their ideal sizes:
A crossbody: You can carry the one that rests on the curviest part of your hip or right in front of your lower abdomen and it should not be too larger than a DVD.
Clutch handbag: It should be the size of an envelope – approximately 10 inches long.
Tote handbag: This should be something that is roughly the size of a cereal box and it should jut out more than six inches from your unique body.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARRY A SMALL PURSE?
A little purse is useful for a variety of reasons. The following are the top three reasons why having a small purse is essential:
- A small purse turns up your unique style outfit look.
- You can carry just essentials.
- You won’t have any strain carrying it.
WHAT SIZE PURSE SHOULD I CARRY?
The standard-size purse we recommend that will bring out your personality, and add to your overall appearance is the medium-sized purse.
Another rule in selecting a good size purse is to scale a handbag that suits your body scale and see what works for your unique style.
In addition, if you want to look smaller, you can carry a larger handbag, and if you want to look larger, carry a smaller-scale handbag.
Finally, don’t just consider the size of the purse without considering the quality of the bag, as quality enhances your whole appearance.
AVERAGE HANDBAG SIZE
The Height should be 10 and 3/4 inches, and with a width of 15 inches. The Depth should be 5 inches and a drop (which measures the length of the bag’s strap) of 21 inches.
SMALL HANDBAG SIZE
Measurement: 5 inches in height (4 and 3/4″, a bit more than 6 inches wide (6 and 5/8”), and with a depth of 3 and 1/8 inches.
HANDBAG SIZE CHART IN INCHES
Below, you will find the average handbag size chart in inches ranging from small to medium to large and extra-large handbags.
Size chart for a small handbag:
In inches, it’s approximately 6 to 12 inches wide.
Size chart for a Medium handbag:
12 to 14 inches wide.
Size chart for a large handbag:
14 to 16 inches in width
Size chart for an Extra Large handbag:
16 inches wide
HANDBAG SIZE IN FLIGHT
Are you looking for the ideal purse for traveling by plane? If you only need to transport a little personal item, a laptop bag or a small purse or handbag would suffice.
For a handbag that will contain other items, you might require a larger handbag not more than 8- 10kg, and 56 x 45 x 25cm.
MEDIUM HANDBAG SIZE
What is considered a medium-sized bag? Simply put, a medium-sized bag is also known as an average handbag size.
The Height should be 10 and 3/4 inches, and with a width of 15 inches. The Depth should be 5 inches and a drop (which measures the length of the bag’s strap) of 21 inches.
SHOULDER BAG SIZE GUIDE
The External Dimensions of a Shoulder bag with a push lock are as follows:
The Width: is 28cm
The Height: 23cm
The Depth: is 7.5cm.
The Internal Dimensions are 23 x 18 x 4cm
The Adjustable strap length is 120cm.
The External Dimensions of British Edit Shoulder bag:
The Width: is 28cm
The Height: 22cm
The Depth: is 5cm.
The Internal Dimensions are 25 x 19 x 5.5cm
The adjustable strap is from 115cm to 135cm.
A Shorter adjustable strap is from 95cm to 115cm.
The External Dimensions of the Twist Lock Shoulder bag are:
The Width: is 28cm
The Height: 21.5cm
The Depth: is 6cm.
The adjustable strap is from 115cm to 135cm.
A Shorter adjustable strap is from 95cm to 115cm.
HANDBAG SIZE CHART IN CM
On this, let’s look at satchels little, mini & 11th inched:
Little Satchel:
The External Height: 12.5cm W: 19.5cm D: 6.5cm
The Internal Height: 11cm W: 15.5cm D: 1.5cm
The Strap Drop
Short: 49cm
Long: 62cm
Mini Satchel:
The External (Which includes the handle):
Height: 19cm
Width: 21.5cm
Depth: 6cm
External (Which excludes handle):
Height: 15cm
Width: 21.5cm
Depth: 6cm
The Internal:
Height: 13cm
Width: 18.5cm
Depth: 2.5cm
The Pocket Internal
Height: 8cm
Width: 12.5cm
Depth: 1cm
The Strap Drop
Short: 53cm
Long: 77cm
11 Inch Satchel:
The External
Height: 20cm
Width: 27cm
Depth: 6cm
The Internal
Height: 16.5cm
Width: 24cm
Depth: 4cm
The Pocket Internal
Height: 12cm
Width: 16cm
Depth: 2cm
The Strap Drop:
Short: 48cm
Long: 64cm
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT BAG FOR MY BODY TYPE?
Athletic Body (Rectangle):
Go for clutches that are usually tucked under your arm, or you go for slouchy hobo bags that are worn on the shoulder that create dimension and curves.
Apple body shape:
Go for structured/boxy bags that have short handles like totes, top handle bags, and bowlers that are worn without the long shoulder strap.
Inverted Triangle Body:
Go for long straps so that your bags will rest on or against the hips. Belt bags that are worn on the waist/hips work too.
Pear Body (bottom heavy)
Go for bags that usually fall between your waist and hips, so that you can create the illusion of narrower hips.
You need to go for bags that have longer straps or go for belt bags that are worn across the body.
Hourglass body type:
Everything fits this body size. Good for anything that works for you!
CONCLUSION
Oh my! It’s been a journey! I want to believe that your question about what size purse you should carry has been answered. Thanks for reading.