Whoever said “diamonds are girl’s best friend” didn’t know that we ladies first need a fashionable handbag or a purse to carry those. So yes, purses are a woman’s best friend. Not to mention they are the perfect accessory to complete an outfit and can be used to carry all of your essentials like makeup, money, and phone.
The type of purse you choose will depend on what you need it for, how much storage space you need, and how much money you want to spend on it. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be made out of different materials, such as leather, suede, or canvas. You can choose any style depending on how you plan on using it.
6 Popular Types of Purse Straps
Apart from these purse designs and styles, one element that differentiates purses and handbags the most as per usability is a strap. Some purses have a long strap that you can wear across your body, while others have short handles that you can carry by grabbing them on either side of the bag. And believe it or not, some purses have both or multiple straps.
Hence, purse straps are vital. However, as they are designed to help carry the weight of the purse, there are many different types of purse straps. So if you are on a purse shopping spree and looking for the perfect handbag that is fashionable yet a staple to carry, it is important to know what type you need before purchasing one.
Let’s take a look at different types of purse straps, shall we?
1. Hand Strap
The most common type of purse strap is a hand strap. This is a long strap that loops around your hand and then attaches to the bag. Hand straps provide more support than shoulder straps and are best for heavier bags or people with back problems.
A hand strap can come in many different shapes and sizes. They are most often made of leather, nylon, or cotton. Hand straps can also come in different lengths and widths depending on the preference of the person using them.
2. Shoulder Strap
Another popular type of purse strap is a shoulder strap, which loops over one shoulder and then around the opposite side of your body in order to attach to the bag on your hip or waist. A shoulder strap provides more freedom than a hand strap.
However, it has overall less support than both types combined. Having said that, it is easy to use and comfortable for carrying a heavy load. Therefore, making it the most popular purse or bag strap that people usually opt for no matter the occasion.
3. Cross-Body Strap
The second type of purse strap is the cross-body strap, which has gotten very trendy in recent years. It’s easy to adjust and can be worn on one shoulder or across your body. But like its name, a cross-body strap goes across the body from one shoulder down to the opposite side.
This type of strap is popular because it offers more carrying options, such as wearing it over both shoulders, slung over just one shoulder, or being carried on one side at hip level. Hence, cross-body bags are perfect for people who want to look chic at all times.
4. Chain Strap
As the name suggests, a chain strap is made to look like a chain connecting the two ends of the purse. It is designed to keep your handbag from falling off your shoulder and prevent the purse from slipping off your arm.
The chain can be made with metal, leather, or plastic materials. Other chains, such as rope and corduroy, have been used in different bag designs for years but have recently become more popular.
5. Multiple Straps
Multiple straps have been around for some time, but they have made a comeback in the fashion world. It is especially considered a fall season trend with all the clothes layering. The multiple straps of the bag make it look super chic.
The styling idea is to wear your multi-strap bag cross-body over your middle layer and then wear the top layer that is the jacket. The straps add color and oomph while the bag and the handle curve stand out from underneath the layer.
6. Adjustable Straps
Straps for handbags and purses have been around for a long time. When purses were first used in the 19th century, it was a time women would wear dresses without pockets and needed something to carry their belongings with them.
Today, the case is the same but includes the fashion statement aspect. Hence, complimenting the outfit is best if your purse has adjustable straps. The length of the shoulder strap should be adjusted to the height of the wearer so that it does not hang too low or too high on the body.
The width and length of the shoulder straps are generally determined by the style and size of the purse it accompanies. A small purse with thin straps will look best with a narrower, shorter strap, while a large, bulky purse needs wider, longer straps to balance its shape.
Our Final Thoughts
Handbags, purses, tote bags, cross-body bags, clutches, wallets, you name it, and the list goes on. Thanks to the advancement of the fashion world and how much our need-based consumption has been regarded over the years, the whole “ladies handbag” industry has been transformed.
Even an Ikea grocery bag is a fashion statement at this point, just check Balenciaga for some latest trends, and you’ll be shocked. So wear what you like, what you enjoy, and what you think defines your personality the best, no matter what length of purse strap it is. Cheers!
