When most people think of handbags today, they picture elegant purses, luxury totes, or sleek crossbodies swinging from the arms of stylish women. But here’s a fashion fact you might not expect:
👉 Handbags were originally created for men.
Yes — long before today’s designer clutches and collectible carryalls, men were the first to rock the bag. Let's explore the rich history of handbags and how they evolved into the iconic accessory we know today.
🏺 Ancient Roots: Practicality Before Fashion
The earliest versions of handbags date back thousands of years — and they were all about utility.
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Ancient Egyptian men used small bags tied around their waists to carry essentials.
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Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,000-year-old mummy found in the Alps, had a leather pouch used to hold tools and herbs.
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In medieval Europe, men carried girdle pouches — small bags tied to belts — to store coins, keys, and letters.
At this point in history, there were no sewn-in pockets. So if you had stuff to carry, you carried a bag. Simple as that.
👑 The Renaissance: Bags as a Status Symbol
By the Renaissance period, bags became more ornate and symbolic.
Men’s purses were often made from fine fabrics like silk and velvet, embroidered with gold or silver thread. Carrying a beautiful bag meant you were a man of taste, wealth, and class.
Some men even gave them as gifts in romantic courtship — kind of like gifting a designer bag today. 💌
🕴️ Enter Pockets — and the Shift Toward Women
In the 17th and 18th centuries, men's clothing began to include built-in pockets.
Suddenly, men had storage in their coats and pants. The need for external bags declined, and handbags became associated more with women, whose clothing remained pocketless and form-fitting.
Thus began the handbag’s transformation into a feminine accessory.
💼 Full Circle: The Return of the Man Bag
In today’s fashion world, we’re seeing a strong comeback of men’s bags — from designer backpacks to crossbodies and leather satchels.
Luxury brands now release full men’s collections featuring premium bags with high-end details and styling. The line between masculine and feminine fashion continues to blur — and the handbag is no longer gendered.
🧳 Final Thoughts
So, whether you're browsing for a timeless monogram pouch or a modern statement piece, remember: the handbag’s roots run deep.
What began as a functional item for ancient men is now one of the most enduring fashion symbols — for everyone.
💼 Explore Our Curated Collection
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