ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY · BAGS
Types of bags.
Twelve bags, all drawn in the same cognac leather, so only the shape and the way you carry it change.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
The main types of bags are the tote, crossbody, shoulder bag, clutch, satchel, hobo, bucket, baguette, backpack, belt bag, top-handle and saddle bag. Bags are named mostly by how you carry them (in the hand, on the shoulder, across the body, on the back) and by their shape.
How bags are named
Bag names describe how you carry the bag (clutch, shoulder, crossbody, backpack, belt bag) or its shape (bucket, baguette, saddle, hobo). Size words come on top: mini, medium, large.
Which one should you choose?
Start with what you want the bags to do, then jump to the styles that do it.
| If you want to… | Try | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hands free | Crossbody bag, Belt bag, Backpack | Straps that keep both hands free. |
| Carry a laptop | Tote bag, Satchel, Backpack | Big, flat-bottomed shapes. |
| Evening and weddings | Clutch, Baguette bag, Top-handle bag | Small and polished. |
| Everyday, all-purpose | Shoulder bag, Hobo bag, Bucket bag, Tote bag | Roomy and easy. |
| Look put-together | Top-handle bag, Satchel, Saddle bag | Structured shapes. |
All 12 bag styles, with pictures
Tote bag
A large, open-top bag with two parallel handles.
Also called: Shopper
How to spot it. A roomy rectangle with handles long enough for the shoulder.
How to wear it. Work, shopping and travel; fits a laptop.
Crossbody bag
A small bag on a long strap worn across the body.
Also called: Cross-body, messenger (larger)
How to spot it. A compact flap or zip bag and a strap long enough to sit on the opposite hip.
How to wear it. Hands-free days, travel and crowds.
Shoulder bag
A medium bag with one strap that sits on the shoulder.
Also called: Handbag
How to spot it. A strap that ends at the armpit, so the bag sits at the waist.
How to wear it. Everyday and work; the classic handbag.
Clutch
A small, flat bag with no handle, carried in the hand.
Also called: Envelope clutch, pochette
How to spot it. A slim envelope or box shape, sometimes with a hidden chain.
How to wear it. Evenings, weddings and formal events.
Satchel
A structured bag with a flap, buckles and a top handle.
Also called: School bag, Cambridge satchel
How to spot it. Straps and buckles on the front flap, often with a long strap too.
How to wear it. Work and school; holds documents flat.
Hobo bag
A slouchy, crescent-shaped bag with one curved strap.
Also called: Slouch bag
How to spot it. Soft leather that sags in the middle when you carry it.
How to wear it. Relaxed everyday bag with jeans and knits.
Bucket bag
A round-bottomed bag shaped like a bucket, closed with a drawstring.
Also called: Drawstring bag
How to spot it. A cylinder shape, a drawstring or snap top and one strap.
How to wear it. Weekends and summer; easy to throw things in.
Baguette bag
A small, long, narrow bag carried under the arm.
Also called: Underarm bag
How to spot it. A slim rectangle on a short strap that tucks under the arm.
How to wear it. Evenings and 90s-inspired outfits.
Backpack
A bag with two shoulder straps worn on the back.
Also called: Rucksack (UK)
How to spot it. Two straps and a top handle; leather versions are smaller and structured.
How to wear it. Commuting, travel and walking cities.
Belt bag
A small zip pouch on a belt, worn at the waist or across the chest.
Also called: Bum bag (UK), fanny pack (US), sling bag
How to spot it. A curved pouch and an adjustable strap with a buckle.
How to wear it. Festivals, travel and running errands.
Top-handle bag
A structured bag with a single rigid handle on top.
Also called: Lady bag, frame bag
How to spot it. A firm shape that stands up on its own, often with a clasp.
How to wear it. Smart outfits, work and occasions; carried in the hand or crook of the arm.
Saddle bag
A curved D-shaped bag with a flap, inspired by a horse's saddle bag.
Also called: Saddle-shaped bag
How to spot it. A rounded bottom, a flap that covers the front and a shoulder strap.
How to wear it. Everyday and western-inspired looks.
Easily confused
| Pair | The difference |
|---|---|
| Tote vs shopper | Mostly the same: a large open-top bag with two handles. "Shopper" is the more common UK term. |
| Hobo vs shoulder bag | Both hang from the shoulder. A hobo is soft and slouchy; a shoulder bag usually keeps its shape. |
| Belt bag vs crossbody | A belt bag is a small pouch on a buckled belt; a crossbody hangs lower on a thin strap. |
Questions people ask
What are the different types of bags?
The most common are totes, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, clutches, satchels, hobo bags, bucket bags, baguettes, backpacks, belt bags, top-handle bags and saddle bags.
What is the difference between a crossbody and a shoulder bag?
A shoulder bag's strap sits on one shoulder; a crossbody's longer strap crosses the body so the bag rests on the opposite hip.
What is a hobo bag?
A soft, slouchy, crescent-shaped bag with one strap, which sags in the middle when you carry it.
What is a baguette bag?
A small, narrow rectangular bag on a short strap, carried tucked under the arm like a French loaf.
What size bag do I need for work?
A tote or satchel at least as wide as your laptop or a sheet of A4 or US letter paper.
Still not sure what yours is called? Tap through the pictures, or add a screenshot, and we'll name it and find real ones.
Describe it with picturesThe illustrations and outfit photos on this page are AI-generated so each style can be shown clearly. They are not products.
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