The History of Stock Exchanges
Today, handbags are strongly associated with women’s fashion, but their origin is entirely male.
How did handbags originate?
In the Middle Ages, clothes did not have pockets.
Because of this, men needed an external accessory to carry essential items.
Who used them?
Merchants
Artisans
Travelers
Nobles
They wore bags attached to the belt, known as pouches, to carry:
Money
Tools
Documents
Personal items
Function before fashion
Handbags were functional, not aesthetic.
They indicated work, social status, and professional activity.
When did it become a women’s accessory?
From the 17th and 18th centuries onward, women’s fashion began to incorporate handbags as a style element.
Over time, the accessory was redesigned, gained delicate fabrics, and became associated with women.
Final curiosity
What we now call a women’s handbag was born out of male necessity.
Fashion only changed the audience — not the function.
Did you know?