Have you ever fallen in love with a particular bag, only to try it on and realize that it doesn't look as good on you as it does on someone else? The reason for this could be your body type. Bags, just like clothes, can flatter or detract from certain physical characteristics, and choosing the right bag can even create the illusion of weight loss. To help you select the best handbag style for your body type, we've created a definitive guide for all shapes and sizes. It's important to note that everyone falls into one of these five body types, including petite and plus-sized individuals. Don't let society dictate what your body type should be, as beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. 

 

1. Terminology for Handbags

The tote: An open-top bag with straps or handles.

The hobo bag: A crescent-shaped shoulder bag. This style is often soft and slouchy.

The duffle: A tall shoulder bag, often with a wider opening on top.

The field bag: A flap-top shoulder bag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).

The clutch: A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm or carried in your hand.

The satchel: A large, handheld bag. Many satchels are structured.

The baguette: Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread (and made famous by Fendi ).

The messenger bag: A large, soft shoulder bag one long strap worn across the body.

The cigar box: A small, boxy, hard bag, also called a minaudiere.

The pouch: A soft, small bag.

The Kelly bag: A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures — it's so unique it has its own category.

The crossbody bag: A bag — often mini in size — that is meant to be worn across the body on a long strap or chain.

 

2.Define your Body scale

To get an idea of your body scale, measure around your wrist (in inches) to see where you fit.

Small:  <5.5″

Medium:  5.5″ to 6.5″

Large:  >6.5″

Now this is just a general guide – it’s all about height to weight as well, so if very tall but very slim you may look smaller scale.

 

Usually we have Optical Illusion of Scale, look at this illustration: which centre circle is bigger?

seems the one on the right  – right?

 

But, they are the same size; it’s just an optical illusion. How can we apply this to handbag choice?

If you want to make yourself look smaller, carry a larger handbag, if you want to make yourself look larger, carry a smaller size handbag; otherwise go with whatever is the scale handbag that suits your body scale as determined earlier.

 

Will the right bag make you look thinner? Not exactly, but it can flatter your shape. While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure.

Think about scale here: A woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held bag. A petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag. A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near.

For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag). Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

Cross body bags are difficult to carry off for busty women because the strap cuts right across the bust line.

So the trend for large handbags is because many women want to make themselves look more petite.

3. Body Shape and Handbag Choice

When thinking about what style of bag to choose, the easy way to figure out what is more flattering for your body, is to look at your body shape (not sure – take body shape calculator quiz here) and think about where you don’t want to add additional width, and look for a bag that sits at a different height to that).  For example:

A shapes, X shapes, 8 Shapes : best:  bag worn over shoulder and underarm (short straps), worst: long shoulder strap and bag sits at hips

V shapes:  best: long shoulder strap, cross body, bag sits around hip height, worst: short strap worn just underarm

H shape, O shape: best: short strap under the arm, or backpack, worst: bag that sits at your waist

I shape: no particular recommendations

 

If you are trying to play down a body type, choose a shape that is the opposite of your body silhouette. For example, if you are very tall and thin, you can add a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to add some curves to your figure. If you're short and curvy, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch).

In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be. That doesn't mean that you have to carry a hard box around to counterbalance your womanly shape: rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick. For example, a petite, curvy figure (like Kim Kardashian or Adele) would look great carrying a large rectangular clutch bag.

 

4. Where to Carry Your Handbag

To choose the perfect handbag for yourself, two things are important to consider- your body shape and your personality style. Let's first discuss body shape.

If you wish to downplay a particular part of your body, avoid carrying your handbag at that point. For instance, if you have a pear, hourglass, or 8-shaped body, avoid wearing your handbag on a long strap that sits against your hips as it can make them appear wider. Similarly, carrying your bag on the side of your body can draw attention to your hips, but if you carry it in front, it can conceal a more curved tummy, which is great for O, H, V, and I shaped bodies.

However, carrying your bag low at your knees is an excellent option for all except petite women as it can make them appear shorter. Under your arm is a great option for X, 8, A, H, and I shaped bodies but not for V and O shaped bodies as it can add bulk to the upper body. Wearing the bag on your back (pushing it behind you with your arm) can make it less intrusive on your silhouette. Across your body is suitable for H, I, and V shaped bodies but can distort clothing and is better for those with a small bust.

The placement of the bag is not the only thing that matters; the material of the bag is also essential. A bag that is soft and shapes to your body will not appear bulky or make you look larger than you are, unlike a bag made from structured material or one that is wider.

Besides body shape, your personality style plays a significant role in the choice of handbag. If you are more relaxed and prefer comfort over fuss, you will look for a messenger style bag or a backpack- both of which are hands-free options. In contrast, classic and conservative women tend to look for a structured shoulder bag, while dramatic women prefer larger-scale bags and are often happy to carry them in the crook of their elbow. Creative types are more concerned with the design of the bag than how they carry it.

 

5. Personality and Handbag Choice

It's important to note that personality plays a crucial role in choosing the right handbag, often surpassing any conventional rules. For example, even if a smaller handbag doesn't suit Karen's body type, she will choose it if that's what she prefers. Similarly, a petite friend may opt for an oversized bag if that's what they love. Ultimately, it's important to select a bag that reflects your personality and adds to your overall style, rather than detracting from it.

 

Different personality styles will look for different features in a handbag. For instance:

Those with a Classic personality style will prefer structured bags that can be held in hand or at the elbow.

Those with a Relaxed personality style will go for hands-free options like cross-body or backpacks. Dramatic personality styles will opt for larger-sized bags than their body demands.

Creative personality styles will look for more quirky and unique options.

Feminine personality styles will prefer smaller and delicate bags that can be carried under the arm or crook of the elbow.

The Elegant Chic personality style, much like the Feminine, will prefer tote or crook of the arm styles, and may also choose larger-scale options like the Dramatic personality style.

Finally, the Rebellious personality style will go for anything they want, including backpacks or cross-body bags.

 

6. Color of Your Handbag

Selecting the perfect handbag is a personal choice and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, if you are looking for one handbag to use as your go-to option, then a neutral color that complements your hair color is a good choice. For instance, black works well with black hair, cognac or tan with red hair, light beige with blonde hair, and grey with grey hair. This way, the color of the handbag will always blend well with something in your outfit, such as your hair. Additionally, consider if you have a dominant color that you frequently wear. For example, if you wear a lot of blue, a blue handbag can be a great choice since it matches with many of your outfits. As you can see, there are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect handbag.

 

A Few More Tips

Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.

Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure. There are plenty of great alternatives that will work.

Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags. If you're toting diapers and graham crackers, an artsy vintage bag won't hold up.