Consumers can be overwhelmed when shopping for handbags because many purse styles are available on the market. It is important to find a design that offers the features that a buyer needs. Pockets help customers organize their purses better and find items much more quickly. Handbag sizes and colors appeal to shoppers' tastes and are instrumental in helping them make fashion statements.

Buyers can choose handbags in department stores, clothing stores, and online. eBay gives shoppers a large selection of styles that offer important features. New and used designs are available, as well as vintage and designer products. An informed consumer can use eBay to find which handbag styles are available, learn which styles offer valuable designs, and get great deals when selecting handbags with important features.

Handbag Features to Look for When Shopping

Consumers may want to think about which purse or bag features are important to them before they shop. Problems can occur if buyers impulsively purchase handbags based on shape, color, or size alone, and forget some features that may be important to them, such as external zippers or comfortable strap widths. Customers may decide to jot down any of their crucial features and use their lists when buying styles.

1. Size

A purse's size can improve or destroy a consumer's look. Large handbags may overwhelm small-framed shoppers and tiny designs may seem indiscernible when worn with some outfits. A handbag should balance the wearer's form. Choosing the right design can even diminish a customer's body imperfections. For instance, a pear-shaped buyer may want to diminish larger hips and bring attention to a smaller waist. In this case, the shopper can choose a handbag style that falls between the natural waist and hips, so a satchel handbag or a boho purse with longer straps can be flattering.

Handbag size often affects the accessory's weight. Some chiropractors suggest that a purse's weight should not exceed 10 percent of the wearer's weight; therefore, a 110-lb. buyer should choose a bag that is 11 lbs. or less. Larger bags can carry more items, so a full oversized handbag can weigh the wearer down or cause back pain. A heavy strap purse can be uncomfortable so, if a consumer needs to fit many items into a large bag, a handbag that features a handle may be a wise choice.

2. Material

A handbag's material may greatly affect the accessory's price and can make its design appear casual or dressy or distinguish it as a daytime or evening style. A consumer should check the item's cleaning instructions tag to ensure that the buyer is willing to invest the time and money to launder the handbag appropriately.

Handbag Materials Appropriate for a Washing Machine

A cotton handbag is probably made of machine-washable materials, but a shopper should be sure that the design does not have any elements that are not machine washable, including lining, sequins, rhinestones, and other decorations. Cotton is a material available in different weights, prints, textures, and colors. A cotton fan may choose a Michael Kors cotton handbag, a Prada cotton handbag, or a Burberry cotton handbag.

Some types of linen are acceptable for machine washing, so consumers should read a linen bag's cleaning instructions well to be sure this laundering method is allowable. A linen handbag may have a loose weave and can wrinkle easily. A buyer who likes this material can purchase a Coach linen handbag, aTianni linen handbag, an Etienne Aigner linen handbag , or linen purses from other designers.

Buyers should remember that a purse containing any elements that are not machine washable might need dry cleaning. Cotton and linen purses are available in many colors and sizes, including tote handbag designs.

Handbags that Require Dry Cleaning

A washing machine should not clean leather, velvet, or suede. Buyers can help keep these luxurious purses in good condition by taking them to a professional dry cleaner for laundering.

A leather handbag is a popular purse design made of animal skin. Many styles are available in neutral colors, such as black, tan, brown, and white. However, buyers can enjoy owning leather bags in bright or deep colors to match some of their wardrobe pieces. Consumers can purchase an Alexander McQueen leather handbag , a Louis Vuitton leather handbag , a Vera Wang leather handbag, or styles created by other designers.

A velvet handbag is made of a material that features a directional nap. If the nap is up, the velvet appears darker. Consumers should keep this in mind if they wish to match their velvet purses to their outfits. Buyers who wish to wear an evening gown can use a vintageChanel velvet handbag, a Dior velvet handbag, or a Giorgio Armani velvet handbag as an eye-catching accessory.

A suede handbag is another design made from animal hide, but it is located at the underside of the mammal's skin. Suede is popular for its luxurious texture and needs occasional brushing with a natural boar-bristle brush. Buyers should keep oil and water away from their suede handbags and can help protect the hide by spraying it with a protective sealant before using the purse for the first time. AGucci suede handbag,Calvin Klein suede handbag, or Valentino suede handbag can be a lavish accessory that shoppers may use on a formal evening out or whenever they want to make a bold fashion statement.

Designers and less famous handbag creators use many material types to construct handbags. Some of these materials include faux fur, rayon, polyester, tapestry, and silk.

Any machine washable purse that contains a lining that is not machine washable should have it taken out of the bag before cleaning it, if it is removable. If it is not, then the handbag should be dry cleaned.

3. Color

Customers can enjoy purchasing colorful handbag designs that match their wardrobes. Buyers can have fun experimenting with contrasting colors and creating memorable outfits, such as wearing a shiny blue satin evening dress and pairing it with a bright yellow suede clutch handbag. Buyers can choose designs that feature their favorite colors or the colors of the purses' dazzling embellishments. Amulticolor fringe handbag or a neon handbag can turn a buyer into a trendy fashion icon.

4. Straps

There are many different handbag strap lengths, so customers should be sure they know which lengths they prefer. Many buyers choose 8-inch straps or longer, adjustable ones because shorter straps may not feel comfortable if the consumers wear winter coats or other bulky outfits. Shoppers who travel to high-crime areas may choose crossbody handbag designs featuring wide straps to deter thefts.

Shoppers can substitute handles for straps if they enjoy carrying their purses by hand. These designs are beneficial for heavier bags because they do not put a great deal of weight on customers' shoulders and backs.

Popular strap and handle materials include leather, chain, bamboo, wood, and other sturdy products. Heavy purse loads can cause straps and handles to snap, so buyers should not overfill their bags.

5. Pockets

Consumers who choose handbag styles that feature many pockets may enjoy a pocket tote handbag design. Pockets are popular because they give bag owners more storage places, which can be helpful when trying to organize small items, such as barrettes, gum, and candy. Cell phone pockets have become more popular as the number of people using mobile devices has increased.

6. Embellishments

Buyers can have fun choosing fashionable handbag designs that feature embellishments. Popular objects for daytime purses include spikes, studs, crystals, fringe, and sequins. Formal evening bags may feature beading, embroidery, gemstones, and Swarovski crystals. A night gala can be extra special when a buyer carries a dazzling and posh Marchesa embroidered handbag .

7. Closures

Closures are interesting features because some buyers like bags that have no closures separating the accessory's interior from its opening while other shoppers search for designs that have zippers to keep others from reaching into their handbags and removing items. For buyers who value closures, zippers, magnetic snaps, and loop and button designs are available.

How to Buy Handbags on eBay

Buyers can find handbag designs in many different styles and shapes, including rounded hobo bags, large tote bags, and handbags for formal evening events, such as clutch purses. Handbag closures and thicker straps can increase safety and secure items from theft or loss. Shoppers may choose designs that feature pockets, which can store cell phones and hold small items so that owners can find them quickly and easily.

eBay sells handbags that offer many of consumers' favorite features. The website provides product listings that have item descriptions and photographs to help customers make more informed buying decisions. Shoppers can contact sellers if they have any questions about the listed products. eBay allows customers to save money when searching for new and used handbag styles.

Conclusion

Many shoppers enjoy the excitement of purchasing a new purse. In fact, some buyers collect bags that line their closets and can be some of their most prized possessions. Consumers search for handbags that offer important features because those styles are often more user friendly and valuable to their owners. A bag that is convenient to use as well as wonderful to look at can bring buyers great joy.

Shoppers may prefer luxurious vintage styles that are used by both celebrities and fashion-conscious accountants. Handbag materials include simpler fabrics, such as cotton and linen, as well as sumptuous materials, including leather, velvet, and suede. eBay offers many new and used handbag designs with important features, which allow customers to save money when shopping, learn about valuable handbag features, and select the right styles for their wardrobes.