The Best Materials for a Handbag

Every woman needs a reliable handbag that is both durable and stylish. Handbags come in many shapes and sizes, as well as many different materials. Popular materials for handbags include leather, fabric, or vinyl. The material helps determine how long the handbag is going to last. Women who keep their handbags for a while and use them everyday may want to choose a handbag with a more durable material, while those who only use handbags every so often do not need to worry as much about durability. 

Handbags are purchased in brick and mortar clothing, accessory, or department stores, or online using eBay. Not only does eBay offer a number of popular designer handbags, they also offer many affordable handbags at retail price When choosing a handbag, women should consider the material of the handbag to determine which material best suits their needs.

Leather Handbags

Many women choose leather handbags because of their durability and style. Leather is made from cowhide, which is naturally water resistant and tough. From tan to black, leather comes in a variety of different colours. Leather handbags also come in a variety of different styles and sizes, from small clutches to large totes. Also, leather matches a variety of different styles and may be dressed up or down for a casual day purse or a trendy night bag. Unlike standard leather, patent leather has a shiny mirror like finish and comes in a wider variety of colors. Patent leather bags work best for adding some flair to an evening outfit. 

For women that use their bag on a daily basis or those who plan to keep their bag for a long time may want to consider a leather pursebecause of its strength and durability. Leather is one of the fabrics that is least likely to get torn, stained, or ruined from liquid. However, leather purses oftentimes cost more than handbags made of other cheaper materials.

Faux Leather Handbags

For those who want the look of leather without the pricetag, faux leather is a suitable alternative. Also known as pleather, faux leather is most commonly made of plastic, so it is not as durable as real leather, but it is also water resistant. Faux leather bags also come in a variety of different styles, and have a broader colour range since the material is made of plastic. 

While leather mainly comes in blacks and browns, faux leather comes in any colour from pink to blue. Because faux leather is made of plastic instead of leather, it is good for everyday use, but may not last as long as an authentic leather bag. However, for those looking for a bargain, faux leather is a great option for a bag.

Suede Handbags

Suede, which is a type of napped leather, is another popular material for handbags. Suede is made from the underside of animal skin, and is not as durable as standard leather. Unlike leather, suede tends to absorb liquids easily, and therefore stains easily. To protect the suede, a waterproofing spray is used which keeps the shoulder bag looking newer, longer. There are many different styles of suede bags, and many styles of suede bags feature fringe detail for a boho chic look. Most women use suede bags primarily for a casual bag or carryall used during the day.

Nylon Handbags

Another durable material used to make handbags is nylon. Nylon is a man made material that consists of synthetic polymers, which are both durable and water resistant. Popular styles such as Longchamp bags are made of nylon, and are one of the longest lasting types of purses. Nylon bags come in a variety of colours and sizes, and the price is dependent on the popularity of the bag. However, for women looking to invest in a long lasting bag, nylon is a good option. Like suede, nylon bags usually have a more casual look, so they are best for a dailycarryall. Nylon is also a common material used for making wallets.

Canvas Handbags

Canvas is a popular material for handbags commonly used by high end designers such as Prada or Louis Vuitton. Made of heavy duty thread, canvas is a heavyweight fabric that withstands daily use. Lighter coloured canvas bags may darken over time, but is cleaned fairly easily to keep the bag looking like new. Some cotton bags feature a screen print with a photo or design for a unique style. Canvas bags come in a variety of styles, from shoulder bags to evening bags, making them good for a casual day bag or a bag to dress up an outfit for a night on the town.

Cotton Handbags

A cheaper material used to make handbags is cotton. Unlike most other fabrics, cotton is often printed with many different colors and patterns for a bag with a unique design. Cotton handbags often feature stripes, floral patterns, or polka dots, and is found in a wide array of colours. Many cotton bags also feature embellishments, such as beads, studs, or rhinestones, which gives each bag a unique look. 

Another benefit of cotton is that it is very lightweight, so it is able to be used for larger handbags and carryalls. One downside of cotton bags is that they are not stain resistant or waterproof, so they may not last as long as bags made of other, more durable materials.

Synthetic Handbags

Aside from nylon, there are many other types of synthetic bags such as polyester and polyester blends which are both easy to care for and affordable. Some synthetic bags are water and stain resistant, such as nylon, and is either spot cleaned or thrown in the washing machine. Unlike many other types of handbags, synthetic bags usually do not shrink when they are washed, but it is important to check the bag's care instructions before washing it. Although synthetic bags are one of the most affordable types of handbags, they do not last as long as other materials. Some polyester bags may rip fairly easily or become stained or faded over time depending on the specific material used on each bag.

How to Purchase a Handbag on eBay

After understanding the differences between the different types of materials used to make handbags, you are ready to begin your search for a handbag .  offers one of the largest selections of handbags, and many different colours and brands are found in one place. To begin your search on eBay, start by searching specific keywords in the keyword search bar. 

To see all of the different types of bags that eBay offers, search for a broad keyword, such as ' women's handbag'. To search a handbag made of a specific material, use a more narrow search term, such as, ' canvas handbag'. You are also able to narrow the search results based on factors such as colour, material, brand, or bag type. For the best deals on handbags, search for a bag on the  page.

Conclusion

Many different materials are used to make handbags, each with their own unique look and style. Whether buyers are looking for a casual day bag or sophisticated evening bag, they easily find what they are looking for with the help of eBay. Aside from material and style, another thing to consider when choosing a handbag is the interior liner. 

Especially when searching for bags that are not waterproof, finding a bag with a waterproof liner is important. Waterproof liners protect the contents of the handbag incase the bag gets wet. Choose a bag that is stylish, practical, and durable to ensure that the bag lasts. Regardless of the material, style, or price, buyers easily find what they are looking for when shopping on eBay.