Fashion
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Clutch Purse?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

A clutch purse is a women's accessory designed to hold a few necessities like a driver's license, a cellphone, and a credit card. Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder. There are many different styles of clutches, and some form of small purse has been used since the Babylonian era, though specific styles have gone in and out of fashion since then. In modern times, they're most often used as evening bags.

Clutches come in a huge variety of shapes, makes, and styles, all of which can vary between brands and seasons. They come as little square boxes, in triangles or heart shapes, covered with satin, beads or brocade. They are fastened with tassels, loops, and other fanciful decorations. Leather or vinyl clutches are available for less formal events when a smaller purse is still desirable. They range in price from $10 US Dollars (USD) up, depending on design.

Clutch purses are often used to personalize an outfit.
Clutch purses are often used to personalize an outfit.

Since they're so small and come in such a wide range of styles, clutch purses are often used to personalize an outfit. A woman wearing a conservatively colored dress might choose a brightly colored clutch purse to add some color to her outfit, or might trade in a more utilitarian purse that she carries for daily life in for a unique clutch if she goes out for an evening event. Since they're often relatively cheap, some women choose to buy many clutch purses in different styles so that they'll have a purse to match with many different outfits.

Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.
Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.

The history of purses in general dates back to the Babylonian era. Purses were generally used in religious ceremonies then, but later were more commonly used for carrying money and valuables. Both men and women in ancient times wore small purses on a belt. In the early 1800s, women began carrying reticules, the forerunner of the modern handbag, looking very much as some styles of the clutch purse look today. Ladies would carry handkerchiefs and smelling salts in their reticules, along with, perhaps, a packet of rice papers to dull a shiny spot on the face.

A metallic clutch purse can make a stunning complement for an outfit.
A metallic clutch purse can make a stunning complement for an outfit.

The clutch purse went out of fashion in the early 19th century, but experienced a resurgence in popularity during World War II. With rationing, the smaller clutch required less material for manufacture and fit in well with a wartime mindset. It remains popular today as an evening bag, though some women do use them for daily use, particularly if they don't need to carry a lot of accessories around or if they are just running errands.

Discussion Comments

anon203344

quote: I wish that there was some kind of large clutch purse that would fit in all my stuff, but not look chunky.

well, that would just be magic wouldn't it?

anon139357

As an older woman, I have always considered a black patent clutch as an essential part of my evening wardrobe (lipstick, compact and a bit of cash in case of emergencies). Of course, when I was growing up, we women never carried the huge bags that you girls seem to enjoy today!

googlefanz

Three words: metallic clutch purse. Looks good with any outfit, you can dress it up, you can dress it down.

It's fun and eye-catching, so it's almost like carrying around jewelry, and you can even make some of the cheaper ones look nice.

Definitely a must-have for every woman's wardrobe.

rallenwriter

A good compromise for women who want to use a clutch purse but have a ton of stuff to lug around too is to get a small wallet clutch purse and carry it inside your big purse.

I have a nice vintage clutch purse that I love, but I didn't want to carry it around on a daily basis because I didn't want my hands to get it dirty.

So now I just use it as my wallet, and keep it inside my big bag.

pharmchick78

I love the way that clutch purses look, but they just never have enough room for me. I like to carry around a bunch of stuff, and more often than not I've got a book with me, so a clutch just doesn't cut it.

Very occasionally if I'm going out at night I'll use one, but then I usually end up forgetting to switch something important back over from the clutch purse to the bag I normally use, and mass chaos ensues.

I wish that there was some kind of large clutch purse that would fit in all my stuff, but not look chunky.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Clutch purses are often used to personalize an outfit.
      By: Gabrielle
      Clutch purses are often used to personalize an outfit.
    • Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.
      By: Loraliu
      Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.
    • A metallic clutch purse can make a stunning complement for an outfit.
      By: andreaxt
      A metallic clutch purse can make a stunning complement for an outfit.
    • Clutch purses come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
      By: visoook
      Clutch purses come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
    • Clutches are typically used as evening purses.
      By: Photographica
      Clutches are typically used as evening purses.