The History Of The Modern Purse

The earliest known purses were, not surprisingly, used by the ancient Egyptians. Hieroglyphics have been found where you can see people carrying a pouch like object tied around their waist. But there is an instance where the famous ancient iceman, the “otzi iceman” a 5000 year old mummy found in the Alps near the Austrian and Italian border, was carrying a leather purse.

But apart from these instances the next time purses were recorded to have been used in a big way is much later in the 14th century Europe. In Europe of course the quality of the bag showed social status and class. Obviously the more embroidery and quality of work done on a bag meant that the person was higher up the social ladder. During this time purses or bags were meant for the ladies only. So not surprisingly the bag had to match whatever they were wearing.

But in the 15th century men also started to carry purses. They were embroidered with gold, and it was a custom for men to give their brides purses embroidered with pictures, at this time they wore their purses exposed but later on when women started to wear more stylish clothes they preferred to wear them under the skirts. Around the late 17th century men’s pants came with pockets, so they stopped carrying bags or purses of any kind. Instead they carried small pouches or purses to carry their coins. This may be the first time the leather coin purse as we know today, originated. Those early ones were made of cloth (instead of leather) like now days, and used a string to cover it up.

By the 18th century neo- classical clothing came into fashion and women became more conscious of what they wore. Women went back to carrying their bags. The reason for this was dual. They did not want to ruin their dress by putting the purse or bags under their dress and also when carried, a well embroidered bag becomes a fashionable accessory that would complement their dress. But it was not until the 20th century women started to call their bags hand bags in America. By then bags were no longer simple compartments with only one area to put their belongings. They became more sophisticated “carrying tools” that had 2 or more compartments. And it was around this time that handbags were no longer required to match Women’s clothes.

World War 2 brought bag fashion to a new dimension. Plastic was started to be used as raw materials for basically every product including bags. By the 1950s, the major bag designers joined the trend of using plastics as raw materials. The face of bags and purses has greatly evolved ever since they made that decision. This was because whenever respected designers create products, those products gain instant credibility. Women today have made the bag their prime accessory such that it is unbelievable for them not to leave home without bags. These bags have simply become their “home away from home”.

Want to find out more about the Leather Coin Purse, then visit Alexander Stone’s site on how to choose the best Leather Credit Card Holder for your needs.