Quick answer
There are many types of women's bags, but most fall into a few groups based on how you carry them, their size and their shape: hand bag, shoulder bag, crossbody, tote or shopper, bucket, hobo, camera bag, backpack and mini bag, plus wallets and sets. This guide gives you each type's name, what it looks like and what kind of day it suits, with a real Loly Bags example and its size in centimetres.
In this guide
Quick table: bag types at a glance
| Type | How you carry it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hand bag | By short top handles | Work, university and occasions |
| Shoulder bag | On the shoulder or under the arm | Long days and lots of things |
| Crossbody | Across the body on a long strap | Errands, crowds and public transport |
| Tote / shopper | On the shoulder by two handles | Work, university and shopping |
| Bucket | On the shoulder, usually closes with a drawstring | Long casual days |
| Hobo | On the shoulder, soft shape | Relaxed everyday use |
| Camera bag | Worn crossbody | Going out and travel |
| Backpack | On the back or the shoulder | University and lots of walking |
| Mini bag | By hand or crossbody | A quick outing or an occasion |
| Wallet | Inside your bag | Cash and cards |
| Set | Several matching pieces | Organising or gifting |
Bags you carry by hand or on the shoulder
1. Hand bag
A hand bag has short top handles and usually a structured shape that stands on its own. It suits work, university and occasions when you want a neat look. Many models now come with an extra strap, so you can wear them on the shoulder too.
Example: the woven hand and shoulder bag with front belt detail measures 31 × 22 × 12 cm, with a body in diagonal-weave fabric and faux leather handles. Inside there is one main zipped compartment and two small pockets, and it comes with a detachable, adjustable extra strap. It is currently 699 EGP, and you will find more styles in the handbags category.
2. Shoulder bag
A shoulder bag has longer handles or a longer strap, so it sits on your shoulder or under your arm. Sizes range from small to large enough for a full day's things. If you are not sure which size you need, read the shoulder bag size guide in centimetres.
Example: the large faux leather shoulder bag with zip and magnetic flap has a body of 35 × 28 × 14 cm, and its handles rise 23 cm above the top edge, so it works on the shoulder or in the hand. It also comes with a detachable, adjustable extra strap. Inside there is one main compartment and two pockets, and it is currently 799 EGP.
3. Crossbody bag
A crossbody bag is worn across the body on a long strap, from one shoulder to the opposite hip, so your hands stay free and the bag stays in front of you in crowds. It is usually small to medium. For a detailed comparison with shoulder bags, read crossbody vs shoulder bag: the key differences.
Example: the canvas crossbody and shoulder bag with front lock is 18 cm wide and 12 cm high, made of canvas and leather, and its flap closes with a metal twist lock. Inside there are two side sections and a zipped middle section, and it comes with a short strap and a length-adjustable long strap, both detachable. It is 549 EGP, and there are more options in the crossbody bags category.
Roomy bags for long days
4. Tote bag and shopper
A tote is a roomy bag with two handles, carried on the shoulder, that holds a lot: folders, a makeup pouch, a water bottle. Shopper is a name often used for a simple, wide tote. The downside is that small things can get lost inside, so look for one that comes with a pouch or pockets. You will find more detail in the tote bag guide for work and university, and the styles in the tote bags category.
5. Bucket bag
A bucket bag is shaped a bit like a bucket: a wide base and an opening at the top that usually closes with a drawstring. It looks relaxed and casual and holds quite a lot.
Example: the large drawstring bucket shopper bag combines a bucket bag and a shopper. It measures 45 × 30 × 12 cm, is made of smooth faux leather, closes with a drawstring at the top with no zip, and is carried on the shoulder by two thin cords. It comes with a zip pouch with a wrist strap for small things. It is 549 EGP.
6. Hobo bag
A hobo is a soft shoulder bag with a shape close to a half moon that relaxes as you use it. It suits you if you prefer a soft, easy look over structured bags.
Example: the soft hobo shoulder bag set has a bag of 35 × 26 × 14 cm in faux leather with a light crinkled texture, a short knotted rope handle and a magnetic closure. The set includes the bag, a large zip pouch and a small mini bag, comes in 6 colours, and is 699 EGP.
Small bags for going out and errands
7. Camera bag
A camera bag is a small, closed, rectangular crossbody bag, named after the shape of camera cases. Most have zips, so your things feel secure on public transport.
Example: the pebbled faux leather camera crossbody bag measures 24 × 14 × 10 cm, with two main compartments that each have a zip and a zipped front pocket. Wear it crossbody on the detachable, adjustable strap or carry it by the braided top handle. It is 799 EGP.
8. Mini bag
A mini bag holds just the essentials: phone, wallet and keys. It suits a quick outing or an occasion where you do not need much. If you are choosing a going-out bag by occasion, read the going-out bag guide.
Example: the mini woven bag with scarf and crossbody strap measures 17 × 20 × 9 cm, has a top zip and a rope handle wrapped with a scarf, and comes with a detachable, adjustable fabric crossbody strap. It is 499 EGP.
9. Backpack and convertible backpack
A backpack spreads the weight across both shoulders, which helps on days with lots of walking and public transport. A convertible backpack has adjustable straps, so you can wear it on your back or on your shoulder.
Example: the mini convertible backpack and shoulder bag measures 25 × 26 × 14 cm, in pebbled faux leather, with a two-way zip-around closure and five outer pockets, including a zipped back pocket for your phone and cash. It is 699 EGP. Browse the backpacks category, and if you need a bag for your studies, read how to choose a university bag.
Wallets and sets
10. Wallet
A wallet is not a bag on its own, but it is a key part of any bag. Long wallets suit people who carry many cards and a lot of cash, while compact fold-over wallets fit into small bags. We explain the difference in detail in the guide to choosing a women's wallet.
Example: the leopard print envelope wallet folds over and closes with a snap, with 4 card slots, a clear photo window and a banknote section, and no coin pocket. It comes in grey and dark beige and is 129 EGP. You will find other styles in the wallets category.
11. Bag set
A set means several matching pieces in one order, such as a large bag with a pouch or a small bag. The advantage is that you can use each piece on its own: the large bag for long days and the small one for quick errands. The hobo set above is one example, and you will find the sets in the Loly sets category.
How to choose the right type for you
What will you carry? For folders or a laptop, look for a large size and compare your items with the dimensions listed on the product page.
How much will you move around? With public transport and crowds, crossbody bags, camera bags and backpacks keep your hands free.
What look do you like? Structured hand and shoulder bags for a formal look, hobo and bucket bags for a more relaxed one.
Want one bag for several uses? Choose a model with an extra strap, so one bag works for different kinds of days.
The prices and colours mentioned are those available at the time of writing and may change, so check the product page before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to see the answer
What are the types of women's bags called?
The best known are the hand bag, shoulder bag, crossbody, tote or shopper, bucket bag, hobo, camera bag, backpack and mini bag, plus wallets and sets.
What types of crossbody bags are there?
Crossbody is more a way of carrying than a shape, so you will find classic flap crossbodies, camera bags, mini bags with a crossbody strap and practical multi-pocket bags. What matters is a long, adjustable strap.
What is a hobo bag?
A soft shoulder bag with a shape close to a half moon that relaxes as you use it, usually with one short or medium handle.
What is the difference between a tote and a bucket bag?
A tote is usually rectangular with a wide opening, while a bucket bag has a wide base and closes with a drawstring at the top. Both are roomy and suit long days.
What types of going-out bags are there?
For a quick outing, a mini bag or camera bag; if you carry more, a medium crossbody or a small hand bag. It depends on the occasion and how much you take with you.
Which type of bag is best for university?
A backpack, a tote or a large shoulder bag, depending on the books and folders you carry. Compare your items with the bag's dimensions before you order.
Ready to pick your bag?
Once you know which type suits you, start with handbags or crossbody bags and compare sizes and colours at your own pace. If you have a question about a specific model, message us on WhatsApp at 01226580500.
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