Handbag Terms

In conversation with the accessory buyer or with a particular knowledgeable shopper you may come across some handbag, luggage or personal accessory terms which are unfamiliar to you. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Bracelet Handle: A handle made in the shape of a complete closed circle.

East-West: Describes a handbag shape which is wider than it is long.

Gusset: The triangular end piece of a handbag which gives depth and roominess to the shape.

Luggage Handle: Has the same rigid shape as the handle of an ordinary suitcase. May be made of metal covered with leather or material.

North-South: Describes a long narrow shape.

Top-Handle: A handle not long enough to go over the shoulder, designed to be held in the hand.

Materials

Designers constantly think of new, off-beat materials to use, but the basic-leather, synthetics, fabrics and straw will account for most of the bags you sell. The quality of a handbag depends on the quality of the materials used.

Leathers

Calfskin: made from the hides of young cattle, has soft, smooth texture which makes it desirable for the finest quality handbags.

Kip (Steerhide): from a somewhat older animal, is less fragile than calf, but not as
supple and fine.

Cowhide: from the full grown animal, a grained leather especially popular for casual
bags.

Sheep and Lambskin: Light, fine grained leathers used primarily in imported bags.

Reptile: skins used for handbags include those of certain types of snakes, turtles and lizards. All are distinguished by the intricate patterns of the animal's scaled skin. Some reptile materials are restricted from use in handbags by laws which protect endangered species.

Before they are made into bags, leathers are subjected to a variety of treatments and finishes which create great variety in color and appearance.

Antiqued leather has a smooth finish and a mottled, mellow look. The grain of crushed leather is accented by shrinking.

Glazed leather has a polished finish, whereas a matte finish is dull.

Suede is a treatment applied to the flesh side of a skin to produce a napped, velvet-like finish.

Embossing reproduces grain and other patterns on the leather surface. It may be used to duplicate a natural phenomonon-reptile grain may be embossed on smooth leather, for example-or it may be used to create an entirely new effect. One popular embossed grain is saffian, which gives a crosshatched texture to the leather surface.

Patent is high gloss finish on leather. Thick leather is split into two or more layers before use. The top layer, containing the natural grain is called top grain. All other layers are splits.

Synthetics

Originally developed as less expensive substitutes for leather, man-made materials have become important handbag components on their own merits and are now used in a large percentage of handbags made in the United States. New textures and colors are continually introduced. The principal man-made materials are vinyl and polyurethane. Light weight and wipe-clean care are two factors contributing to their popularity. Embossing, patent and other finishes used on leathers are created on man-made materials as well. A major innovation in handbag technology is flow molding, in which liquid material flows into a mold and emerges as a finished bag, complete will all details of texture and stitching.

Fabrics

Virtually every fabric that's used to make garments has been used at one time or another to make handbags. Certain materials have become classics:

Burlap is a coarse, bumpy cloth used in casual bags.

Canvas, durable and good looking, is the most popular fabric used in handbags.

Duck, a similar but somewhat heavier fabric, is also used.

Cotton in an incredible variety of prints and textures is used in novel summer
handbags.

Faille has a ribbed surface with a smooth, rich finish. The fabric is a flat, cross-grained
silk, wool or rayon used in dressy styles.

Linen, woven from flax, is a spring classic.

Needlepoint and tapestry are heavy, ornamental fabrics used in knitting bags and similar styles.

Peau de soie is a dull satin used in evening bags.

Petit point refers to a very fine cross stitch worked by hand. Fine petit points are almost always imported.

Silk brocade, crepe, bengaline, moire and satin are used for elegant late-day bags.

Velvet has luster and richness which make it ideal for dressier bags. Solids, prints and cut velvets are all popular.

Straws

Straw bags have been basic summer accessories for years. Classic straw bags of willow or rattan were hand woven into rigid shapes. More modern straws are soft and cloth like; most are imported.

From this http://www.accessoryweb.com/howtosell/glossary.html

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