Handbag 101:
The basics

By Koyaana R. Feb 6, 2020

The world of handbags is innovative and vibrant, so much so

In Alphabetical Order

Pochette – An additional detachable pouch that comes with a handbag
Poignet – An extra strap that wraps around two handles to bind them together, often seen on travel pieces
Clochette – A bell-shaped covering for keys that attaches to a handbag
Bandouliere – Another name for an extra strap that is not its primary method of wearing

BB – Assumed to mean Bébé Bandouliere, French for “baby strap;” is typically the smallest or mini version of a given size range and often, due to its size, has a strap to be carried on the shoulder
PM – Meaning Petite Modèle, French for “small model,” is a typically smaller size of a range
MM – Meaning Moyen Modèle, French for “medium model,” is a typically medium size of a size range
GM – Meaning Grande Modèle, French for “large model,” is a typically larger version of a size range
NM – Meaning Nouvelle Modèle, French for “new model.” This is often used to refer to a new version of a previously released handbag. There will be slight, if not noticeable, differences between the old and new versions depending on the maker
B##/K## (ie B25 or K32) – This is usually seen on social media channels, but refers to either a Birkin (B) or Kelly (K) followed by its size in centimeters. For example, a Kelly 25cm will be referred to as a K25

Length – The length of the base of a handbag across its front. Note: Rebag measures most handbags from corner to corner to determine this measurement.
Width – Also referred to as the depth of the handbag measured from the side. Note: Rebag measures most handbags from corner to corner to determine this measurement.
Height – The height of the bag from the base to the top edge of the bag. Note: Rebag measures from most handbag’s center front to determine this measurement.
Strap Length – The actual length of a strap from end to end when laid flat.
Strap Drop – For handbags with longer shoulder straps, this measurement is taken from the underside of an extended strap to the top edge of a bag. Not to be confused with Strap Length.
Handle Drop – For handbags with shorter handles, this measurement is taken from the underside of an extended handle to the top edge of a bag.
Wax Edge – When raw materials are used in handbag manufacturing, they have a rough edge that needs to be finished to complete the look and adhere to high-quality standards. This is done by applying a flexible rubber, or “wax,” to the edges of the bag

Printed – The technique of applying a print on top of fabric, not to be confused with a woven-in pattern
Embossed – The physical machine imprinting of a design into a textile or leather.
Embellished – A combination of extra decorative details including but not limited to beading, embroidery, patches, sequins, appliques, ribbon work, and other such techniques.
Studded – Elaborate or simple decorative designs and patterns created with the use of metal studs. Not to be confused with hardware used for construction or functional purposes
Beaded – The technique of using beads in various sizes to create interior or exterior patterns, motifs, and textures
Embroidered – The technique of using yarn or thread to create a pattern or design on top of an existing material
Quilted – Two layers of material filled with padding held in place by lines of stitching
Tooled – Not to be confused with embossed, tooled typically refers to leather in which a pattern or design has been hand-worked into the material using various leather instruments
Paillettes – Though technically large and flat by definition, it’s another term for sequins by French design houses
GHW – An abbreviation for Gold Hardware
PHW – An abbreviation for Palladium Hardware
SHW – An abbreviation for Silver Hardware