Handbags have long been a mainstay of online and traditional apparel retail. Wholesale suppliers offer a dazzling variety of purses for all price ranges and are amongst the best selling merchandise an online accessories store can offer.

However, if you are not well versed in the terminology that applies to handbags it can be difficult to know exactly what you are ordering. To assist retail buyers in making the right decisions when selecting merchandise we offer this glossary of handbag terms. Handbags have long been a mainstay of online and traditional apparel retail. Wholesale suppliers offer a dazzling variety of purses for all price ranges and are amongst the best selling merchandise an online accessories store can offer.

However, if you are not well versed in the terminology that applies to handbags it can be difficult to know exactly what you are ordering. To assist retail buyers in making the right decisions when selecting merchandise we offer this glossary of handbag terms.

Acetate- A synthetic fabric related to plastic. Acetate fabrics have a very tight smooth weave that is resistant to moisture and stains. It is normally used for the interior lining of handbags.

Alligator Skin- Alligators are an endangered species and their skins are restricted from use in manufacture by laws in most countries. Handbags are often made to look like they are made of alligator skin, as their skin is still a popular texture for handbag designs. Today most handbags are made with cowhide leather or synthetic leather embossed and dyed to look like alligator or crocodile skin.

Authentic- An authentic handbag is the original designed and manufactured by the designer name on the name tag. Many fashion designers will include authenticity statements with the handbag, or will have a serial stamped on the inside of the handbag. Imitations of handbags are copies that are made to look very much like the original, and sometimes even have the designers name on them. These imitations are called “fakes”, “knockoffs”, or “replicas”, and are not made with the same quality craftsmanship and materials. Knock-offs are often, but not always, violations of copyright laws and are illegal to sell.

Baguette- Small handbags with long narrow shapes similar to the famous French bread. Not a terribly popular style.

Box Bag- A handbag shaped like a box. Usually constructed with hard sides and a stable square or rectangular base.

Bucket Bag- A type of soft-sided handbag shaped like a bucket. They are similar to box bags but have a round bottom.

Calfskin- The hides of young cattle. Calfskin is very soft and very durable making it a choice material for handbag construction. Normally calfskin bags are quite expensive.

Canvas- Canvas is probably the most popular fabric used in handbags. It is durable and versatile. Canvas can be made of synthetic, or natural fibers, or a bend of the two. Canvas is normally treated to repel moisture and resist stains.

Clutch Bag- A small handbag with no straps or handles meant to be carried in the hand or tucked under the arm. It is a popular style for nights out and special occasions.

Draw String- A strip of fabric, leather, or string that is weaved through eyelets and when pulled it gathers together the top of a handbag to close it.

Embossed Leather- When any leather is used to make a handbag, it is treated to create a variety of finishes, textures, colors and appearances. Embossing gives leather a grain and other patterns on its surface. It may be used to duplicate a natural look such as reptile hide or it may be used to create an entirely new effect.

Faux- A French word that means false. This term is used as a euphemism for a product that is not genuine.

Glazed Leather- A process to alter the appearance of leather. Usually this means adding a wax finish to the leather. Glazed leather has a shiny polished finish, whereas a matte finish is flat.

Hand Tag- A tag made of metal, leather, or fabric printed with the designer’s name and logo. It is usually attached to the exterior of the handbag with a small chain or similar device.

Hand Tooled- Leather or other animal hide decorated by hand using metal stamps or heat branding device to add designs to the leather or hide which is then highlighted by dye.

Hobo Bag- A popular style of shoulder bag with a long shape which scoops down at the top towards the center. It is giving a very casual look by its loose bag structure.

Jacquard Fabric- A fabric with a woven design as opposed to a design printed on the fabric. Material constructed in this manner can have a tremendous variety of designs and patterns due to the machining process, and is named for its inventor, Joseph Jacquard.

Art Micklewraith is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Top Ten Wholesale. He can be reached at Content and Solutions or by email at artmicklewraith@gmail.com.