What is a clutch

The history of fashion development dates back many hundreds of years. With the advent of the exchange, people learned to distinguish good things from bad ones in quality, and then choose the best and most beautiful products from the good ones. This is observed in all areas of human life.

Fashion also affected bags designed to carry and store important things that you always need to have at hand. More recently, interesting images of handbags appeared, which are small rectangular flat products that are easy and very convenient to carry. Such handbags began to be called clutches. In our article we will try to fully consider this model and tell interesting facts about it.

What is a clutch

Recently, a huge variety of bags are found on store shelves. Among such an assortment you can find a suitable model. Especially popular are neat flat handbags that combine the functions of a wallet and a business card holder. But even they have a huge range of different options. Sometimes two clutches are so dissimilar in design that it is difficult to combine them into one group.

The clutch is a compact rectangular-shaped bag with many compartments and pockets, sometimes a handle or elastic band sewn to the back wall is used in the design. Such products are carried in the hands or under the arm, pressing them tightly to the body.

Origin of the word

The meaning and etymology of the word indicate the functional features of this product. In the literal translation from English, the word clutch means to grab or to clasp. Handbags got this name because of the way they are worn. Initially, they were taken in the palm of your hand, tightly clasping and clutching to yourself. Later, a way appeared to carry bags under the arm, bending the arm at the elbow. Therefore, the size of clutches is usually made small in order to conveniently take them with you and comfortably go for a walk.

IMPORTANT! In male models, there is an extra handle or elastic at the back wall to thread a brush into it and fix the product more tightly.

Product History

Like any wardrobe item and accessories, clutches have their own creator and an interesting origin story. Its roots go very far. Probably, since the appearance of minted coins and the monetary system, special wallets appeared, which became the original way for creating the design of future handbags.

Such leather goods were made, they were small in size and were worn on a belt. After many years, the appearance changed, but the main purpose remained almost unchanged.

Everything new in our life was discovered long ago, and now it has just become fashionable again, so the clutch is not an innovation. Such handbags were especially popular in the 20-30s of the last century. Nowadays, they have again gained fame, have become an integral part of the image and style of clothing.

Clutch Features

For this model, there are peculiarities by which you can say for sure that you have a clutch:

  • The shape of the product looks like a thin rectangle up to 3-5 cm thick.
  • Dimensions should not be too large, the optimal proportions are 15 × 20 cm.
  • The product does not use straps, handles and other retaining elements.
  • The outer part is usually made of leather.
  • The inner part is divided into sections, and on top of the product has a zipper or button clip for convenient closing.

Recently, a lot of products have moved far from their original parameters. People call a clutch bag almost any handbag that you can take in the palm of your hand. But despite this, the convenience and beauty of the style allow them to occupy a leading position in fashion.

What did the first clutches look like?

In the history of the emergence of commodity relations, there was a need to collect and keep money. For convenience, special bags were created and hung from a belt of clothing. They were made roughly, but reliably. Their main task was to save coins and prevent their loss. For this, thick leather with dense inserts was used. Then the design was changed a bit, the bag turned into an oblong wallet, which you already had to carry in your hand or hide in hidden pockets. So the very first clutch options appeared.

IMPORTANT! The first purses and clutches were made of leather, but retained the shape of a simple envelope. The material also folded several times and sewn on the sides, and sewn on top with a thread or tied with a rope.

What modern clutches look like

Modern style and the race for fashion dictate their own rules and establish new requirements for clothes and accessories. Clutch in our time has become not only a practical element, but also part of the image:

  • Sizes vary greatly: from the smallest to the dimensions of a full-fledged bag.
  • The use of various fabrics and leather inserts.
  • The use of multi-colored colorful materials.
  • Decorative inserts are added to the material: rhinestones, beads, beads.
  • Straps and handles are sewn to the product.

Modern models can be suitable for any purpose. With them you can go out and on a regular evening walk with friends. Thanks to the huge variety of choices, you will definitely find the right option.

Types of Clutches

There are several basic models designed for different functions and suitable for any purpose:

  • The casual clutch has a regular design and is suitable for walking.
  • The evening option is perfect for a date or a romantic dinner in the restaurant.
  • Decorative bags emphasize the image and bring in bright colors.
  • Business style is suitable for formal meetings and negotiations. Suitable for a formal suit.
  • Clutches in the form of an envelope are very interesting and unusual in our time, they make you pay attention to yourself.

Pros and cons of clutches

Such handbags have certain positive aspects that make the model popular:

  • Combination with any clothes.
  • Bright and expressive design.
  • The compact size allows you to conveniently place things and carry them with you constantly.
  • They complement the look and look elegant in accordance with fashion trends.

Despite the huge number of advantages, clutches have their minor disadvantages. Because of their miniature size, you can not afford to take a lot of things. They fit only the most basic, so modern options are made in large sizes. Under heavy load, they become heavy and uncomfortable to carry in your hand.

For which outfit is this bag suitable

Thanks to the huge selection, they can be combined with absolutely any outfit, pick out the product you like and add it to your wardrobe. This accessory is perfect for dresses of any style: casual, strict, romantic evening. For business style, hard clutches or in the form of envelopes are suitable. From outerwear it is best to choose a coat of light color. If you wish, you can find a model that will meet all the requirements and bring additional elegance to the image.