Clutch Purse

If you wish to order a clutch purse from our online store, please go to the 'Buy a Clutch Purse' page. Otherwise, read a little about what a clutch purse is, below.

A clutch purse is a small or medium size purse that is meant to carry a few personal necessities, but not a lot of other items needed throughout the day or during travel. It is intended for short use only, usually for events or for short walks or driving between destinations.

The term 'clutch' refers to the purse being strapless, so that it must be carried by hand, or clutched. A clutch purse often has an attachable chain or strap so it can be slung from your shoulder, and this is informally known as a convertible clutch purse.
     Below: Clutch purse examples, from stylish to colorful to elegant to kids' purses.

A bit of history: until the early 1800's, a carry-bag known as a reticule, and looking much like today's clutch purse, was used for carrying personal items. The reticule fell from fashion in the early 1800's, but in the early to mid 1900's it came back 'in'. Families weren't travelling much during World War 2 and ladies didn't need a large bag to carry personals, and the reticule-style purse, or clutch as it became known, took a lot less material to build than did larger bags. This was an important factor in much of the production of all things during that war.

Since then, the clutch purse has kept its attraction and today it is used extensively for events such as proms, and as a fashionable evening bag. A clutch purse is just the right size for bringing the necessities along and nothing more; modern conveniences such as a cell phone, wallet, keys, pens, and calculator can all fit in.

You can find clutch purses in ladies wear stores and in ladies accessories stores, both for the average person and also luxury shops that carry designer items. If you want a dressy version, they can be found covered in beads or sequins, and in such flashy finishes as satin, brocade, and metallic fabrics. For a more relaxed casual outing they can be made with more toned-down fabrics, leathers and vinyls.

They are small, tidy and sharp-looking, easy to carry for short times, and for more dressy affairs a clutch purse can be found to match whatever style and color your outfit needs.