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.
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