It’s okay to admit that you have a handbag addiction – we understand because we do, too! With so many beautifully handcrafted purses out there, it can be really hard to choose sometimes. And with the era of shopping malls coming to a close, we’re turning to the world of online shopping for the best bags we can lay our hands on. Etsy is a standout in this space, especially since the best handmade purses on Etsy are a class apart. Not only are they very well-designed, but we also found some really unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from indie artisans that we could never have found offline in a million years. Additionally, the choices we saw were all charming, characterful, practical, and elegant.
Plus, Etsy’s bag collection will put even the world’s most put-together wardrobe to shame! To that end, here’s a useful and detailed guide to investing in one-of-a-kind made-to-order bags on Etsy.
Saly Limon USA Handmade Carved Leather Wallet
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We begin the list with the Saly Limon USA Handmade Carved Leather Wallet. After all, why should we settle for an ordinary wallet when we can get something that’s also a fashion statement, right? For one, this wallet came in two colors: a classic cognac-honey and an equally gorgeous teal hue. What’s more, every wallet is carefully crafted by hand by skilled artisans, so they’re all unique and one-of-a-kind. In spite of this, the wallet isn’t just about looks. On the inside, it had multiple compartments, including card and coin slots, to keep all of our essentials organized. Finally, there’s also the finish, which can be personalized with a special message or engraved with initials. All in all, this floral and bohemian wallet was perfect for expressing our individual style.
You might also want to look at the best coin purses for travelers on Etsy.
Pros
- This wallet is one of a kind.
- It’s designed from cowhide leather and sheepskin, so it’s durable and will last a long time.
- It has different compartments for credit cards, coins, bills, an ID window, and even a metal magnetic clasp.
Cons
- It might be a bit too small for some.
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ElcheeWearUS ESMAY Monaco Women Purse
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ElcheeWearUS’ products have always caught our eye due to their impressive looks, and the ElcheeWearUS ESMAY Monaco Women Purse is no different. This bag line boasts a sleek and upscale look due to the design’s inclusion of gold hardware and accessories. Despite the modest dimensions, we were amazed by the amount of storage within and the practical convenience of this Monaco purse. Not only inside, but it even had practical storage on the outside, including a zippered compartment at the back. So, any quick-access items we had could be stashed in there. Made from a combination of cotton, polyester, and vegan leather, this PETA-certified handmade bag even came with the convenience of being carried two ways. Using the top handle, we could carry it by hand, while the adjustable shoulder strap meant that we could even wear it crossbody.
Pros
- It’s handmade and one-of-a-kind.
- It’s made from polyester, leather, and cotton and is PETA-certified.
- The gold hardware is very sleek and classy.
Cons
- It sells out very quickly.
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IluminaMiCorazon Hand-Tooled Embossed Mexican Leather Floral Purse
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We were looking for something absolutely offbeat and something we’d never seen before. That’s where the IluminaMiCorazon Hand-Tooled Embossed Mexican Leather Floral Purse comes in. This beautifully embossed and hand-tooled floral purse is made from 100% genuine leather by artisans in Mexico. What’s more, they use the “cincelada” technique for the same, which meant that this purse was definitely unique. We also loved the latch closure, which kept all our belongings inside secure even when the purse toppled over. Moreover, the adjustable strap ensured that we could wear this purse over the shoulder and even across our body so we could go hands-free. The best bit? The bag even came with a storage bag so we could store it and our purse when we weren’t using it.
“We couldn’t believe when we saw an authentic bag made by Mexican craftsmen on Etsy – and that too for USD 63!”
WOW Travel
Pros
- This purse will fit not only standard-sized phones but also a chapstick, keys, and a small wallet.
- This item is handmade and unique and made using the cincelada technique.
- It’s made from 100% genuine leather.
Cons
- It might not fit oversized phones.
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ELEVEN 600 Leather Crossbody Bag
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We were looking for a regular, plain crossbody purse for everyday use rather than a decorative one. That’s why we liked the ELEVEN 600 Leather Crossbody Bag. So, why did we like it so much? For one, it’s available in as many as 16 colors! In fact, the options range from regular shades like black, beige, and tan to amazing colors like red, yellow, forest, and even bright pink. What’s more, the bag is even available in sizes which ranges from mini-sizes to XL.
But that’s not all. The bag is made from full-grain leather, which left the bag feeling very silky and soft. At the same time, we could even use the bag every day, and it still retained its texture and shape for a very long time. If that wasn’t enough, the leather didn’t even need a lot of maintenance, as it even repelled moisture. Furthermore, the bag had inside and outside pockets, an adjustable strap so we could wear it crossbody, and a 100% cotton bag for storage. What more could we want?
Why don’t you check out other handmade leather goods on Etsy?
Pros
- The bag is made from genuine, full-grain leather and is long-lasting and durable.
- There’s even a 100% cotton bag for easy storage.
- The adjustable strap made it easy for us to carry.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
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KittenArtCrochet Crochet Sunflowers Crossbody Bag
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Crochet bags are special because they’re not just eco-friendly and green, but they’re also stylish. That’s why we loved the KittenArtCrochet Crochet Sunflowers Crossbody Bag. We loved the delightful sunflower design on this handcrafted bag, which brought a touch of sunshine wherever we went. Made from woven woolen yarn, this bag could be carried in not just autumn and winter but even summer. Moreover, the bag boasted a unique drawstring closure, further adorned with green leaves and charming sunflowers. Thus, it ended up adding an extra dash of style to our accessory. Did you know they even did custom sizing options to ensure the perfect fit? Yes!
Pros
- The crochet bag is very unique and handmade.
- The design is not just on the bag but even the drawstring closure.
- It’s the perfect accessory for any weather.
Cons
- It’s slightly pricey.
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Ladybuq Oversized Leather Tote
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Sitting at the top of the list is the Ladybuq Oversized Leather Tote. Aptly named “The Tear” due to its look and shape, this eye-catching tote was designed in the studio and showcased for the first time at Berlin Fashion Week. So, we couldn’t wait to put our hands on this gorgeous purse! What’s more, this bag is made from full-grain leather in an original orange color, but it’s also available in seven other colors, including navy, grey, and plum. It’s no surprise that we stood out from the crowd with this purse, which is available in three sizes, namely S, M, and L. But what we liked about the purse is that it could be fully personalized with additions such as a leather key loop, a leather tassel, and even a matching leather wallet!
Pros
- This bag is available in three sizes and eight colors.
- It’s handmade and unique.
- It’s fashionable and stylish to the T.
Cons
- None.
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How To Choose The Best Handmade Purses On Etsy?
Size
One of the topmost factors we considered was the size of the purse, as it needed to be according to our needs. So, we ensured that the purse had enough space to fit all our necessary items, including phone, wallet, and keys at the very least. In fact, make a list of the items that you want to carry in this bag so you can zero in on the size accordingly.
Durability
The durability of the purse matters a lot, especially since it’s an investment, and we would like it to last a while. So, before we went about selecting a purse, we did a good amount of inspection, especially regarding the material, zippers, seams, and the general sturdiness of the purse.
Closure
The closure of the purse is one of the most important aspects you need to consider, as that’s what keeps your belongings securely inside the bag. It could be a snap button or a zipper, but it should ensure that nothing falls out of the bag if it topples over.
Also, check out the best gifts on Etsy for travelers.
Why are handmade bags so expensive?
It takes a lot of time to create handmade bags, so the supply will always be less when compared to the demand. That’s why they’re exclusive and expensive.
Why are handmade bags better?
Unlike their mass-produced counterparts, handcrafted bags are not only made with higher-quality materials, but also their construction is more careful and hence better.
What is the best material to make a purse?
While many prefer leather, canvas, which is usually made from cotton, is a durable and strong plain-woven fabric that’s perfect for making a bag.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Etsy.