Handbag map of the UK
You can now tell where someone is from by the size and style of their handbag according to Debenhams.
A recent survey by the high street retailer has revealed that women tend to buy a particular type of handbag depending on where they live in the country, with fashionistas in the North buying significantly smaller bags than those in the South.
Over 60% of Northern lasses like to ‘glam it up’ throughout the day and into the evening as women in this region of the country are now being recognised by their ‘petit pouch’ clutch bag as opposed to their highly distinguishable accents.
In contrast, women in the UK’s capital city are carrying more baggage. 74% of London ladies are buying oversized tote bags following the likes of style guru Victoria Beckham, who is regularly pictured with an array of Hermes Birkins and Louis Vuitton oversized Speedys.
Bosses at the retailer have put the trend down to women who live in the capital working longer hours, many without access to a car therefore needing an extra-large handbag.
Natelle Baddeley, Head of Accessories at Debenhams says: “We are noticing a new trend amongst Londoners known as the ’24 hour’ handbag. Size is everything so it’s the bigger the better.”
“Northerners are all about the sexy clutch bag, channelling their inner Cheryl Cole and packing all their essentials into a small bag that can take them from desk to dance floor.”
Women in the Midlands are more practical with 72% of them investing in a long lasting, mid- sized handbag that works for every occasion. This ‘bag for life’ flair is often seen on born and bred Birmingham TV personality Cat Deeley.
Safety-savvy Scots opt for a crossbody bag, a female version of the wallet chain, allowing them to carry no more than a credit card and a lip gloss. Carrying only the bare essentials indicates that the Scottish sporran is now taking a fashion-forward female approach as well as keeping to tradition.
Women in Ireland have been purchasing the ‘fuss free shoulder bag’ which is perfect for busy first-time mums such as Una Healy. The shoulder bag is a more compact version of the ‘24 hour Londoners’ choice, acting as a bottomless pit stashed full of almost every essential.
Wales is cutting the fittest figures in the UK with 68% of females leaning towards sport bags and backpacks. With temperatures soaring throughout Wales this summer* it seems Welsh women have adopted an active outdoor lifestyle and enjoy the practicality and comfort of a backpack.
Professor Karen J. Pine from the University of Hertfordshire says: “In recent times the handbag seems to have become the ultimate statement piece for women. Ladies are signalling their status, and many do that via the handbag they choose. This research also demonstrates how the bag we carry, like the clothes we wear, reflects our personality.
“The handbag has become an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe and a significant part of her identity. The contents of her bag are highly personal and the style of bag is a shorthand way of saying, “This is who I am”, whether that’s career woman, sporty or practical type.“ concluded Pine.
The history of the handbag can be traced back to the bible which specifically describes in detail Judas Iscariot as a purse carrier. The word ‘handbag’ did not exist until the mid-nineteen hundreds and by the 1930s many of the bags used today had been invented including the classic handbag, the clutch, the satchel and the shoulder bag.
Handbags, even though they have for so long been associated with females, are becoming increasingly popular with the modern male and the ‘manbag’ is now a fashion must have. Its variety, adaptability and now unisex acceptability highlight the handbag’s staying power.
Handbags at Debenhams start from £20 and are available instore and online at debenhams.com.