.jpg)
Handbags
not only accessorize your outfit and style but also act as viable storage
for your items as you are moving. Choosing a great bag can be a hectic process.
The complications exist because there are many different markets based on
quality, styles, and designs. Each bag has something specific to make it
outstanding. As the buyer, you must research extensively in a bid to get the
best bag. The decision-making process and ability to recognize ingenuity while
shopping for a bag becomes more comfortable when you are adequately informed on
the things to check. Being informed eliminates all the fear of getting
low-quality bags. With the information discussed here, you stand better chances
of purchasing the best bag.
8 things to consider before
buying a handbag
1. LEATHER
2. STITCHING
3. LINING
4. EDGES
5. HARDWARE
6. ZIPPERS
7. HANDLES & STRAPS
8. Weight
Leather
Leather is one of the most common materials used for making handbags. It is a
durable material that gives you the longevity benefit. Buying leather bags
requires that you assess the originality of the material before making a final
choice. Leather comes in different types. The major ones are the full-grain
leather, top grain leather, corrected leather, and split leather. The listing
here is done per quality, highest to lowest. High-quality bags are made from
the first three types. Identifying real leather from faux leather demands that
a buyer has a keen eye and sensitive hand. Genuine leather will have an uneven
grainy feel as it comes from natural animal skin. Faux leather, on the other
hand, has a near-perfect pattern.
When genuine leather is pressed, it stretches and forms wrinkly patterns that
appear and disappear as you press and release. Unlike real leather, fake
leather is not affected by touch. The other test that you should perform to
determine the originality of the leather is the water test. Real leather
absorbs moisture in any form while fake leather does not. For the latter, the water
sits on the surface. The sturdiness of the original leather is impeccable and
will stand straight when placed on a flat surface. Fake leather fails the
structural test and stays folded. All these tests help you know what genuine
leather resembles.
Stitching
The stitches in a bag determine durability and elegance. A fabulous bag should
have small-sized stitches, and this translates to more stitches per inch. There
are different types of stitches used for a handbag, and the popular or common
one is top-stitching. It is super straight and is referred to as edge-stitch in
other places. The manufacturer employs fading pens to mark where the stitch
should pass. Once the stitching is complete, it is erased by using a hot iron.
The triple straight stitch is also used to secure the heavy fabrics. The stitch
should be applied on the edges of the bag for a firm hold. Look for the
reinforcement done on the bag. Most manufacturers add a second line of
top-stitching inside the first one. The kind of stitching on the zippers is
different from the other bag parts.
Remember that the zip is in constant operation (opening and closing), and the
stitching done should be sturdy enough not to run. As the buyer, you should
take your time and check all the stitching done to avoid disappointments after
that. A great quality bag should have evenly distributed stitches. Be warned if
a bag has uneven or crooked stitches as the quality could be compromised.
Lining
Disappointments come in different forms, worst of them all is tearing the
lining. A buyer must understand that the inside of the bag is delicate. Several
linings of a bag are based on the materials, the effect desired, and
aesthetics. The lining gives the bag a more finished and elegant look. A bag
manufacturer can also use linings to enhance the structure and curves of the
bag. Since you are the buyer, understand high-quality linings imply durability
in your bag. Cotton and synthetic are the most common fabrics used inlining.
A bag with thin cotton needs interfacing, while the twill fabrics need no
interfacing. You must also check whether the bag's interior has pockets for
more accessible storage of your delicate items on the go. These items could be
your mobile phone, lip balm, or even keys. A small pocket enhances access
without compromising the entire bag arrangement. If you require a bag that has
waterproof capabilities, go for the Condura-lined bags. The color of the lining
also matters so that it goes well with the exterior bag fabric colors. Neutral
colors such as cream, pale grey, beige, and cream can be used for lining.
Edges
Neat edges enhance the elegance of the accessory. Boundaries are where one
piece meets the other and is more vulnerable to wear and tear. The fabric of
the bag determines the edging to be done. It needs to be flat and strong enough
to handle the bag pressure. Most manufacturers use edge stitching foot to
enhance the elegance and durability. Stitch-in-the-ditch is another sewing
technique used to secure the bag edges. They are invisible and bind the edges
together discreetly. Under stitching is a great technique that invisibly rolls
to the back of the bag fabric. The bag also gains better stability with the
faces sewn.
When making the purchase, you should check the seam finishes as some are zigzagged
while others are flat-felled. The zigzagged stitches result in a sturdy bag,
while the latter establishes better strength and stability. A leather bag will
have a different type of edging as compared to the other fabric bags. They can
also be trimmed and clipped at an allowance to allow for an ancient look. If
you want a smooth and non-puckered bag exterior, you should go for the graded
bags. Grading involves cutting all the seam allowance I in a lawyer to avoid
any allowance for seams. As the buyer, you need to carefully look for the ones
that appeal to your tastes and preferences.
Hardware
The bag's hardware is an essential part of the bag, as it is the visible part.
It is all in detail. The hardware is crucial in influencing the bag's elegance.
Zippers, sliders, and rivets are the most common types of bag hardware. Snap
rings and D-rings should also be strong enough to hold the bag. The material of
the hardware could be plastic or metal attachments. They serve certain
functions such as hooking, snapping, rotating, grabbing, and clipping. Choose a
bag with enough strength as well as a high level of corrosion resistance.
For this reason, most bag manufacturers will incorporate two metals in the
production level. The significant metals used for hardware are zinc, copper,
nickel, stainless steel, and brass. Each metal has its upside and downside. The
buyer must understand that the bag's value and cost depend on the quality of
hardware used. Unique and elegant hardware will cost you a little more than the
regular items. It would be best if you were ready to spend on great quality
bags. If the rivets are copper-colored, they should remain so till the end of
time. Even when the hardware is such crucial, look for a bag that has
moderately done hardware. You do not want a bag with too many features that
alter the bag's elegance and style.
Zippers
Zippers are fastening devices that improve access to the contents of a bag.
There is a wide range of zippers that you can get in a bag. They differ in
material, design, and quality. As mentioned above, the zippers are a crucial
part as it is the primary entry point for the bag. Carefully assess the zippers
before making a concrete decision. The type of zipper installed depends on a
few aspects, such as the bag's type and design.
Most zippers serve as a security measure of the bag. It makes the opening and
closing of the zipper very easy. In other cases, the zippers are purely useful
as aesthetics; you do not have to worry about these. The metal zippers have a
reputation for durability and strength. They are present in different finishes
and sizes. However, this is not always the case; plastic and coil zippers are
also useful. Trim bags typically have coil zippers to match the color, while
the vast bags benefit from the close-ended zippers for easy luggage ferrying.
On the other hand, smaller bags require invisible zippers. A duffel bag needs a
different type of zipper as compared to a clutch handbag. The buyer should know
that the metal zippers are vulnerable to damage and often expensive to repair.
Handles and Straps
The major determinants for comfort and ease are the straps and handles.
Some bags have straps, others have handles and selected ones have both. The
length and width can check belts. The length dimension covers from one end to
the other, including all the rivets' hardware. It is different from the drop
length; these measures the strap's top to the bag's top. The drop length is
dependent on a few things, such as the clothes you wear, your height, bag
position, and type of bag. Due to this criticality, it is not a suitable form
of measure. The length (end to end) has standard measures, while others can be
adjusted.
A shoulder strap bag and a short handle strap bag are different. Normally, at
the time of sale, buying longer straps will force you to spend more than buying
the regular-sized ones. Comparing the strap bags that you have heightens your
decision-making process. The width refers to the part of the strap that sits on
your shoulder. The area in contact with the belt determines the mass distribution
and alleviation levels that the bag owner gets. Large strap widths can support
heavyweights, while thin straps can only handle the lightweight.
The Burden of the Bag
A buyer must determine the true weight of the bag before putting in the
contents. The weight discussed here is the empty bag mass. The buyer must find
a bag that can serve the intended purpose and sizeable so that you do not alter
the aesthetics. The body mass should be in a position to handle the bag’s
weight as well as the contents. Backpack sizes are now different, bigger, and
come with many hardware. The presence of the accessories can force an empty bag
more decadent than it should be. Recent research claims that the ideal purse
weight should be two pounds. It should not exceed ten percent of your body
weight. Remember that this includes all the bag contents from your phone,
makeup, wallet, and maybe a water bottle. You must also limit the items that
you put in your bag so that your neck does not develop pains.
While shopping for a bag, weigh each of them and try carrying them to gauge how
they feel on your body. People with underlying conditions such as crook
shoulders, back injuries, and migraines will need some bag selection adjustments.
Some effects are long term and could take your time to notice. One should avoid
body constraints and find a bag with the right weight that they can comfortably
carry.
Conclusion
Bags are part and parcel of life, especially for women. They use them to carry
and quickly personal items on different occasions. At other times, the handbags
accessorize the look and give you that classy and sleek look. Getting a great
bag depends on the information that you have regarding the purchase. One can
purchase various types of bags and gauge how comfortable they feel with them.
Testing different handbags give you a practical advantage as you know the ones
that you are satisfied with and differentiate from those you are not; you know
your style in this way. The realization is clear to you after a few times of
usage.
With the above-discussed features and considerations, we hope you can make
conscious decisions and choose an excellent bag for your upcoming occasion or
travel expedition. Focus on the quality, aesthetics, and the satisfaction that
a particular bag gives you.
Recommended Articles:
https://www.beanbing.com/how-to-start-your-bag-brand-business
https://www.beanbing.com/the-ultimate-guide-about-leather-bag-oil-edge
https://www.beanbing.com/How-Much-Money-to-Start-a-Handbag-Line
https://www.beanbing.com/seven-iconic-bag-brands-to-emulate
https://www.beanbing.com/how-to-custom-private-label-bag-guide
https://www.beanbing.com/how-genuine-cow-leather-is-made
https://www.beanbing.com/handbag-strap-type-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-designer
