Purse Styles

Different Types and Styles of Ladies' Purses and Wallets

Sometimes you can picture exactly the purse that you want, but still can't find it. Perhaps because you are looking in the wrong places, or perhaps because you're not sure exactly what the type of purse is called.

Or maybe you're not sure whether you should go for one purse type over another, but you're not sure of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

This is why we developed this page on Purse Styles, so we can hopefully help you understand the terms used and the different choices on offer from all the purse retailers in UK.

Names of the Purse Styles

When searching for the perfect purse you are sure to see terms such as clasp purse; frame purse; zip around purse; wallet purse; coin purse; credit card holder; passport cover; and travel wallet. Below we have tried to show you exactly what is meant by such terms and labels, with the odd photo for illustration purposes.

Flap Over Purses & Wallet Purses

The term "Flap Over" refers to the method in which the purse can be closed, in this case with a flap over the front  of the purse, usually shut closed with a button or press stud. Sometimes you may see the term "wallet purse" in connection with such styles. This is often considered a more descriptive term by makers and retailers, and gives a better picture of the type of purse. These purses are often bigger purses, usually quite long and slim. But the length means they have plenty of compartments and room inside for notes, coins and cards. See for example the exquisite Ladies' Wallet Purse from Aspinal below. And see our choice of the best flap over and wallet purses here.

Zip Around Purses

The term "zip around" - sometimes shortened to "zip round" - easy to understand. These purses have a zip all the way around the outside, or at least on 3 sides, which when closed means the purse is very securely fastened, but when opened, means the purse can fold open, a bit like a book. Therefore some zip around purses can be quite roomy and have various compartments. See for example the lovely Orla Kiely zip around purse below, or for more examples, see our page on zip around purses here.

Frame Purses & Clasp Purses

Frame purses have made a bit of a comeback recently. These are very traditional style purses, built around a metal frame, which acts as the opening to the purse, and from which the body of the purse hangs off. This means they are very sturdy and make great, tough wearing every day purses. Very often a frame purse will come with a "clasp fastener", where the 2 sides of the frame click together to keep the purse securely closed. There's something very satisfying about snapping a frame purse closed. See the beautiful red leather frame purse from Osprey below for an example, and for more information, see our page on frame and clasp purses here.

Credit Card Holders

Credit card holders are simply small wallets made only to hold credit cards and business cards. They are quite specialised, and make wonderful gifts, especially since very few of us treat ourselves to such luxuries. Credit card holders are meant to act in conjunction with a purse, rather than replace it. It's unlikely that a credit card holder will be the only purse of wallet you have. But they can come in very handy, especially if you have a fair few credit cards, or would like something elegant in which to keep business cards for work. See the beautiful Mock Croc brown leather credit card holder from Aspinal below, or see our Credit Card Holder page for more.

Coin Purses

Coin purses are smaller than most purses, and are usually a small pouch or bag dedicated to holding coins, rather that including compartments and slots for bank notes and credit cards. Coin purses are sweet, simple purses that are handy for keeping coins separate, away from your normal purse, perhaps tucked away in your handbag. See the Radley coin purse for a lovely example, or see our Coin Purse page for more.

Passport Holders and Covers

Passport holders are also referred to as passport covers. They are not only beautiful to look at, but quite practical too. They will of course protect your passport, but some holders also allow room for tickets, boarding passes, bank notes and credit cards too. See the funky Radley passport holders below for great examples, or see our full page of Passport Covers here.

Ladies Travel Wallets

Travel wallets are essentially oversized wallets with lots of different compartments. A good travel wallet should allow you to keep all of your travel documents, currency, credit cards, perhaps even maps and travellers cheques, all in one safe, secure place. But it should also make it easy to find each item, and therefore have plenty of different compartments, perhaps for different types of currencies for example.