Who were purses originally made for?

Purses were originally made for men. Although we now largely equate handbags with women's apparel and accessories, purses have been practical accessories since hunter-gatherers wandered the earth carrying foraged fruits and nuts in simple handmade pouches marked with a scratch or two to denote ownership. In Ancient Egypt, pouches were worn by men around their waists. During the 16th century, men proudly proclaimed their wealth with coin pouches hanging from their belts, while women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Later, purses became more commonly carried by women than men. Find a variety of handbags on 1stDibs.