Stella Mccartney Clutch
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
2010s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
2010s Italian Wallets
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1980s American Band Rings
Tourmaline, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s Shoulder Bags
1990s French Shoulder Bags
1990s German Sunglasses
1990s German Sunglasses
1990s German Sunglasses
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1990s German Sunglasses
Late 20th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary English Chemise Dresses
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
20th Century Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Recent Sales
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s British Evening Gowns
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Spanish Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s British Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
2010s Italian Tote Bags
2010s Italian Day Dresses
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
2010s Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
Finding the Right clutches for You
Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small, they can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.
Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.
Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.
Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.
The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.