Bag & Purse Sizing Guide

Understanding Bag & Purse Measurements

Unlike clothing, bags have no standardized sizing system. A “medium” bag from one maker may be entirely different from a “medium” from another. At HudsonFlowVintage, every bag is measured individually so you can shop with confidence.

How to Read Our Bag Measurements

• Width — measured across the widest point of the bag from side to side
• Height — measured from the bottom of the bag to the top of the body (not including handles or straps)
• Depth — measured from front to back at the widest point
• Strap drop — measured from the top of the strap to the top of the bag; determines where the bag sits on your body
• Handle drop — measured from the top of the handle to the top of the bag for top handle styles
• Chain length — total length of a chain strap from end to end
• Opening width — measured across the top opening of the bag; important for clutches and structured styles

Bag Size Categories at HudsonFlowVintage

Micro & Minaüdière — up to 5" wide

Decorative and evening styles. Holds essentials only — cards, lipstick, phone for small devices. Common in 1950s–1960s beaded and metallic evening bags.

Mini — 5–7" wide

Small enough to carry by hand or crossbody. Holds a slim wallet, phone, keys, and a few small items. Popular in 1960s mod styles and 1990s minimalist bags.

Small — 7–9" wide

The most versatile everyday size. Fits a standard wallet, phone, keys, and small essentials. Common across all decades in structured and semi-structured styles.

Medium — 9–12" wide

Comfortable for daily use with room for more. Fits a wallet, phone, keys, small notebook, and cosmetics pouch. Common in 1970s–1980s shoulder bags and satchels.

Large — 12–15" wide

Roomy enough for daily essentials plus extras. Fits a tablet, documents, or a small umbrella. Common in 1970s totes and 1980s power bags.

Oversized & Tote — 15"+ wide

Maximum capacity. Fits a laptop, books, gym clothes, or a day's worth of items. Common in canvas totes, market bags, and structured 1980s–1990s carryalls.

Strap Drop Guide — Where the Bag Sits

Note: Strap drop fit varies by body height and torso length. A 12" drop may sit at the shoulder on a petite frame and at the forearm on a taller frame.

Bag Styles & What to Measure

Clutch

No strap or handle. Key measurements: width, height, opening width. Check that your phone fits if needed.

Top Handle Bag

Carried by a short handle at the top. Key measurements: width, height, depth, handle drop.

Shoulder Bag

Worn over the shoulder. Key measurements: width, height, depth, strap drop.

Crossbody Bag

Worn across the body. Key measurements: width, height, depth, strap drop, and whether the strap is adjustable.

Satchel

Structured bag with a top handle and optional shoulder strap. Key measurements: width, height, depth, handle drop, strap drop.

Bucket Bag

Rounded or cylindrical shape with a drawstring or open top. Key measurements: width at widest point, height, depth, strap drop.

Hobo Bag

Soft, crescent-shaped slouchy bag. Key measurements: width, height at center, strap drop.

Tote

Open top, two handles. Key measurements: width, height, depth, handle drop.

Vintage Bag Sizing by Decade

1930s & 1940s

Bags were small and structured, reflecting wartime practicality and elegance. Top handle styles dominated. Expect compact dimensions — a typical 1940s handbag measures 8–10" wide and 5–7" tall. Closures are often kiss-lock frames or snap clasps.

1950s

The golden age of the structured handbag. Kelly-style top handle bags, boxy clutches, and beaded evening bags were iconic. Sizes remained compact and ladylike — typically 8–11" wide. Interior space is often smaller than the exterior suggests due to structured lining and frames.

1960s

Mod fashion brought geometric shapes and bold proportions. Mini bags and novelty shapes appeared alongside practical shoulder bags. Sizes ranged widely — from tiny 5" mod bags to roomy 12" shoulder styles. Chain straps became fashionable in this era.

1970s

The decade of the slouchy hobo and the boho shoulder bag. Soft leathers, suedes, and woven materials replaced structured frames. Bags grew larger and more relaxed — 10–14" wide was common. Fringe, tooling, and natural materials defined the era.

1980s

Power dressing brought oversized structured bags. Logo bags from European houses became status symbols. Sizes ranged from medium structured satchels to large carryalls. Gold hardware and bold closures are characteristic of this decade.

1990s

Minimalism brought clean lines and neutral colors. Tiny baguette bags and small shoulder bags were fashionable alongside practical nylon totes. Sizing varied widely — from micro 5" baguettes to large nylon carryalls.

A Note About Our Bag Listings

At HudsonFlowVintage, every bag is measured individually and listed in the product description. Here is what to look for in each listing:

• Width — measured across the widest point
• Height — measured from bottom to top of the bag body
• Depth — measured front to back
• Strap or handle drop — listed for all styles with straps or handles
• Opening width — listed for clutches and structured styles
• Condition notes — interior lining, hardware, and closure condition are always noted

If you need a specific measurement not listed, contact us before purchasing — we are happy to measure any item on request.