How to choose the perfect handbag – Read our comprehensive guide

Choosing a handbag is a decision about an everyday accessory that says a lot about the wearer's personality and sense of style. In this guide, we dive into the world of bags, focusing specifically on the importance of color and how to choose the right shade to suit your lifestyle.

The influence of materials on handbag selection

Leather is popular for its durability and elegance. A leather bag can last for years, and is suitable for both everyday and festive occasions. Other materials, such as fabrics and synthetic fibers, also offer options for different occasions and styles, but we will of course focus on leather handbags since we are talking about Utua.

Our experience with leather bags reached the ten-year milestone in October 2024, so we can confidently recommend genuine leather as the best bag material.

Choosing a handbag color: What to consider?

Choosing a color is an important part of the handbag buying process. The decision between colors usually depends on the occasion and personal style. A black bag is classic and versatile, while a light bag adds lightness and is perfect for summer.

Bright colors like lilac, dahlia, orange or red add personality to an outfit. For some, it may be a threshold issue, but sometimes you need brighter bags to match dark coats.

Brown is one of the most common colors for leather bags. It is a classic that comes in many different shades: dark, medium and light. Brown leather is traditional and popular, and the quality of the leather is most clearly visible.

Neutral tones are a good choice when you want something that is easy to combine. A combination of gray and beige, called greige (a combination of the words gray and beige), is also often sought after. They are shades that are suitable for different seasons.

The Sophia handbag is a stunning revelation, especially in purple. As is our lovely mannequin Wilhelmiina Af Fera.

Handbag size and its importance

When choosing the size of your bag, you need to consider what you need to carry with you on a daily basis. A good-sized handbag is a practical choice for daily use, especially if you are carrying, for example, a work tool, a water bottle, snacks or a change of clothes.

Tip: A small shoulder bag is a great helper when, for example, you want to go for a lighter lunch during the workday and leave your larger bag at work. This fits neatly in your larger handbag and is easy to take with you if the need arises.

The handles of the handbags are often long enough to be carried on the shoulder. Similarly, Utua handbags often come with a longer shoulder strap. This increases the versatility of the bag.

A small bag is perfect for those occasions when you only need your keys, wallet and phone. A bag with chains, tassels or other decorative details will add a festive touch to your outfit and is perfect for special occasions.

Selection of bags for men and women

When choosing men's bags, the focus is often on functionality and style. A traditional computer bag or a larger shoulder bag can be used as a work bag .

For women, the old rule was to match your bag to your outfit and shoes. Today, many people see this more as a tip than an absolute rule. Creativity and personal style have become more important, and for many, expressing their own personality is more important than following strict guidelines.

By choosing the right bag, you can complement your style and ensure that the bag serves your needs. However, we encourage you to experiment with different colors and leathers, just in case you find a more pleasant alternative to the "reasonable" one.

The leather Grace is a medium-sized handbag. It is named after Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.

Responsible choice

If sustainability is important to you, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Our bags are produced entirely within the EU, which ensures that everyone involved in the production of the bag receives fair compensation for their work. The EU minimum legislation is a fair playing field from an economic, social and climate perspective.

The leather used in our bags is mainly top-grain cowhide, a by-product of food production in the Nordic countries. Here, animal welfare legislation is among the strictest in the world, ensuring that the animals have good living conditions.

The leather is manufactured in a factory in Italy, where the use of water and chemicals is minimized. The factory also has a closed water circulation system, which means that no process water is discharged into the sewer.

Utua bags are sewn in a small family-owned atelier in Greece. The production is done by hand by skilled artisans, so the bags are only made in small batches at a time.

Let the hunt begin!

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to hunt for the right one. Remember, a bag is an investment in your style, so choose one that will last, stand the test of time, and above all, be pleasing to the eye.

Good luck choosing the perfect handbag!