Hard Question #1 - Clutch or Wristlet?
Ok, let's just this one out of the way! So I know many of you have browsed the site and you've probably pondered (deeply, no doubt😉) what's the difference between a “clutch” and a “wristlet?” Is it the strap? But some "clutches" have wrist straps! What if it has a shoulder strap, but still is called a "clutch?” And what if a "wristlet" has a wrist strap that can be removed? Does it then suddenly change into a “clutch?” I get it…this is confusing.
Well, here at Emmy Bauer, I like to keep things simple, so I'm going to break it down for you. Ready? Okay, here we go. I hope you’re sitting down. I’ve thought long and hard about this and this is my final answer. I think designers and manufacturers just call them whatever they want….that’s right….whatever they want. No rhyme or reason to it at all. I have looked this up and couldn’t find any official answer out there on the net anywhere. And, if you look up pictures of “clutches” on the internet, you’ll find they are all over the place, straps, no straps, crossbody straps, etc.... Historically, I do believe that a “clutch” was a “clutch” because it was clutched (in other words…there wasn’t a strap), but the current lexicon usage is all over the map. I have no idea how a wristlet came about.
Given this crystal clear usage, I knew I needed to set some rules (it helps with tracking and sorting on the site and it will help you shopping), so here’s how I’m going to loosely use these terms.
A “Wristlet” is a bag that is pretty casual, without a shoulder strap, and with a wrist strap. The wrist strap may be able to be removed. If it’s removed, I’m still going to call it a “wristlet,” because…..
A “Clutch” is fancier. A “Clutch” may or may not have a wrist strap. And if it has a shoulder strap that is removable, I will probably call it either a shoulder bag, or a crossbody bag.
Perhaps not perfect…but then what is??!
You may have noticed that there’s a handy dandy sorter on my site. Since a “clutch” vs a “wristlet” is only based on my definition of fancy and I know that my definition may not jive with everyone else’s definition, I decided to combine them in the sort so both can be seen at once. So…if you want to see either a “clutch” or a “wristlet” filter on “Clutch/Wristlet” here and you'll get all the options!
Easy enough, right?! (Cheers, clapping and hooting all around!!!!!! ) And get this…once you buy it, you can call it WHATEVER YOU WANT! Clutch, Wristlet, Little Bag, Pouch, Sack, Money Holder, or Chocolate Chip Cookie Carrier. I do not judge! And not only that, but the Clutch/Wristlet police will not come after you. The last time I checked on them, they were occupied with the whole tote bag vs. shoulder bag debacle. Let’s just leave them to that one though because this one is enough for me for one day!
I hope this has cleared it up for you! These hard questions are never easy! 😉😉😉
Until next time!
Emmy