Questions for clutch users

As a result of a few life changes, I'm re-evaluating my purse needs. I used to carry large handbags, before switching to a small crossbody bag and knapsack for daily commutes. While I like crossbody bags, I discovered that they were the reason the buttons on my jackets and coats were falling off prematurely. Moreover, as a result of some spinal issues, I need to stop carry handbags on my shoulders.

Accordingly, I'm considering getting a large floppy clutch to hold my wallet, large phone, and pairs of glasses. It's easy to stuff that into a larger bag for traveling, and is otherwise sufficient for my daily needs at the moment.

My questions for the clutch afficianadoes: Does carrying a clutch offset the inconvenience of not having both hands free? If you carry the clutch between your arm and body, are you worried about someone stealing it? Have you found a difference in back or shoulder pain since switching to a clutch?

Looking forward to reading your responses.

9 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from lady

Anonymous

I'm not much for clutches due to needing both of my hands free most of the time! Sorry, not much help I guess

9 years ago

Penny

Veteran

I carry a small clutch most weekends and don't find it an inconvenience to tuck it under my arm, although I keep a chain strap inside as a carrying option. I do find that smaller clutches are more comfortable for me to carry between my arm and body, although that may be because I'm a small person!

9 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I have a clutch that I use for dressier dinners, etc. It has a small wrist strap which I find very handy!

9 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I suffer from chronic neck and shoulder pain and I find a clutch or satchel works best for my issues. I think it is because I can hold it in one hand and swing my arms freely while walking, which helps me to maintain better posture. I don't tend to hold it under my arm. I do worry about security so I tend to prefer clutches that have a wrist strap or else I add one myself (by attaching it to the zipper). I try not to overload my handbag and, as you suggested, take a backpack instead or as well if I have a lot of stuff to tote eg gym gear. I like cross bodies and use them walking the dog and for some casual activities, eg shopping, when hands free is important. But I am careful not to overload them because they do seem to drag down on my neck.

9 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

With a clutch, I like a wrist strap (a pretty chain, ideally) for a bit of extra security when I'm carrying it in my hand. My usual environment is safe (privilege, I realize) so when I need both hands free, I just hold the clutch between my arm and body, without any worries.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I think clutches make one "clutch up" so I only use for dressy/ date night.
I wonder if you would like the small bags that have handles+ longer strap that is optional to use just occasionally.

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I would also recommend getting one with a wrist strap. If a clutch has a place to attach one but does not come with it, you can buy clip on leather wristlet straps in many colors for not very much on Etsy. Realistically, I find that the wristlet strap works best on a fairly small bag, as having a lot of weight on your wrist is not the most comfy. But even for a larger clutch, which I might use for date night or the like, I like to have the strap available for just in case.

9 years ago

lady

Active Member

I must echo previous commenters. I have a casual clutch w a wrist strap. I use it everyday. It gets constant wear. The wrist strap is essential to me.
I highly recommend.

ETA: I forgot to mention that I don't have spinal issues but I do have frequent bursitis in my shoulders that I try not to aggravate. I believe carrying a clutch has helped in decreasing load as much as I can.

9 years ago

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