Does how your handbag closes or doesn’t close play a part in your purchasing decision? Well, if not then it probably should. Often we buy our handbags based on how they look, but I’ve noticed that some designers create their handbag in such a way the closure of the bag is non-practical or even nonexistent.

Types of Closures:

>Top Zip: This method is very practical and probably found on most handbags on the market. It’s a simple top zipper that secures all your items. This is best if you tend to drop you bag a lot. This method is also easy to open if you need to get something out of your bag. If you like this kind, I suggest looking for bags that have an extended tab, charm, or keychain on the end of the zipper to make for even easier opening and closing.

>Tab Snap Closure: This type is mostly open. Think of it as like a dog collar type that runs across the length of the bag and snaps close. This is definitely not one of my favorites. If you tend to leave you bag lying around or drop it by accident, things will come falling out. Plus it doesn’t look too attractive.

>Flap Over: There are usually two kinds of flap over closures. One is just with the flap itself and the second type has a top zip closure with the flap over. I think flap over closures become quite a hassle because they make it harder to get into your bag when you need to get something quick such as your cell phone or your wallet at the cash register.

>Open:  Bags that tend to be open without any type of closure are usually large totes. These are easy to get into and are best for trips. I like to keep a bag like this organized and secure by placing smaller zipped cosmetic bags inside that hold wallets and keys. This way you don’t lose all of your items.

>Layover: This type of closure is usually found slouchy or large hobos. The tops tend to have over extended fabric from the bag that lay over each other nicely. There’s nothing that securely closes your bags, however none of your personal items are in plain view. This is easy to get into and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re not the clumsy type I would recommend this bag for fashion and practicality purposes.

>Magnetic Closure: This type is one of my favorites because I like to get in and out of my bag quickly. Magnetic closures tend to be a singular disc placed in the middle towards the top of the bag. While it doesn’t securely close the length of a bag like a zipper, it does keep everything in its place if you accidentally drop your bag. The big plus is you can get into your bag a lot faster than a zipper top with the security that’s almost just as good.

Let me know if you’ve found the perfect bag closure top because the little things do matter in a handbag!