GLOSSARY OF BAGS TYPES, MATERIALS, AND CONSTRUCTION
Our guide to understanding different bag styles, materials, and how they’re made — so you can find the perfect match for your needs.
A
Accordion Bag
A bag with expandable pleats, mimicking an accordion, allowing greater capacity
Adjustable Buckle
A mechanism that lets you change strap length for comfort and carry preference.
Adjustable Strap
A strap with sliders or buckles to wear the bag across the body or on the shoulder
B
Back Zip Pocket
An exterior zippered pocket for quick-access items like phones or tickets.
Base Studs (Bag Feet)
Metal studs on the bottom of a bag to protect it from wear and dirt.
Business Tote
A spacious, compartmentalized tote designed for work essentials like laptops and documents
C
Compartment Divider
An internal divider or zip pocket for better organization.
Compartmentalized Tote
A work-friendly tote with distinct sections for organization.
D
Double Handle Tote
A tote featuring two handles for hand or shoulder carry.
Drawstring Closure
A pull cord mechanism to cinch the bag shut — seen in bucket bags.
Drop Length
The distance from the strap/handle top to the bag’s opening, indicating how it’s carried.
E
Edge Painting
Sealing technique using colored resin on leather edges for a smooth, finished look.
Expandable Bag
A bag that features gussets or zippers allowing increased capacity when needed
External Pocket
Any storage section located outside the main body of the bag.
F
Flap Bag
A handbag with a flap that folds over the top opening and fastens via a snap or clasp.
Flat Handle
A broad, flat design handle for enhanced shoulder comfort.
G
Grain (Leather Grain)
The texture or pattern on the leather’s surface — e.g., pebbled, smooth, saffiano.
Gusset
The side panel or insert giving a bag its depth and shape
H
Handle Drop
The vertical measurement from the top of the handle to the top of the bag.
Hardware
All metal elements on a bag — zippers, clasps, studs — often in gold or matte finishes.
Hobo Bag
A slouchy, crescent-shaped bag with a soft structure and single strap.
I
Insert Pouch
A detachable inner pouch used for extra organization or as a mini clutch.
Internal Organizer
Structured inner compartments for organizing tech, pens, keys, or makeup
J
Jewelled Hardware
Embellished metal details, often with faux stones, for decorative luxury touches.
K
Key Clip
A built-in hook or loop to securely attach your keys inside the bag.
Kiss Lock
A vintage-style clasp with two metal knobs that click shut.
L
Laptop Compartment
A padded section specifically designed to protect your laptop or tablet.
Lining
The internal fabric layer of a bag, often branded or made from satin, twill, or canvas.
M
Magnetic Snap
A discreet and easy-close magnetic button on flaps or compartments.
Minimalist Bag
A bag design that’s clean, elegant, and free from excessive details or logos
Multi-Zip Design
A style featuring several zippers for practical storage and separation.
N
Name Tag Slot
A pocket or leather patch meant for placing ID or personalization — often in travel bags.
Nappa Leather
A premium, smooth leather known for its softness — often mimicked in high-end vegan alternatives.
O
Outer Shell
The external material of the bag — often vegan leather, coated canvas, or premium fabric.
Over-the-Handle Strap / Trolley Sleeve
A strap at the back of a bag to slide over a suitcase handle for travel ease.
P
Panel Stitching
Visible lines of stitching that reinforce structure or create design elements.
Patch Pocket
A pocket sewn onto the outside or inside surface of the bag — often used for utility or style
Q
Quick-Access Pocket
An exterior slip or zip pocket for easy reach to your phone or travel documents
R
Reinforced Bottom
An extra-padded or structured base to prevent sagging and support weight.
Removable Strap
A detachable strap that adds versatility — from tote to crossbody or clutch.
S
Satchel
A medium to large bag with a flat base, double handles, and often a long strap.
Shoulder Pad
An added cushion on a strap to provide comfort for prolonged carry.
T
Tassel Puller
A decorative tassel attached to a zip — both stylish and functional.
Top Handle Bag
A bag designed to be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm, often structured and elegant.
U
Under-Flap Pocket
A pocket located beneath a flap — offering both discretion and accessibility.
V
Vegan Leather
A premium, animal-free alternative to leather, offering water resistance and longevity — MODO’s signature material.
W
Water-Resistant Finish
A protective coating that shields the bag from light rain or accidental spills
X
X-Body (Crossbody)
Another term for crossbody bags — worn diagonally across the body for hands-free movement.
Y
YKK Zippers
Industry-standard zippers known for their reliability, used in high-quality bags
Z
Zip-Around Closure
A zipper that wraps around two or three sides, offering full access to the interior.
