Reticules: Beginning of the Handbag

During the eighteenth century, most accessories had some practical function, but their precise form was dictated by fashion and so sometimes their design detracted from their usefulness.

Until the late eighteenth century, pockets attached to tapes tied at the waist were worn under the pannier and underskirt, reached through slits in the overskirt. Handbags, called reticules, became necessary at the end of the century when dresses had no room for pockets underneath.