There are three important measurements to know when sizing your purse strap: the length, width, and the drop length. The length measures end to end (including any attachments or hooks) while the drop length is the distance between the top of the bag to the peak of the strap when worn—in other words, how far the bag hangs from your shoulder. Balancing comfort, style, and utility will be a matter of personal preference, but as a general rule of thumb, pair wider and longer straps to bigger bags and match shorter, skinnier straps to smaller, lighter purses.
The width of the strap is an important component to the overall look and comfort of your purse, and the length also affects how you wear and carry your purse. Shorter lengths place the purse securely under your arm while longer lengths allow you to comfortably hang a purse off one shoulder or across your body. On average, wider straps can carry heavier purses and excel as crossbody purse straps, while thinner straps are best when hung over your shoulder.