Fashion & Beauty

Hot & heavy

New York women are all about skinny living — except when it comes to their handbags.

A new study from British retailer Debenhams claims purses are getting lighter — allegedly down to an average 3 pounds, 5 ounces from almost 8 pounds two years ago — because of smaller gadgets (from iPods to ’Berrys) and smaller bags.

But real New York women say the researchers are full of it.

In fact, when we took to the streets, we found an overwhelming number of 6-pounders, 7-pounders and even one 10-pounder slung over a strong-shouldered woman braving her commute.

PHOTOS: MORE BAG TALES

“The bigger it is, the better,” says 23-year-old Queens resident Liza

Shapiro as she examines her no-label, stuffed-to-the-brim bag, which weighs the same as two bricks — or two bags of sugar.

“But I feel like someone with a very expensive bag wouldn’t chance it ripping.”

Actually . . . not so fast.

We found one 7-pounder, and it was a $5,000 bag from Bottega Veneta.

“The reality is I’m trying to stuff up my bag no matter what,” says Lesya Vorom, 40.

So listen up, bag designers.

“We’re carrying more and more with us,” says Stacy Hoffman, 39, a creative services director from Murray Hill.

“I try to organize it, but I always need to carry so much stuff with me.

“All the time.”

mstadtmiller@nypost.com