MZ Wallace Small Sutton Deluxe
Exterior materials: 100% recycled oxford (polyester, nylon) | Colors: 12 total, including Black and Dawn Red | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Recycled oxford | Interior pockets: 5
- What’s notable: It’s water-resistant, lightweight and comes with a handy detachable interior pouch.
- What could be better: The metal buckles and hardware add a little extra weight, but they also make the bag extremely durable.
MZ Wallace’s crossbody is genius for travel. It can be worn two ways—as a crossbody or top handle tote—and is made from quilted, water-resistant oxford fabric. This crossbody has so many handy, thoughtful touches: The nylon strap is amazingly easy to adjust (the best of all the bags I tested); the handles are padded and reinforced with Italian leather; the five interior pockets are great for organizing your phone, wallet, tickets and small stuff; and the detachable interior pouch can hold a spare pair of shoes. Plus, this bag is lightweight and expands to hold a lot or a little, and it folds down to a compact size for travel. I also found it stylish for day or night.
Best Crossbody Cellphone Bag
Sporty, Easy To Carry And Holds Just Enough
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Exterior materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Colors: 15 total, including Silver Drop and Black | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Recycled polyester | Interior pockets: 3
- What’s notable: It’s water-resistant and comfortable to carry—and you have the option to wear it around your waist.
- What could be better: This bag sells out in certain colors, and if you need to tote a lot, you may want to invest in the larger 2L size.
I was curious to see if Lululemon’s wildly popular Everywhere Belt Bag would live up to the hype. For certain use cases, it definitely did. If you only need to carry the essentials—your phone, keys, lip balm—this crossbody is great. While it’s compact in size, it has three mesh pockets inside and a zippered pocket on the back for your phone. The material is water-resistant and the strap fit comfortably across my chest and body. As the name implies, you can also buckle this around your waist but found it most useful to wear slung across my body.
Best Designer Crossbody Bag
Beautiful Design That’s Surprisingly Affordable
Longchamp Le Pliage City XS Crossbody
Exterior materials: Coated canvas | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy | Closure: Flap, zipper and snap | Lining: Textile | Interior pockets: 1
- What’s notable: It’s well-priced, durable and has an adjustable strap that’s comfortable and convenient.
- What could be better: The one drop-in interior pocket is a bit small—it wasn’t big enough to hold my phone—and the width of the bag’s opening could be slightly larger so it’s easier to get items in and out (note: it does come in a larger size).
French luxury brand Longchamp is known for its leather and canvas handbags. The Le Pliage collection, in particular, is a popular bestseller. The City Crossbody is the newest mini in the iconic lineup, designed for running errands, going out at night and everything in between. The grooved, coated canvas on the main body feels almost like leather and comes in two neutral colors. While this bag is less than $220 (a real steal) it has all the high-end touches you’d expect—from the buttery-leather adjustable strap to the sleek flap closure to the leather Longchamp zipper pull. This crossbody also held up to daily abuse without any scratches or scuffs.
Best Crossbody Bag For Moms
Mess-Proof, Smart Pockets And Great Storage
Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody
Exterior material: 100% neoprene | Colors: 6 total, including Storm and Dune | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Recycled polyester | Interior pockets: 3
- What’s notable: Extra pockets make it easy to stay organized.
- What could be better: The zipper teeth are a little oversized, which made the bag feel less sleek than others (although it was very easy to zip open and close).
Like most of Dagne Dover’s bags, the Micah crossbody is made from neoprene—the same durable material used in scuba suits, so you know it can hold up to the elements. For a mom like myself, I appreciated this bag’s well organized designed: The main has a mesh pocket (great for holding snacks), a zippered pocket (perfect for receipts), a key leash and roomy interior. A second smaller front compartment is great for storing wet wipes and has a drop-in pocket plus pen holders for when you need to write a note or sign forms. Overall, this smart crossbody held everything I needed and was also stylish enough to wear out at night.
Best Leather Crossbody Bag
Superior Leather, Camera-Bag-Inspired Design
Leatherology Meadow Small Sling Bag
Exterior materials: 100% leather | Colors: 9 total, including Camel and Black Onyx | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Fabric | Interior pockets: 3, plus card slots
- What’s notable: The leather is exceptionally high quality, and the built-in cardholder slots allow you to skip carrying a wallet.
- What could be better: The interior fabric liner felt a bit less luxurious in comparison to the sumptuous exterior leather, but it’s durable and functional.
Dallas-based Leatherology uses full-grain leather in all their goods, which is the “purest” form of the hide that’s minimally treated. You can see subtle marks or variations in the leather grain, which shows the rich character of the leather. Bottom line: This a beautiful crossbody. It can easily double as your wallet, since there are four cardholder slots and multiple pockets inside, and the back has a drop-in pocket to hold your cellphone. Thanks to its oval, camera-bag-like shape, this bag takes up very little horizontal space on your body, and you can also monogram this pick.
Best Stylish Crossbody
Chic Minimalist Design With Signature Stripes
Clare V. Midi Sac
Exterior materials: 100% leather | Colors: 14 total, including Natural With Stripes and Black Rattan | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Chambray | Interior pockets: None
- What’s notable: It’s fashion-forward, and there are several colors, prints and textures to choose from.
- What could be better: The adjustable strap is a bit thin and twists easily. Also, this bag is on the expensive end when compared to some of the others I tested that have more features.
For the fashion enthusiasts out there, designer Clare Vivier’s popular crossbody bag comes in fun colors, prints and textures. I tested the bestseller—which is made from beautiful, vegetable-tanned Italian leather with stripes down the center. It’s a chic look that’s not too loud or showy, which I appreciated. The inside is minimalist, too, with a single main interior, minus any pockets. I found myself reaching for this bag often, since it paired nicely with everything from jeans and flats to flowy skirts and heels.
Best Crossbody Bag For Evenings
Versatile Pick That Goes From Day To Night
Tory Burch Kira Chevron Camera Bag
Exterior materials: 100% leather | Colors: 2 total, including New Cream and Black | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Cotton | Interior pockets: 3
- What’s notable: Luxury touches include piping, gold hardware and an elegant chain strap.
- What could be better: The chain strap does add some heft to this bag so it’s not the lightest crossbody of the bunch.
Tory Burch’s Kira crossbody was the only bag I tested with an interior lining that looked as beautiful as the exterior. It’s outfitted in a chic herringbone cotton fabric with luxe piping on the edges of the three pockets, which are great for keeping items organized. The rest of the bag is made from quilted Napa leather with a chic chevron design that adds a dressy feel to this crossbody. The gold-toned hardware and chain strap also elevate the look—I definitely reached for this bag on evenings out and could also see myself giving it as a gift.
Best Crossbody Purse
Smart On-The-Go Option That Doubles As A Travel Wallet, Too
Tumi Persia Crossbody Bag
Exterior materials: Nylon | Colors: 6 total, including Fog and Black | Closure: Zipper | Lining: Nylon | Interior pockets: 2, plus card slots
- What’s notable: Anti-theft features and a 5-year warranty make this is a practical pick.
- What could be better: The front zipper felt oversized compared to the rest of the bag’s compact size, and the interior side pockets could be larger.
Just like their luggage, Tumi’s crossbody bags are designed to be carried on the go. The Persia doubles as a travel purse since it’s outfitted with four cardholder slots inside, and other thoughtful details, including an anti-theft zippered interior pocket and drop-in slot on the exterior for your phone. The entire bag is crafted primarily from water-resistant nylon, with durable leather fastenings to prevent wear and tear. This pick comes with a 5-year warranty, too, and has a handy, detachable leather tab with a mirror on one side.
Other Top Picks To Consider
These newly launched crossbody bags are especially stylish—and capture current bag trends like sling and basket shapes. Here’s what’s next on our list to test.
Vegan Leather That Looks Luxe
Urban Expressions Tan Kennedy Bag
Made of woven vegan leather, the Kennedy Bag has Bottega Veneta vibes yet costs only $70. A knotted strap and gold hardware add to the upscale look, and it’s a perfect size—big enough to fit your essentials, but small and sleek enough to carry out at night.
Structured And Stylish For Summer
J.Crew Small Wicker And Leather Bag
J.Crew has lots of chic cross-body purses right now, including this spin on the iconic basket bag. It’s made of handwoven wicker and smooth, supple leather—and it has a magnetic closure to ensure your stuff stays put. Use the removable strap to wear it as a crossbody bag, or you can carry it by the top handles. Either way, it’s makes a statement.
Classic, Comfortable And Functional
Longchamp Le Foulonné Small Zip Leather Crossbody
This bag sits flat against your hip, which makes it comfortable to carry. It looks very similar to the classic (and very expensive) Hermès Evelyne bag, but we would argue that the zip top closure, and the pebbled leather in rich colors like olive, caramel and paper, make it an excellent alternative.
Rattan Option That Says Summer
Bembien Cream Rattan Mini Sling Bag
Rattan caning adds preppy Palm Beach-flair to this sleek bag, which is trimmed in cow leather, and includes an adjustable strap so you can wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag. The bag is handwoven in India, and Bembien gives back 10% of all proceeds to Nest, a nonprofit that supports weaving communities.
Modern, But With Vintage Appeal
Coach Chaise Leather Cross Body Bag
Coach was the “it” bag in the early ‘90s, and the Chaise is a throwback to their most coveted style. The leather bag features a detachable strap, the company’s signature gold hardware and pockets galore: There is a front pocket, a zippered pocket in the back, and an interior snap pocket. It’s also generously sized—you can fit your wallet, phone, water bottle and makeup pouch inside—but it won’t overwhelm you.
Statement Bag In The Softest Shade Of Lavender
Maison de Sabré Leather Saddle Bag
Crafted from sustainable, full-grain DriTan European leather, the crescent-shaped bag sits nicely on the hip and the detachable jacquard strap won’t dig into your shoulder, no matter how much you stuff into the bag. Plus, it’s soft, but still structured enough to keep its shape when placed on a flat surface. Other practical features include magnetic closure snaps, three pockets, and a detachable external leather key holder. If lavender isn’t your thing, the bag is also available in traditional hues like black caviar and pecan brown.
Provides Easy Access To Your Phone
Loeffler Randall Grace Mini Woven Crossbody Bag
This diminutive bag is only going to fit your phone, ID and lip gloss—but that’s the point. It’s a practical, hands-free alternative to a clutch when you just need to carry the essentials, and the open top makes it easy to grab a buzzing phone (no rummaging around a big bag to find it). The mini embossed logo patch adds to the low-key style.
Part Crossbody Bag, Part Clutch
Veronica Beard Crest Lock Trap Bag
This sculptural little bag is made from premium leather and features gold accents including a crest-engraved lock closure. The seasonless stone army color works year-round (the bag is also available in off-white), and it includes an interior card pocket to help keep you organized. If you want to change things up, detach the strap and carry it as a clutch when you’re out at night.
Sleek And Small Enough For Evening
Madewell The Sling Crossbody Bag
This sling bag easily transitions from day to night thanks to the in-between size (big enough for errands but small enough for dinner out), and the range of colors and materials (it’s available in true black, chocolate raisin, harvest moon, and rustic twig multi). What’s more, the zippered top keeps essentials safe, a handy interior pocket provides access to your phone and the adjustable strap allows you to wear it several different ways.
A (Sort of) Affordable Luxury Bucket Bag
Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza Leather-Trimmed Raffia Bucket Bag
This bag is a bit of a splurge, but it’s a good investment. Loewe is a luxury brand that gained fame for its chic woven bags, and this one allows you to get in on the trend at a relatively low price point. The bag is roomy enough to stash anything you could possibly need (Forbes Vetted contributing fashion writer Lesley Rotchford throws in a book and a pouch of sunscreens and brings hers to the hotel pool), and the built-in cotton linen pouch keeps everything from falling out.
My Expertise
I’m a deputy fashion editor at Forbes Vetted, where I cover women’s and men’s fashion, accessories and fitness apparel. Prior to joining Forbes, I was a longtime freelance writer and my work has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. I’ve also written two visually-focused books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion, and I currently hold certificates in the history of design from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
How I Tested The Best Crossbody Bags
In testing crossbody bags, I primarily examined three main factors: the caliber of the construction and materials; ease of use and comfort; and the practicality and versatility of the design. Was the bag easy to carry all day? Did the materials, including the straps, hardware and buckles, hold up well to daily wear and tear? Did the quality of the bag justify the price point and align with other similar options in the market? Was the bag trendy or did it have a style that would last season after season?
I considered options from both established and emerging brands that are known for their top-rated bags and accessories. I also relied on my firsthand knowledge and experience in fashion, having been an editor for more than 20 years in the field. Forbes Vetted contributor, Molly Calhoun, also consulted fashion stylist Gina Donnelly and personal stylist Janel Alexander for their advice on the most important features and answers to readers’ commonly asked questions about what to look for in the best crossbody bags.
As I started to compile a list of initial contenders, I tested each bag, a process that took roughly 4 months to complete. In total, I tested 15 crossbody bags. I first ran in-depth but realistic tests, including feeling the weight of the bag, assessing my ability to wear it comfortably across my body and adjust the straps, and its ability to hold a standard set of items (my phone, cardholder wallet, snacks, personal care items and keys). From there, I rotated through the bags, trying each one in a variety of scenarios—doing daily tasks and errands, traveling on short trips (for the weekend) and longer trips (for a week), running around with my kids to sports and activities, going out in the evenings and attending work events. In doing this, I identified the use-cases that each crossbody bag would be best for, ultimately narrowing down the contenders to a single best overall option, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody, and those that are more specialized for specific needs.
I tested a variety of crossbody bags for months, evaluating everything from strap lengths to materials to interior storage, to find the best options.
What To Look For In A Crossbody Bag
In order to get the most use out of an over-the-shoulder style, you’ll want to consider size. You may want something that fits your cell phone, keys, cash and any small makeup items, or you may need something slightly larger that holds a planner or work-related papers. Next, determine if you want a single compartment or pockets. If you want a secure closure for safely storing belongings when on the move, then a zipper or sturdy magnetic fastening is a good choice. Finally, pay attention to the bag’s straps. “If you want the bag to double as a crossbody and a shoulder bag, adjustable straps will be your best bet,” says fashion stylist Gina Donnelly.
Where the crossbody falls on your body when slung over one shoulder is referred to as the “drop.” Strap length, your height and whether you wear your crossbody in front or back of your body will influence the ideal drop for you. “Ideally, you want the bag to sit right around your hip bone so you’re not constantly knocking the bag with your hands as you walk,” says Donnelly. “Also, if the bag sits too high, it looks awkward; and if it sits too low, it looks like it is dragging you down.”
Consider how often and where you’ll be wearing your crossbody to figure out what material is most appropriate. For example, if you plan to wear the crossbody to a night out or concert, where there’s drink-spilling potential, waterproof nylon or wipeable vegan leather may be your best bet. Also, keep in mind that textured leathers and woven styles are typically more durable than smooth leathers.
What About Pre-Owned Designer Crossbody Bags?
For a sustainable and stylish option, many women prefer pre-owned bags. While I didn’t test any for this guide, writer and Forbes Vetted contributor Fiorella Valdesolo reached out to Kimberly Bickle, merchandising manager at Fashionphile, for advice on what to look for and the top crossbody bags worth investing in.
Consider Your Lifestyle: “The versatility of most crossbody bags is why I think this has been a tried-and-true style. The comfort and flexibility of having your hands free and not having to fuss with a shoulder strap slipping makes it the perfect everyday bag for running errands or multitasking,” says Bickle.
Look For Smart Features: “For travel, I prefer the fanny pack or sling-type crossbody bags like the Louis Vuitton Bumbag as it fits closer to the chest, which is great to protect belongings. This style is also ideal to keep on when getting in and out of the car and has hands-free capabilities,” she explains.
Size Matters: “I always check measurements to ensure that a crossbody fits, at the minimum, my phone and a compact wallet. I love smaller crossbody bags that can be dressed up or down, such as the Chanel Mini Square Flap Bag, and medium to larger styles for traveling, like the Hermès Evelyne,” says Bickle.
Invest In Unisex Styles: “Most styles of crossbody bags are pretty versatile for anyone to wear. But, I would say the qualities to look for particularly for men’s crossbody are the sling styles, which again are great for on-the-go and hands-free needs. I’ve been loving the Loewe Puzzle Bumbag for men as it comes in a lot of fun colors and is a unique shape. And the messenger styles with thicker straps are great to carry laptops and books for work or school,” she finds.
Collect The Classics: “My favorites include the Gucci Soho Disco bag, which I’ve seen dressed up at weddings and worn casually while shopping. It has an adjustable strap and a perfect size that doesn’t get in the way. It’s also a great entry price point for those just getting into designer bags. The Saint Laurent Loulou is also a great option as it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors,” says Bickle.
Shop Like An Expert: How Fashion Insiders Choose Their Crossbody Bags
Fashion editors are often very specific about their handbags—what type they carry is rarely a random choice. To find out why crossbody bags so often make the cut, we turned to two seasoned fashion editors: Andrea Linett, the iconic founding creative director of Lucky magazine and author of I Want To Be Her; and former Wall Street Journal fashion editor and now personal stylist Becky Malinsky who has reported on fashion’s place “in the real world,” as she puts it, for the last 20 years. Both experts believe that bags often serve as the cornerstones of a stylish, functional wardrobe. Here, they share personal advice for picking the best crossbody bags.
Malinsky: “An adjustable strap is important, and even more specifically, an adjustable strap that’s pretty easy to manipulate over jackets. Some bags that have difficult buckles or a slider that doesn’t stay put get frustrating, so be sure to try that feature before you buy, or before you cut off the tags.”
Linett: “I usually go for some kind of classic saddlebag style and I always look for an adjustable strap, since my torso is on the shorter side. I also like to be able to sometimes wear them higher up—and once you shed your parka in the spring you can shorten [the strap] a bit. And I always appreciate a phone pocket and easy bag access, such as a snap or a hidden snap, should there be a buckle closure.”
Malinsky: “Leather is stiffer and heavier, so I tend to look for a leather crossbody with a skinny strap since super thick leather straps can slide off your shoulder. I also generally look for a smaller size [in leather crossbodies] since the material won’t conform to your body—this way the bag won’t feel bulky as you wear it or bounce with your steps.”
Malinsky: “A zipper pocket, of course. And something very nondescript. When traveling, I always suggest being able to wear most of the things you bring together. So a bag shouldn’t have any distracting characteristics that would prevent it from going from the airplane to sightseeing to dinner, like a big logo or a loud print. A muted color helps, or a leather that can be dressed up and down like patent or metallic.”
Malinsky: “For everyday, I like a small crossbody that can almost act as an accessory to your work bag. The small crossbody is the place for your phone, wallet and keys for easy access, and then your laptop, cardigan, notebook, candy stash (speaking for myself) can go in a separate catchall. An everyday crossbody should be small so you are forced to edit and only include the necessities. The rest is for a different type of bag.”
Linett: “I recently was eyeing a super large crossbody at one of my favorite vintage shops. The main attraction was that is was super duper light! No one needs a bag to be heavy before they even fill it! I guess it depends what you want one for. If it’s just for futzing around on a Saturday, you only need one to carry the essentials.”
Malinsky: “Men’s bags are a bit sportier and generally have a shorter strap, worn almost like a sash. I think a great crossbody doesn’t get confused as a purse, so I’d go for something in a tech-y nylon material with a thicker strap or a lanyard-style strap. For men, they really are only carrying a bag if they need to bring more than their phone, wallet and keys so the crossbody should be a bit bigger. However, I don’t think the ‘Manhattan Portage’ era of messenger bag is quite the look. Somewhere between a small women’s bag and a ‘90s messenger is the sweet spot.”
Malinsky: “Because our lives are so full, whether we like it or not. We need to be hands-free, either to grab a kid from running into the street or to send a text. For me, it helps me stay organized by keeping my necessities out of my bigger bag where I would, without fail, lose them and need to stop on the street to dig in my bag. For other moms I know, [a crossbody] is a mini-rebellion in having to be the human catchall for family outings.”
Linett: “Being able to travel around hands-free in a city is priceless, and if you wear your crossbody high enough [on your body], you get super easy access, which is key.”
—Interview by Fiorella Valdesolo
