If youre in the market for a bag thatll work for whatever your Monday through Friday schedule brings or just a small everyday purse, your best bet is a crossbody bag. Oftentimes, you can find one big enough to carry all your essentials, from a travel toothbrush to hair clips. Then, there are the ones that best serve you for a night out when you only need a makeup compact and some cash.
In any case, the bags benefits are multifold: It allows you to keep your things close and well-organized. And with everything packed away neatly, your hands and pockets will be free and clear. While stylist Samantha Brown wouldnt necessarily recommend one to round out a formal look, the bag can make many other ensembles feel more polished and put together. "By using texture, color, and unique design elements, crossbody bags can even dress up a pair of sweatpants," she adds.
With expert insight from Brown and other stylists in mind, we conducted hours of research on the search to find the best crossbody bags. After considering dozens of options, we selected designs that stood out forstyle, material, color, size, versatility, accessibility, and value.
Best Overall
Madewell The Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag
Madewell
Buy On Amazon Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Madewell.com
When looking for our best overall crossbody bag, our criteria included a durable material, an intuitive design, a timeless look, and an under-$200 price point. This Madewell bag checked all of those boxes and more. Personal style advisor Jordan Stolch recommends this soft-shaped crossbody bag to those looking for ablend of vintage and modern vibes.
"With its smooth, luxe leather, and zipper closure, its sure to take you from the office to the weekend with ease," she says. Achieve a classic French girl look by styling this bag with a pair of mom jeans, ballet flats, and a neutral sweater.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 8.25 x 11 x 2.5 inches
- Colors: TrueBlack, English Saddle (camel), Forest (green)
- Closure:Zip
Best Budget
Charles & Keith Gabine Saddle Bag
Charles & Keith
Take it from us: Snatch up this under-$100 crossbody bag before its sold out.With its envelope-style magnetic closure the affordable piece can comfortably secure all of your necessities, such as a wallet, your phone, and some of your lip balm while still offering quick and easy access to them.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 2.5 inches
- Colors: Black, Cream, Pink +more
- Closure: Magnetic
Best Leather
Coach Bea Crossbody Bag
Coach
Buy On Amazon Buy On Coach.com Buy On Zappos
If youre looking for a bag that can meet all your styling needs, from an outfit to run errands to the one youve picked out for your besties birthday party, consider this one from Coach. It has aclassy and luxe look and feel but still maintains functionality with its boxy shape that contains eight credit card slots, three interior compartments, and one exterior pocket. For versatility, convert it from a crossbody bag to a handbag by removing the matte black chain strap and carrying it by the top handle.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.75 x 2.25 inches
- Colors:Brass/Chalk (white) and Pewter/Black
- Closure: Snap
Best Splurge
Chloé Tess Small Flap Canvas Leather Crossbody Bag
Neiman Marcus
Buy On Amazon Buy On Chloe.com Buy On Shoppremiumoutlets.com
We love that this Chloé bag comes with a shoulder and crossbody strap. That way, its more versatile in different dress codes. Chloé has been producing superior handbags for almost 70 years, so if youre looking for a bag that will stand the test of time and serve as an heirloom for years to come, look no further than thisclassic, femininecrossbody.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.1 x 2.4 inches
- Colors: Blue/Black
- Closure: Magnetic
Best Classic
Burberry Note Leather & Vintage Check Crossbody Bag
Nordstrom
Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Neiman Marcus Buy On Saks Fifth Avenue
If youre open to investing in a designer purse brand you can use season after season, year after year (and maybe pass down to someone else someday), Burberry is the way to go. The Note Bag is crafted from leather and boasts asturdy, slightly structured feel. We love how the brands signature checked print peaks out from underneath themagnetic flap closure.
- Material:Leather
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 4 inches
- Colors: Black, brown
- Closure: Magnetic flap
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Best Everyday
Mark & Graham The Essential Crossbody
Mark & Graham
At 8 x 6 inches, this bag isnt too big or too small, making it a great option for everyday wear. Its compact yet spacious, with two separate compartments to keep your essentials isolated while still organized. The punchy color options, such as red and fuchsia, will appeal to those who love a pop of color with their accessories.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions:8 x 2.5 x 6 inches
- Colors: Camel, Navy, Red, Orchid (hot pink) +more
- Closure:Zip
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Best Suede
Free People Sindy Suede Crossbody Bag
Free People
Get in on the fringe trend with Free Peoples Sindy suede crossbody bag. It boasts abuck shape with three compartmentsfor easy organization. Its also versatile—when you need something more simple, you can detach the fringe, and when you dont need to be hands-free, you can detach the long strap and carry the bag by the top handle.
- Material: Suede, leather
- Dimensions:7.75 x 7.75 x 3.5 inches
- Colors: Ballet Slipper (beige), Bitter Kelp (yellow), and Kelly (green)
- Closure:Magnetic, zip
Best Neoprene
Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody
Dagne Dover
Buy On Dagnedover.com Buy On Shopbop.com
This bag may be small, but it sure is mighty. Although its lightweight (itweighs less than a pound), its structured and organized, featuring three compartments (one main and two exterior pockets). From the photos, it looks like you can fit a small notebook, a phone, sunglasses, and perhaps lip balm. Material-wise, the neoprene isdurable, waterproof, and machine washable.
- Material:Repreve recycled polyester
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 3 x 7 inches
- Colors: Onyx (black), Heather Grey, Moss (olive) +more
- Closure:Zip
Best Minimalist
Everlane The Italian Leather Mini Studio Bag
Everlane
For those drawn to simpler pieces, we highly recommend Everlanes Italian Leather Studio Bag. Thepared-down design features minimal detailsother than a couple of pockets, a snap closure, and a thick strap. Since the strap is adjustable, youcan wear it as a crossbody purse or over your shoulder.
- Material:Leather
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 8 x 5 inches
- Colors: Black, brown
- Closure: Snap
Best Puffer
Brandon Blackwood Bianca Duffle
Brandon Blackwood
Buy On Amazon Buy On Brandonblackwood.com
Puffer bags are having a moment, so why not give them a try? Go with Brandon Blackwoods Bianca style. The cylindrical bag ismade from water-resistant nylon and leather details, and it comes in a happy assortment of colorsthat includes green, hot pink, and light blue. Wear it casually with baggy jeans and a cropped graphic T-shirt.
- Material: Nylon, leather
- Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 5 inches
- Colors: Black, green, brown +more
- Closure:Zip
Best Mini
Ani Mairis Marigold Zaza
Ani Mairis
For nights out on the town when you only need your ID, phone, keys, and lip gloss, Ani Mairis mini crossbody is perfect. At $425, its certainly a splurge (especially given that its a statement bag that you cant wear with most things), but we love theangular shape and embossing over anything else on the market in this size.
- Material:Leather
- Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 4.5 inches
- Colors: Marigold, teal
- Closure: Flap
Best Sporty
Athleta All About Crossbody
Athleta
Need something sportier for traveling, commuting, or heading to and from the workout studio? This crossbody bag from Athleta might be your best bet. The textile design has a water-repellent coating, making iteasy to keep clean, and the thick, adjustable strap helps you stay comfortable while youre on the go.
- Material: Polyester, recycled polyester
- Dimensions:12 x 7.5 x 4 inches
- Colors: Black, gray-blue, ecru
- Closure: Zip
Best Convertible
Kate Spade Hudson Colorblocked Medium Convertible Crossbody
Kate Spade
Buy On Amazon Buy On Katespade.com Buy On Dillards.com
Kate Spades Hudson bag is convertible, so youcan wear it across your body, over one shoulder, or use it like a regular handbagwith the shorter grab handle. Beyond the multiple ways you can wear it, we appreciate how the versatile designfeatures three neutral hues, allowing you to pair it with more outfits. The medium size is also ideal, with plenty of room for the essentials without having to cram everything in.
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches
- Colors: Neutral colorblock
- Closure: Zip
Best for Moms
Canvelle Fanny Pack
Canvelle
This isnt technically a crossbody bag, but you can wear it as one. The fanny pack style issuper functional for moms who want to keep their personal belongings separate from their babys. For easy access, they can simply sling the style across their body. Thestrap is adjustableso you can fit it closer to your chest or lengthen it as needed. It also comes in two sizes, original and oversized.
- Material: Canvas made from recycled plastic
- Dimensions:5.5 x 13.5 x 4 inches, 7 x 18.5 x 6 inches
- Colors: Black, Grey, Olive +more
- Closure: Zip
Where We Stand
Madewells Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag is timeless and adaptable—key features of a standout crossbody bag. Its a great value given how easily you can style it with jeans and a top. However, if youd rather keep your purchase under $100, then go with Charles & Keith Gabine Saddle Bag—a timeless bag style that will impact your looks but not your savings account.
What to Look For in Crossbody Bags
Easy Access: Going hands-free while still having access to your most important belongings is the whole point of a crossbody bag. To make sure a given crossbody bag works for you, Brown recommends paying extra attention to the closure, be it a zipper, an envelope-style flap, or a magnetic button, like the Charles & Keith Gabine Saddle Bag. Wear the bag with your belongings inside. Then, try to access them. Brown has found that a zipper is preferable for those who value privacy over the most ease of access. A magnetic closure is slightly less secure to make accessibility easier.
Material: Consider the purpose of this bag and your wardrobe when choosing a material. Generally, "leather or faux leather make for excellent everyday choices because theyre sturdy," Stolch says. Theyre also sleeker. As with Athletas All About Crossbody, polyester, nylon, and canvas are less expensive and can be easier to maintain given that theyre typically machine-washable fabrics. Both are commonly used in everyday bags. If youre looking for a more formal or festive crossbody bag, Stolch recommends suede or velvet. And if youre going to a concert or festival where bags are checked, opt for a clear bag. Regardless of what material you choose, Stolch stresses the importance of caring for your bag. Be sure to look out for care instructions in the product description. Keep in mind that leather absorbs oils from your skin, and suede picks up dirt and grime quicker than most other materials. To keep them looking fresh, take them to a professional leather cleaner.
Strap: "Select a strap that allows you to tailor the bag to the correct length for your body—the shorter you are, the shorter youll want the strap," Stolch says, adding that the opposite is often the case for taller frames. "Theres not one strap length that works universally, so its useful to be able to adjust it." Of course, there are some straps, like the chain strap on Coachs Bea Crossbody Bag, that arent able to be adjusted. As far as material, Stolch says leather, faux leather, and fabric straps are casual and work well for everyday use. "A chain strap is dressier, making it a great option for [dressy weekend attire]." Chain-strap bags can often be worn like a clutch by simply tucking the chain inside the bag if it cant be detached altogether.
Weight:Since crossbody bags have the potential to put a lot of pressure and strain on your shoulder, Brown suggests sticking to bags under two pounds—something like the Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody. "Bags with a lot of hardware tend to be heavier," she says. And while bold hardware often adds a bit of panache, its worth prioritizing comfort to avoid causing damage to your shoulder in the long run.
FAQ
What is a crossbody bag?
A crossbody bag is a purse style worn diagonally across the body, from shoulder to opposite hip—hence the term crossbody. The bag is designed to hold only the essentials, like your phone, wallet, keys, and glasses. Doing so often helps make an active schedule more organized. “Unlike large shoulder purses, which often need to be adjusted and have the tendency of falling off, the crossbody style stays in place all day, allowing you to go about your life with ease,” Stolch says.
How can you style a crossbody bag?
"Because crossbody bags come in a variety of shapes, colors, styles, and hardware, they easily pair with whats already in your closet," says Stolch. Its just a matter of choosing the right style for you, i.e., understanding how the bag would fit with the outfits youd like to wear it with. A casual sundress and a pastel leather crossbody are such a cute combo for summer. Meanwhile, a nylon or neoprene bag is perfect for the athleisure youd wear in a pinch to run to the grocery store, the bank, or the post office.
Whats the difference between a crossbody bag and a messenger bag?
"A messenger bag is a type of crossbody bag, usually reserved for travel and work settings," Stolch says. Sitting at the bottom of your back, messenger bags are larger and can typically fit a laptop, a water bottle, and notepads, along with the essentials a typical crossbody bag is known for holding. "Because of its size and [super] functional purpose, the messenger bag is not categorized as a purse or handbag," she explains. You can find sustainable versions of these types and other bags.
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