What is a crossbody bag?

A crossbody bag is anything that has a strap long enough that you can drape it across the body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Traditionally, these bags were a little bit smaller and hold just the essentials. Now, however, bag companies are adding a longer strap so many more styles can be worn crossbody.

Where should a crossbody bag sit?

Brown recommends that “a crossbody bag should end in alignment with your hip bone. If it’s sitting lower than that, it starts to look a little heavy and messy.” Though, ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear a crossbody as it all comes down to personal comfort.

What is the best material for a crossbody bag?

Leather is (generally) seasonless, and suede is classic. A woven material such as raffia is cute for summer. Nylon, on the other hand, is great for something water-resistant. So, the best material for you depends on your preference and lifestyle. However, it's worth keeping in mind that suede is porous and can rub off on clothes, and that nylon is prone to thinning or ripping with excessive friction.

What's the difference between a crossbody bag and a messenger bag?

A messenger bag is a subcategory of the crossbody bag. It's often bigger and rectangular in shape to store things like a laptop and notebooks for use in more professional settings.

The 14 Best Crossbody Bags of 2023

As life has grown busier and people are more frequently on the go, crossbody bags have become a staple for many. They carry all the essentials you need without feeling too bulky or heavy and free up your hands so you can take calls, check messages, hold an umbrella, or carry another bag. Plus, when it’s time to resume working at the office, a crossbody bag will come in clutch for commuting to work, in addition to its usual uses, like traipsing around the city or traveling to a new place.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Saint Laurent's Lou Matelassé Leather Camera Bag is our top choice because it's a classic silhouette that has stood the test of time. Likewise, Dior's Saddle Bag is an iconic investment worn by the likes of mega-influencers Chriselle Lim and Chiara Ferragni.

In addition to that, crossbody bags can help elevate any style or outfit. You can find a myriad of crossbody bags in a wide variety of silhouettes, shades, and designs. “I would say the most popular style that I’ve noticed in the last year or so is the camera bag [silhouette],” says stylist Samantha Brown. “Keep an eye out for the different details that brands and designers are doing so that you find something that speaks to your personality.”

Ahead, see our top picks of the best crossbody bags for casual wear, work, travel, and beyond.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Saint Laurent Lou Quilted Leather Camera Bag at Nordstrom

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Best Designer:

Tory Burch Perry Bombé Mini Bag at Amazon

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Best Everyday:

Cuyana Mini Double Loop Bag at Cuyana.com

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Best Budget:

Mango Bag With Knot Strap at Mango.com

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Best Saddle:

Dior Saddle Bag Dior Saddle Bag at Dior.com

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Best for Moms:

Everlane Italian Leather Studio Bag at Everlane.com

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Most Stylish:

Marc Jacobs Snapshot Crossbody Bag at Amazon

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Best Nylon:

TUMI Voyageur Troy Nylon Crossbody Bag at Amazon

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Best Luxury:

Yvonne Koné Mini Filippo at Yvonnekone.com

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Best Woven:

AAKS Lisi Bucket at Ourcommonplace.co

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.4

Nordstrom

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The camera bag is a testament to Saint Laurent’s clean and timeless appeal. The all-leather bag comes with a removable tassel and is designed in a sleek rectangular shape with rounded edges. Inside, there's plenty of space for your phone, compact and wallet.

Price at time of publish: $1,690

Material: Calfskin leather | Size: 9 x 6.2 x 2.3 inches | Drop: 23 inches | Closure: Zip | Care: Hand clean

Saks

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The Bombé Mini Bag is another beloved style for its simple yet sophisticated design. It may appear to be on the small side, but it's spacious enough for your everyday essentials. It's also organized, given its two zippered compartments (one of which has an interior flap) and additional flap pocket on the back with a magnetic closure. Numerous buyers wrote in reviews that they were able to store their cell phone, card case, keys, and a couple of beauty items without overstuffing.

Price at time of publish: $298

Material: Pebbled leather | Size: 4.6 x 7 x 2.7 inches | Drop: 23.1 inches | Closure: Zip | Care: Clean gently with damp cotton cloth

Cuyana

View On Cuyana.com

The crossbody bag from Cuyana offers quality construction minus the high price tag of designer labels. The structured body is crafted from Italian leather sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified, woman-owned factory in Turkey while the inside is lined with suede. It has one main compartment for your phone, keys, and other essentials that's covered with a small flap. Plus, there's a back slip pocket for cards and ID. And if you love the design but feel that you need more space, there's a larger sister version, which comes with two additional pockets on each side of the purse.

Price at time of publish: $228

Material: Italian leather | Size: 6.8 x 7.6 x 3.7 inches | Drop: 16-24 inches | Closure: Magnetic flap | Care: Wipe clean with damp cloth

Mango

View On Mango.com

A crossbody is not everybody’s cup of tea, but sometimes it's necessary for convenience when you need to stay hands-free. For the most mobility, it's important to go with something small and minimalist, like this zip cross-body bag from Mango. It’s very versatile, so you can wear it as an everyday purse or for a night out with friends. Its rounded shape is old-world elegant. And the best part is: it's not a huge investment.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Polyurethane and polyester | Size: 7.87 x 2.36 x 5.91 inches | Closure: Zip | Care: Spot clean

Dior

View On Dior.com

The Dior Saddle Bag has been around since the late 1990s but has ascended to an iconic status through the years. So, if you’re going to splurge, this is the bag to do it for. It's traditionally worn as a shoulder bag but comes with a crossbody strap for even more functionality. It has two pockets — one interior and one exterior — for storage. You can choose over a dozen colors between the leather and the canvas, and personalize the style with the label's shoulder strap offerings.

Price at time of publish: $4,200

Material: Grained calfskin leather | Size: 10 x 8 x 3 inches | Closure: Magnetic flap | Care: Hand clean

Everlane

View On Everlane.com

Moms need a little more space. The body of this Everlane bag is longer than the typical crossbody and offers enough room to carry a tablet, snacks, sippy cups, a wallet, eyeglasses, keys, and a phone.

Price at time of publish: $250

Material: Italian leather | Size: 9.75 x 13 x 6.25 inches | Handle Drop: 10.5-12 inches | Closure: Snap | Care: Spot clean

Amazon

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The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Crossbody Bag was made for the fashion-forward. As the name figuratively implies, the bag doesn't hold much more than your on-the-go essentials, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and maybe some lip balm. Still, it offers several interior compartments as well as an exterior slip pocket.

Price at time of publish: $325

Material: Leather | Size: 7 x 4 x 2 inches | Drop: 18-27 inches | Closure: Zip

Nordstrom

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It's always a hassle when you have to fish around your purse while trying to make it through check-in at the airport. That said, Tumi is a top brand when it comes to travel luggage, and its handbag styles are equally well-designed. This crossbody has so many interior pockets to promote organization, plus a top handle and a shoulder strap for convertibility and convenience. Material-wise, the body of the bag is made from nylon, so you don’t have to worry about items inside getting wet or damaged in bad weather. Its leather corners add even more protection and durability, ensuring the bag will maintain its shape over time.

Price at time of publish: $275

Material: Nylon | Size: 7 x 8 x 2.25 inches | Closure: Zipper | Care: Hand clean

View On Yvonnekone.com

Yvonne Koné makes a compact tote with convertibility into a crossbody classic to fulfill your everyday needs. And still, the structured silhouette is super luxe, crafted from supple, pebbled leather and complete with tonal stitching and brass hardware. Its elegant edge makes it a great day-to-night catchall, too, that can be worn from the office to happy hour drinks and a dinner date thereafter.

Price at time of publish: $683

Material: Leather | Size: 7 x 5 x 3 inches | Drop: Not listed | Closure: None | Care: Wipe regularly with a dry cloth

AAKS

View On Ourcommonplace.co

Founded by Ghanaian native Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, each handbag from AAKS is handwoven by women from her home country to create one-of-kind pieces, artworks unto themselves. This bucket bag, for example, is made from raffia and has a handmade, reddish dot pattern. While the brand is based in the U.K., it prioritizes convenience for customers everywhere by offering free worldwide shipping.

Price at time of publish: $189

Material: Raffia with leather detailing | Size: 7 x 6 inches | Drop: 39 inches | Closure: Drawstring | Care: Hand clean

Nordstrom

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Fjällräven is renowned for its smartly-designed, uber-stylish outdoor gear and apparel, particularly its Kånken line of backpacks. A hybrid between a sling bag and backpack, this scaled-down version is the best of both worlds for people who want the functionality of a backpack (like many compartments) without losing the compactness of a crossbody. It's made from a water-resistant, durable Vinylon fabric capable of withstanding the elements. It also comes with a convertible strap that can be adjusted from between 12 to 26 inches, and it has handle straps for carrying as well.

Price at time of publish: $65

Material: Technical weave | Size: 6 x 7.75 x 3.25 inches | Drop: 15 inches | Closure: Zipper | Care: Soft brush and lukewarm water

Steve Madden Dignify Croc Embossed Crossbody Bag

Nordstrom

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The croc embossing on this bag is just enough to elevate a look. Construction-wise, this piece comes with both a top handle and a detachable shoulder strap so you can switch up how you carry it. Given its mini size, this crossbody is on the smaller side with just a main compartment and one pocket. Still, many reviewers said they were able to fit their essentials. And, if you prefer your purses to have a solid structure, this bag is great, as it has a flat base with protective metal feet to keep it upright.

Price at time of publish: $75

Material: Polyurethane | Size: 7.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches | Drop: 24-inch strap; 3-inch top handle | Closure: Clasp

Nike

View On Finishline.com View On Jdsports.com View On Nike.com

This Nike crossbody bag will round out your streetwear and athleisure looks. It's made from a sporty, polyester fabric from recycled plastic water bottles. And, unlike other sporty handbags that tend to look like a fanny pack, it's a true crossbody with an option for convertibility. That means it can be worn around the hip, on the shoulder, as a clutch, or as a crossbody.

Price at time of publish: $47

Material: Polyester | Size: 8 x 2 x 5 inches | Closure: Zip | Care: Spot clean

Brandon Blackwood

View On Brandonblackwood.com

This Brandon Blackwood bag checks all of the boxes for a great professional handbag. It's roomy enough to hold a small computer, tablet, notebook, and other small essentials, and it's sleek enough to go with everything you might wear, from power suits fit for your next presentation to denim looks on casual Friday. You can carry it as a tote bag via its top handles or as a crossbody bag thanks to a detachable shoulder strap. From an ethical perspective, vegan shoppers should know that the bag isn't made from animal-based materials.

Material: Premium vegan leather | Size: 14 x 10 x 5 inches | Drop: 21-23.5 inches | Closure: Magnetic | Care: Hand clean with a soft cloth and warm water

Meet the Expert

Samantha Brown is a stylist based in NYC. She has been working with clients to refine their personal styles for over a decade.

What to Look for in a Crossbody Bag

Materials

There aren’t necessarily certain materials that you should avoid over others. However, you should be mindful of the properties of the material and what you intend to wear the bag with. “So, for instance, if you are someone who loves to wear blue jeans regularly, suede is very porous,” explains Brown. “Suede can actually absorb the dye of denim and turn blue. If you were to buy a cream, caramel, or a light gray crossbody in suede, or sometimes a porous leather, you just want to be mindful of that so you don’t end up destroying it.”

In terms of looking for more eco-friendly options, you should also take some time to research the company you’re buying from and look into what their approach for sustainability is. Take faux leather for example: “If you’re thinking faux leather is better for environmental reasons, it can sometimes actually be worse because they are made of plastics,” Brown says. “Look at the company you’re buying from and what their landmarks are for sustainability and production, and that will give you an idea if you are doing more harm than good buying that way.”

Function

Make sure your strap is sturdy enough to bare the weight of your essentials. "If you’re someone that carries a lot around with you, it’s also helpful to find a strap that has a part that widens to the shoulder base because it’s specifically designed with extra padding to wrap over the shoulder,” she says. Likewise, a bag with an adjustable shoulder strap will allow you to wear the bag at a length that's proportionate to your body (generally at the hips) and that feels comfortable to you.

To best gauge the weight of a bag, Brown suggests putting the bag on to see if it’s heavy with nothing in it. “Bags can be either lightweight or much heavier, and usually they’ll be a lot more comfortable if it’s something you can fill up with your keys, wallet, cell phone [and] all the essentials you take on the go,” she says.

FAQ

What is a crossbody bag?

A crossbody bag is anything that has a strap long enough that you can drape it across the body from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Traditionally, these bags were a little bit smaller and hold just the essentials. Now, however, bag companies are adding a longer strap so many more styles can be worn crossbody.
Where should a crossbody bag sit?

Brown recommends that “a crossbody bag should end in alignment with your hip bone. If it’s sitting lower than that, it starts to look a little heavy and messy.” Though, ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear a crossbody as it all comes down to personal comfort.
What is the best material for a crossbody bag?

Leather is (generally) seasonless, and suede is classic. A woven material such as raffia is cute for summer. Nylon, on the other hand, is great for something water-resistant. So, the best material for you depends on your preference and lifestyle. However, it's worth keeping in mind that suede is porous and can rub off on clothes, and that nylon is prone to thinning or ripping with excessive friction.
What's the difference between a crossbody bag and a messenger bag?

A messenger bag is a subcategory of the crossbody bag. It's often bigger and rectangular in shape to store things like a laptop and notebooks for use in more professional settings.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Danielle Ransom is an NYC-based writer and has covered a myriad of topics ranging across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. For this article, Danielle researched different silhouettes, shapes, and designs of crossbody bags from both luxury and non-luxury brands across different price points. She also interviewed a professional stylist for further insight.

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