The Best Crossbody Bags For Women
If you want a stylish, compact bag to carry your essentials but you'd like something smaller than a backpack, a crossbody bag may be perfect for you. They can hold just enough to get you by for the day, and their small form makes them comfortable and easy to carry whatever you're up to. We've rounded up a few of our favorites, so you'll be ready for your next escapade in no time.
What to Look For
To make sure that we found the best bags for the job, we kept three essential qualities in mind during our research: total capacity, strap comfort, and the total number of pockets. Our favorite overall is the classic design from FashionPuzzle. This trendy option is mega sleek with its dazzling zipper and smart PU leather finish. It has just enough space to carry essentials, but if you’re looking to carry more than the bare necessities you might want to consider a larger option. The casual bag from The North Face offers a great alternative when you don’t need to dress to impress, and the six-liter capacity leaves plenty of room for numerous goodies. Read on below to get the scoop on the rest of our top picks.
FashionPuzzle Triple-Zip Small Crossbody Bag
Ooh la la
Pack up your troubles in this cute little crossbody bag that’s sure to add style to any outfit. This triple-zip design gives you plenty of room to store valuables and any trinkets you pick up along the way. One pocket concealed on the inside serves as an ideal home for pocket-sized prized possessions like a cell phone or wallet. Take your pick from a rainbow of bold color designs that are sure to coordinate with any outfit, any season.
Pros:
- The adjustable shoulder strap extends to a maximum of 26 inches, so the choice is yours whether you wear this bag down low or up high.
- An additional zipper pocket in the main compartment will help you to keep smaller items organized.
- The striped inner lining is super stylish. It also helps you to spot the items inside with ease.
Cons:
- The thin shoulder strap isn’t the most comfortable.
Roulens Small Crossbody Shoulder Bag
Snap me shut
Treat yourself to a touch of class with the sleek black finish and dazzling gold hardware of this trendy shoulder bag. This option doesn’t just look good, the two high-capacity zippered pockets offer more storage than might initially meet the eye. It’s also packed with nifty features to keep you organized on the go, like a card holder for your ID and credit cards. All in all, this showstopper is a must-have for fashionistas with a penchant for orderliness.
Pros:
- The magnetic snap button flap provides a trusty first line of defense against pickpockets.
- This bag is made of rugged PU leather, making it more resistant than most to scuffs and wear.
Cons:
- Due to the snap flap and zipper combination, it’s not as easy to retrieve items quickly as with other bags. This could be annoying if you’re rushing to answer an incoming call.
Myfriday Small Crossbody Cell Phone Purse
Pockets galore
This understated crossbody bag is a great choice for anyone looking for a subtle departure from traditional handbag aesthetics. Made from delicate oil wax leather, this bag is incredibly soft to the touch and is comfortable to carry over the shoulder, no matter what you’re wearing. The compact design measures almost eight inches tall, so there’s ample room for glasses, smartphones, or even a small umbrella.
Pros:
- The strap attaches to the bag with two metal clips, so it can easily be removed or replaced.
- The card organizer in the main compartment offers secure storage for up to six cards.
- You can choose between a dazzling selection of colors to match your aesthetic.
Cons:
- We wish there was a non-zip pocket for quick and easy access.
The North Face Crossbody Bag
Take a chill pill
Keeping your handheld possessions organized on the go doesn’t have to call for glitz and glam. This casual classic from The North Face is the ideal companion for a low-key day out. The supremely minimal design features a single zippered pocket with multiple compartments inside for organization. With a six-liter capacity, this bag offers more storage than most. It can even fit a small tablet snugly inside.
Pros:
- An additional outside pocket offers quick access storage, so it’s perfect for holding your smartphone while you’re expecting a message or call.
- The adjustable webbed strap is supremely comfortable over the shoulder.
Cons:
- If you like to keep your valuables strictly organized, the single main compartment could leave you wanting more.
Nautica Diver Nylon Crossbody Bag
Express yourself
Dazzle your friends with the bold and bright colors of these trendsetting crossbody bags. The woven nylon material brings a vibrancy of color that can’t be matched by leather alternatives, and there’s a delicious range of shades to choose from. The result is a contemporary look that’s equally suited to casual or smart outfits. Keep things simple with the single zippered compartment and two easy-access slip pockets for immediate storage.
Pros:
- The thick nylon shoulder strap is arguably much more comfortable than slim leather options.
- We appreciate that the nylon exterior is water-resistant and doesn’t get scuffed easily.
Cons:
- The buckle on this strap isn’t as secure as some other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine-wash my crossbody bag?
If you’ve fallen foul of an accidental spill, you’ll want to get it cleaned up again and ready for use. But most of the bags we reviewed aren’t suitable for machine-washing. We suggest wiping any dirty areas down with a damp cloth and leaving the bag to air dry.
Will my smartphone fit inside this bag?
One of the most common items requiring on-the-go storage is the smartphone. You’ll want to be sure that yours fits inside any bag that you choose, as some of the largest handsets might not fit in the most compact bags. All of the bags we reviewed list the interior dimensions of each pocket, so be sure to measure and compare before you buy.
About the Author
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Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.