Best crossbody bags for women have become a staple accessory for women on the go. These versatile bags offer hands-free convenience without sacrificing style.
But with so many options available like a woven crossbody bag, raffia, and leather crossbody bags, finding the best crossbody bags for women can be overwhelming.
I've spent months testing various crossbody bags for women and consulting fashion experts to bring you this comprehensive guide to the top crossbody bags on the market. Functionality, comfort, and style all play important roles.
The right crossbody bag for women should fit your lifestyle while also expressing your personal taste.
Whether you need a compact bag for everyday errands or a larger option for travel, there's a perfect crossbody out there for you.
Table Of Contents:
- Key Features to Look for in Crossbody Bags
- Top Picks for Best Crossbody Bags for Women
- Styling Your Crossbody Bag
- Conclusion
- FAQs about best crossbody bags for women
Key Features to Look for in Crossbody Bags
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's review some of the most important features to evaluate when choosing a designer crossbody bag:
Size and Capacity
The ideal size depends on your intended use. For daily essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys, a smaller crossbody bag may suffice.
If you carry more items or plan to use it for travel, consider a bag with adjustable straps and larger capacity, such as a bucket bag or a designer crossbody that can also function as a camera bag, offering ample space for essentials and personal items like a water bottle or a travel guide.
Fashion stylist Heather Newberger advises, "I prefer to keep my crossbody bag roughly the size of a piece of paper (or a little bigger) so I can neatly tuck my iPad into it while I'm on the go."
Her recommendation highlights the practicality of choosing a crossbody bag that accommodates both daily essentials and larger items like tablets, ensuring versatility and functionality throughout the day.
Material and Durability
Quality materials like leather or sturdy nylon will hold up better to daily wear and tear. Water-resistant options are great for unpredictable weather, ensuring your belongings stay protected.
Pebbled leather is a popular choice for its durability and timeless aesthetic, while water-resistant nylon offers practicality and ease of maintenance.
Whether you opt for the luxurious feel of pebbled leather or the practicality of water-resistant nylon, choosing high-quality materials ensures your crossbody bag to be the perfect bag that remains stylish and functional for years to come.
Organization and Pockets
Interior and exterior pockets help keep items organized and easily accessible. A zippered main compartment adds security, ensuring your belongings stay safe while you're on the move.
Having enough interior pockets can make or break whether you love a bag or don't love it, as they provide essential organization for items like your phone, keys, and credit cards, making them easy to find when you need them most.
Top Picks for Best Crossbody Bags for Women
After extensive testing and research, here are my top designer brands recommendations for the designer crossbody bags for women in various categories:
Best Everyday Crossbody Bag
Eric Javits Portofino
This bag combines luxurious craftsmanship with practical design, offering a stylish yet functional accessory for any occasion. Its lightweight woven material and versatile silhouette make it an ideal choice for those seeking elegance and convenience in one chic package.
It also features a removable strap, allowing it to easily transform into a handbag when needed.
Material:
Woven Synthetic Raffia, Bamboo Chain, and Leather Trim
Price upon publish date of this article:
$375
Pros & Cons:
Its high-quality materials and timeless design make it a durable and stylish choice for everyday use, allowing me to store all my daily essentials.
However, its intricate woven pattern might require extra care to maintain its pristine appearance.
Cuyana Linea Bucket Bag
The Cuyana Linea Bucket Bag is an excellent choice for its minimalist design and high-quality leather, offering both elegance and durability, which makes it a great travel bag.
Its spacious interior and versatile style make it perfect for everyday use, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. It features a thicker leather strap, an adjustable strap, and a magnetic closure.
Material:
Italian Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$398
Pros & Cons:
It has an elegant design and premium leather, providing a sophisticated and durable accessory for various occasions. However, its open-top design may offer less security for belongings compared to bags with zippers or closures.
Madewell The Sydney Crossbody Bag
The Madewell Sydney Leather Crossbody Bag is a great choice for its sleek, minimalist design and practical size, making it ideal for both casual and dressy outfits. Its leather strap and versatile style ensure comfort and functionality, allowing it to be worn as a sling bag. Additionally, this leather bag features a removable leather strap, facilitating effortless transitions between different settings.
Material:
Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$168
Pros & Cons:
It boasts a chic, minimalist design and a versatile size that complements various outfits. However, its limited bag space may restrict organization options for those who prefer more structured storage.
Best Mini Crossbody Bag
Eric Javits Lil Cherie
It blends durability, lightweight design, and stylish versatility, making it perfect for daily use and long days while adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit. It's an investment in quality and fashion because it can also transform into a sling bag, making it ideal for complementing both casual and more formal settings effortlessly.
Material:
Squishee®, chain strap
Price upon publish date of this article:
$325
Pros & Cons
It offers a lightweight, durable design ideal for carrying essentials with stylish detailing and color options that are great to be a travel bag. However, its higher price point and compact size may limit its appeal for those needing to carry larger items.
Coach Pebbled Flap-Top Chain Crossbody Bag
Its elegant pebbled leather craftsmanship, practical size, and versatile design transition seamlessly from day to night, making it a timeless addition to your wardrobe. This leather bag offers a sophisticated look with the convenience of hands-free carrying, ideal for both casual outings and special occasions.
Material:
Pebbled Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$295
Pros & Cons:
Its celebrated for its luxurious pebbled leather, stylish chain strap, and versatile design that complements various outfits and occasions seamlessly. However, some users may find it lacks additional compartments or organizational features.
Tory Burch Small Robinson Spazzolato Top- Handle bag
Its elegant spazzolato leather, sophisticated top-handle design, and versatile crossbody strap offer both style and functionality for various occasions. It's a timeless investment piece that combines classic appeal with modern convenience, perfect for adding polish to your wardrobe.
Material:
Spazzolato Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$249
Pros & Cons:
Its luxurious spazzolato leather, versatile design offering both top-handle and crossbody options, and a timeless aesthetic suitable for any occasion. However, it comes with a higher price tag compared to similar bags, and its compact size may not accommodate larger items effectively.
Best Crossbody Phone Bag
Eric Javits I Bisou
Its combination of style and functionality, featuring a practical yet fashionable design that's perfect for carrying essentials hands-free while maintaining a sophisticated look.
Material:
Lizard Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$350
Pros & Cons
Lightweight design with practicality, featuring an adjustable strap and durable materials for comfortable, hands-free carrying. However, some users may find its higher price point compared to similar options prohibitive, and its compact size may not suit those needing more storage space or compartments for organization.
Coach Phone Crossbody Bag
Its compact and convenient design, perfect for carrying just the essentials like your phone, credit card, and keys while offering hands-free ease with a stylish touch that complements any outfit.
Material:
Pebble Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$175
Pros & Cons:
Its compact and convenient design, perfect for carrying essentials with hands-free ease and stylish versatility. However, its minimalist approach may not appeal to those needing more organizational features or a larger carrying capacity.
Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Phone Crossbody Bag
Quince leather bags offers exquisite craftsmanship in Italian leather and practical design, offering a blend of luxury and functionality with enough room for essentials while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Material:
Italian Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$69
Pros & Cons:
Its luxurious Italian leather craftsmanship and stylish, practical design that comfortably accommodates essentials like your phone and cards.
However, its higher price point and minimalist approach may deter budget-conscious shoppers or those seeking more organizational features.
Best Crescent Crossbody Bag
Eric Javits Croissant
Its stylish design stands out with a zipper closure that allows it to function as both a shoulder bag and a versatile accessory for everyday use. It offers both fashion and functionality in one chic package.
Material:
Raffia Straw, Chain strap
Price upon publish date of this article:
$395
Pros & Cons:
Its unique, eye-catching design and durable construction, making it a fashionable choice for those seeking a distinctive accessory however, raffia or similar natural fibers, might require special care and maintenance compared to more traditional bag materials.
Bottega Veneta Gemelli Messenger
Its impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design, which reflects luxury and sophistication. Additionally, its functionality with multiple compartments and durable materials makes it a practical choice for everyday use, blending style with utility seamlessly.
Material:
Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$3,200
Pros & Cons:
It offers ample storage with well-organized compartments, enhancing its practicality for daily use however, the delicate nature of the woven leather may require careful maintenance to preserve its pristine condition over time.
Banana Republic Vida Half- Moon Shoulder Bag
Its stylish and versatile design that complements both casual and dressy outfits effortlessly. Its affordable price point compared to high-end designer bags makes it a practical choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for quality and fashion-forward accessories.
Material:
Italian Leather
Price upon publish date of this article:
$220
Pros & Cons
It typically offers enough space for essentials without being overly bulky however, it may lack additional compartments or organizational features that some users prefer for better organization.
Styling Your Crossbody Bag
The best crossbody bags for women are versatile enough to complement various outfits. Here are some styling tips:
- For a casual look, pair a leather crossbody with jeans and a t-shirt.
- Dress up a simple outfit by choosing a crossbody with interesting textures like raffia and woven crossbody bags.
- For evening events, I've reviewed amazing quince crossbody bags while using my evening and formal dresses.
- When traveling, choose a neutral color that will match multiple outfits.
Conclusion
Finding the best crossbody bags for women comes down to balancing style, functionality, and personal needs. Whether you're seeking an everyday essential that seamlessly holds your essentials like phone and wallet, a travel companion with ample space for all your necessities including a water bottle and travel documents, or a luxurious statement piece that elevates any outfit, rest assured there's a perfect crossbody bag out there for you.
Choose wisely to ensure it meets your practical needs while reflecting your unique style and preferences. By considering factors like size, material, and organization features, you can choose a crossbody bag that not only looks great but also enhances your daily life.
Remember, the best crossbody bags for women is one that you'll love using day after day, effortlessly blending style with practicality. Whether you prioritize a sleek leather crossbody with ample interior compartments or a water-resistant nylon option with external pockets for easy access, finding the perfect balance ensures your bag complements your lifestyle and meets your everyday needs with ease.
FAQs about best crossbody bags for women
Are crossbody bags still in style in 2024?
Absolutely. Crossbody bags remain a popular and practical choice for women in 2024. Their hands-free convenience and versatile style make them a staple accessory for many.
Designers continue to innovate with new shapes, materials, and features to keep crossbody bags fresh and on-trend. Whether you prefer a classic leather crossbody or a contemporary sling bag with innovative design elements like a chain strap or magnetic flap closure, there's a crossbody bag to suit every taste and occasion.
How do I choose a cross body bag?
When choosing a crossbody bag, consider your lifestyle needs, personal style, and the bag's functionality. Look for a size that accommodates your essentials, a comfortable strap length, and a material that suits your daily activities.
Also, think about features like interior organization, closure type, and versatility in styling with your wardrobe. Consider if you will be carrying a water bottle, and if so, is the bag big enough.
Should I get a crossbody or shoulder bag?
The choice between a crossbody and shoulder bag depends on your needs and preferences. The best crossbody bags for women offer hands-free convenience and better weight distribution, making them ideal for long days out or travel. Shoulder bags can be more versatile in terms of styling and often have larger capacities.
Consider how you'll primarily use the bag to make the best choice for you.
Are crossbody bags good for travel?
Yes, best crossbody bags for women are excellent for travel. They keep your hands free for navigating airports or exploring new places, and they offer security by keeping your belongings close to your body.
Many travel-friendly crossbody bags feature anti-theft designs, multiple compartments for organization, and durable, water-resistant materials. Just be sure to choose the best crossbody bag with enough capacity for your travel essentials.
