A crossbody bag is a bag with a long strap worn diagonally across the body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip, so both hands stay free. It differs from a shoulder bag only in strap length: a shoulder bag hangs from one shoulder, a crossbody crosses the torso.
Most crossbody bags are small to mid-size, close with a zip, flap or drawstring, and have an adjustable strap so they can be worn either way.
Below: the types, the sizes, how a crossbody compares to a purse or shoulder bag, and how to wear one.
Browse our crossbody bag collection to see the shapes side by side.
Crossbody Bag Basics at a Glance
| Crossbody bag | Shoulder bag | Purse / handbag | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is carried | Strap across the body, bag at the hip | Strap over one shoulder, bag under the arm | In the hand or on the forearm |
| Hands free | Yes | Mostly | No |
| Strap length | 44–55 in (long, usually adjustable) | 20–30 in | Short handles |
| Security in crowds | Highest: bag in front, in sight | Medium | Lowest |
| Typical size | Mini to mid-size | Mid-size to large | Any |
| Best for | Travel, commuting, errands, events | Work, everyday | Evening, formal |
Is a crossbody bag a purse?
Yes. “Purse” is the general American word for any women’s handbag; a crossbody is one type of purse, defined by how it is worn.
Why Are Crossbody Bags Popular?
Three reasons, in order.
Hands free: phone, coffee, child, suitcase handle, all at once.
Security: the bag sits in front of the body in your line of sight, which is why travel guides recommend the shape over any other.
Weight: the strap spreads the load across the torso instead of hanging it from one shoulder, which is why many women who have stopped carrying heavy shoulder bags carry a crossbody instead.
The shape has been in designer collections continuously since the 1990s and is the most consistently sold handbag silhouette for daily use.
Types of Crossbody Bags
1. Pouch
A compact, structured bag with a zip or magnetic top, sized for phone, wallet, cards and lipstick. The dressiest everyday shape.
Our Alli in embossed crocodile leather, $345.
2. Half-moon or flap pouch
A curved body with a demi-flap and a strap that detaches so the bag becomes a clutch. Day to evening in one bag.
The Querida, $385.
3. Mini Duffel
A small structured cylinder with short handles and a detachable strap; holds slightly more than a pouch.
The Mini Duffel, $145 to $195.
4. Hobo
A soft, crescent-shaped body that slouches, with a strap that extends from shoulder to crossbody length. The most relaxed shape and the roomiest at mid-size.
The Island in Squishee® straw with napa leather, $525, and the large Lexie, $525.
5. Bucket
A round-bottomed, open-top bag closed with a drawstring. Casual and roomy, less secure than a zip.
The Mini My Way is the compact version, $395; our guide to what a bucket bag is covers the shape in full.
6. Messenger or flap pouch
A flat body with a top flap and outer pockets on a wide adjustable strap. Built for travel.
The Palm Pouch, $145.
7. Chain crossbody
A compact bag on a chain strap that adjusts from shoulder to crossbody. The most evening-ready.
The Lil Cherie with turn lock, $495.
8. Convertible
A bag whose strap reconfigures between crossbody, shoulder and sometimes backpack.
The Squishee® Bel Air, $495.
9. Belt bag and sling
Smaller shapes worn tight to the body on a short strap, usually in nylon for sport. Related to the crossbody but not the same: a crossbody sits at the hip on a long strap.
For a ranked list across all these shapes, see our best crossbody bags for women; for leather specifically, the leather crossbody bags for women guide.
Crossbody Bag Sizes
- Mini (under 8 inches wide): phone, cards, keys, lipstick. Evening, errands.
- Compact (8–10 inches): adds a small wallet and sunglasses. The everyday default.
- Mid-size (10–13 inches): adds a water bottle, a paperback or a small tablet. Travel and long days.
- Large (13 inches and up): a hobo or tote with a crossbody strap; carries a laptop. Commuting.
Pick by what you carry on an ordinary day, not the exception. Most women do best with a compact for daily use and a mid-size for travel.
How to Wear a Crossbody Bag
- Put the strap over one shoulder so the bag hangs on the opposite hip.
- Adjust the strap until the bag sits at or just above the hip bone; swinging below the hip means the strap is too long.
- Turn the closure toward your body, not away from it.
- In crowds or on transit, slide the bag to the front and rest a hand on it.
- For a shoulder-bag look, shorten the strap and wear it over one shoulder; most crossbody straps adjust six inches or more.
Petite frames suit mini to compact bags; a mid-size hobo overwhelms a small frame. Taller frames carry mid-size and large shapes well.
For a full packing-and-wearing guide on the road, see our crossbody bags for travel guide.
Crossbody Bag Materials
- Leather: classic, structured, ages into a patina; embossed leather hides scuffs.
- Squishee® and raffia straw: light, water-repellent, packable, the summer and travel choice.
- Canvas and nylon: casual, washable, sporty.
- Suede: soft and dressy, needs protection from rain. Choose leather for year-round polish, straw for warm weather and travel.
Summary: What Is a Crossbody Bag?
A crossbody bag is a bag worn across the body on a long strap, hands free, bag at the hip. It comes as a pouch, half-moon, mini duffel, hobo, bucket, messenger, chain bag or convertible, in mini to large sizes, in leather, straw, canvas or suede.
It is more secure and more comfortable than a shoulder bag and is the handbag shape most women reach for on a normal day. Start with a compact for daily use, add a mid-size for travel, and you have answered “what is a crossbody bag” the practical way: by wearing one.
FAQs: What Is a Crossbody Bag
What is a crossbody bag?
A bag with a long strap worn diagonally across the body, from one shoulder to the opposite hip, so both hands stay free. It is defined by how it is carried, not by its shape.
Is a crossbody bag a purse?
Yes. “Purse” is the general term for a women’s handbag; a crossbody bag is one type, worn across the body rather than carried by hand or on one shoulder.
What is the difference between a crossbody bag and a shoulder bag?
Strap length. A crossbody strap is long enough to cross the torso and rest the bag at the opposite hip; a shoulder bag strap hangs the bag under one arm. Many bags adjust to do both.
What is the point of a crossbody bag?
Hands-free carrying, better security because the bag sits in front and in sight, and even weight distribution across the torso instead of one shoulder.
What are the types of crossbody bags?
Pouch, half-moon flap, mini duffel, hobo, bucket, messenger, chain crossbody and convertible, plus the related belt bag and sling.
Can a shoulder bag be worn as a crossbody bag?
Only if the strap is long enough or adjusts to about 44 inches or more. A fixed short strap cannot cross the body comfortably.
