Two of our favorite stylish crossbody bags are the Clare V Petit Moyen purse (left) and the KAAI Rebel Crossbody (right). Samantha Crozier/Business Insider
2026-02-03T22:37:03.783Z
A packed to-do list has a way of revealing which bags actually work — and which ones don’t. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve found myself reaching for a crossbody almost every time. Being able to move through errands without juggling groceries, shopping bags, or a slipping strap makes a real difference, and it’s why a crossbody has become my go-to.
I know not everyone considers themselves a purse person, especially when pockets feel e…
Two of our favorite stylish crossbody bags are the Clare V Petit Moyen purse (left) and the KAAI Rebel Crossbody (right). Samantha Crozier/Business Insider
2026-02-03T22:37:03.783Z
A packed to-do list has a way of revealing which bags actually work — and which ones don’t. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve found myself reaching for a crossbody almost every time. Being able to move through errands without juggling groceries, shopping bags, or a slipping strap makes a real difference, and it’s why a crossbody has become my go-to.
I know not everyone considers themselves a purse person, especially when pockets feel easier. But if you’re going to invest in just one bag you’ll use for years, the best crossbody bag is hard to beat. Most women’s clothing simply isn’t designed with enough storage, and a well-made crossbody fills that gap without feeling bulky or getting in the way.
It’s also the bag I rely on most when I’m on the move. Worn across the body, the weight is distributed more evenly than with a shoulder bag, which matters during long days of walking, commuting, or navigating airports. That balance alone makes it a more comfortable option for everyday use and travel alike.
To find the best options, we tested dozens of crossbody bags, focusing on lightweight designs that fit easily into a carry-on and feel comfortable over hours of wear. The standout picks combine smart organization, everyday versatility, and a polished look — qualities that matter whether you’re searching for a dependable travel purse or the best crossbody bag you’ll reach for again and again.
5 Best Crossbody Bags:
"The vertical side pocket means I never have to swing it off my shoulder to root around for my phone," says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase about this four-in-one bag.
This stylish, edgy crossbody is a hybrid of a designer purse and a sporty belt bag. It’s beautifully made with KAAI’s signature craftsmanship and comes with lots of inner pockets for organization.
A solid crossbody bag is a travel essential, and Away’s has thoughtful features like a passport-sized interior pocket and a hidden pocket on the strap.
This anti-theft bag is pickpocket-proof with slash-resistant fabric and lockable zippers. I recommend upgrading to the wide jacquard strap for better comfort.
Best overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama
Josephine Chase/Business Insider
"The vertical side pocket means I never have to swing it off my shoulder to root around for my phone," says associate style editor Gabrielle Chase about this four-in-one bag.
"If you avoid carrying a purse because you dread having an extra thing to carry, the Aoyama will change your mind. This bag is so lightweight and easily accessible that it’s like having your phone handed to you. This is because of its unique vertical zippered side pocket, where I can pull it out without taking the bag off my shoulder.
Its removable, adjustable strap clicks into a crossbody bag, clutch, or a shoulder bag at whatever length you prefer. I’ve worn it out as a crossbody bag and returned home with a shoulder bag because it’s so easy to switch up. I do suggest you get it in a dark color, though. My white one has gotten discolored after a year of use.
The pouch is made from a flexible, buttery soft leather that’s easy to clean. It holds a lot — I can fit my typical everyday carry, plus a water bottle and travel umbrella without it looking too bulky. The interior compartments have netted pockets to let me see what’s inside more easily. Besides being a stylish accessory, I love this bag for its intuitive design." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Read more in our full guide to the best Lo & Sons bags and best travel purses we’ve tested.
Best budget: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
I’ve spotted this sporty bag in the wild a few times on people hiking or running errands and it always looks cute and casual. I like that the half-moon shape is designed to fit the shape of your body, so it’s not bulky or in the way. Plus, the dirt-resistant, water-resistant nylon fabric is super lightweight, so I basically only have to account for the weight of what I stash inside.
Speaking of, this bag holds a surprising amount of stuff. I can carry my phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys, and a foldable umbrella or a small water bottle. Inside there are two slash pockets and a top zipper to keep all the contents secure. It comes in nine colors, including the sweet pale pink I chose, as well as a sunny yellow.
Best messenger: Tumi Voyageur Tyler Crossbody
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Sale
The Tyler is a stylish travel bag for small everyday items such as keys, wallets, phones, sunglasses, and pens. The main compartment can even fit a small umbrella or Kindle.
Thanks to its spacious compartments, this is one of the best crossbody bags for staying organized while traveling. I recently toted it for a long day in New York City, and I appreciated that all my items were secured, but I knew exactly where to find them when I needed to.
This eight-pocket messenger-style bag with organizational features galore was designed with neat freaks like me in mind. On the exterior, it has a front U-shaped pocket that offers a perfect compartment for stowing my cash and credit cards (in the leather card pocket), keys (via an easy access key leash), a pen (which stays secure thanks to a leather pen loop), and other quick-access items like a passport or tickets. I place my phone and sunglasses in either of the two additional exterior zip pockets, where they’re safe from scratches. I love that the spacious zippered interior compartment has a zip pocket plus two open pockets. Plus, there’s a slash pocket on the back that has a magnetic closure for added security.
Best for travel: Away Featherlight Crossbody
Maria Yagoda/Business Insider
A solid crossbody bag is a travel essential, and Away’s has thoughtful features like a passport-sized interior pocket and a hidden pocket on the strap.
This ultra-lightweight crossbody bag is comfortable to carry and easy to grab before running errands abroad, according to travel writer Maria Yagoda.
"Away’s simple design offers just the right amount of structure and slouch. It’s made from a water-repellant polyester till that feels cushiony and almost quilted. Even when I filled the bag with snacks, a big book, a Fuji camera, and my notebook, the padding around the strap prevented the bag from digging into my shoulders," says Maria.
"The Featherlight Crossbody weighs just over half a pound, yet has a storage capacity of 10 liters. I wore the bag on a bike trail along the Hudson River, to a Phillies game, and to Brighton Beach, where water and sand slid right off. I used the tiny pocket on the strap, which is perfect for AirPods or keys, and the other is ideally sized for a passport and phone. These helped me avoid rummaging around in my bag in front of hotel receptionists and baristas."
Best luxury: KAAI Rebel Crossbody
KAAI
This stylish, edgy crossbody is a hybrid of a designer purse and a sporty belt bag. It’s beautifully made with KAAI’s signature craftsmanship and comes with lots of inner pockets for organization.
"KAAI’s Rebel Crossbody is the Rolex of functional purses. Like all of KAAI’s beautifully made bags, it’s lined with a blue suede material that feels luxurious to the touch. On the outside, the single-source leather is treated to be resistant to weather and stains. This is super important to me, since I wouldn’t carry a bag this nice outside without trusting how well the leather can stand up to the elements. But all my KAAI bags have remained like-new, even though they’re some of my most used pieces. The only issue with this bag is that it is relatively narrow and structured, so you won’t be able to stuff it. A phone, wallet, lipstick, and keys fit perfectly, but anything bulky or irregular would prevent the bag from closing." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews
Best anti-theft: Arden Cove Crissy Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
This anti-theft bag is pickpocket-proof with slash-resistant fabric and lockable zippers. I recommend upgrading to the wide jacquard strap for better comfort.
Anti-theft purses can get a bad rep for not being the most attractive option, but this slash-resistant nylon bag from Arden Cove is an exception. I recently traveled with it to Chile, and I loved the security that all the safety features provided. For starters, the waterproof nylon fabric is highly durable, even against knife slashes. Locking clasps keep the straps and zippers secure, while an RFID-blocking pocket helps protect against electronic theft. Still, the purse was cute enough to make appearances in all my vacation photos and I appreciated that it wasn’t obvious I was wearing an anti-theft bag.
Originally, I got the bag with the thin faux leather strap, but I felt it wasn’t very comfortable on my shoulder and it dug in a bit. I ended up purchasing the jacquard strap separately, and found that option much more comfortable and stylish.
Best nylon: Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Baggu, Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
"If you’re not quite a purse girl and just want a no-frills bag for running errands, this is the bag for you. The elongated strap on this durable bag is great for fitting tall frames, and the main compartment is especially roomy for a crossbody style. I can fit way more than just my bare essentials inside. It holds an umbrella, a water bottle, and my puffy sunglasses case without issue. It also has a zippered interior pocket where my portable charger and backup toiletries live, just in case." —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Best suede: Parisa Wang Gabrielle 27
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
This luxe suede bag has a soft, square structure and can be carried like a top handle or crossbody purse. It’s a comparable alternative to The Row’s Margaux.
"The chocolate suede of this Parisa Wang Gabrielle bag looks yummy enough to eat. On its sides are slip pockets that snap shut on their own with a satisfying magnetic closure, and inside is a wide main compartment where you can easily fit a variety of bulbous items. Overpackers rejoice.
’It comes in two larger sizes, as described by style editor Samantha Crozier in our guide to the best work bags for women. ‘Parisa Wang brand partners with artisans who typically work with top luxury brands like The Row and Prada, and you can absolutely feel the quality. In fact, the Gabrielle 35 looks and feels like the ultra-coveted suede Margaux bag from The Row, which will run you $5K or more,’ she writes. ‘But dare I say that the Gabrielle is cuter?’
My main regret is I can’t easily pack my Gabrielle bag in my suitcase because of its structured shape. It does however come in a luxe brushed fleece dust bag that’s easy to tote when I’m traveling via train. For now, my friends and family in Rhode Island will just have to believe me when I tell them I have a gorgeous bag named after me back in Brooklyn." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Best crochet: The Sak Los Feliz Crossbody
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
I carefully chose this hand-crocheted crossbody from The Sak soon after testing the brand’s superb clogs and right before I went on a 10-day vacation to Europe. I wanted to travel with a bag that somewhat matched all my outfits and wouldn’t protest if I were to say, shove it to the bottom of my carry-on.
I’m glad to report that the Los Feliz bag performed exactly as I needed it to: the sling sack easily fit all my essentials (along with many bulky souvenirs I collected along the way) and its soft shape meant I could pack it flat when I wasn’t using it. There are only three simple drop pockets inside, but since the top zips shut, nothing was ever in danger of spilling out. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Most trendy: Clare V. Petite Moyen
Samantha Crozier/Business Insider, Clare V.
This slouchy, made-to-be-seen bag comes in 13 colorways. It’s made from handwoven leather and pairs well with bag charms.
Clare V. is an Los Angeles-based brand that makes what I call ‘character bags.’ You can build an outfit around them and decorate them with their extensive collection of bag charms and interchangeable straps. I’m not a Labubu person by any means, but I bet one would look right at home on a brightly patterned, woven leather Petit Moyen purse. It comes with two straps, so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody. It has a slouchy, curved construction like the hobo bags that are making a comeback this season, but it’s small enough to lie flat in my luggage when I travel. I know this bag is a hot commodity because sure enough, Quince has its own dupe. " — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Best crescent bag: Polène Numéro Dix
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider
Designed in France, this luxury-grade crossbody crescent bag comes with an adjustable strap extension and a soft, suede interior.
"I was inspired to test out this style when I was getting ready to go out with my friend, and she asked me if my bag was a Polène. In fact, it was from Quince. But when a Quince dupe can pass for French luxury, it makes me skeptical that the real deal could be any good to begin with.
Instead, I was happily proven wrong. The ‘Cognac’ shade of the Numéro Dix is the perfect color people who wear similar gourmand shades like chocolate and almond. It’s made with a single panel of structured, full-grain leather that has a deliciously rich sheen.
It also beats out the Quince dupe in terms of storage capacity. Because the crescent shape has a flared base, I can fill it from the bottom up with my everyday carry. I’ve only worn mine as a crossbody or shoulder bag, but it also converts to a belt bag and the adjustable strap extension means it can fit a tall frame. There’s now a JW Pei dupe of the same style.
My only qualm is that the interior seams aren’t immaculate, and for the high price tag, they ought to be. However, its beautiful sculpted shape and luxe exterior have, at least for now, converted me from a ‘carries everything in her pockets’ into a purse girl." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
Best water bottle holder: Dagne Dover Sloane Water Bottle Sling
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Dagne Dover Sloan Water Bottle Sling
I can fit my 40 ounce water bottle in its main compartment and it still has space for a phone, wallet, and mini sunscreen or bug spray in its side pockets.
While my Lululemon belt bag is the perfect companion for a brisk morning walk, I also need a bag to accommodate a much larger water bottle so I stay hydrated on longer hikes. Dagne Dover claims this sling only holds bottles up to 32 ounces, but I was able to fit my 40-ounce Owala FreeSip in there comfortably. Dagne Dover likewise makes some of our team’s favorite work bags and backpacks, made of the same plush neoprene material.
I store my ID and some cash in the Sloan’s smaller exterior slash pocket, my phone in the larger exterior slash pocket, and the exterior drawstring pockets contain travel-size sunscreen and bug spray. Sometimes I even take it to a fitness class if I don’t need any extra equipment so that I can keep my water bottle plus a few essentials close by.
Learn more about its best bags in our full Dagne Dover review.
Best for work: Cuyana System Tote
Insider
The System Tote is highly customizable with a range of optional inserts that clip into the bag for the ultimate blend of form and function. We particularly like the add-on cross-body strap, which gives you multiple ways to carry the bag.
If you carry a laptop to and from the office each day, you’ll need a work bag that’s a bit more spacious than your typical crossbody. Cuyana’s System Tote is a tote and a crossbody in one, providing the spaciousness of a tote with the comfort of a thick-strapped crossbody bag.
Its silhouette is just a little bit different from your average tote bag, but that’s what gives it a stylish flair. The best part of this tote bag — which tops our list of the best tote bags — is how immensely customizable it is. You can add a laptop sleeve, insert zippered pouches, and a crossbody strap. Even if you don’t go with the System, the brand makes one of our team’s favorite universal tote organizers.
I’ve been a Cuyana devotee for years, and it’s because their high-quality leather bags are made to last. I’ve had my first leather Cuyana tote for over a decade, and it’s still in great shape today.
Best phone holder: Bandolier Hailey Leather Crossbody
Sally Kaplan, Samantha Crozier/Business Insider
Bandolier makes wallet phone cases with crossbody straps that carry your phone and cash hands-free. Blake Lively and Selena Gomez have been spotted with these crossbody cases available for nearly every iPhone model since the iPhone 6.
"After a few weeks of using it, I can say one thing: it’s like actually having pockets! I no longer have to play the balancing game of clutching my phone and a coffee in one hand while I struggle to key open my door. It may not seem like much, but for a person who wears women’s clothing, the convenience of a pocket is a small miracle," wrote Style & Beauty Editor Samantha Crozier in her Bandolier phone case review.
"I use my Bandolier phone case and carrying strap literally every day. I’ve always used phone cases with wallets attached, so I was familiar with the convenience, but once I added the strap it was game over," says executive editor Sally Kaplan.
Best sporty: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag has amassed a cult following among fitness enthusiasts and athleisure lovers. I was a fairly late adopter of the nylon bag, but now that it’s in my orbit, I’m not sure how I ever went without it. I primarily wear this bag slung across my chest like a tight-fitting crossbody bag during my morning power walks. It’s surprisingly spacious thanks to its organizational features and I’m able to carry more inside it than I would have expected. My iPhone 12 Pro fits perfectly in the back zipper pocket, while my keys and some cash are stowed neatly in two interior mesh pockets. I’m even able to fit this 17-ounce water bottle thanks to the bottle’s long and flat shape designed for purses.
Though it’s technically a belt bag, most people I see with this accessory wear it over one shoulder and across the chest like a tight-fitting crossbody bag. This version of the bag even comes with an extended strap that’s nearly 14 inches longer than the original version, so you can wear it like a true crossbody that hangs to your hip.
Best mini: Milaner The Grazia Mini Woven Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
Milaner The Grazia Mini Woven Bag
This lightweight woven bag can switch a between casual crossbody and formal wristlet. I love how much it can fit despite its tiny shape.
Despite its teeny-tiny silhouette, this miniature crossbody can hold a surprising amount of items. My iPhone 12 Pro fits effortlessly across the bottom, and there’s plenty of room for my sunglasses, a small wallet, and some odds and ends like mints and a chapstick. I love this hand-woven leather bag because it has the elegance of a clutch with the ease and comfort of a crossbody bag. The strap is removable, though, which is convenient for occasions when I might prefer to swap in its shorter strap for a wristlet.
Best camera bag: Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
A few years back, I tested this quilted Italian leather crossbody bag as part of a larger review of the Quince brand, and it’s still in rotation in my wardrobe today. After many uses, the soft leather is still in great condition (and I even let my friend’s baby play with it on the pavement!). Though it looks sleek and compact, I’m always surprised by how much I can tote in the zip-top bag. I can easily fit my large wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys, and even a 13-ounce purse-shaped water bottle inside. In terms of appearance, it’s comparable to the ultra-popular Saint Laurent Lou quilted camera bag, but of course, it comes at a very small fraction of the price. For 100% top-grain Italian leather, the cost is unbeatable.
Read about more Quince bags we love in our full Quince review.
Best formal: Cuyana Mini Bow Bag
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
The Mini Bow Bag is one of our favorite all-occasion bags for its versatility. It’s equally at home at a formal event or a day on the town, and you can carry it as a top-handle bag, over-the-shoulder, or cross-body.
I’m always excited about a formal bag that can be worn across my shoulder. Though elegant, handheld clutches can be quite inconvenient, since they make it tough to hold while enjoying a drink and an hors d’oeuvre. This adorable little bag has all the sophistication and class I’d want for a formal event with the convenience of a crossbody bag.
I chose the Italian pebbled leather version in dark coral, but there are a number of other colors and fabrics to pick from, including black suede and an iridescent silver snake print. I love that the 21-inch gold chain strap can be unclipped to transform this bag into a dainty top-handle bag. The only downside is that the bag doesn’t have a zipper or full closure, so it needs to be kept upright so the items inside don’t spill out.
Best quilted: MZ Wallace Micro Metro Tote Deluxe
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
I love a tote-style bag because the spacious inner pocket makes it easy to carry a variety of bulky items, but they rarely zip fully shut and therefore are prone to spills. This adorable quilted bag from MZ Wallace does both. Small but mighty, the soft-sided bag is easily packed with my wallet, sunglasses, keys, phone, a small water bottle, and more. Beyond that, there are two additional zip pockets separate from the main compartment (plus two pockets inside the main compartment).
I find this bag to be ideal for packing into a carry-on since it’s soft and lightweight, making it easily compactable. The crossbody strap is removable, so I can carry it like a top-handle bag if I want some versatility in the look. Most importantly: it’ll look so cute in all my vacation photos!
Best backpack: We The Free Soho Convertible Sling
Talia Ergas/Business Insider
If you’re looking to carry a bit more than fits inside your average crossbody but don’t want to haul a huge rucksack, I recommend the SoHo crossbody sling. It converts to a small backpack, so I like to carry it on light shopping outings. That way, I have my hands free to shop, but I also have some extra space in my bag to store my purchases.
The sling bag (unzip the strap to turn it into a backpack) has two equally-sized main interior compartments, plus a smaller zippered compartment on the front. I dedicate one compartment to my going-out essentials (wallet, sunglasses, keys, etc) and leave the other empty for anything that catches my eye along the way. My phone stays in the front zip pocket for easy access. The bag made from super soft leather that’s elegant and durable, and it comes in three colors.
Best bucket bag: Mansur Gavriel Dea Bucket Bag
Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel makes some of our favorite leather goods, from comfortable and stylish ballet flats to this newest edition from its bucket bag archive, the Dea. The exterior of this bag (available in four hues) is made from a soft, smooth tumbled Italian leather. You can carry the Dea by its top handle, or clip on its detachable crossbody strap at your choosing. Inside is a suede lining that cradles your essentials in luxurious softness.
Best straw: AllSaints Ebro Straw Crossbody Bag
Allsaints/Nordstrom
As you map out your summer plans, consider bringing this seagrass-woven crossbody along for the ride. The boho-inspired inspired bag practically begs to be taken to seasonal events, from beach trips to music festivals. It has an adjustable cow leather strap to help you get the perfect fit. Inside, a 100% cotton lining protects items such as your cellphone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and more. The bag has a magnetic closure at the top with the AllSaints logo stamped across the front.
Talia Ergas is a writer and editor covering fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, HuffPost, Us Weekly, BestReviews, Bravo, Elite Daily, and more. She graduated from New York University with degrees in Journalism, Sociology, and Creative Writing. You can follow her on Instagram.
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