After months of reporting to find the best crossbody bags, here’s what I quickly learned: Once you start carrying one of these super convenient bags, you can never go back to a heavy tote again. My top pick overall, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, proved to be game changer in this regard, as did many of the other options I tested. Crossbody bags let you go about your day hands free and are highly convenient for commuting and travel. Plus, they’re great to use while running errands (especially if you have kids) or going out at night when you don’t want an oversized bag on your shoulder.
These are the best crossbody bags, according to our testing.
To find the best crossbody bags, I spent months testing and scrutinizing the options so you don’t have to. I evaluated hard facts and metrics (like weight and capacity sizes), materials, and strap lengths, and then gave my fashion editor take on the style and versatility of the bags. Ahead, the best crossbody bags that are stylish, functional and versatile.
After testing 15 crossbody bags for more than 3 months, you might think it was hard to pick a winner. Yes, there are many bags that are perfectly functional, but Quince’s bestselling Italian Leather Crossbody really stood out to me. This compact-but-spacious pick excels in all the areas that matter: It’s made from ethically-sourced, buttery leather; has comfortable and easy to adjust straps; comes with a zipper closure that’s wide enough to get my phone in and out of quickly; and it’s priced extremely well (by comparison, 50% less than most luxury picks). The interior pocket holds just enough, and while the canvas lining is not as luxe as leather, it’s durable and keeps the overall price of this bag low.
In my opinion Mark & Graham doesn’t get enough attention for its excellent leather goods. Their Essential Crossbody Bag is made from premium leather, minus the premium price tag, and can be personalized with your initials or fun characters in a variety of fonts and colors for an additional $12.50, which still keeps the overall price low in comparison to other customized bags. I loved the size and shape—the zippered oval design made it easy to take items in and out, and the gold-toned hardware added a stylish touch. It also has two interior pockets (one that zips; the other is open so you can access small stuff like keys quickly).
Cuyana’s leather goods are beautiful, and the Double Moon Saddle Bag has a quality that I could really feel in my hands: The Italian leather is pebbled and certified by the Leather Working Group for its environmentally-responsible tanning methods. This crossbody is fully lined in leather—the only bag I tested with this detail—and the saddle-bag design has two front compartments, each accessible with a magnetic flap. There’s also an exterior pocket on the back for storing your phone, and although it’s on the pricier end, this bag has a luxury construction that justifies the price. You can also add your monogram to the strap without an extra charge.
MZ Wallace’s crossbody is genius for travel. It can be worn two ways—as a crossbody or top handle tote—and is made from quilted, water-resistant oxford fabric. This crossbody has so many handy, thoughtful touches: The nylon strap is amazingly easy to adjust (the best of all the bags I tested); the handles are padded and reinforced with Italian leather; the five interior pockets are great for organizing your phone, wallet, tickets and small stuff; and the detachable interior pouch can hold a spare pair of shoes. Plus, this bag is lightweight and expands to hold a lot or a little, and it folds down to a compact size for travel. I also found it stylish for day or night.
I was curious to see if Lululemon’s wildly popular Everywhere Belt Bag would live up to the hype. For certain use cases, it definitely did. If you only need to carry the essentials—your phone, keys, lip balm—this crossbody is great. While it’s compact in size, it has three mesh pockets inside and a zippered pocket on the back for your phone. The material is water-resistant and the strap fit comfortably across my chest and body. As the name implies, you can also buckle this around your waist but found it most useful to wear slung across my body.
French luxury brand Longchamp is known for its leather and canvas handbags. The Le Pliage collection, in particular, is a popular bestseller. The City Crossbody is the newest mini in the iconic lineup, designed for running errands, going out at night and everything in between. The grooved, coated canvas on the main body feels almost like leather and comes in two neutral colors. While this bag is less than $220 (a real steal) it has all the high-end touches you’d expect—from the buttery-leather adjustable strap to the sleek flap closure to the leather Longchamp zipper pull. This crossbody also held up to daily abuse without any scratches or scuffs.
Like most of Dagne Dover’s bags, the Micah crossbody is made from neoprene—the same durable material used in scuba suits, so you know it can hold up to the elements. For a mom like myself, I appreciated this bag’s well organized designed: The main has a mesh pocket (great for holding snacks), a zippered pocket (perfect for receipts), a key leash and roomy interior. A second smaller front compartment is great for storing wet wipes and has a drop-in pocket plus pen holders for when you need to write a note or sign forms. Overall, this smart crossbody held everything I needed and was also stylish enough to wear out at night.
Dallas-based Leatherology uses full-grain leather in all their goods, which is the “purest” form of the hide that’s minimally treated. You can see subtle marks or variations in the leather grain, which shows the rich character of the leather. Bottom line: This a beautiful crossbody. It can easily double as your wallet, since there are four cardholder slots and multiple pockets inside, and the back has a drop-in pocket to hold your cellphone. Thanks to its oval, camera-bag-like shape, this bag takes up very little horizontal space on your body, and you can also monogram this pick.
For the fashion enthusiasts out there, designer Clare Vivier’s popular crossbody bag comes in fun colors, prints and textures. I tested the bestseller—which is made from beautiful, vegetable-tanned Italian leather with stripes down the center. It’s a chic look that’s not too loud or showy, which I appreciated. The inside is minimalist, too, with a single main interior, minus any pockets. I found myself reaching for this bag often, since it paired nicely with everything from jeans and flats to flowy skirts and heels.
Tory Burch’s Kira crossbody was the only bag I tested with an interior lining that looked as beautiful as the exterior. It’s outfitted in a chic herringbone cotton fabric with luxe piping on the edges of the three pockets, which are great for keeping items organized. The rest of the bag is made from quilted Napa leather with a chic chevron design that adds a dressy feel to this crossbody. The gold-toned hardware and chain strap also elevate the look—I definitely reached for this bag on evenings out and could also see myself giving it as a gift.
Just like their luggage, Tumi’s crossbody bags are designed to be carried on the go. The Persia doubles as a travel purse since it’s outfitted with four cardholder slots inside, and other thoughtful details, including an anti-theft zippered interior pocket and drop-in slot on the exterior for your phone. The entire bag is crafted primarily from water-resistant nylon, with durable leather fastenings to prevent wear and tear. This pick comes with a 5-year warranty, too, and has a handy, detachable leather tab with a mirror on one side.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched, written and published many accessories stories, including roundups of the best cardholders for women and best wallets for men.
- Our editors collectively has decades of experience covering fashion and lifestyle. This story was written by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has covered lifestyle topics for more than 25 years.
- This story is regularly updated to reflect product availability. It was most recently updated in April 2025. In the latest update, we added a buying guide that provides customers with key considerations.
How I Tested The Best Crossbody Bags
In testing crossbody bags, I primarily examined three main factors: the caliber of the construction and materials; ease of use and comfort; and the practicality and versatility of the design. Was the bag easy to carry all day? Did the materials, including the straps, hardware and buckles, hold up well to daily wear and tear? Did the quality of the bag justify the price point and align with other similar options in the market? Was the bag trendy or did it have a style that would last season after season?I considered options from both established and emerging brands that are known for their top-rated bags and accessories.
After compiling a list of initial contenders, I tested each bag, a process that took roughly 4 months to complete. In total, I tested 15 crossbody bags. I first ran in-depth but realistic tests, including feeling the weight of the bag, assessing my ability to wear it comfortably across my body and adjust the straps, and its practicality for holding a standard set of items (my phone, cardholder wallet, snacks, personal care items and keys). From there, I rotated through the bags, trying each one in a variety of scenarios—doing daily tasks and errands, traveling on short trips (for the weekend) and longer trips (for a week), running around with my kids to sports and activities, going out in the evenings and attending work events. In doing this, I identified the use-cases that each crossbody bag would be best for, ultimately narrowing down the contenders to a single best overall option, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody, and those that are more specialized for specific needs.
I tested a variety of crossbody bags for months, evaluating everything from strap lengths to … More
What To Consider In A Crossbody Bag
When shopping for the best crossbody bags, several factors should be considered. Here’s what to look for.
Materials
The most common materials for crossbody bags are leather, polyester and nylon. Leather is durable, versatile and can wear nicely over time. Our top pick, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, is crafted from 100% Italian leather, featuring a quilted design for texture. The resulting look is stylish and transitions well from daytime activities to more formal events. Polyester and nylon are popular choices because they’re lightweight, water-resistant, and resist wear and tear well. However, these materials are not quite as dressy or formal as leather. Before making a purchase, consider how you plan to use your bag and your style preferences.
Closure Types
There are several different types of bag closures, ranging from zippers to magnetic snaps to drawstrings. While the closure might seem like an irrelevant detail, it can affect the overall aesthetic and function. For example, a twist lock (or turnlock) closure has a more vintage feel and is usually more expensive than zippers, so they’re often associated with luxury purchases. Zipper closures are the most common type, and the majority of bags we tested feature this closure. Zippers are secure and keep the contents of your bag contained, which can be helpful if you’re using your bag while traveling or going through the airport.
Additional Features
When you’re on the go, having a bag with multiple pockets for your essentials can help keep you organized and make it easier to find things. If you prefer a pocket with easy access on the outside, consider an option like the Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody. Aside from pockets, other helpful features include adjustable (or removable) straps, a key leash and removable pouches to store makeup or liquids.
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