The 21 best crossbody bags for everything from daily errands to travel

Best overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama

"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.

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 let me see what's inside more easily. Besides being a stylish accessory, I love this bag for its intuitive design." — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor

Read more in our full guide to the best Lo & Sons bags we've tested. 

Best budget: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

 

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 anti-theft: Arden Cove Crissy Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

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 luxury: Sanreve Mini Maestra

In her review of Senreve's Maestra bag, Executive Editor Sally Kaplan found the Instagram-famous purse brand lives up to the hype. "Let me say this: the Maestra bag is a luxury, but it's one that you will get tons of use out of," she wrote. 

The convertible bag comes in three sizes, all of which can easily transition from a backpack to a crossbody without the need for undoing and re-doing clasps or buttons. "The largest one is the only option I recommend as a work bag since it features a designated sleeve large enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, and has enough room to carry your lunch and a sweater, too," Sally explained. "The midi will hold a tablet or Kindle easily and is the size I'd recommend for daily use if you don't really have to carry large amounts of stuff with you through the day. The mini is great as a fashion statement, but it's not the one I'd suggest for functionality."

She concluded: "If you have the means to buy one, I couldn't recommend it enough. It's one of those functional pieces your closet will thank you for, and its weighty construction is strong enough to last through literally decades of use (I'm not kidding — I'm pretty sure my children will be able to use this bag one day)."

Best for work: Cuyana System Tote

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

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 water bottle holder: Dagne Dover Sloane Water Bottle Sling

While my Lululemon belt bag is the perfect companion for my brisk morning walks, I need a bag that'll accommodate a much larger water bottle to keep me 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.

Best for travel: Melie Bianco Lanie Tote

The best crossbody bag for travel should be stylish enough to fit into your vacation photos without sacrificing function or durability. For me, this adorable recycled vegan leather woven bag from Melie Bianco fits the bill. I love that I can detach the crossbody strap to turn it into a top-handle bag, so I'm pretty much getting two bags for the luggage real estate of one.

It has a spacious interior — big enough for my phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, camera, and a small water bottle — that zips shut to keep my items secure as I explore new sights and cities. The woven exterior gives it some stylish flair while the neutral color palette (it comes in beige, brown, and black) ensures it matches with nearly anything in my travel wardrobe.

Best mini: Milaner The Grazia Mini Woven Bag

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

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 nylon: Everlane The Recycled Nylon Camera Bag

In situations when comfort is the top priority, I find this recycled nylon camera bag by Everlane is the best crossbody bag. It's super lightweight, so I'm basically only feeling the weight of the items I've packed. Plus, the shoulder strap (which is adjustable and can be shortened to convert to a shoulder bag) is thicker on the section that drapes over your shoulder, so it won't dig into your skin regardless of how much stuff you're carrying. The organizational features include an exterior slash pocket (I usually keep my iPhone here for easy access) and two interior zippered compartments. The only downside of the divided interior is that it makes it tough to carry bulkier items like a small water bottle. 

For more of our favorite Everlane products, check out our full Everlane review.

Best messenger: Tumi Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

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 sporty: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

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 formal: Cuyana Mini Bow Bag

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 sling: Madewell The Sling Crossbody Bag

My favorite part about this leather sling from Madewell is its versatility. I recently carried it to a family birthday party that was held outdoors, and I appreciated the ability to push the bulk of the bag onto my back so it wasn't in the way while I was in line at the buffet or eating my lunch. I kept my phone in the side zip pocket for easy access, so I was quickly able to whip it out when the two-year-old birthday boy blew out his candles. However, the smooth leather exterior, which comes in three neutral, easy-to-match hues, is elegant enough that I can just as easily wear this bag to dinner or out to a bar in the evening.

Best quilted: MZ Wallace Micro Metro Tote Deluxe

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

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 clutch: Leatherology Willow Envelope Wallet

 

For an evening out when you don't have much to carry, this elegant Leatherology wallet-on-a-chain makes an excellent companion. The interior can fit nearly any iPhone, and it has six leather card slots, a bill compartment, and a small zippered compartment, all of which snap shut via a magnetic closure.

If you want to change up the look of the bag, you can remove the crossbody strap and carry it as a handheld clutch. Alternatively, the crossbody strap can be swapped out for a shorter shoulder strap ($30 extra). Crafted from premium Italian leather, the bag is available in eight hues that can be monogrammed in three different styles.

Best bucket bag: Mansur Gavriel Soft Mini Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel makes some of our favorite leather goods, from comfortable and stylish ballet flats to this versatile and timeless bucket bag. The Italian pebbled leather on this crossbody (available in four hues) is buttery soft. Still, it's crafted with a unique tumbling process that makes it more durable and less prone to scratching and wear, so your bag will look newer for longer. Inside, a suede lining adds to the luxe appeal of this designer bag.

Best pouch: M.Gemi The Sarita

Our team already loves M.Gemi for its ankle boots and loafers for women, but the Italian label's leather accessories are equally exquisite. The Sarita crossbody pouch can be worn as a clutch, wristlet, crossbody, or shoulder bag, ultimately giving you four looks for the price of one bag.

It's constructed from buttery soft Italian calf leather (available in four colors), giving it elegance and a luxurious feel. It has a supple shape that makes it easy to carry all the essentials and then some. Two interior pockets (one with a zipper) help keep you organized, while a magnetic closure and drawstring provide added security for your items. 

Read about our favorite M.Gemi shoes in our full M.Gemi review.

Best straw: AllSaints Ebro Straw Crossbody Bag

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.