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13 Travel Crossbody Bags That Will Make You Want to Plan a Trip
Brought to you by true enthusiasts.
The crossroads of travel and fashion? That’s our happy place. Naturally, we jump at any chance to double dip on our favorite subjects, so a breakdown of the best crossbody bags for travel is an obvious and resounding “yes.” There’s a fine line that divides the modern jet setter from the weary traveler, and it’s (mostly) marked by a precise combination of style and preparedness. And anyone who’s traveled knows that good luggage is the most important companion.
The right crossbody allows you to carry your essentials hands-free while you’re hauling ass through airport security at 5 A.M. or putting in miles during a day of sightseeing. Of course, you might also need something to carry to dinner or on a spontaneous date with some accented stranger (a girl can dream!). The moral of the story is you need a bag that can do it all. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for an autumn getaway, shop the best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.
The Row Nu Twin Mini Crossbody
Pros
- Designer
- Secure closure
- Adjustable strap
- Versatile
Cons
- Small capacity
For digital director Claire Stern Milch, this is the most tried-and-true travel purse of all.
Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 7.6 inches; depth: 2.5 inches
Material: Leather
Colors: Black
Customer review: “Love this bag! Perfect for everyday and travel!”
Pros
- Easy to dress up
- Genuine leather
- Adjustable strap
Cons
- Small capacity
If style is your top priority, here’s an option that will match with quite literally anything you wear. The concession is that you might not be able to squeeze that telescopic camera lens inside it, but there’s more than enough room for airplane snacks.
Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7.1 inches; length: 10.6 inches
Material: Calfskin
Colors: Black, Desert, Avorio, Plum
Customer review: “What a beautiful and versatile bag, both in terms of style and colour. It's surprisingly roomy for the size. The leather is absolutely beautiful and buttery soft. Super happy with my purchase!”
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Removable zipper pouch
- Genuine leather
- 2-in-1 design
Cons
- Strap is removable, but it isn't adjustable
With a reversible design, this crossbody bag will do double-duty in your travel wardrobe. Wear the sleek black side with prints and busier outfits. Then, flip it inside out to wear the monogrammed side with your minimalist looks.
Pros
- Designer
- B Corp-certified company
Cons
- Hard to dress up
Does the small Ganni patch elevate this basic sling bag to a whole new level? One hundred percent.
Dimensions: Height: 16.5 inches; width: 23 inches; depth: 7 inches
Material: Recycled polyester
Colors: Black, Leopard
Bottega Veneta The Cassette Padded Leather Crossbody Bag
Pros
- Secure closure
- Designer
- Lots of color options
- Easy to dress up
Cons
- Small capacity
Designer bags can be travel-friendly. Look for styles that close securely and transition well from day to night.
Dimensions: Height: 6.5 inches; width: 3.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches
Material: Leather
Colors: 8 options
Customer review: “This is a gorgeous bag, and the leather is so dreamy, but you will be forced to pick and choose what you want to carry as the interior is quite small. I’m able to fit my iPhone, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”
Pros
- Designer
- Two removable strap options
- Two zippered sections
Cons
- Won’t accommodate large items
While we love cameras, camera bags are usually ugly, point blank. You’re not paparazzi, and although you are a traveler, you wouldn’t want anyone to think of you as a tourist, right? This fashionable find from Isabel Marant is the solution.
Dimensions: Height: 5.25 inches; width: 3 inches; length: 7.25 inches
Material: Leather, silver, textile
Colors: Black
Customer review: “I have been on the hunt for a travel-friendly crossbody or camera bag style. [This one is] lightweight and is the exact size that I need. It’s so fun. Definitely keeping it!”
Pros
- Suitable for stadiums and events
- Collector’s item
- Designer collaboration
Cons
- No secure closure
- No organization or pockets
Would it be cheesy to call this one a clear choice for anyone traveling for an event or concert? An open-topped bag isn’t ideal for traveling, but with bag restrictions at most stadiums and venues in America, a fashionable transparent bag is a must-have.
Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 7 inches; depth: 2.75 inches
Material: Melflex
Colors: Clear, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple
Customer review: “It’s so nice!”
Pros
- Trendy
- Spacious
- Many size and color variations
Cons
- This iteration might be too big for some shoppers’s
This crossbody is big enough for that extra jacket and pair of shoes, which is perfect for packing a spare outfit in case your luggage gets lost. (Knock on wood...)
Dimensions: Height: 15.6 inches; width: 15.8 inches; depth: 8.7 inches
Material: Recycled cotton, polyester
Colors: Black, Beige, Light Beige, Gray Denim
Pros
- Removable zipper pouch
- Detachable adjustable strap
- Designer
Cons
It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of Prada. Similar to the ever-practical Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag, this quilted flap-over bag comes complete with a detachable mini zipper pouch.
Dimensions: Height: 17 centimeters; width: 24 centimeters; length: 8 centimeters
Material: Nylon fabric
Colors: Black, Desert Beige
Customer review: “I have the original nylon and the Re-Edition, and they are my go-to bags. Lightweight, durable, and great for daily use.”
Pros
- Water repellent
- Many size and color variations
- Durable nylon
Cons
- Hard to dress up
It may not be a crossbody in the traditional sense, but most people do wear this sling bag across their torso—and by “most people,” we mean the legions of shoppers who swear by this item.
Dimensions: Height: 5 inches; width: 7.5 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Recycled polyester, nylon
Colors: 19 options
Customer review: “The perfect travel bag. It is the perfect size bag to hold everything I need! My passport, credit card, lipstick, money, and a medicine container are all inside with plenty of room.”
Pros
- Adjustable strap
- Durable
- Affordable
- Machine washable
Cons
- Hard to dress up
This BAGGU option is actually a personal recommendation from associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue—although all the rave customer reviews amplify the point. This bag is spacious and surprisingly cute.
Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13.75 inches; depth: 4 inches
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black, Brown, Cocoa, Lemongrass, Pixel Gingham
Customer review: “This bag is so cute and easy to carry. I’m a mom on the go and my bags always get dirty. This bag is so comfortable and easy to clean. The strap is nice and wide and comfortable and the bag is big enough for me to even carry my Owala in it! If you’re on the fence, come on over. This bag rules!”
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- Secure zippers
- Genuine leather
- Versatile
- Ethically produced
Cons
- Small-to-medium capacity
Cargo bags have appeared repeatedly over the past few fashion months, which means organization just got trendier. This sectioned bag allows you to keep all those bits and bobs in a place of their own.
Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; length: 10.5 inches; depth: 4 inches
Material: Calfskin
Colors: Black, Sage, Navy, Ice Blue
Pros
- Sleek
- Can be used as a clutch for dressy outfits
Cons
- Very small capacity
For those of you that prefer a wallet on a chain over a carry-on, Calpak has you covered.
Dimensions: Height: 5.75 inches; width: 8.75 inches; depth: 1.3 inches
Material: Faux leather
Colors: Black, Cognac, Emerald, Pink Sand, Iris
Customer review: “So convenient—I do love this travel wallet! Fits all my cards, passport, and I clip my keys in the middle! We’ve traveled a lot this summer, and I’m super happy with this purchase.”
How to Shop for Travel-Friendly Crossbody Bags
- Look for bags that close securely. Zippered or lock closure tops are best. Snaps and magnets come in second, and open tops offer the least protection against theft.
- Before purchasing, make sure a bag will hold all of your necessities. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you likely know which items you like to keep on your throughout your days. But if not, give it some thought. Will you want to keep your passport on your person, or are you comfortable using the hotel safe? Do you carry an inhaler or EpiPen? Is your wallet large, or do you have a sleek card holder? Think these things over and be sure your new bag will hold everything you want it to. Often, it’s better to go slightly larger than you might initially think you need. Size up.
- Ideally, the bag will feel comfortable to wear and will have a thick, perhaps even padded, strap. It’s also preferable for straps to be adjustable.
- The more organizational features, the better.
- A bag that can be worn in multiple ways or has a versatile style is best if you want to pack light. Some bags won’t transition well to a fancy dinner or night out. If you only plan to bring one bag, keep this in mind.
- If you’re more concerned with practicality, you’ll definitely want to look for durable, weather-resistant materials, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.
Why Crossbody Bags Are Good for Travelers
- If worn as a true crossbody, it’s not as easy for the bag to slip off your shoulder—or to be snatched—as it is with a tote, shoulder, or handbag. Yet, it still provides that handsfree convenience. The same can be said for backpacks.
- From a fashion perspective, crossbody bags are easier to dress up than backpacks and are likely to match with more of your outfits.
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