The 15 Best Crossbody Bags That Make Traveling a Breeze

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When you’re traveling, nothing is more convenient than a good crossbody bag. Whether I’m headed for a short domestic flight to Chicago or on a trip to Portugal, having a compact bag that holds everything I need is a must.

Finding the perfect crossbody is not always an easy task, so we called in a travel expert: Camiel Irving, general manager of Uber Mobility in the United States and Canada. According to Irving, one of the most important things to consider is the bag’s size. “I try to travel light, so the best crossbody is big enough to carry all of my essentials (phone, passport, lip color, hand sanitizer), but small enough to not weigh me down,” she says. “I opt for versatile colors and textures, with a strap that can be worn a few ways, so that the same bag can take me from a client meeting to dinner with friends.”

Aside from size and versatility, when shopping for a travel-ready bag, it’s important to pay attention to interior and exterior features. (Personally, I’m a sucker for some zip pockets.) Finally, you want to look for a bag that is extremely secure with zip-top or button-flap closure. Sorry, pickpockets!

To make your adventures a little easier, have a look at the 15 best crossbody bags to make for easy, breezy traveling. Once you find your forever style, it’s a game changer.

Betty Crossbody Bag

The A.P.C. Betty is my personal favorite. It holds all my essentials and never feels too heavy, even when I’m walking around a new city for hours on end. I have owned this bag for over six years now, and the stiff leather barely shows any sign of wear or tear. And it’s even compact enough to throw into my personal item on a flight, so I don’t have to worry about extra baggage.

Materials: Leather

Dimensions: 8" W x 7" L x 2.4" D

Colors: Brown, black

Messenger Bag With Interlocking G

If I were to go the designer logo route, I would most definitely choose Gucci’s messenger shape for the ’70s feel of the heritage G logo. The durable canvas is also ideal for travel, making cleaning and touch-ups easy. The two pockets will keep your belongings safe and secure. It’s also the ideal accessory for a day of sightseeing, especially if styled with a cotton button-down, a pair of faded jeans, and Birkenstock slides.

Materials: Canvas, leather

Dimensions: 7.9" H x 10" W x 2.4" D

Colors: Beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas

Double Loop Bag

Cuyana excels at creating leather goods with purpose. The Double Loop bag is made from Italian leather—certified by the Leather Working Group—and produced in a woman-owned factory in Turkey, which has been in operation since the 15th century. The brand’s minimal designs, like this crossbody, are always in my suitcase because they’re guaranteed to work with any outfit I wear.

Materials: Leather

Dimensions: 8" H x 9.5" W x 5.5" D

Colors: Dark olive, black, cappuccino, ecru, and more

Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag

I like traveling with nylon bags since they don’t feel too precious. Prada’s version is a classic, reimagined in its Re-Nylon, which is produced from recycled, purified plastic materials. It has plenty of organizational pockets for all my necessities, too, so I am fully prepared for a full day of wandering.

Materials: 100% recycled nylon

Dimensions: 9.4" H x 11.6" W x 3.5" D

Colors: Black, desert beige

The Leather Carabiner Crossbody Bag

Madewell makes affordable bags from luxe Italian leather that wear quite well over time and are usually under $150. This compact bag’s extended strap is extra long and has loads of notches for additional adjustability.

I’d take this medium crossbody with me on a weekend excursion when I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking. It will also look equally great at the peak of summer with a white summer dress or this fall with a chunky sweater and vintage jeans.

Materials: Leather

Dimensions: 5.5" H x 8" W x 2" D

Colors: True black, harvest moon

Salina Leather Crossbody Bag

Slow fashion is key to Il Bisonte’s work. The brand’s leather products are made by hand in Tuscany, Italy, by skilled artisans who use vegetable-tanned cowhide in an effort to produce leather more sustainably. This minimalist Salina crossbody looks like a vintage bag I’d stumble upon in a Parisian flea market. And the retro design isn’t clunky, making it ideal for a day of gallery hopping.

Materials: Cowhide leather

Dimensions: 9.5" H x 10" W x 3.5" D

Colors: Avorio, caramel, nero

Gate Dual Mini Crossbody Bag

Loewe’s Gate Dual Mini is a no-brainer. It’s stylish and compact, with a jacquard canvas strap that is thick, soft, and won’t rub on the shoulder. It’s also available in a bevy of rich colorways, so there is something for everyone. I love the olive green paired with a white tee, black jeans, and blue button-down.

Materials: Leather, cotton/polyester strap

Dimensions: 5.1" H x 8.3" W x 3.5" D

Colors: Green, tan, beige, peach, and more

Le Foulonné Small Crossbody Bag

Longchamp’s Le Foulonné bag has a top zip closure, so belongings won’t spill out while you’re zipping through security. The fabric lining inside also makes for easy cleaning in case of spillage—so there’s no need to worry about mini TSA-approved perfume bottles or a rogue uncapped lipstick making a mess.

Materials: Cowhide leather

Dimensions: 7.75" H x 7.75" W x 2" D

Colors: Caramel, turtle dove, black, and more

Marcie Medium Crossbody Bag

Chloé’s Marcie bag has been a permanent fixture in the brand’s collection, for good reason. It’s a roomy crossbody shape that fits all the essentials for travel: passport, wallet, phone, and keys. The stitching and simple hardware give it a slight bohemian-meets-equestrian feel. I’d take this one on my summer travels and pair it with airy, cotton dresses and lace-up sandals in the Mediterranean, or to the countryside in the fall while wearing a blazer, jeans, and cowboy boots.

Materials: Leather

Dimensions: 10.2" H x 11.4" W x 3.5" D

Colors: Tan, black, light gray

Intrecciato Leather Crossbody Bag

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato crossbody bag is a worthy investment. The thick, supple leather strap sits comfortably on the shoulder. But most importantly, it’s also removable, so the bag easily converts to a clutch

Materials: Leather

Dimensions: 5" H x 8.5" W x 2" D

Colors: Porridge-gold, white gold, teal washed silver, and more

x Clare V. Le Fanny Pack

Both Mother and Clare V. have a knack for consistently creating simple, wearable products with a playful twist. So when they joined forces, we knew it was going to be good. This fanny pack can also be worn as a crossbody, giving you on-the-go versatility.

Materials: Nappetto leather

Colors: Breton stripe

Small Slouchy Banana Bag

The Row makes a bag that’s a personal favorite of Irving’s. She tells us, “I love [this bag] because it sits securely in the front, is easy to access, and the relaxed leather adds some intrigue to any outfit.”

Materials: Leather, suede

Dimensions: 4.75" x 13.75" x 7"

Colors: Black

Langley Crossbody

It’s only natural that Tumi, purveyor of luxury travel products, would have a crossbody perfect for all types of adventures. Featuring ample pockets (including zip pockets and card slots), this bag primes you for peak organization.

Materials: Nylon

Dimensions: 5.0" x 8.0" x 2.5"

Colors: Black/gold, black/gunmetal

Arc Baby Chain Bag

If you want something a little edgier, Iro’s silver chain hardware makes a statement. Carry it as a small shoulder bag or as a crossbody—either works.

Materials: Leather, cotton

Dimensions: 6.1" H x 2.4" W x 8.3" L

Colors: Black

Ezra Crossbody Bag

Comprised of (mostly) recycled materials, AllSaints produces a leopard-print bag that can also be worn as a clutch. Credit card slots replace the need of a cardholder, so you can travel with less.

Materials: Recycled polyester, cotton, leather

Dimensions: 5.1" H x 7.9" W x 1.2" D

Colors: Leopard brown, black

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