The Best Travel Crossbody Bags to Complement Your Wanderlust
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The crossroads of travel and fashion? Now that’s a 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 great bags are the most important companions.
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—and one that works for you in every way. So, whether you’re jetting off on an international adventure or gearing up for a summer vacation, shop the 14 best crossbody bags for travel, ahead.
The Cassette Padded Leather Crossbody Bag
If you prefer to shop designer, more power to you. For travel-friendly options, 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: 19 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 pro, small wallet, lip balm and car key…and that’s pretty much it. But the look is worth it!”
The Cassette Padded Leather Crossbody Bag
Nordstrom
$4900.00
Wardy Camera Bag
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
Wardy Camera Bag
Shopbop
$990.00
Moon Sling Bag
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!”
Moon Sling Bag
Shopbop
$495.00
Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag
It wouldn’t be a complete crossbody roundup without some form of nylon 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.”
Padded Re-Nylon Shoulder Bag
Prada
$2500.00
Nova Sling Bag
If you’re the sporty or adventuring type of traveler, allow us to introduce you to this style from Dagne Dover. We think you’d be perfect for each other.
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 4 inches; length: 9.5 inches
Material: REPREVE recycled polyester
Colors: Onyx, Moonbeam, Goji
Customer review: “Recently took this bag on my weeklong trip to Amsterdam...It worked so well. It comfortably fit my small Nalgene water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses—all the necessities. It’s not huge but it could also fit small souvenirs picked up throughout the day such as magnets, small jewelry items, candy, etc. Highly recommend!”
Nova Sling Bag
Dagne Dover
$65.00
Small Sutton Deluxe
Here at ELLE, we love MZ Wallace. This perfectly sized Sutton is just the latest obsession. We scrolled through pages and pages of five-star customer reviews in search of any “cons” to no avail.
Dimensions: Height: 10.2 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
Material: REC Oxford, Italian leather
Colors: 17 options
Customer review: “Love the feel, look and style. Everything fits so nicely in this bag. All items are an eyes view and so convenient to get. Love it.”
Small Sutton Deluxe
MZ Wallace
$245.00
The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag
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
The Cargo Leather Crossbody Bag
Nordstrom
$350.00
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
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, not bulky, 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!”
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Amazon
$52.00
The Sport Sling
Béis knows travel. This sling backpack is ideal for busy walkabout days and can complement any number of other Béis luggage pieces.
Dimensions: Height: 8.2 inches; width: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.7 inches
Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester
Colors: Black, Slate, Beige, Atlas Pink, Maple
Customer review: “Love all the pockets and how accessible the sling is! Grabbing what you need quickly from the slots is so handy. I can’t wait to use this on my Italy trip!”
The Sport Sling
Béis Travel
$58.00
Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag
As a traveler with her naïveté on constant display, this anti-theft bag could’ve saved me some heartbreak (and the four hours I spent Google translating a theft complaint to the Paris police department). Slash-resistant material, deep locking compartments, and an RFID-protected pocket mean you can rest a little easier knowing your belongings are safe and sound.
Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; height: 11.5 inches; depth: 3 inches
Material: Cotton canvas, leather
Colors: Navy, Stone Grey
Customer review: “Did a month with this bag all over the world and there is no wear or tear that I can see at all...it fit everything I needed (wallet, rolled up rain jacket, phone, passport, rolled sun visor, etc.) and the zip out water bottle pocket works with a collapsible water bottle to fill up when you’re not in an airport.”
Anti-Theft Courier Tour Bag
Amazon
$56.20
Valetta North/South Crossbody
For those who never leave their tech behind, keep your lifeline secure in Tumi’s vertical crossbody, complete with a touch of leather trim for style points. It has pockets for cash, cards, and mini must-haves.
Dimensions: Height: 7.3 inches; length: 5.3 inches, depth: 2 inches
Material: Nylon, leather
Colors: Black
Valetta North/South Crossbody
Tumi
$295.00
Crossbody Bag
This bag from Mango gives off an aura of quiet luxury that makes it versatile enough to wear as your day-to-day bag or take it on the go. It’s polished, simple, and houses dual compartments to enhance convenience.
Dimensions: Length: 10.2 inches; height: 6.7 inches; width: 3.5 inches
Material: Polyurethane, polyester
Colors: Black, Leather
Customer review: “Yeah to to faux leather! The time has come for us to be conscious consumers. This purse is perfect to wear with my simple, classic wardrobe pieces.”
Crossbody Bag
Mango
$69.99
Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote
An extension of the Coach brand, Coachtopia revives recycled and upcrafted materials to give birth to new designs, like this puffy-soft crossbody laptop tote.
Dimensions: Length: 16.75 inches; height: 12.25 inches
Material: Recycled polyester
Colors: Twilight, Deep Orange, Black, Olive Green
Customer review: “This tote is so cute and comfy on my shoulders. It holds a lot of items...great for work or travel.”
Coachtopia Loop Quilted Wavy Tote
Coach
$225.00
Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag
This crossbody bag has a 4.6-star rating from almost 30,000 reviews. At such an affordable price point, you might want to choose a couple of color options to add to your collection.
Dimensions: Length: 8.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.75 inches
Material: Faux leather
Colors: 30 options
Customer review: “I use this when traveling, it holds so much without being bulky. I can put passports, phone, sunglasses, lip products, money/cards and still have gobs of room left.”
Triple Zip Small Crossbody Bag
Amazon
$21.90
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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