The Best Crossbody Bags Of 2025, Tested For Months By Our Fashion Team

After three months of testing crossbody bags to determine the best styles, here’s what I learned: Once you start carrying one, you’ll never go back to a heavy tote again. Crossbody bags let you go about your day hands-free and are especially suitable 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 purse on your shoulder. My top pick overall, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, became my favorite style thanks to its functional yet stylish design; this 100% leather pick is an excellent value at $130.

I tested over a dozen styles to determine the best crossbody bags for every scenario—from travel to errands to drinks with friends.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

I’ve rounded up 10 chic and functional options for every budget and occasion.

To find the best crossbody bags, I spent three months testing and scrutinizing over 15 options. Along with the Forbes Vetted fashion team, we evaluated metrics (like weight and capacity sizes), materials and strap lengths, then incorporated my informed take on the style and versatility of each model. Ahead, find the best crossbody bags we deemed stylish and versatile, along with a detailed buying guide to help you find the right one.

After testing 15 crossbody bags for more than three months, you might think it was hard to pick a winner. Yes, there are many bags that are perfectly functional, but Quince’s best-selling 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.

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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 resistant to moisture and the strap fit comfortably across my chest and body. As the name implies, you can also buckle this around your waist but I found it most useful to wear slung across my body.

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In my opinion, Mark & Graham doesn’t get enough attention for its excellent leather goods. Its Essential Crossbody Bag is made from premium leather, minus the premium price tag. Plus, it 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 love 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 has a zipper closure, while the other is open so you can access small stuff like keys quickly).

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Cuyana’s leather goods are beautiful, and the Double Moon Saddle Bag has a quality that I could really feel in my hands. It’s made of Italian leather that’s certified by the Leather Working Group for its environmentally responsible tanning methods. (The pebbled leather version I tried is currently out of stock, but Cuyana offers the same bag in an embossed croc texture, shown above.) 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. 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.

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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.

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French luxury brand Longchamp is known for its leather and nylon handbags, most notably the Le Pliage collection. The Energy Crossbody is designed for running errands, going out at night and everything in between. The recycled nylon on the main body is lightweight, durable and accommodating for all your must-haves, like a phone, keys and money. While this bag is relatively affordable, 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. (I tested a very similar but different version of this bag that’s no longer available.) I like the nylon canvas construction of this style, which is strong enough to hold up to daily abuse without any noticeable scratches or scuffs.

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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 design: The main compartment 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.

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Dallas-based Leatherology uses full-grain leather in all its 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 is 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 option takes up very little horizontal space on your body. You can also monogram this pick.

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For the fashion enthusiasts out there, designer Clare Vivier’s popular crossbody bag comes in fun colors, prints and textures. I tested the brand’s bestseller—the Midi Sac—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.

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Just like its luggage, Tumi’s crossbody bags are designed to be carried on the go. The Persia easily doubles as a travel purse, since it’s outfitted with four cardholder slots inside, 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 has a handy, detachable leather tab with a mirror on one side. It comes with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted fashion section includes several stories on handbags and purses based on research, expert interviews and hands-on testing conducted by our fashion team.

• We’ve evaluated purses and totes for a variety of situations, from testing the best work bags for women to comparing Calpak and Cuyana styles in a head-to-head review. Relatedly, we’ve also published a tested guide to the best wallets for men.
• Our editors collectively have decades of experience covering fashion and lifestyle. Former Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar conducted the initial research, testing and reporting of this story. Molvar is a style expert with more than 25 years of experience.
• Lifestyle commerce editor Katherine Louie contributed additional insights to this article in later iterations, addressing what to consider when shopping for a crossbody bag. Louie has over seven years of experience writing about products, with accessories being one of her areas of expertise.
• This story was reviewed and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the fashion vertical. Sung has more than two decades of experience covering women’s fashion.
• This story is regularly updated for clarity and accuracy. It was most recently refreshed in July 2025 by fashion writer Claire Epting. In the latest update, we reviewed all product information and added a section of frequently asked questions.

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How We Tested The Best Crossbody Bags

Our recommendations are the result of a two-part process combining hands-on testing with team analysis. I began by researching top crossbody styles, then narrowing down 15 top contenders to test over three months in a real-world setting. My selections were evaluated by fellow fashion team editors, who also conducted further research in later iterations of this story.

Initial Assessment

I considered options from both established and emerging brands that are known for their top-rated bags and accessories. First, I ran in-depth but realistic tests: I noticed the initial weight of each bag, assessed how comfortable it felt across my body, took note of strap adjustability and gauged practicality for holding a standard set of items (phone, cardholder wallet, snacks, personal care items and keys).

Design Evaluation

In terms of design, I zeroed in on 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?

Real-World Scenarios

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 materials to interior storage, to find the best options.

Kari Molvar For Forbes

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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. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Leather: Bags made of leather are durable, versatile and wear in 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: This synthetic material is a popular choice for crossbody bags due to its lightweight nature and affordability. However, it’s not as durable as nylon and reads more casual than leather.
• Nylon: Another synthetic material, nylon is known for its toughness and water resistance—and it often outperforms polyester in these categories. However, like polyester, nylon doesn’t come off as formal as leather.

Closure Types

Bag closures range 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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