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The Best Crossbody Bags for Day-to-Night Travel

Hands-free favorites from Baggu, Madewell, Cuyana, and more.
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Perhaps no bag is as supremely useful and functional for travelers as the classic crossbody. With enough room for essentials like your phone, passport, and wallet, a typically lightweight construction, and practical features like hidden pockets, the best crossbody bags are worth every ounce of suitcase space. What we love most, though, is that a crossbody bag keeps you hands-free, allowing busy travelers to look up directions, roll along their luggage, or shop for souvenirs more easily on the go. We rounded up our top picks of the best crossbody bags for every type of traveler, from long-time editor favorites to water-resistant bags suitable for your next hike. Keep scrolling for dozens of versatile crossbody bags we recommend, or jump right to the style you're looking for.

Our top picks:


For everyday wear

BAGGU

Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

The viral Baggu bag is popular for a reason. It holds a lot, and I mean a lot. Water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, tablet—you name it and this thing probably fits it and more. A favorite of associate articles director Megan Spurrell, it also features two interior pockets for stashing small essentials. Made of recycled ripstop nylon, the crescent-shaped bag is machine washable and can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody, thanks to its long adjustable strap. Choose from several fun colors, including butter, peony, leopard, green juice, French blue, and more. (It's available in a small version and a large size, too.)

Read a full review of this bag here.

Madewell The Sculptural Buckle bag

Madewell designs some of our favorite bags for travel—they're well-priced, well-made, and stay in style year after year. This chic, structured crossbody is made of 100% leather and looks so stylish while being simple enough to match everything in your capsule wardrobe. If you're short on packing room, this is versatile enough to serve as your do-it-all bag for a trip, effortlessly going from brunch with friends to sightseeing during the day to a nice dinner in the evening. It features a magnetic closure to keep items secure, a roomy interior, and an adjustable strap with a cute yet subtle gold buckle.

Lo & Sons Aoyama bag

This roomy bag comes highly recommended by associate commerce director Madison Flager. Inside you'll find a few mesh pockets, credit card slots, and a zippered pocket to keep important items secure. On the outside, there's another zippered pocket on the side that's large enough to fit your phone or wallet, giving you easy access to essentials while on the go. It holds a whole lot (Flager has fit a hardcover book inside) and can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The lightweight bag can even be transitioned from day to night—the strap converts into a shorter top handle, giving it a more elevated, nice-dinner-friendly feel—making it a versatile staple.

Madewell The Dakota bag

If a western-inspired saddle bag is more your style, we recommend this gorgeous aged cognac-colored crossbody from Madewell. It's roomier than you think—allowing you to fit a water bottle, iPad, and your phone inside. This supple suede beauty is perfect for spring weekend trips and adds a bit of flare to a plain tee and jeans.

Dagne Dover Micah crossbody bag

Dagne Dover's 100% vegan neoprene crossbody is ultra lightweight and soft—a crucial detail for travelers carrying this bag around all day. It's the perfect blend of sporty and stylish; wear it to the airport, on a hike, or on a city walking tour. There are several interior pockets to keep travel essentials organized and it's just the right size for day trips.

Rothy's The Casual crossbody bag

This casual everyday crossbody features a thick, sturdy strap that supports all of your essentials, plus a little extra. The bag features a zipper closure to keep items extra secure and interior slip pockets for cards or your phone. What we love most: As with everything Rothy's, it's sustainably made and machine washable.

The Sak Lumi crossbody bag

This lightweight, hand-crocheted crossbody is made from ocean-bound plastic, so not only is it cute, but you can feel good about carrying it, too. It's simple in design, but offers lots of versatility, thanks to its detachable, adjustable strap that allows you to wear it crossbody, as a clutch, or as a shoulder bag.

July Carry Me crossbody

Searching for something that's a little more durable? Look no further than the July Carry Me crossbody, a hard-shell bag that's both water-resistant and easy to clean. This practical crossbody comes from Australian luggage brand July, known for designing the world's lightest carry-on. The Carry Me crossbody features two deep pockets, snap closures on each side, and a removable strap that when taken off, turns the bag into a clutch.

Read a full review of this bag here.

Uniqlo shoulder bag

Uniqlo's viral shoulder bag is beloved by travelers for its spacious interior, easy-to-wear style, and of course, its $20 price tag. The nylon bag doesn't have a very structured silhouette, meaning you can pack it flat in your suitcase, taking up barely any space.

For evenings out

Coach Tabby Pebbled Leather crossbody

Coach's popular Tabby pebbled leather crossbody can be dressed up with a silky midi skirt and some heels or dressed down with jeans and sandals. The sleek, structured look and stylish gold hardware makes it great for evenings out. What we love most, though, is the quality—Coach promises quality leather that will hold up for years.

Quince Italian Leather crossbody bag

We love Quince for its can't-beat-it price points on reliable staples, from cashmere sweaters and everyday tees to bedding and luggage, too. The Italian leather quilted crossbody bag looks so elegant and ripe for formal nights on cruise ships or destination weddings. It features a magnetic snap closure, six card slots, and a dual interior so you can keep your phone, keys, and lip gloss in their correct place.

Tory Burch Mercer Pebbled zip crossbody bag

This simple, cream-colored crossbody from Tory Burch is a great bag for day or night. It's slim yet surprisingly spacious, making it a practical bag to pack without taking up a ton of space. It's also available in black and a gray-beige shade.

Dolce Vita Positano crossbody bag

If you're looking for a beachy vacation bag to bring along on your upcoming trip to Positano, look no further than this convertible crossbody from Dolce Vita. This one is all about the details: a structured silhouette, knotted rope overlay, gold hardware, and multiple straps to make it extra functional. Wear it with your favorite summer maxi dress or an all-linen set and you're ready to live live the dolce vita.

Tory Burch Kira shoulder bag

For something a little more elevated, we recommend the Kira bag from Tory Burch. It can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag depending on the occasion, and the gold pull-through chain strap makes it ideal for nights out. We like that the quilted black color goes with everything, but it's also available in white, soft pink, taupe oak, purple heather, and more.

For active days

Fjällräven High Coast water-resistant crossbody bag

Made of lightweight, water-resistant fabric, this sporty crossbody from Fjällräven is a smart choice for travelers no matter what's on the agenda. It features two interior mesh pockets, a zippered exterior compartment, and a convenient top carry handle. Plus, at $50, it's one of the most affordable options on our list.

Athleta All About vertical crossbody bag

You know Athleta for its activewear, but don't sleep on its accessories, especially this functional crossbody. Its perfect for a theme park visit, shopping day, or hike, and it's roomy enough to fit a portable phone charger, headphones, and sunscreen.

Uspeclare clear crossbody bag

If you're headed to a summer concert of festival, you might need a clear stadium-approved bag. This under-$15 Amazon find is a great crossbody option, and is simple enough to rewear on vacation or to theme parks.

Athleta

All About crossbody bag

This round crossbody bag from Athleta is so roomy, and works just as well for brunch with friends as it does a busy travel day. It doesn't have an overly structured silhouette, meaning you can stuff it with plenty of must-haves. This water-repellent bag comes with a key leash, an exterior compartment, and smaller pockets on the inside for your phone or cards. Choose from several colors, including natural rose, bone, black, trillium green, and more.

Calpak water bottle holder

Whether you're hiking, biking, or heading out for a game of pickleball, this convenient and compact water bottle holder saves you the hassle of lugging around a heavy, full-size bag. My favorite feature is the insulated and water-resistant interior, but it also comes with multiple pockets, a detachable shoulder strap, and a drawstring closure—a nice touch when you're on the move. It's available in more than a dozen colors and fun patterns.

Free People GOT Moon Bag

Simply put, this Free People bag just looks cool, thanks to its crescent moon silhouette and effortless, slouchy shape. It's sporty enough to wear to a workout class, but versatile enough for everyday wear. It holds plenty of essentials and can lay flat and re-shape quickly, making it a great option to pack in a carry-on.

For just the essentials

MZ Wallace Metro crossbody bag

MZ Wallace designs some of our top editor-recommended sling bags and duffels. We equally love this lightweight, diamond-quilted crossbody bag that's ideal for busy parents or travelers on the move who need something reliable. There's an exterior zippered pocket for easy access to items like your phone or wallet, and the bag is water-resistant and washable.

Cuyana Mini Double Loop bag

Cuyana delivers an elevated crossbody that's practical for daily use with the Mini Double Loop bag. The structured piece has an adjustable strap, which you can even monogram in tiny gold lettering, as well as a magnetic flap closure and interior slip pocket. The Italian leather crossbody is handmade by artisans in Turkey. Shop it in core colors black, ecru, cappuccino, dark olive, or stone.

Quince Italian Leather Phone crossbody

This small, chic leather crossbody holds just the essentials—your phone, credit cards, and a lip balm. It can be worn day or night and with just about any outfit, making it a worthy companion on any trip. Not to mention, it won't take up much suitcase space at all.

Ododos crossbody bag

If you're looking for a simple, affordable crossbody bag that holds a few must-haves, this Amazon find fits the bill. Made of a durable, water-resistant nylon, this practical sling is a great option for running, hiking, or other outdoor adventures. It also comes with a removable small pouch that fits your AirPods or a lip balm.

Béis The ID crossbody bag

If you're looking for something that holds your ID, phone, and not much else, say for runs, hikes, or walking around a cruise ship, turn to this slim crossbody from Béis. It's available in the brand's signature beige and black.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.


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