Your Guide to Shopping for the Best Crossbody Bags

Thursday, October 31, 2024
 by
Away
Crossbody bags are the perfect travel companion thanks to versatile styles, sizes, and materials. With Away's crossbodies, you can travel without anything holding you back.

You love exploring the world, and you want to keep your phone, wallet, and other essentials close at all times. After too many urban adventures with oversized bags and sore shoulders, you’re ready to find the perfect travel companion. Enter the crossbody. This versatile bag can travel with you from central London to Reykjavik and back again (or just to the grocery store) while keeping your personal items within reach without weighing you down.

So, what's a crossbody?

First, the basics. What is a crossbody bag? Along with a main pouch, which can come in many styles and sizes, a crossbody bag features one long, adjustable strap that you can wear across your body. This strap rests on one shoulder and travels diagonally down to your opposite hip.

Let’s talk size

A crossbody is a crossbody, right? Definitely not! If you’re searching for the bag of your dreams, you’ll want to first figure out what size is ideal for you. Let’s lay down the options.

Mini crossbody bags: light as a feather

When you're traveling, how often do you wish you had something easier to carry? If you’re like us, we're guessing often. That's where lightweight crossbody bags come in. Durable yet effortless, these adjustable strap bags mean you don't need to think twice about carrying your wallet, phone, sunglasses, or anything else. Pack them all in and go wherever the day takes you. Lightweight bags are also a cinch to pack in your carry-on, taking up minimal space. That's right: packing a bag within your bag. 

Benefits of a larger crossbody bag

Larger crossbody bags are functional pieces that give you space for the things that matter. Need to pack your reusable water bottle for a day of exploration or co-working? What about your tablet and mobile hotspot for when inspiration (or business) strikes? Larger crossbody bags are the on-the-go companion you didn’t know you needed and now can’t do without. 

These travel pieces are the perfect go-to whether you’re hitting the beach, wandering the city center, or racing through the airport to catch your departing flight. Adjust the straps, slip in your essentials, and head out for the day.

So, which crossbody bag is for you?

Who knew there could be so many types of crossbodies? Take your pick from these different crossbody bag types.

  • Round: With a rounded shape, these bags are a stylish take on the classic crossbody. 
  • Sling: Perfect if you like a slimmer profile that sits closer to your body.
  • Messenger: This rectangular style has a large flap closure that folds over and secures at the front.
  • Bucket: Instead of a zipper, the bucket style has a drawstring opening for a more bohemian look.
  • Sporty: Made from nylon or other water-resistant material, with many external pockets and often features a streamlined shape. 
  • Compact: Often square to rectangular and can work for daily excursions.
  • Wraparound: This style has a curved appearance with sides that continue up to the straps.

What is the best crossbody bag material?

Crossbody bags can be made of various materials, including:

  • Leather
  • Faux leather
  • Suede
  • Denim
  • Cotton
  • Polyester
  • Nylon
  • Canvas
  • And more!

But what’s the best crossbody bag material? Well… it depends. If you’re in sunny Cabo, consider a breathable, casual cotton or denim. Heading to Milan’s fashion scene? You might get your taste of haute couture by wearing a high-quality leather bag.

At Away, our crossbody bags with adjustable straps are as distinctive as you and made for every occasion. From our polyester but sleek Featherlight Crossbody to our pebbled leather Mini Everywhere Bag and recycled polyester and leather Quilted Everywhere Crossbody, we’ve got a crossbody with your name on it. We also love our new Mini Crossbody, with its polycarbonate hardshell and inner pockets galore. It's like a mini version of our award-winning suitcases. What's not to love?

What about color? From soft pinks and cool blues to natural browns and jet blacks, our bags keep up with your style and whereabouts.

Styling the crossbody: how to wear your crossbody bag

Not sure how to wear a crossbody bag? Styling it is all about complimenting your outfit and overall vibe. A classic leather or canvas adjustable-strap bag when exploring Copenhagen can create a more casual look with softer, neutral colors. If you want a pop of color for bustling Tokyo or Rome, try a contrasting shade that makes a statement. For a jog through Paris’s Bois de Boulogne, a sporty style keeps everything secure without shifting around.

Don’t forget to adjust the strap

When styling the crossbody bag, one of the biggest considerations will be adjusting the strap to the perfect length. Try adjusting the strap to different parts of your body to see what goes best with your outfit of the day.

But don’t forget to keep comfort in mind, too! If you adjust it until the bag rests at your hip, you'll have easier access to the pouch. Then again, keeping the strap shorter makes it easier to protect your belongings from those pesky pickpocketers when you’re walking down Barcelona’s Las Ramblas.

Spotlighting crossbody bags at Away 

You should have your perfect crossbody bag in mind at this point. So, now it’s time to go shopping. Away’s award-winning travel bags have the look and convenience you’re after, with crossbodies suited for destinations around the world, from Vienna to Mozambique. 

Featherlight crossbody bags

Lightweight and traveler-approved, our Featherlight Crossbody has a place for all of your essentials—from the front zip pocket with a built-in passport holder to the inner compartments and strap-sized pocket perfect for hotel keys or your favorite lip gloss. The easy-wipe material is made for travel, whether around the world or just the daily commute, and the adjustable strap gives you the ultimate flexibility.

Everywhere Sling Bags

On-the-go in Rome or Budapest? Our Everywhere Sling Bag can keep up with all of your adventures far and wide. This slim crossbody packs in several inner compartments and a top pocket large enough for your phone—or your latest travel memento. Sling it across your torso and get exploring.

Mini Crossbody Bags

If you love dual-purpose luggage—and who wouldn’t?—get yourself the Mini Crossbody. Featuring a polycarbonate hardshell exterior and plenty of inner organization pockets, this crossbody-suitcase mashup lets you go hands-free whether you're running errands or out of office. Plus, paired with our core luggage, it becomes the perfect travel uniform.

Take flight & browse our crossbody bags 

At Away, we’re committed to travel products that move like you do. You’re complex and adaptable, so we design products that give you functional, stylish, and hard-wearing use—like our crossbody bags for women and men. Explore our travel collection to find the best bag for your travel or everyday needs.

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