Types of Crossbody Bags: A Complete Style Guide for 2024
Crossbody bags are hugely popular at the moment, and it's not hard to see why. They rank among the most versatile accessories, working well for men and women of all ages, body types, and backgrounds.
Like fanny packs and belt bags, They keep your favorite items close, providing excellent personal security, while also granting quick, easy access to your stuff. Plus, unlike other bags, crossbody purses and bags offer a hands-free carrying experience, ideal for busy lifestyles.
Another big advantage of these bags is their remarkable variety. There are lots of different types of crossbody bags, with a rich mix of styles, sizes, and materials to choose from. This guide will look at some of the many types, helping you find the perfect crossbody for you.
Classic Crossbody Bag Styles
1. Classic Leather Crossbody Bag
A timeless classic, the traditional leather crossbody is what many people picture when they hear the words "crossbody bag." It's a versatile choice, working well in both formal and casual settings while bringing sophistication to any outfit.
The key to choosing the best leather crossbody bag is looking for sleek designs and high-quality leather., rather than low-grade leather that might degrade quite rapidly.
2. Messenger Crossbody Bag
So-called due to their popularity among messengers, postal workers, and couriers over the years, messenger bags are similar to standard crossbody bags, but with a longer shape and more interior space, and a front flap that lets you quickly open and shut your bag.
The best messenger bags are made from durable materials, like leather or canvas, and should have lots of room inside, with compartments, pockets, and adjustable straps.
3. Bucket Crossbody Bag
As the name implies, bucket crossbody bags have bucket-like bodies, with tons of space inside for all your everyday items and travel essentials. They also tend to have quite stylish designs, with boho-chic vibes making them fun companions for travel, festivals, or days at the beach.
To get the most from a bucket crossbody, make sure it's the perfect size to fit all the stuff you need to carry around and consider soft leather or fabric construction to make a stylish statement.
Crossbody Bags for Specific Occasions
1. Crossbody Clutch
The crossbody clutch is effectively a clutch (a very small bag) you can wear across your body. Its compact size lets you store only the most necessary items for nights out or special occasions, like a stick of lip balm, some makeup, and your phone.
Look for crossbody clutch bags with detachable straps that allow them to be used like regular handheld clutches, and choose neutral colors and metallic finishes for fancy, formal events.
2. Mini Crossbody Bag
Mini crossbody bags are similar to clutch-style crossbody designs. They don't have too much room inside, but give you enough storage for those must-have items like your phone, wallet, and keys – great for running errands or nights out on the town.
For these types of bags, you're free to choose a variety of colors or even pattern finishes to suit your personal taste.
3. Oversized Crossbody Bag
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the mini crossbody, we have the oversized crossbody. These bags are extra-large, giving you ample room for lots of different items like snacks, water bottles, makeup, books, devices, and so on. They're good for students, travelers, and busy moms on the move.
For a bag like this, which may have lots of heavy items inside, it's important to focus on durability and comfort. Look for strong materials and smart designs, with padded straps and sections that help you feel at ease as you walk around.
Modern and Trendy Crossbody Bag Designs
1. Convertible Crossbody Bag
A convertible crossbody bag is one that can effectively transform between different styles. It's almost like a belt bag, a shoulder bag, and a classic crossbody all in one, ideal for those who favor flexibility in their accessories.
The Canvelle Belt Bag is a great example of this, as you can wear it like a regular crossbody, or a fanny pack, or even toss it over your shoulder, thanks to its lightweight material and adjustable strap.
2. Belt Bag as a Crossbody
The classic belt bag, or fanny pack, is another of the many types of crossbody bags and can be worn either around the waist, over the chest, or even behind your back. This adds a modern twist to a classic design, ideal for streetwear and urban looks.
Ideally, you should look for a stylish and versatile belt bag with long enough, adjustable straps to suit your body shape and let you wear it the way you want. Neutral colors also add to the street-style feel, like a black or grey bag.
3. Round Crossbody Bag
Another modern twist on the classic crossbody formula is the round crossbody bag, which has a gently rounded shape. This fun form factor helps you crossbody stand out and can work in both casual and formal occasions, while also providing extra space on the inside for practical purposes.
Leather and faux leather round crossbody bags often look super stylish, while those made of nylon and canvas are perfect for all sorts of daily activities.
Materials and Construction of Crossbody Bags
1. Leather Crossbody Bags
Timeless, durable, and classy, leather is, without a doubt, one of the most popular options when buying a bag in the crossbody style. It's long-lasting and elegant, and you can usually count on a leather bag to serve you well for years of use.
However, there are different grades or levels of leather, and some are notably more hard-wearing and attractive than others. So, if you opt for a leather crossbody, buy with care.
2. Canvas and Nylon Crossbody Bags
Canvas and nylon crossbody bags are the ideal alternative to leather, with similar levels of strength and durability, along with added benefits. They're really easy to clean most of the time, and often water-resistant, too, making them well-suited for traveling or outdoor adventures.
To get the most out of a canvas crossbody, look for one that's weatherproof and well-made, like those in the Canvelle collection.
3. Vegan Leather and Synthetic Materials
There are also eco-friendly materials like vegan leather – which offers a similar look and feel to real leather – along with other synthetic options, often crafted from renewable or recycled resources.
If you're an eco-conscious buyer, a material like this might be the perfect match for you. Just remember that vegan leather and synthetics may not last quite as long as real leather or canvas, so you'll have to care for this type of bag a little more than others.
How to Choose the Right Crossbody Bag for You
1. Consider Your Daily Needs
First, think about a typical day in your life. What sort of items do you like to carry around with you? Answering that should help to narrow down your selection. If you only have a few small items to carry about, like your phone and a leather purse, a small or mini crossbody may suffice. For extra items and heavier stuff, a larger, messenger-style crossbody could be the perfect choice.
2. Match the Bag to the Occasion
As touched on earlier, certain types of crossbody bags are best suited for specific occasions. A sleek, structured black bag works well in formal settings, while a casual canvas olive bag is ideal for everyday outings or travel.
3. Prioritize Comfort and Functionality
If you're going to be wearing your crossbody bag on a regular basis, or for extended periods of time, you won't want to forget about comfort. Look for bags with padded straps, and opt for those with adjustable and removable straps, too, that help you get the comfiest fit. Also seek out those with other functional features, like zippered pockets and magnetic closures, for even more ease of use.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Crossbody Bags
1. Regular Cleaning and Protection
Whether you've invested in a fancy designer crossbody bag or something more casual, it's always a good idea to clean, care for, and protect your bag to help it last as long as possible.
Quickly spot clean any little marks or stains that may appear during the course of day-to-day use, and consider deeper cleaning from time to time. But remember to follow the instructions on the label, as different materials have different cleaning recommendations and restrictions.
Leather, for example, will need conditioning and hand washing, while a lot of canvas or nylon bags can be thrown into the washing machine for a quick spin rinse.
2. Storing Your Crossbody Bag
Whenever you're not using it, it's wise to store your favorite crossbody bag in a protective cover or dust bag to keep dirt and pests away, while also protecting the material from scuffs and scratches.
Try keeping it somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight, too, in order to prevent premature aging. You might even like to stuff the bag with tissue paper to help maintain its shape, rather than leaving it empty.
Canvelle: Your Go-To for Crossbody Bags
No matter what types of crossbody bags suit you best, you can find the right fit in the Canvelle.com collection. We offer a vast variety of styles of crossbody bags, all crafted from high-quality materials and offering more than enough interior space for all your essential items.
Take a look through our collection today to find a crossbody that's right for you, with the perfect balance of fashion and functionality.
Find Your Dream Crossbody Bag
As this guide has demonstrated, there truly are lots of different types of crossbody bags on the market today, from classic, familiar varieties to more modern and niche options. Each one brings its own distinct benefits to the table and has its own ideal use-case scenarios.
To find the right crossbody for you, consider your lifestyle, preferences, and what sorts of places and occasions you might need to use your bag. Whether you're looking for something big, small, or in-between, you can find a superb selection of stylish, durable crossbody bags for everyday wear at Canvelle.com.
FAQs
What are the crossover bags called?
So-called crossover bags are also known as messenger bags, city bags, crossbody bags, or, sometimes, travel bags. They can come in various forms and sizes, but the key similarity between them all is that they may be worn across the body.
What is the difference between a cross bag and a sling bag?
The main difference between crossbody bags and sling bags is how they're worn. A crossbody bag has a strap that goes over the head, so the bag hangs across the body. Sling bags, meanwhile, are slung over one shoulder, with the bag itself hanging either at the side or behind the back. Crossbody bags typically tend to have longer adjustable shoulder straps, too.
How do I choose a crossbody bag?
The key is to focus on your specific needs and personal style, rather than chasing trends or buying bags purely based on how they look. Think about how you intend to use your bag, what sorts of personal items you need to put inside it, how big it should be, and what kinds of outfits you'll wear it with (casual, formal, or a mixture of the two, for instance).
Are crossbody bags still trendy?
Absolutely. People of all ages use crossbody bags on a daily basis, and they've even been spotted across the bodies of some pretty famous people, like models, influencers, singers, and actors. Since there's such a wide variety of styles, sizes, and ways to wear crossbody bags, they can work for almost anyone.