Whether you’re going on a day trip to the coast, a weekend staycation or journeying out of the country to the Continent or further afield, there are a few things every traveller needs.
Cash and cards, a water bottle to stay hydrated, a great pair of headphones, and a portable power bank are just some of the things that spring to mind - but also a decent handbag to keep all these essentials in.
There are plenty of bags to choose from but for ease, quick organisation and the ability to keep your hands free and ready for all adventures (or a spontanous scoop of ice cream), a crossbody is best.
With a longer strap, a crossbody bag sits diagonally across the torso with the main compartment falling within easy reach by the hip.
It’s best to go for an option with multiple pockets to sort your things and zipped fastenings that will keep everything safe and secure. Look also for an adjustable strap so you can shorten or lengthen it to suit your frame best.
There are a world of options to choose from, from leading designer names to high street favourites.
We’ve done the leg work for you and scoped out the nicest yet functional options to help make shopping less of a headache.
See our list of the best crossbody bags below
Best crossbody bags for men that are stylish yet functional
Best charging stations for phones and devices
Best luxury luggage brands: Stylish suitcases for weekends away or longer trips
Uniqlo shoulder bag review: the Mary Poppins-like bum bag fits everything but the kitchen sink
Best backpacks for work: Professional styles perfect for the office
Best travel wallets to keep your passport and documents in order
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Intrecciato green leather belt bag
While bumbags are largely affordable things, there are a few elite options out there - with RRPs to match. Bottega Veneta's bottle green version is made with premium leather and comes with an internal slip pocket that you'll find under the magnetic closure.
Buy now £1970.00, Harvey Nichols
JW Pei Maze Bag - Sage Green
If you like the Bottega aesthetic but not the price tag, JW Pei’s Maze bag is a good wallet-friendly alternative. Crafted from faux leather, it’s vegan friendly - and is spacious enough for all of the essentials.
Buy now £129.00, JW Pei
Lauren Ralph Lauren Jordynn 20 Leather Cross Body Bag, Black
A sleek black bag not only goes with most outfits, but it won’t show up the scuffs from your adventures either. From Ralph Lauren comes this Jordynn design with an exterior fashioned from full-grain leather and finished with the brand’s logo on the front. The adjustable strap makes it easy to tweak depending on how you’d like to wear it: crossbody or over the shoulder.
Buy now £279.00, John Lewis
A.P.C. Grace mini leather cross-body bag
A.P.C.’s collections are defined by an effortlessly stylish Parisian nonchalance.
With smooth clean lines and pared-back design details, the Grace exudes the kind of quiet sophistication that’s at the heart of French-girl chic. Constructed using supple leather and glossy hardware, it radiates luxury.
Buy now £650.00, MatchesFashion
AllSaints Frankie 3-In-1 Leather Crossbody Bag
AllSaints has translated the silver accessory trend into this edgy crossbody bag wrapped in gleaming silver. As well as crossbody, it can be worn bumbag style or looe the adjustable strap altogether and it turns into a clutch.
Finished with the British brand’s signature metal hardware, there’s plenty of space within the lined compartment to store all your must-haves. Though with a shine like that, you probably won’t need a mirror.
Buy now £159.00, AllSaints
Baggu festival medium nylon crescent crossbody bag in gingham
The Baggu is made for festivals. This souped up version of the classic bumbag is a ludicrously capacious option if ever we’ve seen one. You’ll be able to slip in two or more beers, a waterproof jacket for peace of mind and even a water bottle too. The construction is durable and the playful gingham pattern will enhance your outfit.
Buy now £52.00, ASOS
Axel Arigato Signature Bag
Known primarily for its range of trainers, Axel Arigato’s top tier range of bags deserves a shout-out, too.
A compact design, the signature, which is finished off with the Swedish label’s ‘A’ hardwear, is a sleek addition to any accessories collection - and it comes in four colourways so all palettes are taken care of.
Buy now £390.00, Axel Arigato
Marks & Spencer Faux Leather Cross Body Bag
Dupe of: Celine Box Bag, £3,100, Celine
Perennially chic, Celine’s Box Bag will never go out of style. So, neither will M&S’s similar faux leather crossbody.
The perfect everyday bag, it will work with almost any outfit - and, like the Celine original, the gold-tone hardware elevates it to new heights.
Buy now £35.00, Marks & Spencer
Anya Hindmarch Eyes Essentials Cross-body
Anya Hindmarch’s cult Eyes series continues with this crossbody that boasts two pockets for those all-important summer must-haves: sunglasses and ‘essentials’. Full of playful character, it’s made of lightweight and hardwearing nylon with gold hardware offering a chic contrast. Look no further for your summer romance.
Buy now £325.00, Anya Hindmarch
Dunhill Lock Bag
London-based menswear label Dunhill is an expert in leather goods. The brand’s signature, this small side bag takes inspiration from the classic 1960s attaché case and features a logo-embossed brass lock mechanism.
Buy now £1595.00, Dunhill
Demellier The Vancouver
Expertly made, classically sleek and contemporary yet timeless, Demellier’s The Vancouver is an enduring stylish addition to any accessories collection. The adjustable strap means you can wear it cross-body or ever the shoulder, depending on your look. There’s a reason why the label is a favourite with the royals - from Princess of Wales to Queen Camilla.
Buy now £360.00, Demellier
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette
The bag of the moment, Bottega Veneta’s Padded Cassette is coveted by fashion editors and celebrities alike - and for good reason.
The Italian house’s signature intreccio leather construction delivers an instantly Bottega look, and the gold-tone clasp and triangle buckle only bolster the sense of luxury. Whilst it’s an eye-watering price point, it’s an investment that will stand the test of time.
Buy now £3140.00, Bottega Veneta
ASOS DESIGN front pocket bum bag in silver
On boots and hats, silver is the hue to know. Coordinate your bag to your space cowgirl aesthetic with ASOS's front pocket bum bag, offered in a gleaming, magpie-pleasing silver. The adjustable strap offers a secure fit and there are plenty of pockets to stash your valuables.
Buy now £16.00, ASOS
Eastpak Bumbag Double Calm Green
A bumper bumbag with separate compartment not only makes organisation a breeze but means it has space for practically anything you might need for a full day out and about. Eastpak's design is available in a range of colours to coordinate with your style and is made from hard-wearing, easy-clean polyester.
Buy now £35.00, Eastpak
hush Riley Raffia Crossbody Bag
One for palm tree-lined promenades and sun-soaked beaches, hush’s easy-going crossbody design is the perfect holiday accessory. The raffia texture suits a chilled setting and the fact it has a soft body means you can sling it into a suitcase for easy packing if needed. It’s mid-sized, giving plenty of space to store the essentials as well as a few souvenirs along the way.
Buy now £79.00, hush
