Top 22+ stylish crossbody bags that hold up to packed travel days, long walks, and real life

Best budget: Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

I've spotted this sporty bag in the wild a few times on people hiking or running errands and it always looks cute and casual. I like that the half-moon shape is designed to fit the shape of your body, so it's not bulky or in the way. Plus, the dirt-resistant, water-resistant nylon fabric is super lightweight, so I basically only have to account for the weight of what I stash inside.

Speaking of, this bag holds a surprising amount of stuff. I can carry my phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys, and a foldable umbrella or a small water bottle. Inside there are two slash pockets and a top zipper to keep all the contents secure. It comes in nine colors, including the sweet pale pink I chose, as well as a sunny yellow.

Best luxury: KAAI Rebel Crossbody

"KAAI's Rebel Crossbody is the Rolex of functional purses. Like all of KAAI's beautifully made bags, it's lined with a blue suede material that feels luxurious to the touch. On the outside, the single-source leather is treated to be resistant to weather and stains. This is super important to me, since I wouldn't carry a bag this nice outside without trusting how well the leather can stand up to the elements. But all my KAAI bags have remained like-new, even though they're some of my most used pieces. The only issue with this bag is that it is relatively narrow and structured, so you won't be able to stuff it. A phone, wallet, lipstick, and keys fit perfectly, but anything bulky or irregular would prevent the bag from closing." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

Best messenger: Tumi Voyageur Tyler Crossbody

Thanks to its spacious compartments, this is one of the best crossbody bags for staying organized while traveling. I recently toted it for a long day in New York City, and I appreciated that all my items were secured, but I knew exactly where to find them when I needed to.

This eight-pocket messenger-style bag with organizational features galore was designed with neat freaks like me in mind. On the exterior, it has a front U-shaped pocket that offers a perfect compartment for stowing my cash and credit cards (in the leather card pocket), keys (via an easy access key leash), a pen (which stays secure thanks to a leather pen loop), and other quick-access items like a passport or tickets. I place my phone and sunglasses in either of the two additional exterior zip pockets, where they're safe from scratches. I love that the spacious zippered interior compartment has a zip pocket plus two open pockets. Plus, there's a slash pocket on the back that has a magnetic closure for added security. 

Best anti-theft: Arden Cove Crissy Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Anti-theft purses can get a bad rep for not being the most attractive option, but this slash-resistant nylon bag from Arden Cove is an exception. I recently traveled with it to Chile, and I loved the security that all the safety features provided. For starters, the waterproof nylon fabric is highly durable, even against knife slashes. Locking clasps keep the straps and zippers secure, while an RFID-blocking pocket helps protect against electronic theft. Still, the purse was cute enough to make appearances in all my vacation photos and I appreciated that it wasn't obvious I was wearing an anti-theft bag. 

Originally, I got the bag with the thin faux leather strap, but I felt it wasn't very comfortable on my shoulder and it dug in a bit. I ended up purchasing the jacquard strap separately, and found that option much more comfortable and stylish.

Best mini: Milaner The Grazia Mini Woven Bag

Despite its teeny-tiny silhouette, this miniature crossbody can hold a surprising amount of items. My iPhone 12 Pro fits effortlessly across the bottom, and there's plenty of room for my sunglasses, a small wallet, and some odds and ends like mints and a chapstick. I love this hand-woven leather bag because it has the elegance of a clutch with the ease and comfort of a crossbody bag. The strap is removable, though, which is convenient for occasions when I might prefer to swap in its shorter strap for a wristlet.

Best formal: Cuyana Mini Bow Bag

I'm always excited about a formal bag that can be worn across my shoulder. Though elegant, handheld clutches can be quite inconvenient, since they make it tough to hold while enjoying a drink and an hors d'oeuvre. This adorable little bag has all the sophistication and class I'd want for a formal event with the convenience of a crossbody bag.

I chose the Italian pebbled leather version in dark coral, but there are a number of other colors and fabrics to pick from, including black suede and an iridescent silver snake print. I love that the 21-inch gold chain strap can be unclipped to transform this bag into a dainty top-handle bag. The only downside is that the bag doesn't have a zipper or full closure, so it needs to be kept upright so the items inside don't spill out.