The Best Crossbody Bags, Tested For Months By Our Fashion Editor

After months of reporting to find the best crossbody bags, here’s what I quickly learned: Once you start carrying one of these super convenient bags, you can never go back to a heavy tote again. My top pick overall, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, proved to be game changer in this regard, as did many of the other options I tested. Crossbody bags let you go about your day hands free and are especially suitable for commuting and travel. Plus, they’re great to use while running errands (especially if you have kids) or going out at night when you don’t want an oversized bag on your shoulder.

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These are the best crossbody bags, according to our testing.

To find the best crossbody bags, I spent months testing and scrutinizing the options so you don’t have to. I evaluated hard facts and metrics (like weight and capacity sizes), materials, and strap lengths, and then gave my fashion editor take on the style and versatility of each model. Ahead, the best crossbody bags that are stylish, functional and versatile.

After testing 15 crossbody bags for more than three months, you might think it was hard to pick a winner. Yes, there are many bags that are perfectly functional, but Quince’s bestselling Italian Leather Crossbody really stood out to me. This compact-but-spacious pick excels in all the areas that matter: It’s made from ethically sourced, buttery leather; has comfortable and easy to adjust straps; comes with a zipper closure that’s wide enough to get my in and out of quickly; and it’s priced extremely well (by comparison, 50% less than most luxury picks). The interior pocket holds just enough, and while the canvas lining is not as luxe as leather, it’s durable and keeps the overall price of this bag low.

I was curious to see if Lululemon’s wildly popular Everywhere Belt Bag would live up to the hype. For certain use cases, it definitely did. If you only need to carry the essentials—your , keys, lip balm—this crossbody is great. While it’s compact in size, it has three mesh pockets inside and a zippered pocket on the back for your . The material is water-resistant and the strap fit comfortably across my chest and body. As the name implies, you can also buckle this around your waist but found it most useful to wear slung across my body.

In my opinion, Mark & Graham doesn’t get enough attention for its excellent leather goods. Their Essential Crossbody Bag is made from premium leather, minus the premium price tag, and can be personalized with your initials or fun characters in a variety of fonts and colors for an additional $12.50, which still keeps the overall price low in comparison to other customized bags. I loved the size and shape—the zippered oval design made it easy to take items in and out, and the gold-toned hardware added a stylish touch. It also has two interior pockets (one that zips; the other is open so you can access small stuff like keys quickly).

Cuyana’s leather goods are beautiful, and the Double Moon Saddle Bag has a quality that I could really feel in my hands: The Italian leather is pebbled and certified by the Leather Working Group for its environmentally responsible tanning methods. This crossbody is fully lined in leather—the only bag I tested with this detail—and the saddle-bag design has two front compartments, each accessible with a magnetic flap. There’s also an exterior pocket on the back for storing your . Although it’s on the pricier end, this bag has a luxury construction that justifies the price. You can also add your monogram to the strap without an extra charge.

MZ Wallace’s crossbody is genius for travel. It can be worn two ways—as a crossbody or top handle tote—and is made from quilted, water-resistant oxford fabric. This crossbody has so many handy, thoughtful touches: The nylon strap is amazingly easy to adjust (the best of all the bags I tested); the handles are padded and reinforced with Italian leather; the five interior pockets are great for organizing your , wallet, tickets and small stuff; and the detachable interior pouch can hold a spare pair of shoes. Plus, this bag is lightweight and expands to hold a lot or a little, and it folds down to a compact size for travel. I also found it stylish for day or night.

French luxury brand Longchamp is known for its leather and canvas handbags. The Le Pliage collection, in particular, is a popular bestseller. The Energy Crossbody is designed for running errands, going out at night and everything in between. The recycled nylon on the main body is lightweight, durable and accommodating for all your must-haves, like a , keys and money. While this bag is relatively affordable, it has all the high-end touches you’d expect—from the buttery-leather adjustable strap to the sleek flap closure to the leather Longchamp zipper pull. While we tested a different version of this bag, it’s no longer available. But we like this version’s nylon canvas construction, which is strong enough to hold up to daily abuse without any noticeable scratches or scuffs.

Like most of Dagne Dover’s bags, the Micah crossbody is made from neoprene—the same durable material used in scuba suits, so you know it can hold up to the elements. For a mom like myself, I appreciated this bag’s well-organized designed: The main has a mesh pocket (great for holding snacks), a zippered pocket (perfect for receipts), a key leash and roomy interior. A second, smaller front compartment is great for storing wet wipes and has a drop-in pocket plus pen holders for when you need to write a note or sign forms. Overall, this smart crossbody held everything I needed and was also stylish enough to wear out at night.

Dallas-based Leatherology uses full-grain leather in all their goods, which is the “purest” form of the hide that’s minimally treated. You can see subtle marks or variations in the leather grain, which shows the rich character of the leather. Bottom line: This a beautiful crossbody. It can easily double as your wallet, since there are four cardholder slots and multiple pockets inside, and the back has a drop-in pocket to hold your cellphone. Thanks to its oval, camera-bag-like shape, this bag takes up very little horizontal space on your body, and you can also monogram this pick.

For the fashion enthusiasts out there, designer Clare Vivier’s popular crossbody bag comes in fun colors, prints and textures. I tested the brand’s bestseller—the Midi Sac—which is made from beautiful, vegetable-tanned Italian leather with stripes down the center. It’s a chic look that’s not too loud or showy, which I appreciated. The inside is minimalist, too, with a single main interior, minus any pockets. I found myself reaching for this bag often, since it paired nicely with everything from jeans and flats to flowy skirts and heels.

Just like their luggage, Tumi’s crossbody bags are designed to be carried on the go. The Persia easily doubles as a travel purse, since it’s outfitted with four cardholder slots inside, an anti-theft zippered interior pocket and drop-in slot on the exterior for your . The entire bag is crafted primarily from water-resistant nylon, with durable leather fastenings to prevent wear and tear. This pick has a handy, detachable leather tab with a mirror on one side. It comes with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched, written and published many accessories stories, including roundups of the best cardholders for women and best wallets for men.

• Our editors collectively has decades of experience covering fashion and lifestyle. This story was written by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has covered lifestyle topics for more than 25 years.
• This story is regularly updated to reflect product availability. It was most recently updated in April . In the latest update, we added a buying guide that provides customers with key considerations.

How I Tested The Best Crossbody Bags

In testing crossbody bags, I primarily examined three main factors: the caliber of the construction and materials; ease of use and comfort; and the practicality and versatility of the design. Was the bag easy to carry all day? Did the materials, including the straps, hardware and buckles, hold up well to daily wear and tear? Did the quality of the bag justify the price point and align with other similar options in the market? Was the bag trendy or did it have a style that would last season after season?I considered options from both established and emerging brands that are known for their top-rated bags and accessories.

After compiling a list of initial contenders, I tested each bag, a process that took roughly four months to complete. In total, I tested 15 crossbody bags. I first ran in-depth but realistic tests, including feeling the weight of the bag, assessing my ability to wear it comfortably across my body and adjust the straps, and its practicality for holding a standard set of items (my , cardholder wallet, snacks, personal care items and keys).

From there, I rotated through the bags, trying each one in a variety of scenarios—doing daily tasks and errands, traveling on short trips (for the weekend) and longer trips (for a week), running around with my kids to sports and activities, going out in the evenings and attending work events. In doing this, I identified the use cases that each crossbody bag would be best for, ultimately narrowing down the contenders to a single best overall option, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody, and those that are more specialized for specific needs.

What To Consider In A Crossbody Bag

When shopping for the best crossbody bags, several factors should be considered. Here’s what to look for.

Materials

The most common materials for crossbody bags are leather, polyester and nylon. Leather is durable, versatile and can wear nicely over time. Our top pick, the Quince Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, is crafted from 100% Italian leather, featuring a quilted design for texture. The resulting look is stylish and transitions well from daytime activities to more formal events. Polyester and nylon are popular choices because they’re lightweight, water-resistant, and resist wear and tear well. However, these materials are not quite as dressy or formal as leather. Before making a purchase, consider how you plan to use your bag and your style preferences.

Closure Types

There are several different types of bag closures, ranging from zippers to magnetic snaps to drawstrings. While the closure might seem like an irrelevant detail, it can affect the overall aesthetic and function. For example, a twist lock (or turnlock) closure has a more vintage feel and is usually more expensive than zippers, so they’re often associated with luxury purchases. Zipper closures are the most common type, and the majority of bags we tested feature this closure. Zippers are secure and keep the contents of your bag contained, which can be helpful if you’re using your bag while traveling or going through the airport.

Additional Features

I work on a very busy corner in L.A. with a significant homeless population in the neighborhood. There's a particular guy with a small dog who is always in front of the same restaurant, and every time I passed him I'd think "I should really give him something". The other day I saw him again, and decided it was time to stop thinking and start doing. I made a quick shopping trip and bought him Nutri-Grain bars, water, Chapstick, a new T-shirt, and a few pouches of food for his dog.

When I presented him with the bag, he was so happy and grateful to receive these really basic items. He was well spoken, friendly, clear headed; just a normal guy you'd meet on the streets and not at all the "scary" or "crazy" perception most people have of the homeless. It felt wrong that people like this should lack basic comforts, so when he mentioned that he has a lot of homeless friends in the area who are also struggling, I decided to grow my efforts.

The concept of care packages for the homeless is not an original idea of mine, however, I've been surprised how many people are hearing about it for the first time from me. In the interest of spreading this effort to other communities, the following Ible is a How To for anyone interested in helping their local homeless, but unsure where to start.I've included budget friendly tips as to what makes a useful and enjoyable care package, some insights about your recipients which may inform your product choices, suggested ways of garnering donations, and lastly, how to get the goods out to the people who need them! You can give someone an amazing gift bag for $5-$10 per person --less than what most people blow on their daily coffee fix.

The following are some ideas for what you might include in a care pack. Don't feel like you have to include everything on this list to make a worthy care package. 1-2 toiletry items is great, 3 and above is awesome!

Travel size toiletries are a great basic component for any homeless folk care package and there's a lot to choose from. Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, lip balm, etc. If you're on a budget and can only put in 1 or 2 products, imagine yourself in the recipient's shoes and think about what you would like to get. Would you most enjoy brushing your teeth, or would you rather have soap to wash up when you are afforded the opportunity and privacy? This is also a good opportunity to clean your cabinets of all the hotel samples you've been swiping while on vacation that you never actually get around to using.

Toothpaste --Look for travel kits that include both a toothbrush and toothpaste tube as that is usually the best way to stretch your money. I founds sets at the dollar store which include a carrying pouch and toothbrush cover.

Shampoo or Bodywash --While a homeless person may not have the opportunity to use these everyday for lack of access to a shower, these are still great options. Should a person have the time, resources, and privacy to bathe(perhaps at a shelter or a friend's home), I would imagine nothing in the world would feel better than fresh clean hair and skin. Consider giving someone the treat of what most of us take for granted every day. I recommend bottled body wash over bar soap since it is contained and easier to transport for multiple uses.

Hand Sanitizer --Good for cleaning hands or sterilizing other items on the go. Your most budget friendly options will probably smell like straight up alcohol, but if you're able to find scented sanitizers I highly recommend getting them. A pleasant scent adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your gift for a person who likely doesn't get to use anything but the most basic of products.

Deodorant -- Travel size sticks are easy to carry in a pocket, and may help the person feel fresher between bathing opportunities.

Lip Balm or Lotion --Winter weather dries out our skin, causing us to bust out the Chapstick and hand lotion more often. The other day I noticed how dry and tight my lips felt after a walk outside. I started thinking about how uncomfortable it must be to have no remedy for this, and how constant exposure probably just compounds the issue. Basic moisturizing chapstick or travel size hand lotion can keep a person's skin looking and feeling healthier. A person who looks healthy and approachable is more likely to be treated favorably (whether we are consciously making that decision or not), and stands to do a bit better if collecting donations or interviewing for a job.

Travel packs of Tissue or Wet Wipes --These have multiple applications for cleanliness and hygiene. Tissues are especially handy in the event a person gets sick and needs to blow their nose. I know I hate being without tissue when I'm sick.

Tampons or Sanitary Pads -- An often forgotten but very much needed item. Every woman has probably had an experience where her period arrived a day early and she was unprepared. Most of us are a mere quarter away from addressing the issue, or can grab something from our bathroom cabinet. A homeless woman is at a great disadvantage when it comes to that time of the month. She may not have that quarter. She may not feel comfortable going in to a store to buy sanitary products because of how people treat her. She may not have fresh garments to change into if she can't address the issue in time. Providing a few sanitary products in your care package may not cover a woman's entire cycle, but it will give her the dignity of cleanliness every person deserves until she can find a bigger supply.

The main priorities when selecting food items for your care packages are 1) Portability and 2) Healthiness. A significant portion of the homeless population suffers from tooth decay and diabetes. Choosing snacks that are a level above the super sugary dollar store offerings is doing a person a better service.

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Water --an obvious staple. Bottled water is portable and has multiple applications, though it can be a bit heavy.

Juice Boxes --I like to include these in my care packages because it's flavorful and different from the water many homeless people can probably get for free in restaurants. If possible, go for something that says 100% juice to hopefully cut down the sugar factor.

Granola or Energy Bars --Highly portable, satisfying, not bad for you as snacking goes. Protein bars would also be great, though typically more expensive. Thanks to a friend's generous donation, I was able to include 3 granola bars in each package.

Beef Jerky -- Protein is probably the food group homeless folks have the least access to, but our bodies need it. Jerky offers a portable, shelf stable protein option that easily fits in a care package.

Yogurt or Squeeze Fruit Pouches --portable and tasty, though probably only very cost-effective if purchased in bulk. Shop around and see where you can get the best deal.

Gum -- Including a classic mint gum in your care package allows a person to freshen up periodically and also helps to generate saliva that will help keep teeth healthier. Just make sure you don't get something heavily sugared that would counteract your intent!

Love the feel of a brand new cozy pair of socks? Who doesn't?? A new pair of socks, gloves, or a scarf can provide much needed warmth and protection for someone on the street. Bonus points if you find some in super fuzzy material, because that just makes people happy.

Socks --I once read an article in which a homeless man said the most wonderful feeling in the world was a fresh pair of socks. The best bang for your buck is buying multipacks. The dollar store I went to offered these soft mens' athletic socks 2pr/ $1. Regardless of who you expect might receive the care package, I suggest always buying mens sizes. People will smaller feet will still make them work or can layer them on top of current socks.

*Tip: If you're on a budget, opt for socks over gloves. Tube socks can be worn on the hands as mittens, if the person prefers to warm their hands, but gloves can't fit on your feet!

Gloves --Basic stretch gloves are great, especially in colder climates. Make sure you're buying adult sizes. I almost got suckered in by soft bright colors and fuzzy materials before realizing the "fun" ones are all tiny and meant for kids.

Scarves -- Versatile and can be made at home on the cheap with polar fleece yardage. If you have a rotary fabric cutter, this is literally a 10 minute project.

T-shirt --a simple T-shirt can provide a layer of warmth and also make a person feel happier and cleaner. The gift of a new T-shirt may allow someone who has been wearing the same, stained, shredded clothing for a long time to finally have something new and more effective. On a budget? Go through your closet and clear out all those freebie/ promo T-shirts you receive at events but will never wear again. Thanks to Instructables runners' up prize packs, I have more robot T-shirt than there are days of the week. Throughout the year I intentionally ordered different sizes so that I would have a variety to offer for this project. I kept my favorite colors in my size and put the rest in care packages for other people to enjoy.

Hand Warmer Packs -- Consider including these, especially if your region reaches very low temperatures. Even with two pairs of gloves on, midwest winters can still manage to make your fingers ache. One time use hand warmer packs can help someone get through an especially rough night, and can be tucked into a boot or inside a coat to warm whatever is most needed.

In the interest of keeping this light and portable, this section will not be a full-on first aid kit. Rather, this will address the most basic of ailments and injuries that someone can self treat.

Basic Bandages --I prefer fabric bandages since they are a bit more resistant to peeling if they get wet. Throwing a few bandages in your pack will give the person something to use next time they get a simple cut or scratch, helping to prevent infection.

Common OTC Medicines --These might include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Antacid tablets, Cough Drops, Motrin, etc. The thought is that if a person as a headache, cold, or other minor ailment, they don't have to suffer through it. This is not intended to be a substitute for real medical attention, just a means of making someone's life suck a tiny bit less. Multipacks of OTC medicines can be purchased at office supply places like Staples, and would normally be used for office first aid kits. Buying this way is ideal because the meds come prepackaged in individual doses, so you can easily divide the stock amongst many care packages.

*When on a budget, spread your resources around. Don't feel like you have to give every person an entire medicine cabinet. In each of my packs, I included 2 types of medicine, 2 band-aids, and a cough drop. PMS relief packets went into the women's packs, and everything else was just random. If you've got a lot of packages circulating, hopefully people can trade with each other for what they need most.

If it would be difficult for your to fund these care packages on your own, consider getting other sources involved.

Friends, Family, and Co-Workers --A well worded announcement that you are doing this project will make people feel invited to contribute, rather than obligated. If your supervisor allows it, post a flyer in the office kitchen letting people know about your project, and how they can connect with you if they want to get involved. I made a post on Facebook announcing my plan and simply said anyone who wants to contribute to the effort is welcome to do so. People were excited about the idea of doing something good, and several colleagues and friends made donations of food, toiletries, or cash for me to make another dollar store trip.

Local Stores --Approaching local grocery stores is worth a shot, though the results are hit and miss. You can ask to speak with a manager and tell them about your care packages. Tell them you'd be grateful for any shelf stable food or toiletry items that they are about to get rid of. Most of the stuff headed to the dumpster (like spoiled produce or meats) obviously won't be viable for your packages, but once in a while the timing is right and you can score something handy. If the Freebie Gods don't smile on you, check the clearance cart for toiletries like toothpaste that are about to "expire" (even though they're still fine) and nab them for super cheap.

Corporations -- Unfortunately, you won't have much luck here unless you are part of an official c charity. Most corporations have strict guidelines for donations or have designated charity groups they do annual business with, and will send you a polite "no" response. I emailed several P&G and Unilever brands and was not terribly surprised that all declined to contribute. If you have a personal connection to a brand, like a relative that works for the company, you may have better luck than I did. Generally, I'd say writing to large companies is worth a shot, but do not hinge your project on their cooperation. Do this because YOU want to do it.

Once you have your items selected, you'll need to bundle them together for easy distribute to recipients. Different packaging options offer varied benefits. Consider your budget and the weather in your area to choose the best solution.

Large Ziplocs -- Waterproof and compact, but no handle for easy carrying. Fortunately, this keeps things at a manageable size to be tucked into a person's existing bags. I recommend gallon size bags --no smaller.

Plastic Grocery Bags --Easy to carry and free (unless you live in CA where they're off limits now) but thin plastic may tear easily over time.

Re-useable Tote Bag -- You may be able to purchase these cheaply in quantity. Durable and handy even after all your goodies are gone, though not usually water proof.

Purses --For women (or those who identify as women). A friend of mine saw the idea of using purses online and wanted to contribute her old purses to the cause, but remarked that she never sees homeless women in her area, only homeless men. I told her I would gladly put those purses to use, so she mailed me some to use in a second round of care packs after christmas. Avoid small clutch bags that won't hold your essentials, and consider staying away from super large or expensive looking bags that might become an obvious target for theft.

Allocating Goods -- I found it best to just lay out items on top of bags before doing any packing. This lets you see how things come together; what you have a lot of, and what you're short on. Don't fret if every package isn't identical. If you run out of lip balm, toss in an extra shampoo or granola bar instead. Figure out if you want to put several tampons in each pack, or just one --allowing you to make a greater number of women's packages overall.

LABELING

If your care packages for men and women do not have obvious visual differences (purse vs. ziploc), you may do well to find a quick way of labeling them. You can apply color coded stickers to the outside of the bag, or simply "man" or "woman" on it with a Sharpie. This way the items go to a person who can use them. A male recipient won't need tampons, and may not think to save them to give to a female friend, so you want to get items like that into the hands of a woman in the first place, if possible.

The homeless man I initially spoke with was approachable and friendly, and I felt comfortable asking if he would help me with my mission. We arranged that I would bring him a large bag full of care packages and then he could distribute them within the homeless community, which usually gathers in a particular park. I realize this is a gamble, as some people might keep everything for themselves or try to sell it, but I really believe this guy is interested in doing the right thing and will distribute as intended. Character judgement comes into play here and there's no easy Ible for that --you just have to trust your gut.

*12/26/15 Project Update: I met up with the above mentioned liaison on christmas eve and left him with a large bag full of care packages, which he would distribute in the park later. He had two friends sitting with him at the time, to whom I handed care packages personally. One guy was so excited about the juice box and the nice new T-shirt! They were very grateful, wanted to shake hands, and wished me a merry christmas. While I won't get to see the full effect of the packages on the streets, that little preview felt pretty good.

If you don't have a relationship like this established, you can keep care packages in your car. If you see a homeless person at an intersection, you can roll down your window and give them a package instead of giving cash. I have done this in the past with very good results, and will hold on a few packs to keep in my car this winter.

If you want to help but don't live in an area with an obvious homeless population, or simply don't feel comfortable/ safe with one on one contact, you can still assemble packages for local organizations to distribute. Consider giving them to your local food bank or a women's shelter. People in need will come to these locations, eliminating the need for you to seek them out. A woman in my neighborhood throws a party on her lawn every christmas and has a big donation bin for a local shelter. If I have packages left over from my one on one distribution, I'll deposit them there.

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