The Best Crossbody Bags for Men
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The crossbody bag fills a previously empty niche in the male baggage arsenal. They’re the perfect size for the essentials plus a little more (like a book, tablet, camera, or candy stash) while adding minimal bulk. It’s why they’re having a moment, on TikTok and otherwise. The number of options available on the market — and the number of fashion-forward celebrities who’ve been spotted wearing them in public — prove one universal truth: Convenience is king for everyday carry (EDC) items. Rich or poor, having essentials within reach is a better way to live.
Generally, it’ll set one back about $50 minimum for a well-constructed bag on the low end, or as much as $250 or more for a luxury crossbody bag made of premium materials. It’s possible to get a deal or a splurge, and based on their utility, the cost per use is likely to drop pretty quickly.
What the Experts Say
Sources within the travel and fashion industries say that no matter the use case, there are a few things to look for when shopping for a crossbody bag. For this story, SPY spoke with Shop LC fashion editor Darren Bogus, travel writer and Frequent Traveller owner Rosalind Cuthbertson, and other enthusiasts to help sort through the best crossbody bags for men available now.
When choosing the right bag for the job, Bogus recommends starting with the strap. Bags with smaller straps might not fit larger men, or require they loosen the strap all the way thus removing the chance for later adjustments. Cuthbertson also emphasizes an adjustable strap because “it allows the wearer to drape the bag over the shoulder, across the chest, or even behind the back. This adaptability ensures comfort and convenience.” A well-fitting, versatile strap is certainly a must-have.
Material is also an important consideration. Bogus says “Since [crossbody bags] rest against your chest or back, breathable materials are a lot more comfortable to wear.”
“For my regular crossbody bag, I chose a woven material that’s like a backpack. In the Texas heat, I can wear this and remain comfortable.” ‘
Cuthbertson adds “While smooth leather bags exude a specific luxury and sophistication, there might be better choices for a drizzly day in London or a humid afternoon in Singapore. On those occasions, water-resistant nylon has proven its worth.” Aesthetics matter, but both experts say that not considering how those materials will endure the conditions the wearer puts them through is a bit foolish.
The material used has a big impact on price, of course, with full-grain leather bags understandably in a much higher price bracket than nylon bags. It’s a good idea to look at similar bags made with the same materials to get an idea of whether a particular bag is at the higher or lower end price-wise. If it’s the former, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“While it’s tempting to opt for something cheaper, it’s equally essential to consider durability and longevity,” Cuthbertson says. “Paying a tad more upfront can save a lot in replacements down the road.”
BEST OVERALL
Carhartt Crossbody Zip Bag
Carhartt is known for its popular, simple workwear, and this crossbody zip bag is no exception. It comes in three different colors, including the famous Carhartt Brown, and has two main compartments: a front compartment with a pocket and key fob and a main compartment with two pockets and five elastic loops that are great for holding pens, cables, and other small items.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of LawnLove, initially bought the bag because he’s a Carhartt loyalist, but he says his loyalty has been rewarded. “It’s been perfect for me,” he says. “It’s water-resistant, and having put it to the test many times, it has done its job each time. It’s also just really comfortable to wear.” The 600 denier polyester construction is plenty durable and the brand’s water repellent, dubbed Rain Defender, does its job. The zippers are chunky and solid, and the $30 price tag pushes this crossbody bag into impulse buy territory despite its quality.
BEST LUXURY
Roderer 5-in-1 Messenger Bag
Made For: Those who appreciate the finer things. This bag is hand-made from soft-grained Italian leather, and the silver polish on the hardware and the brand’s crown logo aren’t exactly subtle in their connotation of luxury. This is the bag to wear walking off of a private jet to begin a weekend on the Amalfi Coast. Ciao.
ROI: Along with its premium materials and look, the Roderer 5-in-1 is, as its name suggests, eminently flexible. Dustin Sitar, CEO of The Groom Club, says that the shoulder strap isn’t just adjustable: “It completely comes off if I choose, and has plenty of pockets,” he says. The hand strap is similarly detachable, and this bag looks as good as a belt bag as it does a crossbody — maybe even good enough to justify its high-but-not-outrageous $285 price tag.
BEST SIMPLE
Everlane ReNew Transit Fanny Pack
Made For: The minimalist who wants a bag that’s clean, crisp, and compact. This bag isn’t big, so it’s great for those who only want to carry the essentials. Nate Russo, Director of Operations at Florida Panhandle Vacation Rentals, says he’s a fan of the ReNew because it’s “simple and it’s just what I need. It’s also compact and incredibly durable.” (Credit its 100 percent recycled polyester construction.)
Coolest Feature This less-is-more philosophy extends to the aesthetics of the bag, too, as it’s available both with and (our preference) without a brand label.
BEST COMFORT
Janji Multipass Sling Bag
Made For: Hikers of the urban and nature varieties. This sling bag borrows one of the best features from backpacks: a back panel designed for comfort. In this case, that means flexible honeycomb foam cushions whatever’s in the bag and adds breathability that allows the wearer to avoid a bag-shaped sweat stain after a period of prolonged use.
Hot Take: More pockets aren’t always better. Daivat Dholakia, VP of Operations at Essenvia, says “One absolute necessity for a crossbody bag is separate compartments,” mostly to keep a phone from getting scratched. “However, I personally prefer a smaller crossbody bag, which means fewer separate pockets,” he continues, rightly pointing out that internal divisions mean less storage space. This bag has just two pockets: a zippered back pocket and a main front pocket, with the latter feeling more cavernous than the pockets of its competitors.
BEST BIG
Patagonia Atom Sling Bag
Made For: Those who need to carry a bit more. At eight liters, this is one of the biggest crossbody bags on the market. Troy Portillo, director of operations at Studypool, says that he uses his to carry everything his toddler needs for the day. “It’s made me feel so free to take him places I’d never have wanted to go with a full-sized diaper bag, stroller, or wagon,” he says.
Why It Stands Out: Patagonia’s better for the world bona fides are expressed through a nearly 100-percent recycled bag coated with a PFC-free water-repellent coated and made in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
BEST MESSENGER BAG
Manhattan Portgage Downtown NY Messenger Bag
Made For: Those who need to carry a lot more. With their origins in the bags carried by telephone linemen who needed easy one-handed access to their tools, every messenger bag is also a crossbody bag. Veteran bike messenger Kevin Bolger of Cycle Hawk says that this classic silhouette is an “easier bag to manage while you’re out and about. You don’t have to take it off your back to access and you can just slide it around in front of you.”
Coolest Feature: This bag is made of Cordura, a heavy-duty synthetic fabric that’s also found in workwear, military gear, and motorcycle apparel. It’s tough, in other words, and the dual closure mechanisms — hard plastic buckles and hook-and-loop straps — ensure that it won’t come open unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbody Bags
What is a crossbody bag?
Technically any bag that is worn on one shoulder and drapes across to the other side of the torso or hip. Crossbody bags are commonly understood to be on the smaller side, enough to carry one’s essentials and not much else.
Who wears crossbody bags?
Long a favorite of pickpocket-averse travelers, crossbody bags are a great pick for anyone who wants a bag that allows them to carry just what they need, even when traveling closer to home.
Is a fanny pack a crossbody bag?
While the name suggests wearing it on the hip, fanny packs are commonly worn crossbody, and they make fine crossbody bags. They’re one of the bigger segments of the category, along with larger, more backpack-like sling bags.
Are you just trying to trick me into thinking fanny packs are cool?
No trickery needed: Fanny packs are cool as hell.