Crossbody bags, sling bags, man bags: whatever you call them, these handy little pouches are everywhere right now. And for good reason. Not only are they extremely practical – keeping pockets uncluttered and allowing you to carry more than just the bare essentials – they can also add a little something extra to your outfits… provided you pick the right one.

The crossbody bag was originally designed with security in mind, offering a safe place to store cash and valuables that could be worn close to the body and easily accessed. In more recent years, the style has been co-opted by the very demographic it sought to protect wearers from: petty criminals and so-called ‘roadmen’, who have adopted the sling bag as a sort of unofficial uniform. How do you avoid these negative connotations while still enjoying all the practical perks of this bite-size bag? It’s really just a case of shopping the right brands.

There’s a handful of designers we rate highly when it comes to crossbody bags. They’re the labels that have put their stamp on the style, whether by using premium materials, incorporating quirky design motifs or by producing one of the most recognisable versions. In short, if you want to be on trend this year, without looking like a drug dealer, these are the names you need to know.

What Is A Crossbody Bag?

The crossbody bag goes by various names – sling bag, man bag, shoulder pouch, etc – but the core design is the same. It’s generally used to describe any small bag (big enough for a phone, wallet and a few other daily essentials) that can be worn over the shoulder and across the body. Technically speaking, a bum bag/fannypack (delete depending on which side of the pond you live) can be a crossbody bag, if it’s worn as such.

The bag itself usually has one main pocket, an inside zip pocket, and often another small zip pocket to the outside. The strap is usually adjustable, and sometimes features a small buckle so that it can be opened and closed. It’s usually worn slung over the body, with the pouch resting either on the chest or the back.

The Best Brands For Crossbody Bags

LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG

£89

Made from leather in a smooth grain finish, this crossbody bag has an adjustable strap with a zip closure. The deep chocolate-brown is rich and luxurious.

- Strap with flat pins

- Shiny metal zip closure

Shell: 100% Leather, Lining: 100% Cotton

Height: 11cm Width: 31.4cm Depth: 10cm

FAUX-FUR CUBE CLUTCH BAG

£39

Made from recycled fabric, this faux-fur clutch features a bright fuchsia pink hue with an alluring texture that's perfect to add a pop of colour to any eveningwear look. The metal zip closure keeps your belongings safe.

- Inner COS patch logo

- A better alternative to conventional polyester, recycled polyester is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste

Shell: 100% Recycled polyester, Lining: 80% Cotton, 20% Recycled cotton 

Height: 12cm, Width: 17cm, Depth: 12cm 

OVERSIZED FAUX FUR CLUTCH

£59

Crafted from tactile recycled faux fur, this oversized clutch bag comes in a vibrant shade of bright-orange that'll add a pop of colour to otherwise neutral outfits. 

- Two-way zip closure

- Internal pocket

- Recycled polyester yarn is made from plastic bottles and excess fibres, reducing waste products 

Shell: 100% Recycled polyester, Lining: 80% Cotton, 20% Recycled cotton

Height: 17.6cm, Width: 34.3cm, Depth: 17.6cm 

CURVED LEATHER SHOULDER BAG

£180

This modern shoulder bag has been made from soft, slouchy leather in a curved shape that'll tuck neatly under your arm. It features the COS logo patch on the interior with a handy zip pocket.

- Zip closure

- Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified seeds without chemical fertilisers or pesticides 

Shell: 100% Leather, Lining: 100% Organic cotton

Height: 31.6cm, Width: 32cm, Depth: 13.6cm 

MINI LEATHER SHOULDER BAG

£99

This classic mini shoulder bag is crafted from supple chrome-free leather. The structured design fits neatly under the arm and can be adjusted for your preferred strap length. It is finished with intricately painted edges and an organic cotton lining.

- Interior slip pocket

- Zip closure

- Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified seeds without chemical fertilisers or pesticides

100% Leather, Lining: 100% Organic cotton

Height: 17cm, Width: 29cm, Depth: 13.4cm

MINI LEATHER BOWLING BAG

£125

Made from black leather with a grained finish that'll withstand wear, this mini bowling bag has a metal zip closure and an adjustable buckled strap that's detachable. Inside there's a leather slip pocket to keep your keys safe.

- Fully lined

Shell: 100% Leather, Lining: 100% Organic cotton

Height: 18.5cm, Width: 28.8cm

MINI LEATHER SHOULDER BAG

£99

This classic mini shoulder bag is crafted from supple chrome-free leather. The structured design fits neatly under the arm and can be adjusted for your preferred strap length. It is finished with intricately painted edges and an organic cotton lining.

- Interior slip pocket

- Zip closure

- Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified seeds without chemical fertilisers or pesticides

100% Leather, Lining: 100% Organic cotton

Height: 17cm, Width: 29cm, Depth: 13.4cm

GATHERED LEATHER SHOULDER BAG

£59

Crafted from supple chrome-free leather, this statement shoulder bag features an adjustable shoulder strap. The internal pocket and zip closure are designed to keep your essentials secure.

- Fully lined

100% Leather, Lining: 100% Cotton

Height: 16cm, Width: 20cm

LARGE LEATHER BOWLING BAG

£190

Made from black leather with a grained finish that'll resist wear, this large bowling bag has adjustable straps so you can carry it as a tote or make them long enough to sling over your shoulder. Inside there's a zipped pocket to keep your keys and cardholder secure

- Fully lined

- Raw edges

Shell: 100% Leather, Lining: 100% Organic cotton

Height: 30.8cm, Width: 37.8cm