Crossbody Bags for Women: An Essential for Travel

Crossbody bags are not just fashionable, they are one of the most essential bags for travel. They are practical, offer hands-free convenience, and safeguard your items in a well-organized manner.

Whether you are darting around town for errands, attending a Chicago festival like Lollapalooza, or traveling abroad in a tour group, Baggallini has great solutions for touring with peace of mind. Trendy travel crossbody bags for women are top-notch for expeditions and everyday life!

Handbags have come a long way from their original sole purpose of carrying coins. Innovative ideas and modern designs have elevated these fashion accessories to a multi-billion-dollar industry while bringing style and function to suit every taste.  

In this post, we will explore the across-the-body travel bag, the features of a crossbody bag, why they are great traveling bags, how to store your travel bags, and how to choose them.

The Origin of Crossbody Bags

Crossbody bags have come a long way in fashion history, with its origins dating back to the 17th century when men wore them for hunting and soldiers during wartime. According to history, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the crossbody bag became a popular accessory for women, thanks to the rise of the flapper culture.

In the 1960s, the crossbody bag made a comeback, favored by hippies for its practicality and hands-free design. Today, crossbody bags come in various styles and are a staple in the fashion industry.

Why Crossbody Bags are Great for Travel

There are several styles of bags that allow you to be hands-free. Waist packs are generally very small and are used to carry the bare essentials like your keys, cellphone, credit cards. However, one of the greatest advantages to wearing a crossbody bag is convenient access to personal items, unlike backpacks that require handling and removal.

No matter which style you choose, there is plenty of storage for your personal needs, including a mobile phone, chargers, ID and credit cards, pens and pencils, hand sanitizers, USB flash drives, and snacks. 

The wide straps create a comfortable fit over the shoulder and can adjust with ease. Whether you need to hail a taxi in New York City, make a fast break for the tour bus in Rome, or bike through Yosemite National Park, your Baggallini bag with RFID protection will safeguard your possessions and keep you looking stylish.

Buying a Crossbody Bag

How to Choose Them

A travel crossbody bag is one of the best types of bags for journeying. And whether you need a small bag to carry essentials or an entire luggage ensemble for your next adventure, here are a few things to keep in mind before making your travel bag selections.  

When traveling by air, it’s important to check the luggage size restrictions of your airline beforehand. Most airlines don’t allow checked bags over 62 linear inches and carry-on bags over 45 linear inches, so pay close attention to the dimensions of the luggage you’re buying. 

Now, all that’s left to consider is what type of bag you need for your next trip! Invest in a bag that suits your requirements once you reach your destination.

For example, if you plan to have an old fashion getaway and stay at a hotel, a traditional luggage set will do just fine. (Pro tip: If you’re flying, try to make do with just a carry-on to avoid spending time at the luggage terminal, and paying for checked luggage.) 

On the other hand, if you plan on taking a road trip or traveling on foot for long periods, a duffel bag or backpack may better suit your need.

Features to Look for in a Crossbody Bag

There are many options to consider when selecting a bag. Styles, sizes, colors, patterns, and storage details can be just as important.

There are many different shapes and sizes of crossbody bags for you to choose from, so make sure to browse around for different styles and read the reviews from previous buyers.

There are bags for nearly every occasion that offer versatile and unique options for storage.  

One of our favorites is this black crossbody purse, the Amelia Crossbody Bag. It is a great example of a classic style that you can hang onto for years. The Amelia is smart-looking, spacious, and versatile enough for travel, everyday casual wear, and professional attire. 

Here is a list of questions that you may want to consider.

Size & Materials

• Is it water-resistant?
• Will care and cleaning be easy? 
• Do you need a small, medium, or large-sized bag?
• Would you prefer a slim or wide silhouette?

Organization & Storage

• What do you need to store in the bag?
• Are there enough separate compartments?
• Is there RFID protection to keep personal information safe?
• Is there easy access for your phone, keys?
• Do you need extra accessories for cosmetics or electronics?

Color & Details

• Do you need something neutral or something unique with a pattern?
• Will it fit with most of your wardrobe for everyday wear?
• Do you need slash-resistant panels or straps?
• Do you need locking zippers?

How to Wear a Crossbody Bag

Wearing a crossbody bag is straightforward. It’s very simple to put on and you can wear it on either side of the body in the front, or the back. Just put your head and one of your arms through the strap and let it rest on your shoulder.

The strap should be running across your torso diagonally. Unlike a shoulder strap that rests on one side of your body, you need not worry about slippage or accidentally leaving it behind. Think of it as an extension of your outfit, it doesn’t have to be removed.

The bags have a buckle on the strap to adjust the length for comfort, so experiment and find out what works best for you! Most people usually leave it so that the bag hangs right at their front hip. If you prefer a higher or tighter fit, it will only take seconds to customize.

How to Store

Just imagine not being able to travel for about 18 months. Oh, wait. Been there, done that. But where has your luggage been all this time? How did you store it? Take advantage of the space that is inside a large bag and use it for storing smaller bags.

If possible, lay them flat and keep them in a cool, dry place. If you need to tuck them away into an attic, for instance, you can purchase storage containers or put them in large plastic bags. The storage location is key because the bags should stay free from dust, mold, or dirt.

If you are a bag lover (meaning, you have tons of them) and need to keep track of things, apply 2 to 3 inches of masking tape to each plastic bag and container, then write a description of its content. 

Final Thoughts on Cross Body Bags

There are a lot of different bags and occasions you’d need them for, so where should you look for lightweight bags for travel?

Luckily for you, Baggallini is a great place to start shopping for any shape, style, and size! From small crossbody bags to backpacks, and duffel bags, to carry-on luggage, Baggallini presents a wide selection from which to choose to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Baggallini offers a full refund on unused merchandise within 60 days of purchase (your packing slip and original tags must be attached).

Happy Travels!