Perfect for everyday use, a crossbody bag is a fashionable, functional and versatile accessory designed for carrying around your essentials and so much more. Made to sit across the body, they’re a conveniently hands-free alternative to a backpack and complement a range of outfits, dressing up or down your look.
Depending on your lifestyle, whether you’re a city commuter, an adventurous explorer or out running errands for the day, it’s only natural you want your look to pair well with the fit and functionality of a crossbody bag, depending on how you prefer to wear one.
Here’s how to get the most out of wearing a crossbody bag to help you achieve an effortless look.
Which side should you wear a crossbody bag?
A timeless style, a crossbody bag can be positioned how you prefer it to sit on your body, with options to wear one either on your back, front or even around your waist, based on the size of the bag. How you position the bag can vary the level of support it provides on your spine, neck and shoulders.
Wear it like a backpack
A popular option, crossbody bags can be positioned on your back. In particular, the unique teardrop shape of The Healthy Back Bag is designed to contour to the curve of your spine, lying flat against you to prevent the bag from swinging about. Wearing a crossbody bag on your back provides a comfortable option which minimises strain as you go about your day.
Across your front
Crossbody bags can not only be worn on your back but also across your front. Wearing a crossbody bag across your chest provides an accessible yet secure hands-free option for moments when you need to reach for your belongings, like your phone or wallet. This works particularly well in busy environments, such as commuting or socialising in crowded spaces and events like festivals or concerts.
Some people use the single strap to sling a crossbody bag on one shoulder and with smaller, lighter styles like the mini crossbody bag, these can be worn across your hip.
What length should you wear a crossbody bag?
The single-strap design gives you the flexibility to switch up the length so you can wear the bag in a way that suits your style, while providing an optimum level of comfort for your spine, without pulling on your neck or shoulders.
For a casual look, adjust the strap to let the bag hang slightly lower and above your hip, while still keeping the bag close to your body for more support. If a polished style is more your vibe, tighten the strap so the bag fits into your waist or across the front for a tailored finish.
Please bear in mind that if you’re carrying heavy or many items, or if the strap is too tight, a crossbody bag may cause neck pain. To balance the items you need to carry, it's important to wear the correct bag size to distribute the weight using the pockets and to adjust the strap to a length so it fits your body evenly, reducing strain.
With the bag strapped close to your body, as the zips sit close to your frame, Healthy Back Bags provide the additional benefit of security, allowing you to move around comfortably knowing your belongings aren’t being compromised and are within your reach only.
If you prefer a looser strap style, strategic pockets help you place your items more evenly, distributing the weight to provide you with comfortable, hands-free carrying. It’s why crossbody bags are such a great option for everyday use!
Picking a material that suits your outfit and lifestyle
Both men and women enjoy wearing crossbody bags, with different materials available you can tailor your outfit using colour and texture. Add a pop of colour to complement your attire, wearing a colourful bag to contrast a neutral outfit and vice versa!
Leather
Rich, deep and fashionable colours show up gorgeously in crossbody leather bags. Leather is a timeless, durable option for those who want a classic, long-lasting material to see them throughout the season. Many wear leather crossbody bags with a sleek, structured formal outfit they can wear to work or to contrast with denim for a cool biker style.
Textured Nylon
Textured nylon works well in popular, bright, wearable colours and prints. They work best with casual everyday looks to run errands in, and go on walks, including travelling. Since it's water-resistant, a textured nylon crossbody bag can be taken everywhere with you, and if it gets dirty, simply throw it in the washing machine and it’ll come out as new - they’re so easy to clean!
Browse our core classic crossbody bags for sophisticated options in a soft sheen microfibre material.
Choosing the size of a crossbody bag
When it comes to choosing the size of your crossbody bag, think about how you want to use it and the occasion. For everyday use, our customers opt for small crossbody bag instead of using a handbag. There’s room to store your wallet, keys, phone, water bottle and a Kindle or tablet - useful to have on hand if you’re commuting and out for the day.
Large crossbody bags are great if you’re going travelling long-distance and need to pack a few more personal items, like clothes and toiletries. For shorter trips like dog walks, running errands or events like festivals, try a mini crossbody bag which can fit a water bottle, dog bags, and essentials including your keys and phone.
Learning how to wear a crossbody bag is all about balancing your own personal style and comfort. Whether you’re pairing it with a casual outfit or dressing up for a special event, the versatility of this timeless accessory makes it a must-have in every wardrobe.
Thinking about buying a Healthy Back Bag? Here’s what our customers have to say.