These 21 designer cross-body bags from our favourite labels will let you go hands-free

Once you’ve experienced the freedom designer cross-body bags can give you, it’s possible you’ll never go back. You know: to holding a bag in your hands or nestling a strap over the crook of your arm. Being hands-free is the equivalent of finding pockets in a dress. Read: so satisfying.

But banish any memories of school-kids’ satchels, these designer cross-body bags have had a makeover to something altogether more grown-up. Our designer cross body bag edit offers the must-have silhouettes, colours and details (all in practical hands free designs) that you can buy in 2023 and that you’ll wear for years ahead, because who wants to invest in a one-season wonder?

It’s useful to have a small selection of bags in any capsule accessory wardrobe, so you have the right style for any occasion. While an oversized tote makes sense if you’re commuting (and carting around a laptop, gym kit and water bottle) good things do come in small packages.

A designer cross-body bag, which is usually a smaller size and neater shape, is our accessory of choice right now and we (and our backs) are revelling in the joy of travelling light. Fitting purely the necessities (think keys, phone, card holder, and lip gloss) is so freeing.

A designer cross-body bag is the ultimate accessory whether you’re spending Saturday at the park with friends or attending a summer wedding. If you check the measurements you might also be able to fit in a notebook and snacks to use it as a work bag, too. Winner, winner.

We know purchasing a designer cross-body bag is an investment, so we recommend you really think about what you want from your bag and ponder which style would best fit into your existing wardrobe. This will be a true bag for life, so remember the ‘buy less, choose well and make it last’ mantra of sustainability.

Right now, anything from Loewe has the fashion pack in a frenzy. The Puzzle Small Textured Leather Shoulder Bag is cleverly convertible and can go over the shoulder or worn cross-body. Loewe have also reimagined their cult summer baskets into a cross-body bag style, in a collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza.

Burberry’s leather trimmed canvas bag would be a chic choice for the city and we’re also drooling over Chloe’s Marcie leather and raffia bag, which would work all summer long. Jacquemus’ cult Le Chiquito Noeud bag comes with a long strap to sling over your body (we love the Barbiecore pink colourway) and Acne Studio’s Distortion bag is similarly cheerful, in a vibrant shade of sky blue.

If your want to spend smaller, Ganni’s fabric ‘Festival’ bag would be a versatile pick and comes in at £110. Vivienne Westwood’s Daisy bag (£275) in classic check will last through to Autumn and beyond, acing it’s cost per wear ratio. Whichever designer cross-body bag you decide on, the hands-free feeling can’t be beaten.

For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.

Scroll down for our pick of the 21 best designer cross-body bags to buy for Summer 2023 – and wear forever…