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Cross body or hand - bag?

Runcarla

Veteran

Gryffin's favourite bag post got me thinking more about purses and bags, and so, my question. Do you prefer a 'cross body' or a 'hand' bag?

I prefer a handbag and recently the tote style, with handles that are long enough to wear over my shoulder comfortably. I have learned (the hard way) that I prefer a lighter weight bag, though I do prefer leather. Although the hands free aspect of a cross body makes so much sense, I find they uncomfortably mash down my bosom.

As an aside, I don't mind the idea of a clutch for pm, but haven't found one yet. I'm hoping that I might score one with a chain that can be tucked away, but also used for dangling over the shoulder.

For me, backpacks are for gear. Period. Or, at least I don't think a back pack style purse is 'me'.

So. Over to you. Cross body, handbag, or other?

29 replies

Latest reply was from qfbrenda

Catnip

Veteran

I'm trying to decide. I used to wear cross body bags and then switched to totes or satchels. The main problem with a cross body is, if it's large enough to hold everything, it sticks out too much. But maybe I should just reduce the amount of junk I carry around.

Louise

Veteran

My favourite bags are over the shoulder ones, totes I guess. I have a couple of small x body bags which just hold the essentials so lay flat. Hand held bags are my least favourite as I find they get in the way. I usually only use them as going out bags x

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

Handbag - satchel preferably. Nothing over the shoulder but mine has a long strap so I can wear it crossbody when we're moving around in crowded places.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I always gravitate to crossbody's but I almost never wear them that way lol. I drape them over my shoulder. I'd hate a 'hand' bag or one that I would have to crook my elbow for. I'd feel like a doll with a prop.

MRL

Veteran

My current "everyday" bag is a satchel style, but the handles are long enough for over the shoulder if I need my hands free. The cross body bags seem like a "younger" look to me, maybe that's why I haven't tried that trend.

Anonymous

I like them both, but handbag styles have to have straps long enough to go over my shoulder. Bags that aren't completely hands-free drive me crazy. I probably trade off some elegance/polish for convenience, but I'm fine with that.

Raisin

Veteran

Crossbosy for sure. I need my hands free!

JAileen

Veteran

I agree with Raisin! I need to have my hands free. I do have handbags, but I prefer crossbodies.

Diana

Veteran

Shoulder bag. Unless there's almost nothing in it and the bag itself is light, I am not comfortable with either a handheld or a crossbody bag. The handheld hurts my weak elbows and wrists, plus I always want to use my hand for something else, and the crossbody bonks against my butt/hip when I walk.

ETA: I will buy a crossbody, though, if the strap can be adjusted to be short enough that I can wear it on one shoulder.

deb

Veteran

I prefer a shoulder bag and if it has an extra crossbody strap like my Brahmin, it gets extra points.

Thistle

Veteran

I like over the should handbag the best. I want to like cross body bags. I really do. Maybe I just need to find the right one. But I am not a bag lady. I haven't changed out my bag in a year *blush*

Joy

Veteran

I like to have a variety. There are times when a cross body is perfect and times when I'd rather have a satchel or clutch. Sometimes a large shopper is just what is needed, sometimes a shoulder bag. It's a personal decision.

Gaylene

Veteran

Way easy--crossbody all the way--but often worn as Mo does, draped over my shoulder. My non-existent hips and wide spaced boobs come in rather handy, though, when I want to wear it crossbody. My second nod would go to a tote with handles large enough to be worn over my shoulder. I'm definitely a member of the "Must-Have-My-Hands-Free" club.

After spending serious cash on a gorgeous satchel, I realized that bags which need to be held in my hand, or on my forearm, make me feel weird. That bag got snapped up by my sister who has no such hangups. And can I say that I have a unreasonable poison eye for bags that have handles and straps; I can appreciate the utility, but to me it comes across as a bag that can't make up its mind.

karymk

Veteran

I like handle bags that are easily grabbed, but that also have a shoulder strap for variety and ease. I have two amazing backpacks. One black quilted chanel with partial chain straps, and one brown Longchamp. Both classics, both sporty but "upscale."

Aquamarine

Veteran

I prefer a shoulder bag but have a couple of crossbody bags for when I want hands-free options. They are small and flat though, because I don't want extra bulk against my hip or thigh. So wearing one really limits what I can carry....

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My ideal is a crossbody that sits well on my body and has handles for when I want to hold it. I like pretty large bags during the day and large totes tend to slide off my shoulder. But I still wear them.

gryffin

Veteran

Runcarla - you already know my answer!! I am a crossbody girl all the way. In fact, I was wearing the straps long before then had a name for it. I really need to be hands free and I like the security of being to literally wear it crossbody or on my shoulder. I also have trouble with too short shoulder straps and winter coats. I love the look of shorter straps and handbags on others but it just doesn't work for me!! Fortunately there is a perfect bag for each of us!!

Gigi

Veteran

Crossbody, for practical reasons. I like to have my hands free. I have a very small bosom, so no problems there!

ATLynn

Veteran

I'm an urban commuter, so I use a crossbody everyday for security. But visually, I prefer a satchel or tote.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I prefer a smaller bag with an adjustable strap that can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag. Most of my bags have that feature. I use them as shoulder bags a majority of the time but convert to cross body when I really need my hands free or if I'm doing a lot of walking or am at large events in a big crowd.

ramya

Veteran

Crossbody during winter. I hate bag slipping of my coat . In summer I prefer handbag:)

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Handbag is my first choice, but there are those occassions when a crossblody is a must....For me that is going to outdoor musical festivals or even long days at the mall...

Susie

Veteran

I prefer a variety of styles. I still love my satchels, carried either by the handles in my hand or on my arm. I am loving my clutches so they are probably my preferred style at the moment.

But I also like a smaller bag that can be carried on my shoulder for shopping and errands. I added 2 of them recently. And for very specific times, like major shopping or an outdoor event, I occasionally use a small cross body. But it is definitely not my preferred silhouette.

Parsley

Veteran

I've usually preferred shoulder bags with an adjustable strap so that they can be worn cross-body, especially for traveling, when I really like to have my hands free.
I'm in love with the style of my latest bag, though, which is a satchel with a long strap so that it can also be worn cross-body or as a long shoulder bag. I've found it to be the best of both worlds, and will be looking for that style for future bags.
Here's an online image of it:

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

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pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

I'm a recent convert to hand-held. I never thought I'd see the day! I'd been a cross-body only girl all my life. But once I started working out and getting stronger, I found carrying my heavy bag in my hand to be the most comfortable. If I wear it on my shoulder, I end up with an ache and it messes with my hip alignment, too. I always have a long strap just in case, but with a 4yo and 7yo, I find I don't need to be as hands-free as when they were younger. If I need my hands, I slide my bag up to my elbow.

I like firm hand straps, so I don't have the option of short straps that can go on my shoulder. So, short firm straps + long strap for me!

I'd like to get a nice backpack for the warmer weather. I won't wear one with a coat, though. I would only use it when out with the kids and walking a lot, like at the zoo. We rarely do those kinds of things, though, so it's not a big need.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I do not bat for Team Crossbody at all. I find it very uncomfortable. But I love the look.

kkards

Veteran

i prefer bags that give you an option, maybe a handle and a strap. then i can wear/carry how it works best for me that day.

merwoman

Veteran

I seem to be evolving. I was diehard crossbody and clutch, but I've been feeling satchel longings, and over the last 2 months have purchased 3 satchels. I love the look and shape of the satchel, particularly with my winter coats.

qfbrenda

Veteran

It really depends on what my day holds. I often use totes that can go over my shoulder so I can carry and book and water bottle with me. That works well specially if I'm running kids around and then sitting and waiting... Scouts, orthodontist, etc. But if I'm doing a bunch of shopping or other things when I'm walking a lot, I prefer a cross body. My shoulder gets tired and can't carry a bag on it all day.