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Crossbodies and "bigness"

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Just tell me if I post too many question posts...

My daily purses are a black understated fabric shoulder bag with gold clasp, and a giant tote with a painting pattern for bringing whatever else I need around.

But I've always been envious of crossbodies, because I feel I can't wear them. They seem to look better on people with smaller frames, smaller chests, neater shoulders, etc. I have a large bust and wide shoulders, although my whole body is fairly proportionate.

Of course, I like the idea of crossbodies because they look easy to carry. In your experience, can less petite women wear crossbodies well? Or at all?

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33 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

Runcarla

Veteran

I don’t think cross body bags with thin straps do anyone of any size any good - unless it’s styled over a heavily structured or padded topper or coat. Just thrown over a t-shirt or sweater, and it cuts down between the breasts, or across them in an unflattering - not to say uncomfortable manner. I think a long thin strap can work at reigning in the volume of a generously cut or padded coat, but otherwise I think there are other choices.

I’m currently a fan of wearing my bags on a thicker guitar strap with the bag up high across my chest the way some (me included) also style bum bags.

My Coach bags both have wide straps, which I prefer for both cross body wear, and over the shoulder.

Really, it’s all in the styling…

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Carol

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the photos, Carla. Great point about needing the right shirt/topper for a crossbody. I am more of a fan of "grab and go" fashion, and perhaps that's why I haven't worn a lot of crossbodies.

Joy

Veteran

I like cross bodies with chain straps which look like jewelry. I am small with wide shoulders but can not carry an oversized bag. Most of my cross body bags are very small carry a small wallet and phone. I larger bag carrys extra stuff that varies a bit with the season.

Kate

Veteran

Sure, I'm a less petit woman, and I wear cross body bags all the time over all types of clothing and outerwear. I much prefer to have my bags hit at my hip, rather than wearing them high up on the body. That's where you can run into trouble with a padded coat or wearing many layers. Even with my modest bust, things can begin to look messy and cluttered with a bag worn high across the chest.

I'm not a fan of guitar straps on small cross body bags; I find they look overwhelming with a smaller bag, and detract from the beauty of the bag. That said, I don't like guitar straps on any size bag!

Echo

Veteran

I rarely find cross-body bags to be particularly flattering on anyone. That's not to say don't wear them, as sometimes the situation calls for them, but for flattery? Not in my opinion, especially wth the thin straps.

I do find proportional bags to be better worn cross-body than the teeny tiny ones on a larger frame. Ultimately, unless I am going to a fair or festival, I will wear my bags as shoulder bags and not as cross-body bags.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am short but with a largish bust. I wear crossbodies most of the time because of the ease - shoulder bags tend to slide off of me. The diagonal line across my front is a bonus. But, frankly, it is not the most flattering look with many of my outfits.

rachylou

Veteran

I feel like the answer is ‘yes’ but the rubber meets the road with any given bag. A wallet-sized bag over a big puffer coat is probably a visual no go. A big structured satchel when you’re just in a tee and cut off jeans may look like you had a clothing boo-boo.

RobinF

Veteran

Huh, interesting conversation. I have always worn crossbodies and never felt they were unflattering.

I wear all kinds and thicknesses of straps.

I am short but not particularly small, and large busted. Besides the ease of having the use of both hands, I like the way the strap can rein in fuller tops and coats.

cat2

Veteran

I have the same scale issue; I think they can look silly on a larger frame. I also hate my car seat belt because it’s grippy and can ruin clothing. I find crossbody bags to be similarly uncomfortable and destructive.

Anonymous

Never really thought about it tbh! I just grab the most practical bag for the day and go on my way

Helena

Veteran

I think there is something to be said for the scale argument if traditional flattery is a priority ... that it's sort of good to repeat your natural size and shapes as much as possible, or as Rachy says, keep the outfit in balance (even though I am on the "smaller" size relatively speaking, I wouldn't enjoy wear a delicate crossbody over my puffer, for example). However, some items are just so practical that it trumps this concern!

Ginger

Veteran

Wow, I never thought about crossbody bags as flattering or unflattering, and I'm violating most of the opinions here! But I rather like how mine look and feel.

1 - I'm tall, delicate shoulders, slightly busty, very hippy
2 - I don't wear crossbodies in winter since they are too awkward to get on when negotiating hood and/or collar and long hair, plus dealing with the bulk of the coat itself when I'm raising both arms to handle this. So I switch to a true handbag during coat season.
3 - I can't wear the strap on the side shoulder because it falls off. Narrow shoulders, wide hips. Even walking with a list doesn't work for long.
4 - My usual crossbody is a Patricia Nash leather bag, map case style (with map print), strap 1" or so. It hangs pretty long, on my hip. I think it's a good scale for me. *shrug*
5 - I prefer a "lady adventurer" to a trendy style. Indiana Jones has a similar bag... I can't deny that's a big part of my inspiration. But if it didn't work for my lifestyle and go with my outfits I wouldn't have stuck with it.

My first Patricia Nash is also a crossbody, saddlebag style. It's larger than the one I use now and usually I can get everything into the smaller bag, so that's my usual. I use the bigger one for traveling or excursions where I need to carry more. Both have lots of pockets and slots which I adore.

Patricia Nash Signature Map Collection Granada Cross-Body Bag

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Patricia Nash Heritage Collection London Saddle Bag

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Carol

(website)

Veteran

Joy--I love the idea of a chain strap....I don't know that I've ever had a bag with a chain strap.

Kate--it is such a specific thing, isn't it? A guitar strap. A very specific strap. I suppose I don't yet know how I feel about them, since I haven't used it. I like the idea of crossbodies that fall at your hip, this is good information.

Echo--noted about the "right sized" bag. No teeny tiny bag. Who needs a teeny tiny bag, anyway? Unless it's a clutch at a fancy event.

Jaime--I'm glad you're honest about how they look. That makes sense, that they would be practical, but maybe not flattering on people in general...compared to other bags.

Rachylou--yes, and this is why I hate/love fashion. On any given day, I need to throw on a shirt and a bag and run out the door. I do not care what bag I have. But on some days, I will spend time researching and putting together an outfit. I find it...a bit of an imposition that we're supposed to do all this considerations of proportions, etc. as women.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sweet, Carol, FWIW, rest assured, all my clients and family members of all sizes carry some sort of crossbody, and they look fabulous! From US 00P to size US26. Some with a large bust. All good. The crossbodies vary in size too. That part is a personal preference.

From a COMFORT point of view, a wider strap - like a guitar strap - is definitely the way to go. On any size frame and body. A narrower strap can cut into you, especially when the bag is heavy.

Always feel free to ask questions here!

Carol

(website)

Veteran

RobinF--Great to know they work for you! I wonder if you pick particularly good bras or shirts that help the purse look good. But good to know they can work on some people.

Cat2--I guess we're the same in that opinion, then. I like shoulder bags, but even they can be cumbersome, when you're leaning over to sign something, or juggling it with a tote, or whatever. Maybe I'll try a fashion back pack...

Suntiger--cool! maybe the confidence makes it look good on you, then.

Helena--true about practicality, but I feel you have to have boundaries with that concept. Otherwise you're walking around in yellow Crocs and a sweatshirt you got for free at a convention. That's not the look I want!

Ginger--those are great, and I googled the company, too. It puts to mind that style has to do with not just body type, and proportions, but with personality. You must be an adventurer type.

My cousin, much taller and much bustier than me, always wore an embroidered crossbody for years. I was never much analyzing how it worked on her body, because what it said about her was: "I've got to be able to talk with both hands, and my money is going towards a trip to Europe, and not this thing around my waist."

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April

Veteran

A lightweight crossbody is an "all day, every day" essential for me and I can't say I fret much about whether it's flattering.

I wish they all had wider straps for comfort and I need them as lightweight as possible, so my leather ones rarely come out. Other than that, I choose for color - love echoing the color of the day's shoes or gloves with my crossbody.

Jonesy

Veteran

This is a thought-provoking question and post! I enjoyed reading everyone's responses; it's very idiosyncratic, having to do with specific preferences, body type, comfort, activities, walking vs. driving lifestyle, climate, etc. etc. I agree that if you feel like wearing a crossbody bag and it works for you and your lifestyle, you should go for it (putting thoughts of "flattering" or not to the side)!

I have several crossbody bags but I find that I don't reach for them that often. I have been pondering why, and I think some of it has to do with my chest: I dislike the feeling and the look of the strap bisecting me. And in the winter time, when I've got on a large coat, I find the crossbody kind of fussy: Do I put it underneath the big coat, making it less accessible (but then it's tricky with the seatbelt, because we are usually driving somewhere before walking a bit, when it's bitterly cold), or outside the big coat (and then have to fuss with how it looks with the big coat, and deal with it in relation to the seatbelt issue)? I have come to realize that I prefer a tote or shoulder bag, especially in the coat-wearing months.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I used to fret this a lot , but not so much anymore. I’ll carry whatever kind of bag is practical when I need hands free.

Lee

I am only 5’4” ish and a solid 16/18. And I feel just fine carrying one.

Sal

Veteran

I like a small cross body bag - if I wear one of my medium size bags cross body it feels more awkward for me - keep in mind I am quite clumsy!!

I can find the cross body gets caught in my clothes and buttons of some outfits, or moves things around. I sometimes notice that in my outfit pics.

lyn67

Veteran

I love and always need a cross-body with guitar straps for casual and a chain strap (gold or silver) for dressy. Of course, you can play with the flattery when it's up to which strap- for ex choosing a guitar strap to blend in or accent your top/topper, a lengthwise striped one or smaller patter...you name it!

notsaf

Veteran

Wow! So surprising to hear so many say they feel crossbodies are unflattering, because I think they're chic all around. I love using them to "close" an open topper (a la images below), especially a few winter coats that are a little snug. Throw those on open over a big scarf and under a crossbody, and I'm good to go.

I do make sure I get bags with straps that are easy to adjust, though, so I can get the length just right AND switch to a shoulder bag as needed. The APC Grace Bag and a vintage Gucci saddlebag have been amazing for this.

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JAileen

Veteran

For everyday, my bag must be a crossbody. I’ve seen pictures of me with my bags over a coat or parka, and it doesn’t look all that great. But function is paramount. I think it looks better if the strap is on the longer side. This probably goes against current trends.

delurked

Veteran

I have a crossbody that works for me and I have it in multiple colors. Many I've found inexpensively on Poshmark. I am tall with wide shoulders and a fuller bust. I carry this particular crossbody because the medical supplies I need to carry are held well in a separate top zip compartment, and I think it looks fine because of the width of the strap (I'd say it's not super thin, but it's not as wide as a guitar strap). Having the two top zip compartments works best for what I need from a bag.

There is no option that works well for me but a crossbody because I must be hands free, and I have to have front access to what I need, and personally I am ok with how it looks. What I do like about the one I've settled on is that it lays quite flat across my body. If you do consider a crossbody, you should consider the actual shape of the bag too. Some are wider, some taller, etc, and you can assess how those differences feel for you.

I carry a nylon bag so as not to have to carry additional weight. I acknowledge it's a utilitarian piece of my wardrobe at this point in my life. I am currently debating adding black when I already have navy and other colors that work with my wardrobe.

I'm primarily carrying the plum color this winter and it is making me very happy. I also prefer the length to be on the longer side, so testing out that piece since I am tall is also important to consider. I find my choice of bag in proportion to my frame.

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Kipling Women's Alvar Solid Crossbody Bag

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DonnaF

Veteran

FWIW, I’ve never seen a person with a bag and thought, “Gee, that looks out of proportion.” I also rarely review my outfits with my bags. They are nearly all cross body. Shoulder bags fall off my shoulders and I reject larger bags in general mainly because they’re too much of a temptation to overstuff. I don’t want to develop neck, shoulder, or back problems. I also sadly turn down very large tote bags because they look like they’re carrying me or can carry me away if there’s a strong gust of wind. In my next life I will be taller and have nice feet!

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Angie--thanks for the advice. I may end up trying one, and it's good to know about the "strap comfort" factor.
April--that's great that you have a variety. I think of them as just functional, but when you have a bunch of colors, you get to play with it.
Jonesy--exactly.That's my issue. I don't like the look of it bisecting my chest...I don't like anything that draws too much attention to that area. And you know--I also love totes. You have to hold on sometimes, but they are not picky bags.
Janet--good to know, sound like you like having the option.
Lee--that's great to know--thanks.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Sal--I always notice stuff in my pics, too. It makes me wonder--does everyone else not have this problem, or do they spend a couple minutes here and there adjusting everything? I do believe you're probably right about small bags being easier.
lyn67--love chain straps. In terms of guitar straps, I had no idea a person could have multiples!
notsaf-thanks for the photos! those are great. and I get the length thing--even with a shoulder bag, I have to get it just right.
JAileen--they do seem WAY more functional. And I also agree that longer straps look better.
delurked--thanks for the photos. The shape and material sort of mimic my current shoulder bag. Your comment makes me think to pay extra attention to the strap and its structure.
DonnaF--that reminds me--I have a real problem with large bags and throwing every last thing into them. I would like to work on that. I'm glad you don't have that issue scrutinizing people's bags.

Star

Veteran

Sometimes I do feel a crossbody bag is unflattering on me. I tend to wear them under an open jacket when possible. This helps.

Ket

Veteran

I agree with everyone on this. On the one hand, I find crossbody can add some visual width to the body. But it depends on a host of factors, as already pointed out. I find it a very convenient way to wear a purse for the most part. SO.. I just don't care about the bigness anymore I guess? When I'm doing mom life, which is most days, it's much easier with my purse worn cross-body. I don't have to worry about the strap being caught on a store end-cap and pulling off my shoulder. It's not slipping and sliding around. I'm not having to set it in a dirty cart and hoping no one nabs it. All sorts of practical reasons.

I wear nearly every style of purse I own crossbody. Quilted velvet. Vintage Mexican saddlebag. Kate Spade. Target. If it has a long enough strap, I wear it crossbody for walks and errands.

I do find strap width makes a difference. Thin straps are fine for 1-3 hours of wear. But after that, the purse can get heavy and pull. I'm actually considering a fanny pack that I can wear crossbody. I do like something about that style. Also, you can't pack much into a fanny pack, tbh. So a lot less weight, so long as the pack itself is a lighter fabric weight.

Great discussion and post! I loved reading everyone's replies!

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