How to choose a leather crossbody bag: strap drop, size and what really fits
Choose a crossbody bag by three numbers: the strap length, which should put the bag at your hip; the width, which decides whether your phone fits; and the empty weight, because it hangs from one shoulder all day. For most women between 160 and 175 cm (5'3" and 5'9") tall, a strap of about 115–135 cm (45–53 in) sits right across the body, and a bag at least 18 cm (7.1 in) wide takes a large phone lying flat.
Strap length for your height
A crossbody strap is measured end to end. Across the body, the bag should hang at the hip or just above it: higher and it rides up against the ribs, lower and it swings against the thigh. As a rough guide:
| Your height | Strap length to look for |
|---|---|
| under 160 cm (5'3") | about 105–120 cm (41–47 in) |
| 160–170 cm (5'3"–5'7") | about 115–130 cm (45–51 in) |
| over 170 cm (5'7") | about 125–145 cm (49–57 in) |
Add 5–10 cm (2–4 in) for a thick winter coat. An adjustable strap solves most of this, so look at the range, not just one number.
Will my phone fit?
A large phone is about 16 × 8 cm (6.3 × 3.1 in). In a bag at least 18 cm (7.1 in) wide it lies flat; in a taller bag it stands upright. Very small bags are honest about this. Our Sophie Bag Small, 13.5 × 10 × 6 cm (5.3 × 3.9 × 2.4 in), takes a card holder, keys, lipstick and earbuds, and a large smartphone may not fit. If your phone always comes with you, start one size up.
Six crossbody bags, measured
| Bag | Size (W × H × D) | Strap | Weight | What fits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Small | 13.5 × 10 × 6 cm (5.3 × 3.9 × 2.4 in) | 60–126 cm (23.6–49.6 in) | 200 g (7.1 oz) | card holder, keys, lipstick, earbuds | $210–250 |
| Costa | 21.5 × 21 × 5.5 cm (8.5 × 8.3 × 2.2 in) | long strap; drawstring top | 250 g (8.8 oz) | phone, card case, keys, lipstick, earbuds | $380 |
| Cleo | 25 × 10.5 × 7 cm (9.8 × 4.1 × 2.8 in) | 123–148 cm (48.4–58.3 in) | 350 g (12.3 oz) | phone, card holder, keys, lipstick, sunglasses | $250–290 |
| Josy | 23 × 15 × 9 cm (9.1 × 5.9 × 3.5 in) | adjustable, up to 110 cm (43.3 in); zip top | 400 g (14.1 oz) | phone, slim wallet, keys, earbuds, lipstick | $340 |
| Object №03 Small | 22.5 × 15 × 10.5 cm (8.9 × 5.9 × 4.1 in) | up to 140 cm (55.1 in), plus a short handle | 550 g (1.2 lb) | phone, card case, keys, lipstick, earbuds | $520–560 |
| Object №03 Medium | 33.5 × 21.5 × 13 cm (13.2 × 8.5 × 5.1 in) | up to 140 cm (55.1 in), plus a short handle | 800 g (1.8 lb) | wallet, sunglasses, a small tablet or A5 notebook | $550–580 |
Two notes on the strap. Cleo's 123–148 cm (48.4–58.3 in) range covers most heights. Josy's strap tops out at 110 cm (43.3 in), so on a taller woman it sits higher, at the waist, or works as a shoulder bag.
Weight: lighter than you think matters
All the weight of a crossbody sits on one shoulder. Under 400 g (14.1 oz) empty, you forget it is there: Sophie Small, Costa, Cleo and Josy are all at or below that. Object №03 Medium, at 800 g (1.8 lb), carries more and stands on its own, but you feel it by evening. For a full day on foot, choose the lightest bag that takes what you carry.
A crossbody for travel
For trains, airports and crowded streets, look for a closure you can feel shut. Josy has a zip across the top. Object №03 closes with a magnet and has a zipped pocket inside for your passport or cards. Costa gathers at the top on a drawstring. Wear the bag in front of you in crowds, and keep it small enough to sit under a coat. A light bag on a long strap also goes inside a tote for the flight and comes out at the other end.
Crossbody or shoulder bag?
A crossbody keeps both hands free and does not slip off a coat. A shoulder bag is quicker to take on and off and usually looks a little more dressed. You do not always have to choose: Sophie Small, Cleo, Josy and Object №03 all work both ways, because their straps adjust or detach. Object №03 also has a short handle, so in the evening you can unclip the strap and carry it in the hand.
Smooth leather or suede?
For an everyday crossbody, smooth leather is easier: it wipes clean and copes with rain. Suede looks softer and deeper in color and prefers dry days: Cleo and Sophie Small come in caramel suede, Josy in choco suede. Read more in our guide to leather or suede, or compare all shapes in bag types and sizes.
See all crossbody bags.
Prices are in US dollars, as shown on poelle.com on 3 November 2026. On poelle.uk you will see them in pounds.
Questions
What strap length do I need for a crossbody bag?
About 115–130 cm (45–51 in) for most women of average height. Shorter women need less, taller women more; an adjustable strap is the safe choice.
Will a large phone fit in a small crossbody bag?
In any bag at least 18 cm (7.1 in) wide, yes. Cleo, Josy, Costa and Object №03 take a large phone. Sophie Small may not.
Can a crossbody bag be worn on the shoulder?
Yes, if the strap shortens. Cleo, Sophie Small and Josy all adjust from crossbody to shoulder length.
What should a travel crossbody have?
A closure you can trust, a light empty weight and a strap long enough to wear in front of you. Josy, with its zip and 400 g (14.1 oz), is a good example.
