Why a crossbody bag is the perfect wardrobe staple

Handbags come in all shapes, sizes and materials - as an accessory they’re constantly being re-designed and re-invented. Some are lavish, others iconic, and many beg for your attention. From the Jacquemus mini bag to the instantly recognisable Hermes Kelly, designer handbags come with a whole lot of emotional baggage. We’re bombarded with all sorts of imagery, the positive or negative connotations of designer handbags, and most terrifying of all, their price tag.

In our eyes, a good handbag doesn’t need to shout. It should elevate your look with subtlety and class. It should hold all your essentials, fit comfortably on your body and feel like your partner in crime. There’s no use posing with a fancy bag if it’s too cumbersome to carry on a walk or too small to fit your phone into. Not to mention the environmental cost of the latest ‘must have’ trends that can fall out of favour just as quickly as they rise. Instead, we believe in finding something that will go the distance.

If you only buy one handbag ever again, make it a crossbody bag.

What’s great about a crossbody bag?

In terms of comfort and versatility a crossbody bag is king. You can throw it over your shoulder and be completely hands free while you’re on the go. Unlike a backpack or clutch, a crossbody bag is so versatile it looks equally good dressed up or down, on a city outing or in a country pub. It’s great for peace of mind when commuting or travelling too. Not only are your hands free to take photos and hold ice creams, the crossbody shape also makes life harder for pickpockets and bag thieves.

What should I look for in the perfect crossbody bag?

A GOOD SIZE BAG

Getting the perfect bag is all about getting the size right. It’s got to be big enough for your essentials but small enough to fit comfortably at your side. Watch out, the bigger your bag gets the more you’ll want to fill it up. There’s nothing worse than traipsing a heavy bag around on a long walk!

A HIGH QUALITY BAG

Ideally you want your bag to be made by experts who know how to create a quality product. Look for a luxurious lining that matches the quality of the outer bag, a smooth zip that doesn’t stick, and neatly spaced, strong stitching that won’t fail you when you need it most. Ever had a handbag break while you’re out and about? Total disaster.

A FUNCTIONAL BAG

A good crossbody bag comes with clever little pockets for your keys and smaller items. This is especially handy if you’re using it for travelling. Choose a functional bag with extra pouches and secure, zippered sections for your passport, tickets, wallet etc. Once your crossbody bag is on, it’s so much easier to reach in and get to all your important items.

A GREAT BAG STRAP

For your crossbody bag to truly be hands free you need a good quality, comfortable strap that sits well on your shoulder without digging in. Look for an adjustable bag strap so you can change the length to fit your needs. You should be able to shorten it to wear the bag over one shoulder, or lengthen it to wear the bag diagonally across your body. Whenever you’re in a particularly crowded place, you can make the strap extra short and bring your crossbody bag round to your front for extra security.

A VERSATILE BAG

If like us, you believe in buying better and buying less, you’ll want to choose a crossbody bag that won’t go out of style. A classic shape or subtle tone works well as you’ll be able to wear it with so much more. Think carefully about the colour you go for. A white or beige crossbody bag will go with a lot but a black bag is a classic for a reason. And it won’t get dirty or stained nearly as easily! For lasting versatility, choose a minimalist style that looks equally good running errands or dressed up for an evening out.

A GOOD LOOKING BAG

And finally, if you’re going to keep your crossbody bag forever, you’ll need to really love the way it looks and feels. Does the bag feel good when you run your hands over it? Does it make you smile when you open it up to reveal a pop of colour and a perfectly designed interior? We think a bag with beautiful stitching, buttery soft leather and subtle details is never going to get old.

What’s the secret with Rise & Fall’s crossbody bags?

Our stylish crossbody bag ticks all the above boxes and more.

It’s just the right size, not too big or too small, and fits all your essentials without allowing for too much clutter - giving you a light and breezy commute. At 15cm high, 21cm wide and 7cm deep it will comfortably fit a phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses and a small notebook… or whatever daily essential you need!

Our bag uses the highest quality, full grain leather, sourced from top Italian tannery, Mastrotto. This high quality leather softens and ages beautifully over time, making our crossbody bag a real investment piece at a fraction of the usual price. It’s crafted by the same artisans who make luxury bags for the likes of Anya Hindmarch, so has all the gorgeous detailing, beautiful stitching and luxurious hand-feel of a designer bag. Glide open the zip to reveal our signature 100% cotton, canvas lining, bringing zesty orange colour that will always make you smile.

To really enjoy a bag, it has to be functional. That’s why we’ve included an internal slip pocket and a hands-free, adjustable strap to make our crossbody bag fit like a glove. It’s a versatile piece that will suit any outfit, a bag that fits the sweet spot of everyday luxury.

Made in black leather, with brushed silver hardware, our crossbody bag has a subtle, timeless look. The boxy shape is a real winner. Not only does it look good but it also allows you to stand the bag up - which you don’t always get with a crossbody bag. It’s elevated with detailed stitching on the front and our subtle Rise & Fall logo. Every element has been carefully considered to look and feel good year after year. This bag doesn’t shout with flashy logos and colours, it simply adds a layer of effortless class to your look.

Priced at just £99, our crossbody bag is a lifelong investment you won’t regret in a hurry.

Our crossbody bag is great for the manufacturers too

Using the Rise & Fall retail model means our customers get a better price and our manufacturers make 200-300% more for every crossbody bag they produce. We think they should be rewarded for their craftsmanship and years of expertise - so that’s exactly what we do.

Check out our leather crossbody bag, our leather crossbody phone wallet or explore the entire luxury leather collection. From a small card holder or washbag, to a large weekend holdall, we’ve got all your travel needs sorted.