Coach Bag Straps: Everything You Need to Know

• There are several types of bag straps—think chain crossbody straps, short leather shoulder straps and wristlet straps, for example.
• Learn how to attach, adjust and detach different types of Coach bag straps to refresh your look whenever you feel like it.

When it comes to a bag’s versatility, straps play a crucial role. From adjustable crossbody straps to fixed top-handles and detachable chains, bag straps determine how you can style (and restyle) your perfect plus-one. Luckily, plenty of our Coach bags come with multiple adjustable and detachable straps—think convertible styles that transform from shoulder bag to crossbody in an instant.

Below is everything you need to know about Coach bag straps, including how to adjust them, how to replace them and how to detach them altogether.

From shoulder bag to crossbody to wristlet and beyond, the straps on your bag determine how many different ways you can wear your bag. Below are a few of the most common types of Coach bag straps.

• Crossbody Straps: Crossbody straps are those that are long enough to be worn diagonally across the torso (so that your bag rests right against your hip).
• Top Handles: Top handles are shorter straps attached to the top of your bag (and are typically non-detachable). Carry a top-handle bag right by the handles—as the name suggests—or loop the shorter straps around your arm.
• Shoulder Straps: Longer than top handles yet shorter than crossbody straps, shoulder straps give your bag the room it needs to dangle comfortably under your shoulder.
• Wristlet Strap: A wristlet strap loops right around your wrist, allowing you to go hands-free while keeping everything secure at your fingertips.

Chain-link and leather are two of the most beloved bag strap materials. They’re stylish, practical and comfortable (basically everything you want in a bag strap).

• Chain: Chain straps add that extra sparkle to any outfit—pair them with your favorite jewelry for a cohesive style (that’s also effortless).
• Leather: Often a bit wider, leather bag straps are known for their comfortability and timeless style. Certain leathers—like Natural Grain Leather and Glovetanned Leather—will even develop a rich patina over time (meaning they’ll look better and better the more you wear them).

Leather crossbody straps (like those on the Tabby and Teri) can be adjusted to fit your height. Simply use the metal slide buckle (like the ones you see on your belt) to shorten or lengthen the crossbody strap.

Plenty of Coach bags come with several straps you can style your own way, but if you’d like to customize your bag with a different strap, that’s always an option, too.

1. Make sure your Coach bag comes with detachable straps, rather than fixed handles. For example, the Tabby and Teri both have detachable straps, while the Brooklyn and Chelsea have fixed handles.

2. Unclip your bag’s detachable straps from both sides, making room for your new strap.

3. Attach both sides of your strap onto your bag for a one-of-a-kind style.

Style Picks: Signature Link Chain Strap, Crystal Motif Chain Bag Charm

In just a few simple steps, you can transform the Tabby from crossbody to shoulder bag.

1. First, pull the chain upward through the two small loops.

2. Keep pulling until there are two chains of equal lengths (these are your two shoulder straps).

3. Style the two shorter chains comfortably over your shoulder for a refined look.

Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Quilting

A versatile favorite, the Empire bag can be styled as a convenient crossbody or sophisticated top-handle bag—the choice is up to you. From airport days to coffee walks, the Empire’s hands-free capabilities offer unbeatable comfort and accessibility. But when it’s time to head to work, formal dinner reservations or even a wedding, the Empire’s top-handle style will elevate any and every dressy outfit.

Style Picks: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 21, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40

Yes, the Tabby can be easily styled as a clutch, thanks to its two detachable straps. Drop both the crossbody and shoulder strap to carry the Tabby as a refined yet practical statement clutch for formal dinners, work events or even milestone moments like prom and graduation.

Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

Straps, charms and keychains are the easiest way to instantly transform any bag without making any permanent changes. Some styles have D-rings right on the strap (like the Brooklyn)—simply attach the one that speaks to who you are.

For bags with detachable straps (like the Tabby), clip the bag charm right onto the same ring the strap is attached to. Regardless of which silhouette you choose, attaching a Coach bag charm is always a breeze.

Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to make your bag feel one-of-a-kind.

Style Picks: Cherry Bag Charm, Small Pretzel Bag Charm

Mini bags (like the Plaza and Nolita) can be worn as a shoulder bag or wristlet. For a wristlet style, simply unhook the shoulder strap from one side of the bag and hook it onto the other before looping the strap around your wrist.

If you’d like to have a bit of a longer shoulder strap, bag charms and straps will come in handy. First, unhook the shoulder strap from one side of the bag. Next, clip the bag charm through that same D-ring. Then, clip the shoulder strap onto the ring of the bag charm for a personality-filled style (that also extends the length of your strap). For even more length, attach one of our Coach strap extenders.

Style Picks: Chili Pepper Bag Charm, Motif Chain Bag Charm, Signature Strap Extender

Your crossbody bag should sit at waist or hip level for maximum comfort and easy accessibility. Fortunately, most styles are adjustable, meaning you can play around with the length of your strap until it feels just right.

Shift your crossbody towards the front of your hip while heading through the airport for added security or slide it around towards your back while commuting to work for more of a sling bag style.

Style Picks: Teri Shoulder Bag, Teri Mini Crossbody Bag