STYLE
The Best Hands-Free Bags for Every Style
Wristlets, crossbody bags and more easygoing style picks.
- Hands-free bags are perfect for long travel days, busy commutes and walks through campus.
- Wristlets, crossbody bags and sling bags are a few of the most common styles.
- Here are the best hands-free bags for every occasion.
There are certain situations when going hands-free isn’t just a want—it’s a need. Think long travel days when easy access to your passport is essential, trips to the grocery store when you’re grabbing items with both hands or walks to class when you have an iced coffee in one hand and your phone in the other. The solution? Bags that rest across your body or loop around your wrist without having to be actively held (or worried about).
Read on for are the best hands-free bags for every style.
The Wristlet: For Keeping It Light
Hands-free and easygoing, wristlets are always a convenient yet stylish choice—whether you’re running a few errands and need a safe spot to secure all your essentials or meeting up with friends for coffee and need an extra hand. Most wristlets are on the smaller size, meaning they’re best for days you only need the true necessities (like your phone, keys, wallet and AirPods, for example).
The most convenient wristlets are convertible, meaning you can wear them over the shoulder by moving the strap from one side of the bag to the other. Some styles even come with long detachable chain straps for crossbody wear, too.
Style Picks: Plaza Bag, Plaza Bag 25, Nolita 19
The most convenient wristlets are convertible, meaning you can wear them over the shoulder by moving the strap from one side of the bag to the other. Some styles even come with long detachable chain straps for crossbody wear, too.
Style Picks: Plaza Bag, Plaza Bag 25, Nolita 19
The Crossbody Bag: For Style on the Go
With a long strap designed to be worn across the body, crossbody bags are perfect for keeping the essentials secure right by your side, all while maintaining comfort and mobility. Keep your hands free while commuting with your coffee in hand, snapping photos in a new city or simply running errands throughout the day.
There’s a wide variety of crossbody styles to choose from—think chain-link designs and bags with comfortable leather straps. The right crossbody bag for you also depends on your capacity needs. Go for a small, refined crossbody style (like the Tabby or Teri) for everyday outings when you just need the essentials. For travel days that require a few extras, go for a larger bag that can take on even your heaviest loads (like the Empire).
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Teri Mini Crossbody, Teri Shoulder Bag, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40
There’s a wide variety of crossbody styles to choose from—think chain-link designs and bags with comfortable leather straps. The right crossbody bag for you also depends on your capacity needs. Go for a small, refined crossbody style (like the Tabby or Teri) for everyday outings when you just need the essentials. For travel days that require a few extras, go for a larger bag that can take on even your heaviest loads (like the Empire).
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 20, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Teri Mini Crossbody, Teri Shoulder Bag, Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40
The Sling Bag: For Active Days
With the convenience of a crossbody, security of an old-fashioned fanny pack and style of a modern, minimalist handbag, sling bags are basically everything you can ask for in a hands-free plus-one. The style features an adjustable strap that rests over the shoulder, hanging diagonally across the chest or back.
They’re known for keeping all the essentials safe and secure while maintaining a lightweight, wearable silhouette. From daily walks to long travel days to music festivals and beyond, sling bags are perfect for active days when the last thing you want to worry about is your bag.
Style Picks: Mott Sling Bag 22, Felix Sling Bag, Belt Bag
They’re known for keeping all the essentials safe and secure while maintaining a lightweight, wearable silhouette. From daily walks to long travel days to music festivals and beyond, sling bags are perfect for active days when the last thing you want to worry about is your bag.
Style Picks: Mott Sling Bag 22, Felix Sling Bag, Belt Bag
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
How can I dress up a crossbody for a night out?
To transition your crossbody from a convenient, hands-free daytime bag to a sophisticated, polished evening piece, you can add accessories, match your straps to your outfit or even convert your bag into a statement clutch.
- Add Accessories: Detachable straps, charms and keychains are the on-trend way to transform any bag without making permanent changes. For a dressier look, try chain-link designs or stands of pearls. Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to personalize your bag.
- Choose a Chain Strap: Match your bag’s chain strap to your evening jewelry for a sophisticated touch.
- Convert to a Clutch: Drop all straps and transform your crossbody into a statement clutch for a stylish evening piece.
What is a convertible bag?
What is a convertible bag?
Let's start with the basics. At their best, convertible bags are designed to be worn multiple ways, and can be easily converted while retaining their functionality and style. Think of them as a bit of magic for your bag rotation: one moment it's a shoulder bag, the next it's a crossbody. Or, perhaps it's a crossbody bag that can also be carried by a top handle or in hand as a clutch. The elements that can be converted are most commonly adjustable or detachable straps.
Are mini bags actually practical?
Are mini bags actually practical?
While mini bags are always a fashion-forward choice, the best styles are also incredibly functional—holding all your essentials like your phone, keys, wallet, card case and more, depending on the bag. For enhanced versatility, choose a convertible mini bag that can be worn more than one way (from shoulder bag to wristlet or clutch to crossbody, for example).