I Didn't Think Crossbody Cell Phone Purses Could Be Chic Until I Saw These
Confession time: Crossbody cell phone purses used to be one of those bag styles I could not stand. (Sorry, don't hate me.) While, logically, I know that there's no reason to have beef with a bag, it took me years to come around. Part of my change of heart came from realizing just how practical this accessory can be, as it allows you to be hands-free when you're running errands, you're traveling through the airport, or you just can't be bothered to carry a big bag. The other thing that contributed to my change of heart was the wave of mini bags that trended a few seasons back. These were basically glorified phone cases with maybe a little extra space for lipgloss.
Designers made this formerly "dorky" bag way more dapper, thereby allowing picky bag people like me the opportunity to tap into the trend on our terms. No longer is this accessory solely about functionality, but it's about fashion, too. However, if you still believe that these bags can't possibly be chic, be prepared to change your mind. Ahead, I've rounded up the 24 best crossbody cell phone purses at every price point based on quality, functionality, trends, and brand recognition. Whether you're looking for a designer option that will allow you to show off your personal style or a casual option to carry at an upcoming concert, I've got you covered.
A quick skim of the best cell phone purses:
- JW PEI Elise Top Handle Bag ($89)
- Falan Mule Small Cell Phone Crossbody Bag Purse ($38)
- Michael Kors Jet Set Small Pebbled Leather Smartphone Convertible Crossbody Bag ($158)
- Ralph Lauren Leather Crossbody Tech Case ($125)
- Longchamp Phone Case ($265)
- Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Phone Crossbody ($228)
- Cuyana Concertina Phone Bag ($348)
- Bottega Veneta Solstice Horizontal Phone Pouch ($1200)
- Chanel Flap Phone Holder With Chain ($3925)
- Saint Laurent Cassandre Strap Leather Phone Case ($745)
Cell Phone Purses Under $200
Best Affordable Cell Phone Purse for Trendiness: JW PEI
Material: vegan leather
Overall Size: 7.87" W × 5.31" H × 2.76" D
Color Range: black, white, tan, canvas, denim, rhinestone
Pros: trend-forward shape, affordable price point, detachable strap, interior pocket, fits iPhone 15 Pro and all smaller sizes.
Cons: It is not made from real leather, and it won't fit larger phones than the iPhone 15 Pro and all smaller sizes.
Editor Highlight: She might look small, but she's mighty. Not only is the bag interior spacious enough to fit every size of the iPhone, but it comes with a detachable shoulder strap, and it is available in other colors, too.
Best Affordable Cell Phone Purse for a Budget: Falan Mule
Material: vegan leather
Overall Size: 7.5" W x 4.7" H x 2.55" D
Color Range: blue, black, brown, and pink
Pros: It has ample space to carry all your essentials, with six card slots and four interior pockets.
Cons: It is not made from genuine leather and can only hold smartphones below 6.5" inches.
Editor Highlight: No one will know this crossbody isn't designer because of the expensive-looking quilted vegan leather.
Best Affordable Cell Phone Purse for Organization: Michael Kors
Material: pebbled leather
Overall Size: 7” W X 4.5” H X 2” D
Color Range: navy, green, and black
Pros: The crossbody shape is easy to carry while traveling, and the silhouette is a bit spacier thanks to its front zip and slip pockets, along with eight card slots.
Cons: It's on the higher end of price-points within this budget and has a larger shape, so it's not as compact as other styles.
Editor Highlight: Don't think a compact bag can be spacious enough to fit your phone, cardholder, keys, and headphones? Think again.
Best Affordable Cell Phone Purse for Quality: Ralph Lauren
Material: full-grain leather
Overall Size: 7" H x 4.75" L x 1" D
Color Range: tan, black, mahogany, green, pinot noir
Pros: It is made from leather, has an adjustable crossbody strap, and has two exterior credit card slots.
Cons: It has a snapped closure, and the strap is not removable.
Editor Highlight: Frankly, it doesn't get more chic than this compact crossbody cell phone carrier from Ralph Lauren! It comes in various shades and is adorned with the brand's signature hardware, making it one of the most sophisticated options on the market.
Shop More Affordable Cell Phone Purse Options:
Material: vegan leather
Overall Size: 7" H x 4" D x 5" W
Color Range: white and tweed
Pros: The bag has three card slots, one flap pocket, and a detachable shoulder strap.
Cons: It is made from vegan leather, and the main phone compartment doesn't zip closed, making it less pickpocket adverse.
Editor Highlight: The quilted detail on this tote is quite cute, amrite?
Material: crossgrain leather
Overall Size: 4" L x 7" H x 2 1/2" W
Color Range: black, white, blue, pink
Pros: Made from quality leather, it boasts a zip closure, one credit card slot, and an adjustable crossbody strap.
Cons: The shape isn't the most unique and doesn't have as many interior pockets.
Editor Highlight: Although I'm partial to black, this bag comes in three other colorways.
Material: Nappa leather
Overall Size: Height: 8.25" H x 5.75" W x 1.5" D
Color Range: White and pink
Pros: It's made from long-lasting leather, has an adjustable and removable crossbody strap, and has interior card slots.
Cons: Limited colorways and doesn't zip to close.
Editor Highlight: The shape is a more sophisticated take on the phone bag.
Material: Italian leather
Overall Size: 8" H x 4.5" W x 1.5" D
Color Range: black and green
Pros: It's made from leather and has a flap with a magnetic snap closure, interior card slots, and a back pocket.
Cons: limited colorways, not trend-forward, the strap isn't removable, and only fits phone sizes up until iPhone 14 Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Editor Highlight: It's spacious enough to fit the three things you need most: phone, keys, and wallet.
Cell Phone Purses Under $500
Best Mid-Price Cell Phone Purse for Trendiness: Longchamp
Material: cowhide leather
Overall Size: 3.7" L x 6.7" H x 1.4" W
Color Range: black, white, clay, orange, baby blue, red, lime green
Pros: Made from leather, features distinct closure hardware, and has one interior credit card slot.
Cons: Not a zipper-close, strap isn't adjustable or removable and isn't under $200.
Editor Highlight: I'm obsessed with the bamboo hardware on this phone case bag; it makes it a more unique option.
Best Mid-Price Cell Phone Purse For Quality: Tory Burch
Material: Patent leather
Overall Size: 6.9" H x 4.1" L x 1.8" D
Color Range: Creme, black, brown, baby blue, coral, forest green, butter, cerulean
Pros: Made from leather, features a flap with magnetic snap closure, comes in many different colors, has an adjustable crossbody strap, and has two interior card pockets and one exterior back pocket.
Cons: The crossbody strap is not removable, only comes with gold hardware, and costs over $200.
Editor Highlight: Leave it to Tory Burch to make the chicest phone crossbody I've ever seen in my life.
Best Mid-Price Cell Phone Purse for Quality: Cuyana
Material: Italian leather and suede
Overall Size: 7.5" H x 5" W x 1.7" D
Color Range: Black and tan
Pros: Made from embossed leather (available in crocodile, pebbled, or snakeskin), it features three interior compartments and a hidden back pocket.
Cons: Limited colorways, non-removable crossbody strap, and higher price point.
Editor Highlight: Crocodile-print is a neutral, IMHO. Its overall luxe-looking material makes it the perfect phone purse to pack for a vacation—the spacious interior that can fit your passport is an added bonus.
Shop More Mid-Price Cell Phone Purse Options:
Material: Grain calf leather
Overall Size: 7.1" H x 2.0" D x 5.3" W
Color Range: oxblood, black, caramel, vanilla, tan and even cashmere
Pros: Handmade from leather, it fits all mobile phone sizes and is available in various colors and even textiles.
Cons: No interior pockets for organization, non-removable crossbody strap, and the price point is over $200.
Editor Highlight: Please stop scrolling to admire the color of this bucket bag, which is in the shade of the season!
Material: Leather
Overall Size: 7" H x 4" W x 2" D
Color Range: Black
Pros: Unique design made from leather, features an adjustable shoulder strap, has three card compartments, and accommodates a larger mobile phone (max 6.7 inches).
Cons: Limited color range, design may be harder to style, and the price point is over $200.
Editor Highlight: The woven leather strips on this small bag makes it stand out.
Material: Leather
Overall Size: 7¾" H x 4¼" W x 1" D
Color Range: Dune, baby blue, merlot, black, navy blue, olive green
Pros: Made from quality leather with unique close-turn hardware, it features an adjustable strap, spacious interior pocket, two credit card slip pockets, and an external slip pocket
Cons: The style may not fit larger phones, the strap isn't removable, and it's pricier.
Editor Highlight: Rest assured, all of Mulberry's leather goods are made to last.
Material: Jacquard canvas
Overall Size: 7" H x 5.5" W x 2.5" D
Color Range: Tan and black
Pros: It's made from an easy-to-maintain woven canvas, has a removable crossbody strap in addition to top handles, and has a hidden zipper that covers a spacious interior that can fit larger phones (e.g., iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy A72, S21 Ultra, Huawei P40 Pro, Mate 40 pro).
Cons: It is not made from leather, has limited colorways, doesn't have interior pockets, and is very logo-forward.
Editor Highlight: The more casual canvas material makes this purse case perfect for everyday wear.
Material: Calf leather and suede
Overall Size: 21" L x 20" H x 19" D
Color Range: Black, tan, pink
Pros: It's made from quality leather, features a front flap opening with an embossed logo, and has an adjustable and removable strap.
Cons: It doesn't have interior pockets for organization and is at the price end of the spectrum.
Editor Highlight: I was sold the second I saw the chain strap on this phone pouch; it's the detail that makes it the best option for a fancier occasion. Plus, the spacious interior allows you to carry all your essentials for the evening elegantly.
Cell Phone Purses Worth the Splurge
Best Designer Cell Phone Purse for Quality: Bottega Veneta Solstice Horizontal Phone Pouch
Material: Intrecciato calfskin leather
Overall Size: 16.9"H x 16.9" W x 0.2" D
Color Range: Black
Pros: It's made from quality leather woven together using the house's signature technique. It has one main compartment with an additional inside pocket, a flap magnetic closure, and unique knotted details on the crossbody strap.
Cons: While the shape can fit larger phones, it's not necessarily the most compact; it doesn't have many interior pockets for organization, the strap isn't adjustable, and it's an investment item.
Editor Highlight: When it comes to craftsmanship, no one can match Bottega Veneta. The brand's woven leather phone purses are a great long-term investment.
Best Designer Cell Phone Purse for Value Retention: Chanel
Material: Shiny Lambskin, Imitation Pearls, Gold-Tone Metal
Overall Size: 10" H × 18.5" L × 4.5" W
Color Range: Gray, white, black
Pros: It's made from leather, has a fold-over flap, features a spacious interior that can fit larger phones, and has separate interior pockets for organization. Plus, Chanel bags typically increase in value over time, making them a safer splurge.
Cons: The style is a bit larger than other phone purses, the pearls and metal are not real, and it's a pricer option.
Editor Highlight: Chanel's phone holder is all the proof I'll ever need to be convinced that this type of bag can be chic.
Best Designer Cell Phone Purse for Organization: Saint Laurent
Material: Calf leather
Overall Size: 3.9" H x 6.9" W x 1" D
Color Range: Off-white, black, army green, beige, burgundy
Pros: It's made from leather with a fold-over front flap adorned with prominent logo hardware; it boasts a spacious interior compartment with one flat pocket at the back.
Cons: Although the chain strap is unique, it can not be adjusted or removed. Additionally, it's on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Editor Highlight: The best thing about this bag is that it can easily transition from day to night.
Shop More Luxury Cell Phone Purse Options:
Material: Leather
Overall Size: .7.9" H x 5.9" W x 2.2" D
Color Range: Black, tan, butter yellow, green, white, cream
Pros: It's made from leather in various colors, it's adorned with the brand's low-key hardware anagram and has a spacious interior with a discreet back pocket.
Cons: It doesn't have a zipper or magnetic closure, there are no interior card slots, and the strap isn't adjustable.
Editor Highlight: Loewe is always a good idea.
Material: 100% Calf Leather
Overall Size: 7.5" L x 6" W x 1.5" D
Color Range: Chocolate brown, black, bone, and suede options too
Pros: The unique crescent shape is made from calf leather (or suede); it has a magnetic snap closure, adjustable and removable crossbody strap, and a spacious interior that can fit most phones, a few credit cards, and lipstick.
Cons: If you're looking for an option that's easy to distinguish as a designer, this one might not be it, as it's a bit more minimal. It's also on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Editor Highlight: Everything about this bag is sublime—from the crescent shape to the prominent silver hardware to the various colorways.
Material: Recylced nylon
Overall Size: 7" H x 5" W
Color Range: Black and forest green
Pros: It's made from a durable material with a drawstring closure, has an adjustable woven nylon tape shoulder strap, has a phone front pocket, and a spacious interior.
Cons: The drawstring closure may not be as secure, it doesn't have interior pockets, and it's on the pricier end of the spectrum.
Editor Highlight: It's made from nylon, so it will withstand any festival.
Material: Canvas with leather trim
Overall Size: 4.5" W x 6.7 "H x 1.6" D
Color Range: Tan monogram print
Pros: Crafted from Gucci's woven canvas, it features a magnetic flap closure, distinct hardware, an adjustable crossbody strap, and an interior that fits larger phones (specifically up to 3.1” W x 6.3” H x .3” D).
Cons: It only comes in one colorway, does not have interior pockets or card slots for organization, and costs a bit more than other styles.
Editor Highlight: Yes, it comes in Gucci's iconic monogram print that's easy to spot instantly. But the hardware on this bag also deserves a little love too.
Material: Vegan leather
Overall Size: 5.1" L x 7.5" H x 1.4" D
Color Range: Black,
Pros: It's made from sustainably sourced materials and adorned with the brand's signature Falabella chain. It has a spacious interior with three card slots and a magnetic fastening closure.
Cons: It may not fit larger phones, the chain strap isn't adjustable, and it costs a bit more than other options.
Editor Highlight: Stella McCartney is one of the few brands that produce vegan leather that is not made from polyurethane (i.e., plastic dipped in oil), so it's a genuinely sustainable option.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
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