Cross Body Bags Desgins

Cross-body bag, bum-bag, fanny pack, whatever you like to call it- this is one of the many misconceptions that we seem to find when looking at this type of bag. Definitively, crossbody bags are a type of bag that rest against your body with the help of a strap that comes across your body, hence, ‘cross-body’. So, why is there such uncertainty around who, when or what cross-body bags are for?

Cross-body bags are perfect for keeping your essentials by your side at all times for quick and easy access on the go. The way crossbody bags are designed means that they’re hands free, this was one of the main intentions behind the original design of the first cross-body bags for post officers & telephone linesmen back in the mid-20th century. Fast forward to today, and you see cross-body bags being used in a load of different ways everywhere and by everyone.

In an effort to give you a better understanding of whether a cross-body bag is the right bag for you, we thought it would be right to take the opportunity to break down some popular questions and assumptions that we receive every week surrounding cross-body bags.

Have you been searching for a dream bag that can be used for daily needs as well as evening events? No matter what the occasion may be, crossbody bags are the best style bag to keep everything you need right by your side! Below, we’ll discuss where the trend of wearing crossbody bags started, how they gained popularity, how crossbody bags have become the most useful and durable bag, different styles of crossbody bags, and most importantly, where to find the best crossbody bags!

Where Did the bags Start?

In early modern Europe, the main purpose of wearing crossbody bags was to carry coins. Worn by both men and women, crossbody bags were made of soft fabric or leather. In the 17th century, young girls were taught how to embroider. This new skill helped young girls create beautiful designs on their crossbody bags.

By the late 18th century, European fashion moved the design of crossbody bags to a slender shape. With inspirations from Ancient Greece and Rome, women wanted crossbody purses that were not bulky or cluttered in appearance. The solution to this problem was the creation of “reticules”. First becoming popular in France, they crossed over into England and became known as "indispensables." These bags were made of fine fabrics, such as silk and velvet, that could be carried with wrist straps. Men did not continue with this fashion statement.

How Did Crossbody Bags Gain Popularity?

Originally named utility bags, crossbody bags were used by soldiers, fishermen, and lumberjacks to store the tools of their trade. A crossbody purse style is made with one long strap that crosses over the body with the bag section resting at the front by the waist. The design of crossbody bags made them ideal to be used in the transportation of mail and other goods delivered by different types of messengers. Royal mail carriers in the United Kingdom would use large crossbody bags to deliver mail before a postbag was created. For many years fashion brands have been creating "messenger style" crossbody bags modeled after military map case bags and document pouches featuring a shoulder strap.

Modern crossbody bags came about in England during the Industrial Revolution. With an increased travel by railway, there became a need for luxurious women’s crossbody bags to be created for all those ladies that would be traveling across the country. From Pony Express riders to postal workers, everyone was carrying crossbody bags for one reason or another!