Tote or crossbody? Learn the difference, when to choose which bag and what to look for in a women's tote bag: pockets, closure, strap and size explained.
You carry a bag almost every day, so the choice matters more than you might think. The two most popular shapes are the tote bag and the crossbody. Both are practical, but for very different days. This guide explains the difference, when to choose which and what to look for in a women's tote bag.
Tote bag: a roomy, open bag with two handles, carried in the hand or over the shoulder. Ideal when you bring a lot: a laptop or tablet, books, make-up, a cardigan. Crossbody: a smaller bag on a long strap worn diagonally across the body. Your hands are free and your things stay close.
So the real question is: how much do you carry, and how much are you on the move?
A tote bag is the bag for days when you want everything with you. The office, lectures, an afternoon of shopping or a weekend away.
What to look for in a tote:
A zip pocket: in an open bag you want somewhere separate for keys, cards and your phone. A closure: a button or zip at the top stops everything spilling out if the bag tips over. Sturdy handles: a full tote quickly weighs a few kilos.
The large LB monogram tote bag is made of durable polyester and has a roomy main compartment, an interior zip pocket for valuables and open pockets for your phone or keys. A metal button keeps it closed. Prefer something plain? The black faux leather tote bag (also available in white) closes with a zip and is roomy enough for an iPad, books and your make-up bag.
A crossbody is the bag for days when you are mostly on the go: exploring a city, a festival, shopping by bike or a night out. Your hands are free, and because the bag hangs in front of or beside you, it is easy to keep an eye on in a busy train or shopping street.
What to look for in a crossbody:
An adjustable strap: so the bag sits at hip height, not against your knees. A detachable strap: so the same bag also works as a handbag. Size: big enough for your phone, wallet and keys, and ideally a little more.
The Robot Teddy kisslock crossbody bag is made of PU leather and measures about 27.5 × 22 cm. The strap is adjustable and detachable, so you can switch easily between handbag and crossbody. The vintage kisslock clasp keeps everything neatly closed.
Can't decide? Some bags do both. The animal print crossbody tote has top handles for carrying by hand as well as a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. At about 24 × 13 × 28 cm it is more compact than a large tote, but two open side pockets, a front snap pocket and inner zip and slip pockets keep everything organised.
A messenger bag also sits in between. The camo messenger bag is made of waterproof tarpaulin, fits an iPad or tablet and has an adjustable, detachable strap. Wear it across the body or simply over the shoulder. It is unisex, so it works for him too.
Office or lectures with a laptop or books: tote bag. City, festival or a night out: crossbody. On the bike or on public transport: crossbody or messenger. Work by day, out in the evening: a crossbody tote with a detachable strap.
A bag is an easy way to add print to an outfit without overdoing it. If you mostly wear plain clothes, a monogram or animal print bag finishes your look straight away. If you already wear a lot of print, choose a plain bag in black or white to keep the outfit calm.
Every LauBelle bag is made after you order. Allow 3–5 business days for production, then 7–9 business days for delivery within Europe. Shipping is free and you can return within 14 days of receiving your order. Use the code LAUBELLE10 for 10% off your first order.
Browse all LauBelle bags and pick the one that suits your day.
