Tote Bag or Crossbody Bag? How to Choose the Right Everyday Bag

A good everyday bag carries your day. Phone, purse, keys, a snack for the little one, perhaps a water bottle and a sweater. The two styles most women reach for are the tote and the crossbody. Both are practical, but they suit different days. Here is how to choose.

The tote bag: room for everything

A tote is an open or zip-top bag with two shoulder handles. It is the bag for days when you carry a lot.

A tote suits you if you:

• carry a laptop, files or a lunch box to work;
• pack spare clothes, wipes and snacks for small children;
• like to pick up a few items from the market on the way home;
• prefer one bag that holds everything.

What to look for:

• A zip or magnetic closure. Open totes are handy, but a closure keeps things secure in busy places.
• Inside pockets so your phone and keys do not sink to the bottom.
• Strong handles that are stitched, not only glued, to the bag.
• A flat base so the bag stands up on the floor or a chair.

One caution: it is easy to overfill a tote. A very heavy bag on one shoulder all day can be uncomfortable, so swap shoulders and clear it out every few days.

The crossbody bag: hands free

A crossbody bag has a long strap worn across the body, so the bag sits at your hip or front.

A crossbody suits you if you:

• are holding a child's hand or carrying a baby;
• travel by matatu or walk through busy town centres;
• only need the essentials: phone, purse, keys and lip balm;
• want a bag for errands, church or weekend outings.

What to look for:

• An adjustable strap so the bag sits where you want it.
• A secure zip that faces your body when worn.
• A slim shape that does not bump around as you walk.

Because it stays close to your body, a crossbody is easy to keep an eye on in crowded places.

Many women own both

If you can, keep one of each. Use a tote for workdays and big shopping trips, and a crossbody for errands and outings with the children. Some women carry a small crossbody inside their tote, then take it out when they only need the basics.

Choosing colour and material

For a bag you will use daily, think practically:

• Darker colours such as black, brown and navy hide marks from dusty roads.
• Neutral shades like tan and beige go with most outfits.
• Faux leather wipes clean easily and copes with light rain.
• Canvas is light and casual, good for market days and the school run.

Caring for your bag

A few habits keep your bag looking neat:

1. Wipe faux leather with a soft, damp cloth and let it air dry.
2. Store bags stuffed with paper so they keep their shape.
3. Keep pens in a pocket or pouch to avoid ink marks.
4. Empty your bag once a week so it is never heavier than it needs to be.

Find your everyday bag

Whichever style fits your week, look for strong stitching, a secure closure and a size that suits what you really carry.

Browse our tote bags and crossbody bags in a range of colours, and read about delivery around Kikuyu.