Messenger Bag vs Crossbody: The Difference

We’ve been asked this a bunch of times: “Seriously. What’s the difference between a crossbody and a messenger bag?”

Can we be honest?

We weren’t even that sure about that ourselves. We had some, um, spirited disagreements and had to do some digging. But we got there! Today we’ll answer the messenger bag vs crossbody question once and for all.

Messenger Bag vs Crossbody: What’s The Difference?

Drum roll, please!

Short Answer: The messenger bag is a type of crossbody bag. But not every crossbody is a messenger bag. (“Crossbody” is how a bag is worn; “messenger” is a style of bag.)

Do We Still Need These?

A LOT of people have said goodbye to the long daily commute. But not everyone can, and plenty of offices now want you in three or more days a week. So you likely still need a way to carry your laptop, important papers, keys and lunch.

And you want to do that in style, right?

If you want an upgrade from your current bag or switch to a new style altogether, one of the best bag types is the messenger bag. We’ve long been fans of this style as a stylish men’s accessory.

Another type for these purposes is the crossbody bag.

But which is best for you? Here’s what each one actually is, and where they differ.

Messenger Bag vs Crossbody Bag – What Are They?

You want a bag that is easy to carry, durable yet lightweight, has plenty of space, has good organizational capabilities, and is stylish. Both crossbody bags and messenger bags can do all that, so either could be ideal for you. But you might not be aware of the differences between the two.

What is a Crossbody Bag?

A crossbody bag is any kind of bag that is worn across your body. Crossbody bags feature a strap worn over one shoulder and across your torso. The bag may rest on the opposite hip, across your chest, or against your back, depending on the design.

Many like crossbody bags as they are relatively comfortable and easy to carry, leaving both hands free to carry additional belongings.

People also like them because they’re a little harder to snatch: a thief has to get it off your whole body. (Keep the opening where you can see it in a crowd, though.)

A popular crossbody option that works well for everyday carry:

See on Amazon

What is a Messenger Bag?

A messenger usually has a flatter, rectangular layout with a flap or other closure and an adjustable shoulder strap. Many can be worn either crossbody or on one shoulder. Timbuk2’s Classic Messenger instructions show both carry options and how its strap pad is adjusted.

However, messenger bags are relatively large and often used in professional settings and are therefore designed with features for people who travel to and from offices. So they tend to be large and spacious, and most have room for a laptop.

Messenger bags come in leather, canvas, nylon, and other fabrics. In addition, messenger bags come in basic colors that suit both men and women, like navy blue, black, and grey.

Finally, many messenger bags are designed to be unisex so that anyone can wear them.

A quality leather messenger bag worth starting with:

See on Amazon

Technically, of course you can wear a messenger bag on the same side as the shoulder its on. We don’t recommend this for two reasons:

• It swings and slips while you walk, and it doesn’t spread the load well.

• If the bag is small, it will look like a man purse. Don’t wear a man purse.

Wear a messenger bag across your body. Your back will thank you (our comfort guide has more).

Messenger Bag vs. Crossbody Bags – Styles

The labels overlap, and several styles can be worn crossbody. Here are the shapes worth comparing.

Crossbody Bag Styles

Crossbody is a broad category with several subcategories. A messenger often runs large enough to hold a laptop, and reads as stylish and professional as well as durable.

Other examples include purses, camera bags, and small phone pouches. Some have only enough room for pocket essentials; others are large enough for a tablet.

Then, there are smaller crossbody bags, such as clutches with detachable crossbody straps or miniature purses that are large enough for a few small belongings.

Another type of crossbody bag is the sling bag, which is like a small backpack, but instead of two vertical shoulder straps, it features a single crossbody shoulder strap.

These are less often used for hiking, more for short day trips where you need only a few essentials. They can be worn across the back like a traditional backpack, or across the front, depending on the strap arrangement.

Messenger Bag Styles

Now that we’ve looked at general crossbody bags let’s look at messenger bags.

One of the most popular is the satchel messenger bag, often recognizable by a structured body and a flap secured with straps or buckles.

Then, there’s the briefcase style, which also has a front flap, although it may have buckles to secure the flap, as opposed to straps.

These are often quite large and spacious and made of genuine leather. Finally, there is also the saddlebag-style messenger bag, which is similar to the satchel but has a rounded flap and is often made of canvas or leather.

The vertical messenger bag is much taller and narrower than a standard messenger bag. These are ideal for holding tall and narrow goods.

The other popular type of messenger bag is the military or tactical messenger bag, which may offer modular attachment points, reinforced construction, or more specialized pocket layouts.

The Benefits of Crossbody and Messenger Bags

The most significant differences between the two come down to size, aesthetics, and materials.

However, whether we are talking about one or the other, why would you consider getting such a messenger or crossbody bag?

We’ll be blunt.

The sling bag or crossbody bag has its place, but we prefer the messenger bag style for men:

• Messenger bags can be spacious, with enough room to fit a laptop, documents, your lunch, and more.

• Messenger bags usually have dividers for excellent organization.

• There are many styles, materials, and sizes to choose from.

• Messenger bags are convenient as they free both hands to carry other items (so do other crossbody bags to be fair)

OK, we admit we have our biases. But now that you know the difference, you can choose the one that’s best for you!