Whether you recognise it or not, a US$99 quilted crossbody bag by COS was the third hottest product on the market between August and September of 2023, according to the Lyst Index. This is a continuation of a bag trend that's picked up steam on the runways over the last few years: soft, pillowy bags with the volume of a puffer jacket and signature patterned stitching.
The trend isn't going anywhere. The best quilted crossbody bags are versatile and timeless, with luxury designers like Gucci and Dior offering luxe takes as an alternative to the more affordable option at COS. I personally will never forget running my hand over a Chanel bag for the first time, stitched with its signature diamond details.
"Quilting is a technique we use a lot across outerwear, but also in other ready-to-wear garments, and it's naturally translated into accessories," Karin Gustafsson, design director at COS, says. "Through our design processes we use this craft to really experiment with the volume and silhouette of a classic bag." While quilting itself doesn't determine the puff of a bag, it does add dimension and texture that can make even a rectangular black bag feel new.
As someone who takes the New York subway almost every day, a functional crossbody bag is a must, but fun details like a quilting pattern inspire me to invest in something fresh. Might I suggest my thirteen current favorite quilted crossbody bags ahead, including the viral COS bag.
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BEST EVERYDAY QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG
Tory Burch Kira Bag
BEST EVERYDAY QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG
Tory Burch Kira Bag
Tory Burch is my go-to for classic pieces with a preppy twist. This chevron-quilted crossbody bag is simple, elegant, and perfect for everyday dressing.
Size: 9.8"W x 5.9"H x 3.3"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Black
BEST WEATHER-FRIENDLY BAG
Lemaire Small Soft Game Bag
There are a few things I love about this unusual quilted bag from Lemaire. Firstly, it's made of nylon, which means that it's water-repellant (and as such, winter weather friendly!). And second, the soft U-shape and adjustable strap allow it to be worn tucked under the shoulder or across the body.
Size: 16"W x 10"H x 4.5"D
Material: Nylon
Colour: Green
BEST SMALL CROSSBODY BAG
Off-White White Jackhammer 17 Shoulder Bag
If I had to settle on one bag style that I wear the most when I leave the house, it's a small crossbody, designed to hold just the essentials like my wallet, keys, and lip gloss. This Off-White bag is the perfect shape and size.
Size: 6.5"W x 4.5"H x 2.75"D
Material: Leather
Colour: White
BEST QUILTED CROSSBODY TOTE
Lululemon Quilted Grid Crossbody Bag 5L
Instead of the usual materials and shape expected for a quilted bag, Lululemon's casual take has a teddy bear texture and a mini tote silhouette. The removable strap makes it easy to wear this purse however you want.
Size: 8.6"W x 8.6"H x 5.7"D
Material: 100% Polyester
Colour: Caramel
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BEST EVENING QUILTED BAG
Burberry Lola Clutch
For dressy occasions, a clutch with a thin crossbody chain is the perfect convertible style to keep close at hand. Burberry's bright white design will go with every outfit.
Size: 7.9"W x 4.7"H x 1.9"D
Material: Leather
Colour: White
BEST QUILTED OVERSIZED BAG
COS Oversized Quilted Crossbody Bag
Throw all of your essentials into this cool carryall, an alternative to your usual canvas tote. "We drew inspiration from contrasting textures and shapes when creating the COS Quilted Bag," says Gustafsson.
Size: 15.59"W x 15.82"H x 8.66"D
Material: 100% Recycled polyester
Colour: Black
BEST CUSTOMISABLE QUILTED SHOULDER BAG
Dior Small Lady Dior
As one of Dior's signature bag styles, the Lady Dior is a silhouette that will stand the test of time. Personally, I'm a fan of the bag's adaptability, with a removable shoulder strap for ease of use.
Size: 8"H x 6.5"W x 3"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Beige
BEST COLOURFUL QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG
Marc Jacobs Re-Edition Quilted Leather Little Stam Bag
Marc Jacob's iconic Stam bag is back, and I'm partial to the smallest size, with a kiss closure and leather-covered frame. The bag, which first debuted in 2005, still has a modern look.
Size: 9"H x 13"W x 3"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Pink
BEST METALLIC QUILTED BAG
Givenchy Micro 4G Soft Crossbody Bag
Shine on with a metallic crossbody silhouette that has both a short chain and longer leather strap. The small rectangular shape is perfect for toting along for a night out.
Size: 9"H x 13"W x 3"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Metallic
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BEST MINIMAL QUILTED BAG
DeMellier The Phoenix
If looking at this DeMellier bag makes you think of a bar of chocolate, you're not alone. The square quilting is reminiscent of my favorite dessert, yet the soft but structured shape is timeless and minimal.
Size: 9.4"H x 5.9"W x 4.1"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Rose
BEST BOLD QUILTED BAG
Marni Yellow Check Tote
As a fan of Italian label Marni's use of bold colors and prints, this bag immediately caught my eye as an unexpected quilted option. It has a detachable woven strap and a zip closure to ensure everything stays safe inside.
Size: 11"H x 8"W x 4"D
Material: Nylon blend
Colour: Yellow
BEST BEIGE QUILTED BAG
Saint Laurent Envelope Quilted Pebbled Leather Wallet
Signature matelassé stitching adds a unique texture to this classic clutch from Saint Laurent. While the clutch comes in a host of classic color options, I like the subtle look of this beige hue.
Size: 8.85"W x 5.5"H x 1.5"D
Material: Leather
Colour: Beige
BEST AFFORDABLE QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG
Zara Quilted Bucket Bag
If you're looking for an affordable bag, look no further than this under-$60 option from Zara. It's small, sleek, and understated, with a rolled strap.
Size: 9.1"W x 8.1"H x 4.3"D
Material: 100% Polyurethane
Colour: Beige, green
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.