Crossbody bags are among the most comfortable types of bags you can carry. They distribute weight nicely across your body (hence the name) so one shoulder isn’t aching by the end of the day or night. Not to mention they leave both hands free to tote a drink or throw your hands in the air and dance. Add a translucent design to the equation, and a clear crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for summer concert season, especially considering most stadiums and venues only allow transparent bags.
13 of the Best Clear Crossbody Bags for All Your Summer Concerts (Ahem, Beyoncé)—and Beyond
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Published May 4, 2023
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Dasha Burobina for PureWow
The Best Clear Crossbody Bags at a Glance
- Best Designer Clear Crossbody Bag: Balmain B-Buzz Structured Clear Top-Handle Bag
- Best Clear Crossbody Stadium Bag: Baggallini Clear Event Compliant Crossbody
- Best Clear Fringe Crossbody Bag: Margo Paige Clear Fringe Crossbody
- Best Customizable Clear Crossbody Bag: Mark & Graham Build Your Clear Crossbody Bag
- Best Team Colors Crossbody Bag: Hammitt Tony SML Clear Crossbody Bag
- Best Tinted Clear Crossbody Bag: UGG Janey II Tinted Crossbody Bag
- Best Large-Sized Clear Crossbody Bag: Verishop Threaded Pear Clear Courier Bag
- Best Crossbody Bag For Teens: Vorspack Clear Crossbody Bag
- Most Fashionable Clear Crossbody Bag: Tory Burch Small Fleming Clear Convertible Shoulder Bag
- Best Two-in-One Clear Crossbody Bag: Steve Madden Scarlet Crossbody Bag
- Best Sling-Style Clear Crossbody Bag: Sofier Clear Sling Bag
- Best Formal Clear Crossbody Bag: Vince Camuto Livy Clear Large Crossbody Bag
- Best Everyday Clear Crossbody Bag: Tahari ASL Stadium Clear Crossbody Bag
The Benefits of a Clear Crossbody Bag
- Many designs meet stadium requirements: In 2013, the National Football League (NFL) devised a clear bag policy noting that only clear bags would be permitted in stadiums, and that they could not exceed 12 x 6 x 12 inches in size. They also cannot include buckles or other decorative elements that conceal part of the bag. The MLB followed suit when it comes to bags larger than the size of a small clutch purse. The goal: Speed up security checks and help ensure people’s safety, as security can easily see what’s inside the bag.
- They’re fashionable: The trend might have been driven by policies, but if Chanel is on board, so are we. The iconic fashion brand launched its own selection of transparent PVC bags several years ago, and the trend continues. While clear bags need to be, well, transparent, they also come in tinted colors, and with funky trim and closures to add flare.
- They go with everything: Are you still supposed to match your purse to your shoes? Are contrasting colors and patterns OK or fashion faux pas? You don’t need to worry because clear crossbody bags go with just about everything. Because they are sometimes colorless, they won’t stand out nor look out of place. And for ones with a light hue, it’s subtle enough to complement any look.
- They are easy to clean: Unlike other handbags that require detergent or spot-treating to remove stains, clear PVC bags are super easy to clean. Just wipe down the inside and outside with a damp cloth and you’re done.
Where to Buy a Clear Bag
Clear bags can be purchased from just about every shop where you can buy other types of bags. This includes fashion retailers, department stores, shoe stores and online retailers like Amazon and Verishop. You’ll also find clear bags from some of the biggest designers, including Coach, Tory Burch and, as noted, even Chanel.
What Size Clear Bag Do I Need for a Stadium?
If you are attending a stadium for a game, concert or other event, you are only permitted to bring one large clear bag that is 12 x 6 x 12 inches in size, maximum. It needs to be made of clear PVC vinyl and be easy to search by security. A gallon-size resealable bag will get the job done, but with so many great clear crossbody options readily available, why not kick your look up a notch? Just to be on the safe side, though, stick to something that’s within the size range, doesn’t have any buckles or logos hiding the bulk of the bag (in fact, logos can only appear on one side), and isn’t tinted.
How We Chose Our Favorite Clear Crossbody Bags
To find the best clear crossbody bags, we considered top fashion brands as well as major retailers (like Amazon), cross-checking styles and reviews against a few key considerations. They are:
- Does it look like it can hold a good amount of weight without losing its shape?
- Does it open and close easily so you can quickly retrieve items inside or so that security can search it with ease?
- Is the strap thick and sturdy? Is it padded for a comfortable fit over your shoulder, and adjustable to accommodate shorter and taller individuals?
- Does it contour around your hips?
- What’s the price point like?
- Why We Love It: stylish, flat-top handle option
- Measurements: 7.75 x 7.75 x 4.25 inches
Who says you can’t follow the rules while also being as fashionable as a Kardashian? This elegant bag will set you back a pretty penny, but you’re worth it. The clear design is complemented by a front logo and a removable strap that’s long enough to wear crossbody. When you’re headed out for a night on the town, leave the strap at home and carry it using the flat-top handle. Made in Italy of 100 percent PVC, it’s an eye-catching accessory that will turn heads, and it’s the perfect size: not too big, not too small.
- Why We Love It: simple design, tall enough for most smartphones
- Measurements: 8.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches
If you want something fuss-free that is guaranteed to be permitted into a stadium event, fits all your essentials and looks stylish, the Baggallini Clear Event bag has you covered. It’s a simple design that’s nice and tall so you can slide a smartphone right in without having to turn it on its side. Made of 100 percent PVC, it’s lightweight, water resistant and even has interior organization so you can keep your phone separate from your lip balm and eye shadow kit.
- Why We Love It: perfect for a phone, faux leather detailing
- Measurements: 8.5 x 5.5 inches
Cute, small and full of fringe, the Margo Paige Clear Fringe Crossbody is made from durable, recycled PVC. (No worries about the leather-looking fringe, too, because it’s totally faux.) This bag is just big enough to hold your phone and another small item or two, like credit card and keys. The tassels that hang down from either side give it a playful look, perfect for the local bar or music festival.
- Why We Love It: customize the look, vegan leather trim
- Measurements: 8.5 x 2.5 x 6 inches
Talk about versatile—this customizable option comes in three colors, and it features dozens of strap options in three styles: with the strap only, with a strap and rings, or with rings only. The three-color striped straps can take you from classy black and white to playful red and orange with the same bag. Get multiple straps and your bag becomes one for every season and occasion. The elegant vegan leather trim and cute tassel complete the look.
- Why We Love It: show your team colors, funky studs
- Measurements: 8 x 2 x 7.5 inches
Who says a clear crossbody bag has to be boring? They can make a statement as much as the next colored bag, and the Hammitt Tony SML bag does just that. Available in all your favorite team colors so you can show your love for the home (or away) team when you attend the big game, the brushed gold hardware adds a touch of elegance. It’s got studs, a distinct zipper, side stitching and adjustable strap so you’ll look fabulous whether you’re cheering for your team or twisting your hands to “Single Ladies.”
- Why We Love It: adds a pop of color, includes dustbag
- Measurements: 4.9 x 7.9 x 2.4 inches
While it isn’t officially stadium approved, you might get away with bringing this stylish bag along to different events and stadiums since it is made of 100 percent TPU. It’s tinted but you can still see through to the contents inside. Clip on the nylon webbed strap and adjust to wear it crossbody style. The zip closure secures items inside, and the prominent UGG logo leaves no question as to which brand makes this stunner. It even comes with a dust bag.
- Why We Love It: fits everything you need, extra-long straps
- Measurements: 11 x 11 x 3.5 inches
Need to carry more than just your phone, wallet, compact and a few other necessities? The Threaded Pear bag is a solid option given its large size that can hold the team T-shirt or concert swag you buy before or after the event. Its strap can extend from 30 up to 50 inches long, which makes it a great option for tall folks.
- Why We Love It: cute design for teens, metal chain
- Measurements: 8.6 x 6 x 2 inches
These adorable little clear crossbody bags come with a slight, holographic tint in a variety of colors, though only the transparent one is stadium-approved. Instead of a strap, you get a metal chain that makes it a bit dressier, which teens will love when they’re headed to the mall with their friends, or all dressed up for prom. If you want this cutie for yourself, though, don’t be shy. It’s a whimsical purse that adds a bit of playful fun to your look.
Most Fashionable Clear Crossbody Bag
9. Tory Burch Small Fleming Clear Convertible Shoulder Bag
Tory Burch
- Why We Love It: stylish and cool, flap-top
- Measurements: 5.3 x 8.3 x 2.6 inches
Step into every room in style with this stunning clear crossbody bag that isn’t technically totally clear, since the cross patterning on the front covers some of the clear TPU window in the middle. But you can still see the contents inside, wrapped beautifully in the patent leather exterior and napa leather trim. It’s a flip-style bag with a magnetic closure so you don’t have to deal with zippers. Two additional pockets, including one back slit and one interior slit, can hold smaller items you want quick access to, like a credit card or coat check ticket. The strap is a combination of chain and leather, and with the clip-on leather tassel, this bag is ready to join you at any event.
Note: As chic as this style is, some stadiums may take issue with how much of the purse is obscured by its leather pocket and other details.
- Why We Love It: versatile wear options, removable pouch
- Measurements: 8 x 3 x 5 inches
Get the best of both worlds with this bag from Steve Madden that includes a transparent, Lucite bag with a turn-lock closure as well as a removable pouch inside that you can use when not attending stadium events. The easy-wipe Lucite outer bag will keep the pouch from getting dirty, sticky and grimy when you place it atop the bar while out for drinks. And when you don’t need it, simply leave the outer bag at home and grab the pouch on its own or with the chain-link shoulder strap.
- Why We Love It: wear at chest or back, good for lefties
- Measurements: 9 x 6.7 x 8 inches
If you prefer a sling-style crossbody that hugs your body more like a fanny pack, this Sofier bag is a good choice. It is stadium approved, made of waterproof PVC with an adjustable black strap and black perimeter lining. Lefties, don’t fear, as the D-ring is even adjustable so you can wear it comfortably over the left or right side, and keep the bag in front or behind you. It’s large enough to hold plenty of essentials, too, from your wallet and phone to keys and sunglasses, with two pockets inside for easy organization.
- Why We Love It: dresses up look
- Measurements: 11.5 x 9.75 x 2.125 inches
Looking for something for more formal occasions? Perhaps a cocktail party or cocnert where you have managed to snag some exclusive box seats? This bag is not only large enough to carry all your essentials with room to spare, it is also elegant, so it will dress your outfit up a bit. With a synthetic upper and flap closure, along with a single interior pocket, it’s made of quality materials that will last you a while.
- Why We Love It: versatile option, comes with coin purse
- Measurements: 8 x 6 x 3 inches
Sure, this crossbody bag is stadium approved so you can take it to the big game or concert. But it’s also a gorgeous everyday bag that comes in elegant colors. It has a zipper closure, a prominent logo on the front and an adjustable shoulder strap; plus, a cute coin purse for keeping coins or other smaller items separate from the contents inside. From work to evening cocktails, this bag goes with everything.
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Why You Should Trust us
Christine Persaud has been in the business of writing and editing for close to two decades. With a passion for cooking, fitness, fashion, TV entertainment and tech, she has written about all of the above, plus plenty of other home and lifestyle topics, too. Her favorite way to unwind after a busy day of writing and reviewing products is to chill with her feet up and glass of wine in hand (always red!), to binge-watch TV.
PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
