What Length Should My Crossbody Strap Be?
Originally published March 30, 2021. Updated September 2026 with a sizing chart, measuring instructions, and current strap specs.
The short answer: most women are happiest with a crossbody strap drop between 18 and 24 inches - around 18" if you're petite, 20-22" if you're average height, and 22"+ if you're tall. The "right" length is the one that lets the bag rest at your hip or just above it, so it doesn't swing when you walk and you can reach the zipper without lifting your arm.
Below is everything you need to nail the fit, including a chart, a 60 second way to measure, and what to do if you're between sizes.
First, know the two measurements: drop vs. total length
Strap sizing confuses people because brands use two different numbers.
- Strap drop is the distance from the top of the bag to the highest point of the strap when it's hanging i.e., how far the bag "drops" below your shoulder. This is the number that matters for fit. When we list "adjustable 12"-24" drop" on a Bolsa Nova bag, this is what we mean.
- Total strap length is the strap measured end to end, hardware included. It's roughly double the drop plus about 6 inches (the part that wraps over your shoulder). A 20" drop works out to a strap around 46" long.
If you're comparing bags across brands, make sure you're comparing drop to drop. A "46 inch strap" and a "20inch drop" are the same fit.
Crossbody strap length by height (quick chart)
| Your height | Recommended crossbody drop | Approx. total strap length | Where the bag sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2" and under | 18"-20" | 42"-“46" | High hip |
| 5'3"-5'6" | 20"-“22" | 46"-“50" | Hip |
| 5'7"-5'9" | 22"-“24" | 50"-54" | Hip to low hip |
| 5'10" and over | 24"+ | 54"+ | Hip |
These are starting points, not rules. Two women who are both 5'5" can prefer a 4 inch difference depending on torso length, bust, and how they like a bag to hang. That's why nearly every Bolsa Nova crossbody ships with an adjustable strap.
How to measure your ideal drop in 60 seconds
You don't need to measure your body. Measure a bag you already love.
- Find the bag in your closet that's most comfortable to carry all day.
- Hang it by the strap on a doorknob or hook.
- Measure from the top center of the bag up to where the strap rests on the knob. That's your drop.
- Shop for that number (or an adjustable range that includes it).
No favorite bag? Stand in front of a mirror, hold a tape measure at your shoulder, and let it fall to where you'd want the top of the bag to sit usually right at the hip bone. Read the number. Add 1-2 inches if you'll wear the bag over winter coats.
Five things that change the answer
1. Your height. The biggest factor, covered in the chart above.
2. Your torso and curves. A longer torso or fuller bust needs a longer drop for the bag to clear the chest and sit at the hip. If bags always feel like they ride too high on you, size up 2 inches from the chart.
3. Bag size and weight. Small bags (minibags, saddle bags) can sit higher and look intentional. Larger bags and hobos look and feel better lower on the hip so they don't bunch under your arm. A heavier load is also more comfortable with the weight distributed across your torso rather than hanging from one shoulder - the main reason crossbody carry beats shoulder carry for long days.
4. Strap width. Wider straps (1.5"-“2") spread weight across the shoulder and are noticeably more comfortable with a full bag. Thin straps (½") look elegant with small evening bags but can dig in when the bag is heavy.
5. What you're wearing. Coats and chunky knits add an inch or two of circumference. If you live somewhere with real winters, choose an adjustable strap so you can lengthen it in January and shorten it in July.
Shoulder vs. crossbody: do you need two straps?
Not if the strap adjusts enough. A drop of 9"-12" sits under the arm as a shoulder bag; a drop of 18"-24" crosses the body. Many Bolsa Nova styles include a short handle and a removable adjustable crossbody strap so you get both looks from one bag:
- Annalisa Crossbody top handle plus a 16"-27" adjustable crossbody drop. The widest range in the line, and our go-to recommendation for tall women.
- Cargo Hobo 12" shoulder drop plus a removable 18-30" crossbody strap.
- Hug Hobo one strap that adjusts from 13" to 25", so it's a shoulder bag and a crossbody in one.
- Fringe Crossbody 14-24" adjustable drop, ideal for petite to average heights.
Browse the full crossbody bag collection with drop measurements listed on every product page.
Change the strap, change the bag
If your favorite bag has a strap that's the wrong length or you just want a different look a replacement strap is the least expensive upgrade in your closet. Our fabric and woven crossbody straps are:
- Adjustable from a 12" to 24" drop, so they work as a short shoulder strap or a full crossbody
- 2 inches wide for all day comfort
- Finished with various hardware that clips onto any bag with strap rings
- Available in woven stripes, florals, animal print, camo, and metallic, from $24
One washed Italian leather bag, three straps, and you have a different look for work, weekend, and evening.
FAQ: crossbody strap length
How long should a crossbody strap be?
For most women, a drop of 18"-24" (a total strap length of roughly 42"-54"). Petite women usually prefer the shorter end, and women 5'8" and up the longer end.
What crossbody strap length is best for petite women?
An 18"-20" drop. Anything longer tends to land the bag at the thigh, where it swings and looks oversized. Look for adjustable straps whose minimum drop is 12"-14" so you have room to shorten.
What's the difference between strap drop and strap length?
Drop is the vertical distance from the top of the bag to the top of the strap. Length is the strap end to end.
Can a crossbody strap be too long?
Yes. If the bag hits below your hip, it bounces against your leg when you walk, the weight pulls forward, and the zipper is out of easy reach. Shorten it until the bag sits at or slightly above the hip bone.
Where should a crossbody bag sit on your body?
At the hip - high enough that your hand rests naturally on top of the bag. Small bags can sit a little higher; larger bags a little lower.
Are all Bolsa Nova crossbody straps adjustable?
Most of our crossbody and sling styles come with adjustable straps, and every one of our separate fabric straps adjusts from a 12" to 24" drop. Exact ranges are listed under "Dimensions" on each product page.
Still not sure? Send us a photo of a bag you love and your height and we'll point you to the right strap. Contact us or stop by the studio in Hewlett, NY see studio hours.
Written by Karen Cardoso
