Menswear: bespoke cross-body bag

by Linda Theil

I was inspired after reading Jamie Waters' stylish promotion of cross-body bags for men in the January 14 WSJ: "How Men's Hype Bags Became the New Sneakers -- Once a punchline, men's cross-body bags by brands like Gucci and Off-White have emerged as must-have status accessories, eliminating back-pocket bulges and any outdated stigma in convenient, hands-free ways".

Waters said: "Recently, another men's accessory has begun to inspire a sneaker-level spirit; a sling bag that clings to the body like a baby monkey. Sold by brands such as Fendi, Prada, and Stussy, the bags convey a sense of smart and elan like a new pair of Salomons."

His description perfectly defined my favorite Spencer Ogg "Amplector" cross-body design, so I decided to venture into men's fashion.

If Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Botega Veneta can create practical, cross-body bags for men at meaningful price points, so can I.

My menswear cross-body measures 11 x 8-inches and features "Chalkboard Texture Black" 100% cotton fabric from the "Time for Hot Cocoa" collection by Conrad Knutsen for Wilmington Fabrics. The crossbody strap is made from 1.5-inch-wide, gray/neon yellow webbing by Tula Pink. The black, #5 zip is by YKK, and the zipper-pull is a small carabiner.

The bag interior is lined in gray, 100% cotton fabric. I used a black Dritz rectangle ring and adjustable slide buckle as hardware for the adjustable cross-body strap.