Underarm Bags

Underarm bags are shoulder bags with a short strap, cut to sit snugly in the curve under your arm. Mostly cowhide, in small and small-plus sizes; some come with a second strap for crossbody wear.

What an underarm bag is

An underarm bag is defined by where it sits, not by its outline. The strap is short enough that the bag rests against your side, under the arm, rather than hanging at the hip. That keeps it close and secure, and gives a neat line under a jacket or coat.

What to look for

The strap drop matters most: too long and the bag drops to the hip, too short and it pinches. Product pages give the drop in inches. A slim depth keeps the bag flat against the body; some are only around an inch and a half deep, which also means bulky items like a hard sunglasses case will not fit — the product page says so where it applies.

Two straps

Some bags here come with a short strap plus an adjustable long one. The short strap is for wearing the bag underarm; the long one turns it into a crossbody for busier days.

Questions

What is an underarm bag called?

Underarm bag, or sometimes shoulder bag or baguette, though a baguette is a specific long, narrow shape. Any bag with a short strap that sits under the arm can be worn this way.

Is an underarm bag comfortable for a full day?

For light carry, yes. Because it sits high and close, weight is noticeable sooner than in a crossbody, so keep it to the essentials or switch to the long strap if the bag has one.

Will my phone fit?

A large phone fits in almost every bag here; the product page lists the phone size each bag takes, based on its interior dimensions.