Khaki Mandoline Crossbody Bag

A khaki crossbody bag with a ring-fastened flap

The flap folds down over the front and fastens by passing its tab through a wide metal ring. Above the ring, a band of visible topstitching runs the full height of the flap, and the same stitch reappears along both side seams. The back is the opposite: a flat panel with a zip across it, and a small engraved metal tag for a pull.

Which strap for which day

The woven strap is the louder of the two. Beige, black and white diamonds read from a distance, which makes it the one for plain coats and weekend clothes. The plain strap does the opposite job and keeps the bag quiet enough for an office day. Both clip onto the same metal hooks, so changing over takes seconds and needs no tools.

What fits inside 24x22cm

At 24x22cm, this is phone, cardholder and keys territory rather than a day's shopping. The gusset gives the bag a little depth, clear from the side, so it keeps its square shape instead of flattening against you. A zipped back pocket takes whatever you reach for most often, since it opens without lifting the flap. If the shade is what decides it for you, have a look at the other colours filed beside it.

Bag details

The bag you take instead of a handbag

Some days both hands are already busy: a station platform, a market stall, a child to hold on to. This is the bag for those days. Worn across the body it also stays in front of you rather than behind, which is a small thing until you are in a crowd. And a small bag always raises the same worry about what might work its way out: with the tab through the ring, the flap stays down. Mandoline puts identical fittings on its smaller pieces, and the studded and braided coin purses from the same label carry these aged-gold finishes too.