Customer Reviews Madewell Small Inset Zip Transport Crossbody

This bag is perfect in every way except for size; I've had my eye on the Madewell Small Transport Crossbody for quite a while, which has an internal slip pocket, as well as external pocket, but have hesitated purchasing it because I prefer a zipper closure and that one features only a knob. Even after reading the measurements, I wanted the Small Inset Zip version to work as my daily bag, but for me it is too large for that purpose (I already own a larger zippered Transport Tote which is great for travel and throwing my iPad into, but I wanted something that I could just toss my "essentials/necessities" into for every day use--i.e. wallet, car keys, max pro iphone, lip gloss, hand sanitizer + small battery charger. This Small Inset Zip version is very well made, lovely leather, two smaller sized internal slip pockets and a larger external pocket. I LOVE that it has a zip top (like my larger version) and I can use the crossbody strap or grab with the smaller handles, as I wish. Unfortunately, the overall size of this one is still larger than I wanted so I had to return. Simple, beautiful bag--I wish the size had worked out for me.

What I do love... Is the simplicity of the style. The material is soft and it hangs nicely as a shoulder bag or crossbody. Size for me is perfect and It's comfortable and has a clean, casual look that fits my style. What I don't like... Lack of useful interior organization. There is no interior zipper compartment which is disappointing but I knew that when purchasing this. And the 2 interior pockets it does have are narrow and snug. You cannot easily slip your hand in and out. I can just barely fit 4 fingers in the pocket with the tips just reaching the bottom. I guess if one wanted they could probably snip the middle seam between the pockets to create one large one instead. For the price I feel more thought could've been put towards the interior. Even though this purse is twice the size as the current one I'm replacing I would need to purchase something separate that would in turn just take up more space if I want to try to separate some items. And this is more me being picking... The leather on the exterior pocket is a little loose and will stick out a couple inches when you put your phone in it. It would've been nice if it had a hidden magnetic closure to keep items more secure and for a cleaner look. Overall, I've looked at a ton of purses and admit I am incredibly picky and specific about what I like. And this is still one of my fav's and if I can figure out a decent solution for the interior I will keep it.

Pros: the leather on the body of the bag is substantial and very soft to the touch. The outside pocket is very handy for a phone. At a glance, this is a very sleek-looking bag! Cons: The strap is very cheaply made/finished. Instead of having two layers of leather stitched together, it is just one poorly finished pieces with a very grainy texture on the back. For the size of the bag, I think the strap is insubstantial (not wide enough) and uncomfortable. I'll be getting a replacement strap made from a seller on Etsy. The zipper is also kind of fussy to work with in hurry. For the cost of the bag, the strap should be much better, on par with old school Fossil purses. A good bag is hard to find!

This bag comfortably fits my wallet, phone, kindle and sunglasses case. I like the style and the leather is soft.

I LOVE this bag. The leather is buttery soft and beautiful (I got it in black, and now I wish I could get it in every color). It looks really good on and it is very comfortable to wear both crossbody and off the shoulder. The small-medium size + zippered top is exactly what I wanted for everyday and specially for travel. It is comfy and not too heavy, and you don't have to worry about anyone sticking a hand in while you are distracted in the subway or stuff spilling all over the place when you knock it over on the plane. It comfortably fits: large phone, medium size wallet, sunglasses case, passport, reusable folded grocery bag, pack of tissues and keys, without looking stuffed and there's still plenty room for more. The only thing it is missing is a larger interior zippered pocket that could fit my passport in.

There are a few other Madewell Small Transport Crossbody bags, but I specifically bought this one because it has a zipper closure and an external pocket. I like having zipper on my purses so that the contents are secure, but I also like an external pocket for quick access to my phone. It maybe an old model as Madewell website doesn't have it, but I'm glad I found this. The inside is lined with charcoal gray fabric, and has two small internal pockets. It's not too big or too small, and I love it!

Great bag, love the zipper, outside pouch for stashing quick grab items, and the shorter handles in addition to the longer strap. The leather color is beautiful and I know it will age well over time as it's broken in more and more. The inside pouches are handy to keep things organized as well. The strap can start to hurt on my neck a bit if I wear it for a while as a crossbody, but I know that might be due to having too much stuff in the bag thus making it a little heavy. However, the bag itself is a touch heavy, because it's leather, which isn't a light material per se. The inside fabric liner is black and I wish it were a lighter color. I know cream or a light khaki would show dirt more, but it would be easier to find things in the bag. The black fabric just kind of makes it a black hole :) The longer crossbody strap is removable, has nice brass clips. I wish the D rings on the bag were reinforced, so they lay flat or parallel with the the inside of the bag. They lift away as it seems they're sewn into the liner, so I hope they don't become detached over time. However, I would recommend this bag to folks if they're looking for this style. Madewell often makes good looking products.

Perfect size and excellent quality

I ended up returning this bag because it was a lot larger than I anticipated. The material was great, but i was looking for a small cross body and this was more the size of a tote.