When I’m on vacation, be it a hotel stay or a cruise, I often face the same fashion dilemma: Do I bring a purse with me, or just carry my phone and room key in my hand? If I’m heading for a quick dip in the pool or walking to grab lunch, I don’t want to have something in my hands at all times, but it also feels silly to carry around a mostly-empty crossbody bag. Cue the small purse: slim, lightweight bags meant for just a phone, card, and maybe a lip balm or other tiny essential. Tiny purses are perfect for travelers—they take up little suitcase space, keep you hands-free, and don’t weigh you down during a busy afternoon of sightseeing.
Plenty of travel-friendly brands like Cuyana, MZ Wallace, and Quince make small purses that are just as stylish as they are functional. Consider carrying one of our 15 favorite small purses the next time you’re heading to the hotel bar or that coffee shop across the street from your Airbnb.
Our top picks:
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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