Lululemon Crossbody 1L vs. 2L: What's the difference?
The Lululemon Crossbody 1L and 2L bags differ primarily in capacity and organization. The 1L is a compact bag designed for the absolute essentials - phone, keys, and cards - making it incredibly lightweight and unobtrusive, while the 2L offers double the space for those who need to carry more, like a larger wallet, snacks, or a small book, without adding significant bulk.
Here’s a detailed look at both options to help you decide which Lululemon crossbody bag fits your daily routine.
Lululemon Crossbody 1L Bag
The Lululemon Crossbody 1L is the quintessential minimalist bag, celebrated for its sleek design and grab-and-go convenience. It's built for those who want to carry only what's necessary, keeping their hands free during workouts, quick errands, or nights out. Its simple layout prioritizes easy access over complex organization.
- What it is: A compact, 1-liter capacity crossbody bag made from water-resistant fabric, designed for carrying just the essentials.
- Key features: Approximately 8" x 6" x 2" dimensions, features a main zippered compartment, a small front pocket, and internal card slots for basic organization.
- Price: $40–$60 USD
- Materials: Constructed from a lightweight, durable, and water-resistant nylon fabric that is easy to spot clean.
- Sizing/Fit: An adjustable crossbody strap allows it to be worn over the shoulder or across the body for a customized, secure fit.
- Pros: Extremely lightweight and unobtrusive. Minimalist design is sleek and versatile. Affordable price point. Perfect for essentials-only trips without any bulk.
- Cons: Very limited capacity - won't fit more than a phone, small wallet, keys, and lip balm. Minimal internal organization. Might be too small for a full day out.
This bag suits the true minimalist who prioritizes a lightweight, streamlined carry for jogging, concerts, or running errands.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Belt-Bag
Lululemon Crossbody 2L Bag
The Lululemon Crossbody 2L is the 1L’s more spacious counterpart, designed for those who found the original just a bit too small. It provides double the capacity while maintaining a sleek, sporty look, making it a highly versatile option for daily use, travel, or any time you need to carry a few extra items comfortably.
- What it is: A versatile 2-liter capacity crossbody bag with enhanced organizational features and more storage space.
- Key features: Larger dimensions at roughly 10" x 7" x 3", offering a sizable main compartment plus additional internal slip pockets for better organization.
- Price: $50–$70 USD
- Materials: Made from the same high-quality, water-resistant nylon fabric as the 1L version, with robust zippers and hardware.
- Sizing/Fit: Features a similar adjustable strap for comfortable carrying as either a crossbody or a shoulder bag.
- Pros: Double the capacity fits extra items like a small tablet, sunglasses case, or snacks. Better internal organization with more pockets. More versatile for day trips or as a travel bag. Excellent value for the small price increase.
- Cons: Noticeably larger than the 1L version, which may feel bulky to minimalists. Still not big enough to replace a traditional purse or backpack for heavy-duty needs.
This bag is perfect for those who want an easy-to-carry bag but need enough room for more than just the basics.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Belt-Bag-Large
Lululemon Crossbody 1L vs. 2L Comparison
Capacity & Dimensions
The most significant difference is the cargo space. The 1L Crossbody is truly for minimalists, it comfortably holds a smartphone, a cardholder, and your keys. Think of it as an upgraded pocket.
The 2L version is considerably more functional for daily life. Its 2-liter capacity can accommodate everything the 1L can, plus extras like a full-sized wallet, a Kindle or small tablet, a portable charger, and other personal items. While its dimensions are larger (around 10" x 7" x 3"), it doesn't feel overly cumbersome and strikes a great balance between space and portability.
Organization & Features
Functionality follows form. The 1L bag keeps it simple with a main zippered area, a small front pocket for quick-access items, and a few internal card slots to let you ditch a bulky wallet. It’s designed for simplicity and speed.
The 2L bag steps up the organization. In addition to a more spacious main compartment, it usually includes extra internal slip pockets. This allows you to separate items neatly, preventing your essentials from becoming a jumbled pile at the bottom of your bag.
Style & Portability
Both bags share Lululemon's clean, athletic aesthetic and are made from the same lightweight materials. However, their size influences how they are worn and perceived. The 1L is incredibly discreet and can be worn without a second thought, it stays close to the body and functions almost like part of your outfit.
The 2L looks more like a small-but-capable bag. It’s still far from bulky, but its presence is more noticeable. For those who prioritize a barely-there feel, the 1L is superior. For those who need a practical daily carrier that remains stylish and lightweight, the 2L is a perfect fit.
Price & Value
With only about a $10-$20 price difference, value is a key consideration. The 1L bag is an affordable accessory that serves a very specific purpose. If "essentials only" is your motto, its value is high.
However, the 2L bag offers dramatically more utility and versatility for a minor increase in cost. If you ever find yourself wishing for just a little more space, the 2L provides far greater value, easily transitioning from a casual coffee run to a full day of sightseeing.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both bags are excellent, they are built for different needs.
Choose the 1L Crossbody if:
- You are a true minimalist and only carry your phone, keys, and a few cards.
- You want the most lightweight and least obtrusive bag possible.
- You primarily need a bag for physical activities like walks, concerts, or quick errands.
- You prefer accessories that feel almost like you're carrying nothing at all.
Choose the 2L Crossbody if:
- You want more flexibility to carry items like a larger wallet, sunglasses, or a portable charger.
- You appreciate having better internal organization to keep things tidy.
- You need a versatile bag that works for daily commuting, travel, and longer outings.
- You believe more space provides better value for a small additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Lululemon Crossbody 1L and 2L?
The main difference is capacity. The 2L bag has double the volume of the 1L bag, allowing it to hold more items, and it also features more internal organizational pockets.
Can the Lululemon Crossbody 2L fit a small tablet or e-reader?
Yes, the 2L bag (approximately 10" x 7" x 3") is generally large enough to fit a small tablet like an iPad Mini or a standard Kindle e-reader along with other essentials.
Is the Lululemon Crossbody bag waterproof?
The bags are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The fabric can handle light rain or splashes, protecting your belongings, but they should not be submerged in water.
Which size is better for travel?
For most travelers, the 2L is the better option. Its extra space is invaluable for carrying travel documents, a portable charger, snacks, and other essentials you need handy while exploring or navigating an airport.
Are the straps adjustable on both bags?
Yes, both the 1L and 2L crossbody bags feature adjustable straps so you can customize the length for a comfortable fit, worn either across the body or over the shoulder.
What can you realistically fit in the 1L Crossbody bag?
You can comfortably fit a standard smartphone, a slim cardholder or wallet, keys, and a smaller item like a lip balm or a pair of earbuds. It is not designed for bulky items.
Is the 2L bag noticeably bulky?
While it is larger, the 2L bag is designed to remain sleek. Most users find it to be a very manageable size that offers more function without feeling heavy or bulky compared to a traditional handbag.
How should I clean my Lululemon crossbody bag?
Lululemon recommends spot cleaning the bags with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid machine washing or drying, as it can damage the fabric and hardware.
