Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody vs Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini: which one should you buy?

Where they differ

The Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody wins on maxi intrecciato leather with a padded strap. The Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini answers with the Puzzle’s geometry in a crossbody size. Material: Maxi intrecciato lambskin on the Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody, Calfskin on the Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini. Size: 23 x 15 x 5 cm on the Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody, 18 x 12.5 x 8 cm on the Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini. Hardware: Gold-tone on the Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody, Silver-tone on the Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini. Made in: Italy on the Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody, Spain on the Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini.

Reasons to buy the Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody

Logo-free, Soft, Comfortable strap. What to accept: shows dust, pricey. Usual price: $3,600–$4,100. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Bottega Veneta Cassette Crossbody review.

Reasons to buy the Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini

Distinctive, Folds flat, Fine leather. What to accept: small, edges need care. Usual price: $2,700–$3,100. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Loewe Puzzle Bag Mini review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best crossbody bags has every other piece with its own call. Strap adjustment: you need an adjustable strap to wear it crossbody on a coat and on a T-shirt; fixed straps rarely fit both.

Also consider the Hermès Mini Evelyne TPM Pre-Owned ($3,000–$4,200): perforated H in Clemence leather, small crossbody. Buy it if you want an easy Hermès for every day.

Also consider the Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis ($3,300–$3,700): monogram canvas satchel with S-lock and adjustable strap. Buy it if you want one crossbody for day and night.

Buyer tip

Crossbody bags are the designer bags most often discounted at the end of season, especially in seasonal colors; classic black and tan hold their price.

Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT (around 20%), while US prices exclude sales tax, so a bag can look cheaper in Paris or Milan than it really is. Visitors from outside the EU and UK can often claim a VAT refund on purchases made in the EU, which is why many Americans buy Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès while travelling.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.