Portland Leather Goods Metro Crossbody Review: Is This Leather Purse Worth It?

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I love the look of a beautiful leather purse, but I do not want to carry a bag that feels like a piece of luggage by the end of the day. The Portland Leather Goods Metro Crossbody gives me the best of both worlds: it is compact and easy to wear, yet it holds everything I actually need.

I have the Metro Crossbody in both Coldbrew and Nutmeg, and the rich, natural-looking leather is what first caught my attention. After carrying it, however, the comfort and practical design are what made me appreciate it even more.

If you are wondering whether the Portland Leather Metro Crossbody is worth buying, how much it holds, or which brown shade to choose, here is my review.

CHECK THE PORTLAND LEATHER GOODS METRO CROSSBODY PURSE here

Portland-Leather-Goods-Metro-Crossbody-Bag-Full-Grain-Hides

My quick THOUGHTS

The Portland Leather Goods Metro Crossbody is a great choice if you want a small, well-made leather purse for everyday essentials. The full-grain leather feels substantial and durable, the crossbody design distributes the weight comfortably, and the magnetic closure makes it easy to reach inside.

It does not have a zipper, so it may not be the right bag for someone who insists on a completely enclosed top. For me, the magnetic closure is part of what makes it so convenient.

What I love

Beautiful full-grain leather with natural character.
Comfortable crossbody design that distributes the weight evenly
Small size without feeling impractical
Interior pocket for organizing smaller items
Easy-to-use magnetic closure
Removable, adjustable strap
Durable construction that feels made for regular use
Leather develops more character and patina with time

What to consider

There is no zipper across the top
Natural leather can vary in shade and texture from bag to bag
It is meant for essentials, not for carrying half the contents of your house

What fits inside the Metro Crossbody?

The Metro Crossbody is compact, but it holds everything I need for a normal day. I can carry my everyday essentials without having to wrestle them into the bag or carry a much larger purse than necessary.

The interior pocket helps keep smaller items from disappearing at the bottom. I would use it for something I want to find quickly, such as sunglasses, lip balm, or another small essential.

This is the type of purse I reach for when I want my phone, wallet, keys, and personal items with me—but do not want a bulky tote hanging from my shoulder.

Is the Metro Crossbody comfortable to carry?

Yes. Comfort is one of the biggest reasons I like this bag.

Because it is worn across the body, the weight feels evenly distributed instead of pulling down on one shoulder. I can keep my hands free while shopping, running errands, traveling, or spending the day out with my family.

The adjustable strap also lets me change where the purse sits. That makes a noticeable difference because a crossbody bag is much more comfortable when it lands at the right spot for your height and body.

I even added another handle to mine for a little extra flair. It gives the bag more personality and provides another way to pick it up and carry it. Since the original strap is removable, the Metro is especially fun to personalize with a different strap or handle.

The full-grain leather feels—and smells—so good

The leather is the star of this purse. It smells wonderful, feels high quality, and gives the entire bag a substantial, well-made feel. This is not a flimsy purse that feels as though it will lose its shape or wear out after a few outings.

Full-grain leather is supposed to show natural character. Rather than looking perfectly uniform like a synthetic material, it can have variations in grain, texture, and color. It should also develop a richer patina as it is handled and carried over time.

That means the bag can become more personal with use—which is one of the best reasons to choose real leather in the first place.

Coldbrew vs. Nutmeg: which Metro color should you choose?

I have both the Coldbrew and Nutmeg Metro Crossbody bags. They are both versatile brown shades, but they give off different moods.

Coldbrew has a deeper, richer look. It is a beautiful option if you tend to wear darker neutrals, black, denim, fall colors, or outfits with a slightly moodier feel.

Nutmeg gives you a warmer, lighter brown that works beautifully with cream, camel, olive, denim, and other earthy colors. It has that easy, goes-with-nearly-everything quality that makes it especially useful for everyday outfits.

If you are deciding between them, I would choose based on the shoes, belts, and jackets already in your closet. Choose Coldbrew if you usually reach for deeper brown accessories; choose Nutmeg if your wardrobe leans warm, light, and earthy.

One thing to know before ordering: because this is natural leather, the exact color may not look identical to a product photo—or even to another bag in the same named color. Dye absorption and the natural hide can create variations. I consider that part of the character, but it is worth knowing if you want an extremely precise shade match.

They also have many other beautiful colors too!

Magnetic closure and interior pocket

The Metro Crossbody does not zip closed. Instead, it has a hidden magnetic closure at the top.

I love the magnet because I can open the purse quickly, reach for what I need, and let it close without fussing with a zipper. It keeps the top looking clean and simple, too.

The magnetic closure is not the same as a fully zipped top. If you regularly turn your purse upside down—or simply feel more secure with a zipper—keep that in mind. For ordinary errands and everyday use, I find the magnet easy and convenient.

Inside, there is a pocket for corralling smaller essentials. The rest of the interior is open, so you can see and reach the main contents easily.

Does the Portland Leather Metro feel durable?

Mine feels incredibly well made and durable. The leather has a quality, substantial feel, and the construction makes the bag seem suited to frequent use rather than occasional, careful outings.

I also like that full-grain leather is not supposed to remain frozen in brand-new condition. It changes as you use it. Small marks and the developing patina become part of the bag instead of automatically making it look ruined.

Who is the Metro Crossbody best for?

I would recommend the Metro Crossbody for someone who:

Wants a smaller everyday purse that still holds the necessities
Prefers genuine leather and natural variation over a perfectly uniform finish
Likes hands-free crossbody bags
Wants an adjustable, removable strap
Appreciates quick access through a magnetic closure
Likes simple, timeless bags that work with casual and dressier outfits

It may not be your best match if you need to carry a water bottle, large planner, tablet, or an impressive collection of “just in case” items. In that situation, a larger bag will make more sense.

Is the Portland Leather Goods Metro Crossbody worth it?

For me, yes. It fits what I need, feels super comfortable as a crossbody, and looks beautiful without being fussy. I love the smell and feel of the leather, the quality is impressive, and the bag feels durable enough to become even better with age.

The fact that I own it in both Coldbrew and Nutmeg probably gives away my final opinion.

If you want a compact full-grain leather crossbody that combines everyday comfort with timeless style, the Metro is an easy bag to recommend.

see the METRO CROSSBODY colors and availability

Frequently asked questions

Does the Portland Leather Metro Crossbody have a zipper?

No. The Metro Crossbody has a magnetic top closure rather than a zipper.

Does the Metro Crossbody have an interior pocket?

Yes. It has an interior pocket that helps keep smaller essentials organized and easy to reach.

Is the strap adjustable?

Yes. The crossbody strap is adjustable and removable, making it easier to customize the fit or add a different strap or handle.

Is the leather color exactly the same as it appears online?

Not always. Full-grain leather naturally varies in color and texture, and dye can absorb differently from one hide to another. Expect your bag to have its own character.

Is the Metro Crossbody comfortable for all-day wear?

I find it very comfortable. Its crossbody design distributes the weight evenly, and the adjustable strap helps you position it where it feels best.

What is the difference between Coldbrew and Nutmeg?

Coldbrew is the deeper, richer brown, while Nutmeg has a warmer and somewhat lighter appearance. Both are versatile neutrals.