14 reasons why everyone should shop a sling bag this year.
What is a Sling Bag?
A sling bag is like a cross between a baguette bag and a cross-body. In shape, it’s almost as though the body of the bag melds into the strap, making it a perfect bag for, yes, slinging over your shoulder or torso.
That said, the sky’s the limit beyond that single rule. You can shop smooth leather, woven leather, suede, colors, embellishments, and more.
Style Tip: how to choose
Choose a canvas style for daytime wear and a satin one for night; maybe a larger style to consider a Mary Poppins-esque carryall or a micro mini bag that if you want like it as a piece of jewelry.
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No matter what sling bag you might choose, the key to the style is its effortless nature.
Types
As cool as a ‘90s fanny pack, shapely as an early-aughts baguette, and boho as a ‘70s cross-body, a sling bag is on the rise and it’s time you got on the train.
Ahead, shop a variety of sling bag styles, all hand-picked for you.
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Our Top Picks
Best Mini Sling Bag
Have a bit of fun with your straps, like the colorful weave of this set of Marc Jacobs sling bags.
Best Clutch Sling Bag
Though designed as a clutch, this pleated leather bag comes with a removable strap so that you can turn the aptly-named cloud shape into a true sling bag.
It will be a perfect match to your white midi dress.
Best Winter Sling Bag
Go luxe with a shearling option that boasts an adjustable nylon strap. You can, yes, sling it over your shoulder or entire torso, depending on your personal style.
Great for your apres ski activities paired with apres ski boots.
Best Camera Sling Bag
With a leather exterior and nylon interior, this bag boasts durability and style, all in one. It’s deceptively large, fitting all the essentials and then some.
Shop the classic black style with a contrasting white strap for all day wear especially with your favorite Chelsea boots.
Best Travel Sling Bag
When a fanny pack is so much more than a fanny pack, it morphs into a sling bag.
This Clare V style boasts an elongated silhouette that you can, yes, fasten around your waist, but it styles just as well as a cross body as well.
Best Crossbody Sling Bag
You’ll love the structure of this western-inspired sling bag.
With a half-moon shape that’s traditional of a fanny pack, it has integrated straps that allow for a great cross-body wear, all year long.
Best Designer Sling Bag
Bottega Veneta has released the oversized version of their iconic leather weave over the past few years, and this sling bag has it all.
With larger panels, it feels more youthful and modern, but it’s crafted of a leather-trimmed canvas that’s perfect for the coming transitional season.
Best Small Sling Bag
For warm weather or vacation wear, Bembien has crafted one of the most classic sling bag shapes out of woven leather.
It’s small, but perfectly fits your phone, money, keys, and a lipstick or two, and curves right into an adjustable strap that you can sling over your shoulder or torso with ease.
Best Canvas Sling Bag
Go sporty with this canvas sling bag from Jacquemus. It features a single zip-around pouch made of gray trimmed canvas with a contrasting navy nylon strap for style.
Pair it with a beanie for your perfect winter outfit.
Best Two Tone Sling Bag
JW Anderson has taken cloud to the next level with this sling bag, crafted in bright blue and purple with a neutral-toned nylon strap.
The leather is super soft and puffed up like a, yes, cloud for a whimsical addition to your every look.
Best Hiking Sling Bag
Go for a utilitarian take on the sling bag trend with this backpack-meets-fanny-pack-meets-cross-body bag.
What’s more, it comes in a pale pink that feels like a neutral while also adding a slight subtle pop of color to your look, winter or spring.
Best White Sling Bag
Go white this winter with this elongated fanny pack turned sling bag. Imagine wearing a white sling bag on a white sweater. So chic!
It perfectly wraps around your torso with ease, boasting a single interior pocket to fit all the essentials.
Best Nylon Sling Bag
Phillip Lim brought the sling bag down to the studs, aptly naming this style the Deconstructed Sling Bag.
Made of nylon, in a bright yellow hue, it’s super simple and ready to go anywhere that you are.
Best Shoulder Sling Bag
This Chloé sling bag is a little bit sweet and a little bit sassy. With a classic leather half-circle shape, it boasts clean lines and thick woven whipstitched edges.
Inside, however, it features a slightly more edgy black leather drawstring interior that peeks out ever so slightly from the top.
Pro Tip
😎Consider how you’re going to be wearing your sling bag.
Opt for a longer strap when worn over puffy layers in the winter and go with a shorter one when styling it with jean shorts and a T-shirt on warm summer days.
Take a cue from your ‘90s wardrobe and shop a sling bag this year.
FAQ
What is a sling bag used for?
Sling bags are the perfect mix between a bulkier backpack and sometimes nonexistent pockets that offer better security for a lightweight and hands-free option.
They’re plenty big enough to stash your phone, wallet, and keys in addition to a fold-up tote, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and more.
Trust us, you’ll thank us next time you wear a sling at the airport or to run errands.
Are sling bags in style 2023?
Sling bags have been spotted on seemingly everyone in recent years from celebrities to street-style mavens.
People are still loving their sling bags in 2023 with signs of becoming bigger-just, not literally-than ever before with more and more style variations.
Are slings better than backpacks?
Every bag has a purpose, but sling bags are definitely a more practical choice when you have a lighter load.
If you’re out and about, you can swing the bag in front of your body for easy access or to keep a better eye on your valuables.
Plus if you want to blend in with the locals when traveling, they’re a fashionable alternative to keep you from feeling too touristy.
Why are sling bags so popular?
With a variety of carrying options, sling bags are beloved for their versatility.
From sporty styles to elegant leather, sling bags can be worn with virtually any outfit during any season for a low-maintenance and fuss-free bag option that’s also street-style approved.
They’re especially handy during the winter months when your bag straps keep sliding down your puffer.
Or during the hottest months when you don’t want a backpack sweat print.
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