Whether you’re off to the mall for a shopping spree or apple picking (’tis the season), you don’t want to be lugging around a huge tote. Instead, something that’ll allow you to be hands-free is your best bet.
Alas, the sling bag was born. It’s the trendy offspring of the trendy belt bag and the convenience-driven crossbody bag, and we’re so here for it.
These wraparound options allow you to carry all of your essentials with ease — similar to a crossbody phone bag — but have a more slouchy nature. They’re fashion-forward, too, ranging from leather to designer.
To prep your next shopping step, we pulled our favorite sling bags of 2023 for you to choose from. Taking things up a notch, we divided each of our top picks by category so you can most accurately pinpoint your perfect match — whether that’s a budget-friendly option, a camera-style pouch and the like.
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Meet our all-time favorite sling bag that just so happens to be one of the best gifts we’ve ever received: the Urban Originals Liberty Sling Bag. Fairly priced at $78, its smooth-to-the-touch pebbled leather is delightful, its patterned strap offers a subtle pop of something extra and its compartments are space-saving and uniquely designed.
Plus, more colors are available to shop via Anthropologie.
For less than $20, the Telena Leather Sling Bag is yours for the taking. We love its white and brown hybrid tones — along with gold accents — making this a worthy item for your Amazon cart. Not to mention, it’s applauded by more than 5,000 satisfied shoppers and comes in a rainbow of other shades, too.
We found the perfect sling bag for fall. The merlot wine shade characteristic of the Sonoma Goods for Life Acosta Sling Bag is now less than $30, has a chic and timeless look about it and features a thicker-than-usual strap to make it even more of a breeze to carry.
Make way for the Burberry Small Shield Suede Sling Bag. It’s surely a splurge but has an equestrian-inspired look — similar to your wide calf boots — that make it a must-have. Not to mention, it can take you from day to night.
The Proenza Schouler White Label Stanton Leather Sling Shoulder Bag is a sleek designer option for less than $400 (who knew?!) This stunning leather-embossed option is Italian-made and comes with an adjustable strap, too, for comfort.
The second we saw the We The Free Soho Convertible Sling, we were obsessed. Free People has it going on, and this sling-over carry-all is proof. From its swoon-worthy color palette to its zippered detailing and defined top handles, you’ll be receiving plenty of compliments.
Shop the MZ Wallace Bowery Sling Bag for a more spacious take on the traditional sling bag. Though a splurge, its braided leather accents offer a more put-together look, and its gunmetal hardware gives off that cool-girl vibe we all crave. Plus, its nylon crossbody strap is both adjustable and detachable.
Grab the G4Free Outdoor Tactical Bag Backpack, an option perfect for hiking (perhaps with some hiking gear and hiking shoes). Its backpack-style space adds to its value — a value that’s backed by nearly 12,000 satisfied shoppers.
Oh, and the best part? It’s a sweet less-than-$25 Amazon buy.
Dagne Dover, oh how we love you. Shop the brand’s Extra Small Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag for an option that’s suitable to carry your DSLR camera. More, it’s the miniature version of our one of our favorite duffle bags (and you won’t be able to resist its marshmallow-soft yet sturdy exterior).
If you’re seeking a travel-friendly sling that makes finding your essentials a snap, the Tumi Harrison Gregory Sling Bag is one of your best bets. The brand is renowned for its luggage and other carry-alls, and this particular style features an exterior L-zip front pocket, back slip pocket and interior padded open pocket for convenience and safe storage.
For an athletic sling bag you’ll want to take to and from the courts, the Nike Sportswear Essentials 8L Sling Bag is one we have our eyes on. It’s fairly priced, has a weather-resistant exterior and an all-over sporty look that we can’t resist. Not to mention, it has room to store your reusable water bottle.
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