Crossbody sling bags are still everywhere and these are the best ones to buy

Crossbody sling bags are still everywhere and these are the best ones to buy Sing when you’re slinging. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Every so often, a fashion or accessory item makes a break for it and goes supersonic. Cast your mind back to early 2019 and the utter bedlam Zara caused with its white polka dot dress. Then there’s Ganni’s oversized collars. Adidas Sambas and Stanley’s tumblers! And Uniqlo? Well, the Japanese clothing brand has been the reigning champ since it launched the Round Mini Shoulder Bag back in spring 2022. You can barely make it down a high street without spotting the banana-shaped bags strapped cross-body by women of all ages, and increasingly men. It’s easy to understand the appeal. It doesn’t look like it can hold very much at all, but the deception drops the second you unzip the main compartment and marvel at the Tardis-like interior. I’ve used it as a beach bag, others have done overnight trips with it. Then there’s the (highly agreeable) price. At under £15 for the first iteration, it had mass appeal, for pockets of all depths. But if the shine is coming off that mass appeal and you’re fed up of turning up to the function wearing the exact same bag as everyone else, I have good news. More retailers have cottoned onto the fact that this particular crossbody isn’t going anywhere (despite Gen Z’s attempts at an all-out cancellation), with fresh designs to meet the demand. While Uniqlo has kept its look evolving with new colourways, patterns and limited edition drops, rivals are using alternative fabrics, pretty finishing touches and useful functions to take the humble sling bag to new heights. Whether you’re after a bag that meets venue requirements, need something hands-free to run around town in, or a roomy bag for an upcoming day trip, here are the new cabal of contenders to Uniqlo’s OG. Kate Spade Duo Pebbled Leather Crossbody Available in five shades of leather and with a detachable coin purse charm, Kate Spade makes the case for its premium crossbody sling bag. A real wardrobe workhorse, this piece can be styled four ways – crossbody, on the shoulder, as a belt bag, or a clutch with the handle removed – upping its versatility and cost-per-wear. The gold hardware on the Misty Mint hue ramps up the luxe look. Buy Now for £145 Elizabeth Scarlett Sun Goddess Canvas Crossbody Sling Bag When you need sunshine vibes, call on Elizabeth Scarlett. The accessory brand uses its signature embroidery detail on this sling bag, golden suns stitched onto a warm coral base. A wide, adjustable strap keeps things comfortable across the shoulders, but it can be detached to use the bag as a clutch instead. Internal pockets come zipped and there’s a key clip to keep essentials within easy reach, alongside a back pocket. Buy Now for £60 AllSaints Luna Micro Snake Bag As much as we love her, nothing’s going to ruin a date night or going out out look faster than a standard sling bag. When style is high on the agenda, call on AllSaints, who has this sleek leather bag currently at 30% off. Crafted from leather with a cotton lining, it offers a departure from leopard print with imitation snake scaling instead. From your card wallet and headphones to keys and lip gloss, the slouchy silhouette has space for it all. Buy Now for £113 (was £169) M&S Oversized Stormwear™ Cross Body Bag Move through sun, wind and rain safe in the knowledge that whatever you put in this sling bag will remain nice and dry. It’s all down to M&S Stormwear fabric, a lightweight textile that’s specifically designed to withstand the elements. It’s the biggest pull, but other attractions include a capacious interior, zip fastening and a chunky strap that never digs in. Buy Now for £22 G4Free Sling Bag RFID Chest Bag Crossbody Gorpcore forever? Whether you’re looking for a day bag for your next hike or you embrace the utilitarian look on the daily, G4Free’s sling is your one to watch. The practical design comes with three pockets for streamlined organisation and it’s made from water-resistant fabric so it can survive the odd splash. The main interior is pretty generous and there’s even a smaller, detachable pouch to keep essentials like headphones and keys. The strap extends to 33.5 inches at its maximum, giving you plenty of space to adjust it to your frame. The best bit? The front pocket hides RFID blocking tech to shield your credit cards from digital thieves. Buy Now for £9.99 Free People Quilted Baby Carryall Sling Bag With enough padding to create a pillow in a pinch, this is the sling bag you want onside for long road or rail trips. Bungee cords on the zips make them easy to find, and you certainly won’t lose this colour amongst any other luggage. As it’s all one piece, the strap isn’t adjustable sadly. But for the look and comforting feel that you’ll be compulsively stroking, it’s a small cross to bear. Buy Now for £58 ASOS DESIGN Nylon Ruched Adjustable Crossbody Shoulder Bag in Buttermilk Silly but fun, and in the shade of the last two summers, this is a sling bag that’s begging to be seen. Ruffles turn a plain old shoulder strap into a design detail while tie-details add even more frivolity to the design. A cute little nylon number for shopping trips, brunch meet-ups and long overdue coffee dates. Buy Now for £20 Antler Icon Slingbag in Sand Backpacks – they’re not for everyone. Stay light on your feet with this sling bag from luggage pros Antler. Designed for hands-free adventures, you can fit a cool six litres into this design, which is crafted from recycled and water-resistant textiles. Inside, you’ll find plenty of pockets to organise your stuff, from card holders and makeup compacts to handsets. Sold in four shades, the look will speak to the minimalists amongst you. Buy Now for £44 Joules Jade Green Half Moon Adjustable Cross-Body Bag If you live in black, why not add some colour to your daily look through accessories? Customers have raved about the racing green shade on Joules’ crossbody beauty, which comes with a contrast strap. Balancing style with practicality, this half-moon bag keeps all the essentials close, secured inside thanks to that zip fastening. Also available in black, blue, pink and red colourways. Buy Now for £39 £39 Joules https://www.joules.com/style/su893150/w83214 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: The work bags that’ll have you almost looking forward to the commute Arrow MORE: Katie Loxton’s bestselling makeup bags are perfect for travel and beauty storage Arrow MORE: The best wedding guest bags to shop now, from M&S to Lulu Guinness Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!