How The Sling Bag Became An Everyday Essential

The sling bag is a more elevated equivalent of the bumbag. Sleeker than its humbler counterpart, the sling bag has become the commuter bag of choice in major cities – speaking from experience, I notice at least five a day on my multi-Tube journey in the morning. And there’s no wonder as to why: sling bags are easy to carry, can be accessed without fuss – a breeze if you need to, say, reach for your card or keys – and, if you pick the right style, they can blend seamlessly into an outfit.

This capital’s commuters remain loyal to Uniqlo’s range of crossbody styles, one of which global shopping platform Lyst declared the “hottest product” of Q1 2023 (the crescent bag); at a time when it was ubiquitous on socials and IRL. Now available in multiple colourways, it tapped into a wider appetite for practical accessories, which was especially prevalent after lockdown. Defined by a curved silhouette and crossbody strap, these trending “sling bags” are equal parts functional and stylish.



Lemaire has gone so far as to coin its take the “Croissant” , and is available in soft leathers, denim, coated cotton and nylon in an array of colours, while The Row calls theirs the “Banana” . The trick to finding the perfect style? Consider what you need to carry before picking a size. There are plenty of roomy iterations that can hold a lot, but make sure not to overstuff it, as excess weight can make the silhouette sag.

Here, Vogue highlights the best sling bags available now. Shop Vogue ’s sling bag edit.