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Shoulder bags are an accessory that is great in any situation. They are chic and stylish, but are also extremely comfortable as they keep all of your essentials close to you for whenever you need them. Not to mention, they are also a convenient method of carrying heavy items such as laptops that would normally be a pain to lug around.
But when it comes to choosing the right over the shoulder bag, there is a lot to consider, since it is an accessory that can make or break your outfit. You don’t want to pick out the perfect dress only to end up ruining the look with the wrong bag. To avoid this type of problem, our guide has listed all of the crucial details for you so you can pick out the best shoulder bag. But before we dive into that, let’s take a look at the leading shoulder bags of 2024 so we know exactly what to look for.
The Best Shoulder Bags of 2024
JW PEI — Top Pick
Key Features
- Lightweight and can fit all of your essentials
- Water resistant and scratch resistant
- 90s style chic bag that is great for everyday wear and for parties, etc.
- Made from vegan leather, cruelty free and environmentally friendly
This classic crocodile textured over the shoulder bag is made from 100% vegan leather made with recycled plastic, and is the perfect accessory to dress up any casual outfit. This brand does not support animal cruelty and is overall good for the environment, staple qualities for any brand who wants to sell their products in 2022. These bags also happen to be the perfect accessory to wear to lunch or dinner, as you can be at peace knowing no water spills will ruin them since the material is water-resistant. Furthermore, the vegan leather is very durable and can withstand regular wear and tear for many years. This lightweight and chic bag is perfect if you want to sport a classic 90s look as you head out to run errands or grab a bite to eat.
DOREAMALOE — Most Fashionable
Key Features
- Lightweight, so it is easy to carry
- High quality croc pattern shows attention to detail
- Easy-to-pull zipper closure
- Perfect for any occasion or for gifting
Next on our list is another faux crocodile skin shoulder tote. This bag comes in a wide range of colors to choose from, so there is sure to be a little something for everyone. It provides you with enough storage to carry your cell phone, wallet, ID, sunglasses, lipsticks and other knick knacks. It features a zipper closure that is easy to open and close so you don’t have to fumble around to get your essentials out, making it the perfect bag for you to take with you when running errands, shopping, or traveling. What’s more, this bag can also be a great gift option for your loved ones. If you end up loving the high quality material of this bag and how lightweight it is (we’re sure you will,) then you can purchase a few different color options to make sure you have a matching bag for every outfit.
YIKOEE — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Roomy capacity for storing lots of items
- Lightweight and durable for long-lasting use
- Made from an advanced nylon fabric that is also waterproof
- Strong and wide handle strap for comfortable carrying
Made from 100% nylon, this Yikoee small clutch shoulder bag just makes life much more convenient (and fashionable.) Using an advanced nylon material, this bag is not only high in quality but is also durable and is even water resistant. It has a small, slim and simple design with a retro touch to it that is perfect for women who want a convenient and practical use of their bag while also looking chic and stylish. The bag comes with a short strap that goes well with every dress, from casual to formal. Additionally, the strap is securely attached to the bag and is not likely to break. Although the main purpose of this purse is to be worn as a shoulder bag, the strap can also be used to carry it as a handbag or a small shoulder purse. Finally, the wide variety of colors and patterns available means there is an option for any outfit.
APHORAENY — Best Beach Style
Key Features
- Big and roomy for holding lots of seaside essentials
- Lightweight for comfortable carrying
- Made from a high quality straw material with PU leather handles
- Snap magnetic closure with zipper closure interior for easy access
While the previous picks on our list have all been small shoulder bags that can be carried with any type of outfit, whether it be casual or formal, the next bag we have for you is more appropriate for a casual beach day or shopping with friends. It is ideal for people who live near the sea or are going on a vacation to a tropical paradise. This bag will help you take your style to the next level with the trendy woven design made from a high quality straw material. Easy shoulder PU leather handles provide you with convenience and comfort while carrying the purse. It features a snap magnetic closure in the main compartment with a zipper closure interior pocket that is big enough to store all your essentials, including keys, a small beach blanket, sunscreen, shopping list and everything else you may need to have an amazing day out. And the best part? You won’t even feel the bag on your shoulder because of how lightweight it is!
MINTEGRA — Also Consider
Key Features
- Comfortable for daily wear
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Ample storage and organization
- Multi-functional and versatile
This last entry on our list is quite different from all the other bags we have talked about so far. With a much more casual style, turning the focus on easily carrying numerous items, this shoulder bag is made from a waterproof nylon material with a polyester lining. It features smooth and easy to open and close zippers with 2 side pockets, 3 front zipped pockets, 1 back zipper pocket and 4 total pockets on the interior. Therefore, it provides you with ample storage so you can keep all your valuables with you on the go. With the amount of storage it provides, this bag is perfect for commuting to work everyday, or for students to store their stationary, campus ID, dorm keys and more. With its multifunctional use, you can either style this as a handbag, cross body bag or just a shoulder bag, depending on the situation.
The Best Shoulder Bag Buying Guide
When it comes to buying shoulder bags, you can’t just go out and buy something on a whim, or else it may turn out to be not so suitable for your needs and taste. Hence, it is important to make sure you purchase what’s known as an “investment bag.” These bags stay in style and look great even a decade after you purchased them. In order to make sure your bag fits the criteria, here is what you need to consider:
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Shoulder Bag
Durability
No matter what you’re paying for the bag, even if it’s not much, it’s always important to make sure that your purchase is worth your money. Before you buy the bag, make a full inspection of the material, the zippers and even the seams to make sure everything is of the highest quality. If you spot any signs of wear and tear or don’t feel like the material is going to last you a long time, then the bag might not give you the mileage you’re looking for. If you are ordering the product online and can’t check these features yourself in-person, thoroughly read the product description as well as the reviews to get a good idea of the bag’s quality.
Size
Another important factor to look out for is the size of your bag. It should be able to comfortably fit everything that you want to carry. If you’re ordering online, then pay special attention to the weight and measurements of the bag. You’ll be shocked to know how much weight metal hardware can end up adding to your bag.
If you’re not sure how big your bag should be, then measure your current bag so you have a base idea of what you need. If you suffer from shoulder or back pain, you might want to downsize and get a smaller bag. But if you feel like your current bag is not big enough to fit everything, then by all means get a size that is large enough for you. However, it can prove to be tricky to avoid buying a massive bag just so you can carry all your belongings with you, so make sure you only invest in a bag that is big enough for your actual essentials.
Color
When buying a purse, you should keep your wardrobe and style in mind. You don’t want to get a color that doesn’t coordinate with anything in your wardrobe, no matter how nice the color looks online or at the store. Or, if something you get is too formal and isn’t really appropriate to carry everyday, then it will be a waste of money.
You should also consider getting a bag that is water resistant if you tend to be clumsy and spill a lot. You wouldn’t want to ruin the bag you just bought, after all. At the very least, make sure that the bag you buy is easy to spot clean.
Functionality
A shoulder bag’s main priority is to be functional. Your belongings should all be securely kept inside. If you like to carry a lot of items with you, make sure your bag has plenty of pockets so you can organize all your belongings. Additionally, if you tend to live in an area with a lot of theft, consider purchasing a bag with a secure zipper closure so you do not get pick-pocketed.
Portability
The whole point of a purse is to carry it around with you, which means it needs to be portable. You should be able to comfortably carry it for long periods of time. Depending on your comfort, you can carry the bag on your shoulder or on the crook of your arm, which means the handles should coincide with how you like to carry the bag.
Quality
Lastly, you should never compromise on the quality of your bag. But don’t worry, it’s not necessary to break the bank in order to get a high quality bag. You can still find a great bag no matter your budget. However, if you can ensure the longevity of your bag by spending a few extra dollars, then we will always suggest you do that. If you don’t know what is a good deal, then just use the “cost per wear” approach, which is determined by dividing the price of your item by the number of times you are going to use it. Sometimes, the cost per wear for a bag that was initially very costly might be less than an inexpensive bag because of the quality and durability you are getting from it.
