Buzz
It was during a trip abroad that I first encountered the life-changing crossbody phone holder through a European friend. While I struggled to carry my phone in my hand or cram it into tiny pockets, she effortlessly wore her phone like a stylish necklace, thanks to the long straps of her phone case.
As someone who is absolutely committed — no, downright obsessed — with convenience, particularly in the practical sense, this gadget immediately grabbed my attention. The case kept my friend's phone easily accessible while also secure: She'd effortlessly pull it out to respond to a message or answer a call, then let the device drop, where the strap would catch it and return it safely to her side.
When I returned home, I wasted no time searching for my own crossbody phone case. Just as I had expected, the trend was thriving abroad but hadn't yet reached the U.S.
Get it from Accessories4lifeLTD on Etsy for $15.13+ (available in 12 sizes and with or without additional rope colors).
The holder was inexpensive, and I knew I'd get plenty of use out of it, so I ordered a clear crossbody case from a London-based Etsy shop. Since then, it has become a staple in my life. I can talk on speakerphone hands-free, listen to music with my wired headphones without the hassle, and best of all, I never drop my phone. If I happen to fumble it, the strap catches it before it hits the floor.
I no longer have to worry about losing my phone — instead of being buried in my bag, it's always right by my side. I also love that the strap is adjustable, making it easy to tighten for tasks or loosen when I'm just relaxing.
It's especially handy when I'm traveling or navigating crowded areas. With the phone securely attached to me, I no longer worry about it being an easy target for theft. Essentially, if someone tries to snatch it, they'll have to take me and the lanyard along for the ride. It's the ultimate anti-theft solution.
What's more, the case is incredibly durable despite being lightweight: The first one I bought lasted four years of daily use, until the day I made the unfortunate decision to use my phone without the crossbody strap. In a flash, I dropped my phone down a storm drain — an incident I can't blame on the lanyard or the phone itself. I promptly replaced it with the same case, and it's been going strong for almost two years now.
I'm convinced this crossbody case is one of those simple yet incredibly useful inventions, and rest assured, I'll be using mine until the day I no longer own a phone. (Which will probably never happen.)
Get it from Accessories4lifeLTD on Etsy for $15.13+ (available in 12 sizes and with or without additional rope colors).
While I adore my case, there are plenty of other fantastic choices. Below, we've gathered some additional options for you to check out.
1. A vibrant, customizable crossbody holder
This lively option offers extra shock protection, custom molding, and adjustable straps. Explore more selections from this LA-based Etsy shop here.
Promising reviews: "Fantastic product, made it so easy to carry my phone around during my Disneyland trip! I didn't have to worry about it falling out of my pockets." —lilibetlin
"I got this for my European trip to avoid theft. Looks so beautiful and is made from high-quality materials." —June
Get it from Your Color Your Style on Etsy for $24.74+ (originally $32.99+; available for iPhones 7-13 Pro Max).
2. Another budget-friendly option from Amazon
3. Maison de Sabre leather crossbody sling
If you're after a premium option, consider this chic case from the upscale leather brand Maison de Sabre. Tailored for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it features a curved card slot and a detachable leather lanyard for ultimate flexibility. If you’re interested in the iPhone 15 version, it's available here.
Get it from Nordstrom for $109 (offered in four colors).
4. A clip-on lanyard from Case-Mate
This stylish clip-on case from a popular tech-accessory brand is available at Target.
Promising review: “I absolutely love this! I keep it on all the time. I’m 5'1" and it adjusts to any length. The beige color is subtle, and the gold hardware looks so chic and upscale;)” —AprilP
Get it from Target for $29.99.
