What is a shoulder bag?

A shoulder bag is generally any bag with a strap long enough to be slung over one shoulder. Shoulder bags often feature adjustable straps and are typically designed to sit between the waist and hip. Similar to messenger bags , the shoulder bag’s strap is looped over the shoulder, allowing you to carry the bag hands-free. Etsy shops sell handmade and vintage shoulder bags in a wide range of styles and materials, making it easy to find one to match your personal aesthetic.

Shoulder bag materials

Shoulder bags can be made from many materials, making them the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Here are some of the most popular materials for shoulder bags. Leather: Leather shoulder bags are sophisticated, stylish, and versatile. Canvas: When it comes to durability and stress-free maintenance, canvas shoulder bags are the clear winner. Cotton: Cotton shoulder bags come in many styles, from crocheted to quilted to handsewn. Straw: Straw shoulder bags are as well-suited for the beach as they are for brunch. Upcycled: Upcycled shoulder bags use materials like used denim, coffee bean sacks, and woven plastic to make unique, one-of-a-kind bags with a small ecological footprint.

Types of shoulder bags

Although they all slip easily over your arm, shoulder bags come in several shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the most popular styles. Hobo: A hobo shoulder bag is characterized by a slouchy crescent shape, typically featuring one large pocket. They transition effortlessly from a daytime handbag to a stylish weekender for a quick getaway. Tote: A shoulder tote bag is a medium- to large-sized bag with two parallel straps. They’re typically unfastened at the top and feature one large compartment without pockets or pouches. Sling: Shoulder sling bags or crossbody shoulder bags are worn across the chest or back and secured with a cross-shoulder style strap. Sling bags are great for travel, keeping your hands free and personal items close. Laptop: Ideal for the remote or nomad worker, laptop shoulder bags feature a padded pouch for your laptop. Some even come with additional features like slots for documents and places for cards, pens, or paper.

Gifting shoulder bags

Shoulder bags are both a beautiful and functional gift. Snag a men's shoulder bag to encourage your college kid to make those easy trips home on the weekend. Give your mom the vintage shoulder bag she’s always talked about from her youth. Grab matching shoulder bags for women as bridal party gifts that are useful beyond your big day. Gift your friend who’s constantly headed out on their next adventure a custom fanny pack shoulder bag . No matter who you’re buying for, you’ll find practical and soon-to-be cherished shoulder bags from the shops on Etsy.

Shoulder Bags

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Shoulder Bags

Review spotlight

Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category.

Butterfly

5 out of 5 stars

"Bought this bag for a friend, and they absolutely loved it! It was definitely quality, and has become one of her everyday bags."

Leather Crossbody Women Vintage Style Genuine Brown Shoulder Bag Handmade Purse, gift for her mother girlfriend daughter, mothers day gift
Madison Hazen

5 out of 5 stars

"Literally the cutest bag I own now, very good quality, exactly as pictured. I love it so much!"

Boho Fern forest Black Canvas Satchel bag, Green crossbody Moon purse, Cute Vegan leather strap Dark Cottagecore adjustable strap handbag
mjohnny94

5 out of 5 stars

"I love the feeling of the bag, you can tell it's quality leather and buttery smooth. The strap is also more extendable than the vegan leather option (I have both) so I liked that better. Both bags are great but the genuine leather is worth it."

Smooth Leather Crossbody Bag | Leather Sling Bag with Zipper | Leather Shoulder Bag | Large Capacity Dumpling Purse | GEN
Melanie Burrows

5 out of 5 stars

"This purse is perfect! I wanted to simplify my life with a small bag to carry just my wallet and phone and maybe a pen and mascara. I got the wallet too. It's smaller than my last one, but carries my most important cards and some cash and is loosening up just enough with wear. shipping was quick, considering it came from Ukraine."

Small leather purse women, leather crossbody bag, cross body bag, handmade leather handbags, cute shoulder bag, personalized gifts for her
Jerri L Patterson

5 out of 5 stars

"love this hand bag well worth the money"

Y2k Ladies Black Casual Multifunctional Bag,Shoulder Messenger Tote Bag,Trendy Tote Bag,Y2K Punk Bag,Large Capacity Crossbody Bag,
susannackers

5 out of 5 stars

"The bag I got is beautiful and well made. It was shipped quickly and the packaging was cute too!"

leather bag, handmade leather bag, handbag, woman leather bag, elegant leather bag, made in Italy handbag

Shoulder Bags

Available in 16 colors! Leather Crossbody Bag. Handcrafted. UN

Vintage Pattern Crossbody Guitar Style Summer Purse Bag Strap - Red Black

Retro Floral Woven Crossbody Guitar Style Purse Strap - Pink and Black

Cracker Canvas Crossbody Bag | Crossbody Purse | Shoulder bag | Women bag | Girl bag | Birthday gift

Retro Floral Woven Replacement Crossbody Guitar Purse Strap - Blue and Black

Personalised teacher bag rainbow or star | teacher thank you or teaching assistant personalized gift | teacher gifts custom teacher gift

Cicada Floral Black Organic Cotton Slouch Bag

Bee and Crescent Moon Floral Black Organic Cotton Slouch Bag

Personalized Canvas Tote Bag Mother Gift Bachelorette Party,Bridesmaid gifts,Maid of Honor Wedding gifts,Mother Gift, Sorority Gifts

Work Bag | Canvas Tote Bag with computer compartment and pockets | Messenger Bag | Graduation Gifts | Work bag with compartments | Gifts

Available in 16 colors! Leather Crossbody Bag. Handcrafted. UN Original.

leather bag, handmade leather bag, handbag, woman leather bag, elegant leather bag, made in Italy handbag

Leather Handbag Purse, Brown Leather Shoulder Bag, Leather Purse with Crossbody Strap

Granny Square Bag, Crochet Bag, Crochet Purse, Crochet tote Bag, Retro Bag, Hippie Bag,Gift for Her, Boho Bag, Vintage Style, Bag For Women

Leather Crossbody bag, Now you can add a short strap to your crossbody bag to carry it on your shoulder! YKK Zipper, Leather Purse, Beta

Marine Biology Tote Bag | Reversible Tote, Biology Gifts

Messenger Bag Men, Leather Bag and Waxed Canvas Shoulder Bag, Computer Bag, Laptop 14" Hand Bag

Leather Tote handbag Purse Full Grain Leather high quality oversize Vintage leather Bag handmade original Ladybuq personalized bag camel

Canvas Tote - Big Canvas Tote Bag - Beach Canvas Bag - Canvas Bag for Beach - Sunshine Appreciation Society Canvas Bag - Alphabet Bags

Leather Shoulder Bag, Leather Clutch Wristlet Bag, Brown Leather Purse, Ladies clutch bags

Brown Leather Tote Bag, Leather Shoulder Bag with Crossbody Strap, Large Leather Purse

Science is Magic That Works Pencil Bag | Chemistry Gift, Physics Gift, Toiletry Bag, Makeup Bag, Pencil Case, College Student Gifts

Leather Purse, Tan Leather Tote Bag, Leather bag with pocket, Tan

Linen shoulder crossbody Bag | Real Plant and feather eco-printing poach | Medium size purse 3 pockets with zipper long adjustable straps

Reworked Personalised Brown Leather Saddle Bag - Large Shoulder Bag - Leather Handbag - Monogram Crossbody Bag

Metallic Silver Shoulder Bag, Genuine Leather Handbag, Top Handle Purse, Laptop Bag, Leather Work Bag, Kelly Tote Bag, Marcella - MA1798

Lovecore Bag

Tan Beige Shoulder Bag, Leather Handbag, Top Handle Purse, Overnight Bag, Laptop Bag, Leather Work Bag, Kelly Tote Bag, Marcella - MA1798

Personalised Buffalo Leather Shopping Bag - Shoulder Bag - Shopping Bag - Personalized Leather Tote Bag - Work Bag - Totes For Women

Personalised Leather Bag - Detachable Straps - Personalised Leather Cross Body Bag

Crochet Daisy Bag, Granny Square Bag, Mustard Afghan Bag, Flower Tote Bag, Crochet Purse, Retro Shoulder Bag, Vintage Style,Hobo Bag

Books & Snacks Canvas Bag - Canvas Tote - Big Canvas Tote Bag - Canvas Bag - Canvas Shopper Bag - Large Tote Bag - School Bag

Cracker Canvas Crossbody Bag, Crossbody Purse, Women bag, Christmas Gift, Wedding gift, Bridesmaid gift, Birthday gift, Thank-you gift

Poppies and old key Tote bag Alicia in wonderland fabric shopping bag large shoulder bag vintage witchcraft basket inspired handbag shoulder

Everday Black Canvas Tote Bag,Market Shoulder tote bag,Waxed Canvas Water resistant Large Laptop Bag ,Travel messengers bag Tokyo Tote Black

Sunshine Tote Bag - Big Canvas Tote Bag - Beach Canvas Bag - Canvas Bag for Beach - Sunshine Appreciation Society Canvas Bag - Alphabet Bags

Punkin Pie Handbag

Canvas Hobo Bag, Medium Size Tote

Personalized Crossbody Bag, Girls Gift Ideas for 8 Year Old, Birthday Gift for Granddaughter, Crossbody Purse, Little Girl Floral Purse

Enemies to Lovers Literary Trope Tote Bag - Book Lover Gifts - Literary Merch - Book Bag

Handmade Customizable Beaded Shoulder Bag - Red, Orange, Pink, Green, Blue, Purple

Leather Purse Handbag-Gifts for Her-Leather Bag Pouch-Christmas for Her-Leather Tote Bag-Adjustable Purse-Graduation-The Josephine

Christmas Gift Personalized Gift for Her-Fine Leather Crossbody Purse or Handbag-Adjustable Strap-The Vivian

Granny Square Crochet Bag, Tote Bag, Sunflower Crochet Tote Bag with Wooden Handle, Colorful Boho Bag Gift For Her, Knitted Shoulder Bag

Green canvas hobo bag with brown leather, everyday purse cotton bag hobo slouchy purse cotton purse gift for mother - Mini Kallia bag

Christmas Gift for Her-Leather Tote Bag-Minimalist-Gifts For Mom-Full Grain Leather Shoulder Bag-The Maria Tote

Brown bucket bag in leather, drawstring bag medium purse womens cinch bag crossbody messenger bag purse crossover small purse - Danae bag

Beaded pearl bag, classical bag, wedding bag, evening bag, ivory bag, gift for her, beautiful unique bag, vintage bag, shoulder bag

Black drawstring bucket bag in leather and plaid wool, medium purse womens cinch bag crossbody messenger bag crossover gift - Danae bag

Pearl Beaded Bag, Pearl Wedding Bag Handbag Shoulder Bag, Pearl Purse, Pearl Evening Bag, Cream Beaded Bag,Bridal Bag

Shoulder purse in Copper brown natural leather , clutch purse sling bag handbag shoulder clutch braided bag gift for her -The Calliope purse

Customizable Chunky Yarn Bag, Chunky Knit Bag (Free Shipping)

Leather Crossbody bag, Leather Smartphone bag, Festival bag, Distressed Brown Leather Purse

Burgundy hand woven leather shoulder purse, handbag shoulder bag sling bag hand woven clutch leather braided bag gift - The Calliope purse

Leather bucket bag in hand woven brown, drawstring bag medium purse cinch bag handmade womens bag crossbody messenger purse - Danae bag

Leather bucket bag in hand woven black, drawstring bag medium purse womens cinch bag gift for her crossbody messenger crossover - Danae bag

Beige leather bag/ Crocodile-effect leather shoulder bag/ Bag in genuine calfskin with ebony sides/ Designer bag for a unique gift

Crossbody Leather Bag, Bucket Bag, Small Leather Purse, Designer Leather Handbag, Leather Gift

Crochet handbag, Knitted bag, Grab bag, Minimalist design crochet bag, Shoulder bag, Handmade tote bag, Attractive bag, Stylish bag,

Green Crochet Bag, Granny Square Bag, Crochet Purse, Crochet Tote Bag, Knit Floral Bag, Vintage Style, Hippie Bag, Afghan Style Tote

Forest Green Waxed Canvas Handbag with Custom Length Leather Strap, Boho Shoulder Bag

The Marina Bag - Upcycled Sailcloth

Nubuck Leather Hobo Bag - Sand

Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag with Multi-Compartment - Dark Olive

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