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.

Jo Harms

5 out of 5 stars

"Just the size I needed. Beautifully crafted bag. Fully lined, no unfinished seams or missing stiches, careful & tight stitching, heavy duty smoothly operating zipper across top to securely close it. Fabric is a nice texture, durable, and the right weight. I especially appreciate the several interior pocket/dividers that run the full depth of bag along each side - Great for Organizing. And the pockets are a light colored fabric that stands out easily against the dark lining. The moment I started filling and arranging items in the bag, I knew that this is going to be with me for many miles and many years. I can feel the love and care that Fannie stitched into this beautiful bag. Perhaps most important for me - it was handmade by a real person trying to live their creative dreams."

Boho Black Floral Purse with Pockets, Linen Crossbody Bag with Zipper Closure, Handmade Birthday Gift for Mom, Women's Hobo Bag Mother’s Day
Judy Judd

5 out of 5 stars

"The bag is very nice! Beautiful color. It took a while to get it...so, coming from Ukraine, that could be expected? I finally got it and am happy. Thank you."

leather purse women, cross body bag, bags for women, leather crossbody bag, shoulder bag, handmade bag, crossbody bag women leather
kjweb101

5 out of 5 stars

"The bag was perfect as described. It is made of thick canvas & plenty of pockets for pens & a phone."

Large Capacity Canvas Uni Tote Bag, Cotton Canvas Shoulder Bag, Canvas Crossbody Messenger Bags, Tote Bag Canvas, Canvas Handbag, Book Bag
maddie

4 out of 5 stars

"Shorter strap than I was expecting but good bag quality overall."

Jeelow Small Washed Canvas Crossbody Handbag Shoulder Bag Purses For Men & Women High Density Cotton Messenger Sling Bag
Teresa

5 out of 5 stars

"The quality of the bag is exceptional and match the description perfectly! It definitely met our expectations."

Leather Messenger Bag Briefcase for Men, Full Grain Leather Briefcase Laptop Computer Bag for Men, Genuine Leather Satchel Bag For Men
Mie Kongo

5 out of 5 stars

"With beautiful materials and simple functional design, the bag is very well made. Fast shipping. Can't be happier. Thank you!"

Large Waxed Canvas Crossbody Bag with zipper and exterior pockets. Waxed Canvas Bag for women and men for outdoors, travel, everyday use.

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

Animal Skull Grid 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

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

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

Marine Biology Tote Bag | Reversible Tote, Biology Gifts

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canvas Hobo Bag, Medium Size Tote

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

Large leather tote, Women's leather bag, Large leather bag, Cognac shoulder bag, Large shopper, Extra large bag, Gift, Gift for her

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

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

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,

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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