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."

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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

Handbag, Laptop Briefcase, Briefcase, Laptop Backpack, Messenger bag, laptop bag, laptop tote, leather bag, luxury tote, unisex bag

Organic Cotton Tote Bag with Quirky Handmade Fish Illustration in Navy Blue, Long Handles, Eco Friendly Fabric Shopping Bag, Fair wear

Women's flap shoulder bag with painted wildflowers, hand painted custom flap purse, floral saddle bag, 40th birthday gifts for women

Italian Leather Handbag FJORD, Saffiano Genuine Leather Top Handle Bag, Shoulder Crossbody Bag with Wood, Natural Dried Flowers and Epoxy

Black Velvet Shoulder Bag, Small Minimalist Handbag, Everyday Designer Bag, Gift Bag, Mini Umhängetasche, Kleine Tasche, Aesthetic Hand Bag

Night Blue Organza Tote Bag

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

Waxed Canvas Handbag in Nautical Navy Blue with Leather Strap

Recycled seatbelts handbag - BAS 93-13

Women's handmade leather bag/ Unique bag made of wood and leather/ Bag with natural flowers coated with jewelry epoxy resin

Blackwood Sandy Freedom, Made in Ukraine, Woman Leather Bag, Wood and Leather bag, Ukrainian Handmade, Patriotic Collection

Handmade Luciana Raffia Bucket Bag, Raffia bag, Handmade bag, Crochet bag, Bag, Raffia Bucket Bag, Bucket Bag, Mini bag

Black Leather Purse Handmade in France (Black)

Black shoulderbag | designer bag | statement bag | leather purse | black leather bag women

Flora In Check

Crossbody Bag For Woman ,Embossed with Floral,Shoulder Bag,Genuine Leather, Handmade Cow Leather,Vintage-Retro Stylish,Gift For Her

Handmade Raffia Crochet Bag | Eco-Friendly and Recyclable | Neverland Design and Co. | Handmade Raffia bag | Handmade bag | Straw Bag|

Handbag , Laptop Briefcase, Briefcase, Laptop Backpack, Messenger bag, laptop bag, laptop tote, leather bag, luxury tote, unisex bag

Handbag , Tote bag, laptop bag, laptop tote, shopper bag, leather bag , handmade tote, luxury tote, minimal design

Ein Sitz, eine Liegematte und sogar eine Umhängetasche!

Laptop Briefcase, Briefcase, Laptop Backpack, Messenger bag, laptop bag, laptop tote, leather bag, luxury tote, unisex bag

Charcoal Grey Tweed Womens Shoulder Bag with Leather Strap

Macaron dots, Shoulder Bag,Extra Large Bag,Slouchy bag purse,Polka dots Bag, Black and White Bag, Linen Tote Bag,Handbag,Hobo Bag, Linen bag

Large Rope basket with lid, Rope tote, Project bag, Tote, Made in Maine, Knitters basket, More colors, Hand dyed rope tote, Made to order

Organic Childrens Drawing Tote Bag - Mummy Personalised Bag - Navy Rose Gold Tote Bag - Kids Artwork Gift - Mothers Day Gift - Handwriting

Childrens Drawing Bag - Personalised Tote Bag- Kids Artwork Mothers Day Gift

Granny Square Bag, Daisy Crochet Bag, Afghan Bag, Beige Crochet Bag, Crochet Purse, Wooden Purse, Sunflower Bag, Gift For Mother's Day

Thistle Tartan & Tweed Shopper Bag with Liberty Fabrics. Gift Made in Scotland

Purple Leather Women Bags, Real Genuine Leather Handbag, Leather Crossbody Handbags, Gift for Her, Made in Ukraine

bag Leather handmade Shoulder Bag with Clutch Set Kuferek handmade tote bag laptop bag office bag orginal bag leather handmade bag ladybuq

Large LEATHER TOTE bag personnalisable - Genuine leather handbag / Black leather tote bag

Women cotton totebag printed with French blue eyes cat, canvas women bag, animal / cat lovers shopping all day long bag, gift bag

Deadstock ‘60s ‘70s army convertible shoulder / cross body waterproof bag

Granny Square Bag, Crochet Bag, Afghan Bag, Cotton Shoulder Bag, Unique Summer Purse, Sunflower Bag, Green Knitted Bag,Wooden Purse

Oversized Lined Leather Shoulder Bag - woman design bag - Alicja - removable and washable fabric lining unique leather handmade bag ladybuq

Bag for children in boiled wool (100% virgin wool) and lined in Jersey cotton

Patchwork Waxed Canvas Leather Tote Bag , Colorful Shopper Bag, Unique Shoulder Bag, Mother's Day Gift For Her Gift For Girlfriend Wife

Pocket Bird Bag - Artful Bird Felt Tote - Unique Gift for Her

Dark Brown Leather Tote Bag. Handmade Leather Shoulder Bag in Vintage Style Leather. Minimal Modern Classic Leather Bag.

The Dot Beaded Bag in Tortoise

Summer Beach Bag ,fringe beach bag, Beige beach Bag, Macrame Beach Bag, Summer Bag, Tote Bag, Macrame Fringe Bag

Personalized Customizable Bag Leather Purse handmade high quality natural leather ladybuq handbag Women's gifts Original Bag

Bubble tea tote bag with zipper + zipper pocket | taro love, suger bear & matcha cat boba tea | kawaii Eco shopper Bag | Spring Present

Elegant Ecru Crochet Sunflower Bag, Stylish Granny Square Purse for Her, Boho Shoulder Bag with Sunflower Design, Gift for Mother's Day

Large leather shoulder bag, stylish laptop bag for women, unique everyday bag - the Grayson Bag in Lemon Yellow by Lolafalk

Full grain leather bag Woman tote LadyBuQ Personalized Leather Bag original handbag perfect gift Laptop Bag Leather tote

Crochet Bag, Daisy Tote Handbag, Granny Square Bag, Bag For Women, Knit Floral Bag, Vintage Style, Afghan Style Tote, Gift For Birthday

Women Leather bag Mountain Lover Gift, Unique Purses For Women, Ukraine Shop, Shoulder leather Bag Personalisation gifts Personalisation bag

White leather shoulder bag, cross body handbags, Womens purse

Shoulders leather bag, shoulder purses, Handmade leather bag, Gift ideas, Round women bags, Unique bag, Crossbody purse, Gift

Crossbody bag. Small handbag/purse available in 4 colors. Hand braided, with zipper and lining. Vegetable tanned leather. Cadaques bag.

Hot Pink Leather Crossbody Bag Women Shoulder Bag Fuchsia Color Mini Bag Gift Idea Handbag

Canvas bag / Cotton bag / Bike bag / Crossbody bag / Shoulder Bag / Musette bag / Casual Bag / Everyday bag / Streetwear Bags / Cycling bag

Leather Crossbody Bag Leather minimalist bag. UN

Purple bag , leather bag, women bag, gift , shoulder bag

Shoulder leather bag,Vegan leather handbag,Tan leather purse,Tote bag with pocket,Leather purse,Faux leather handbag,Minimalist knot bag

Festive Crochet Elegance: Unveiling Our Christmas Diamond Delight!

Natural Leather Tote Bag - Office Purse, Everyday Bag. Perfect Gift for Her, for Mom, Wife - Handicraft by Ladybuq Art

Vegan leather purse, cross body bag | shoulder bag • Quality faux leather bag, vegan handbag • Gift for vegan women • Tote bag with zipper

Black Linen Tote Bag, Linen Beach Bag, Summer Linen Bag, Linen Shoulder Bag, Natural Linen Eco Bag, Linen Crossover Bag, Linen Bag for Women

Small PLUM leather woman bag baggy shape Maja Ladybuq art design

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

LOVE BIRD ART - Love Stained Glass - Valentine Day Art - Unique Bird Art - Couple Room Art - Bird Artwork For Decoration

Bag Purse Backpack original handbag stylish bag Molly in 3 sizes vintage style purse with adjustable straps many functions promotion

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