When going out, most men generally just bring mobile devices, wallets, keys, and other small and compact essentials. This is why they prefer sling bags instead of bulky backpacks for daily use. Aside from being functional, sling bags can also be stylish. They can elevate casual looks and complement formal looks.
In this article, we'll help you find the best sling bag that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you need one for school, work, or leisure, we have you covered with our recommendations! We also asked Gio Ocampo, a former visual merchandising manager for a global fast-fashion brand, to give some tips and insights!
Quick List - Top Sling Bags for Men
Lacoste
Exude Luxury With a Slim and Minimalist Leather Laptop Bag
Gio Ocampo loves fashion! She previously worked as a visual merchandising manager for a global fast-fashion brand overseeing a store’s overall visual experience — from the windows to the indoor displays. She has a wide experience in styling different customer profiles that fit a certain lifestyle and mixed with the current fashion trends.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Before purchasing a sling bag, there are a few things you must take into consideration, such as your style as well as the material it's made to make sure it can last for years to come. Continue reading our comprehensive buying guide below.
Sling bags can come in various designs, so choosing one can be overwhelming. To help narrow down your options, go for a design that aligns with your style to match the pieces in your wardrobe.
If you're looking for a bag shape that's versatile or could complement various outfits, you can never go wrong with choosing a rectangular-shaped sling bag. However, if you want to add a bit of "pop," you may also go for less conventional shapes, like the popular dumpling, croissant, and saddle bags.
A neutral-colored sling bag offers remarkable versatility, whether your wardrobe features more plain, neutral colors or colorful prints and patterns. Beige, white, grey, black, and brown bags can be easily paired with almost any outfit color.
Now, if you want to make a statement and make your bag the focal point of your outfit, you can opt for a bag with a brighter color.
Neutrals are the most versatile colors for sling bags. Pairing a beige or gray sling bag with t-shirts and jeans can give a more casual look. For a more formal look, a black or brown sling bag can be matched with either the color of your belt or shoes.
Determining the material you prefer for your sling bag entails not only the aesthetics but also its purpose. Whether for outdoors, school, office, or just a quick errand, sling bag uses are limitless, as long as you buy one with a material that suits your style and preferred function.
If you want a sling bang that you can use daily without easily getting worn out, choose one made of nylon. This robust material is known for its high tensile strength that can withstand daily wear and tear. Even better, it has innate water-resistant properties, providing extra protection from drizzle and accidental spills.
Nylon bags are also versatile; they come in various styles, designs, and colors. Hence, they can blend into any outfit and are suitable for different occasions. Aside from that, nylon bags are also more affordable compared to ones made of other materials, like leather. They are easier to clean and maintain, too.
Leather bags, in general, exude elegance and sophistication that complements formal and professional attires perfectly. Hence, if you want a sling bag to carry to business meetings or corporate events, you can never go wrong with this material.
Besides appearance, leather is also well-loved for its durability. Good quality leather bags are highly sturdy, durable, and can withstand daily use. They can also last for a long time, given that they're properly cared for.
They are best used in formal looks but can also add a touch of sophistication when paired with a casual look.
If you want a sling bag to carry when doing errands or going out for casual hangouts, canvas sling bags are an excellent pick. They have a laidback, relaxed vibe that can match your jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and other everyday outfits.
Canvas bags are often lightweight, making them suitable for leisure activities and everyday use. They are also effortless to clean, so they're perfect for outdoor activities. There's no need to worry about damaging them easily, as they are known for their durability, too.
If you need help deciding what sling bag size to choose, pick one according to your purpose. A medium-sized one will do if it's just for daily use to carry essentials. Meanwhile, if you intend to use it for travel purposes, it is recommended to get a larger size. You may also consider the user's build to ensure it fits and matches their size.
For capacity, it's always best to choose sling bags with dedicated storage or dividers to organize your belongings. The more pockets and compartments, the more organized things can be. Consider buying one with 4 to 5 pockets in different sizes for varying necessities.
Proportion is key. It is important to complement your accessory with your build for a good fit. For men with a bigger build, a larger sling bag is recommended. Meanwhile, men with a smaller build can opt for a smaller-sized sling bag.
Here are several features you might want to look for to enhance the sling bag's functionality and convenience. These features can also give you a bang for your buck!
To secure your hard-earned valuables, ensure your sling bag has a functional and durable closure. Zippers are preferable to other types of closure, like velcro. It is because velcros can eventually lose their stickiness.
If you're going to use the bag for travel purposes, you may also look for lockable zippers. These zippers can be secured with a small padlock or a built-in locking mechanism to prevent others from accessing your belongings without your knowledge.
Before buying a sling bag, check if the strap is adjustable. An adjustable strap provides more comfort and flexibility while carrying your belongings. It also makes the sling bag appropriate for any height or body size.
If you intend to use the bag for work or school, look for features such as multiple pockets and a laptop compartment to separate your gadgets and devices from your other valuables. You must also ensure the laptop or tablet compartment is padded to keep your gadgets safe.
Aside from being made of waterproof materials that repel water, some bags have sealed seams and waterproof zippers that prevent water from entering through stitch holes. There are also ones with an assigned Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the bag's level of protection against solids and liquids. These are features you might want to check out for extra protection for your valuables.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Material | Dimensions or Capacity | Compartments | Closure | Adjustable Straps | |||||
1 | Lacoste Men's Chantaco Leather Slim Computer Bag | ![]() | Exude Luxury With a Slim and Minimalist Leather Laptop Bag | Leather | 38 cm x 29 cm x 4 cm | 3 | Zipper | unknown | |
2 | Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag|Corduroy | ![]() | Look Stylish In This Small Yet Spacious Half Moon Bag | Corduroy | 27.94 cm x 17 cm x 9.9 cm | 2 | Zipper | unknown | |
3 | Nike Heritage Cross Body Bag | ![]() | Fits Right Into Your Active, Go-Getter Lifestyle | 80% Nylon, 20% Polyester | 17.78 cm x 12.7 cm x 2.54 cm | 3 | Zipper | unknown | |
4 | Coach Beck Crossbody | ![]() | A Lavish Sling Bag That Combines Sophistication and Functionality | Coated Canvas and Refined Calf Leather | 15 cm x 17.5 cm x 6 cm | 2 | Zipper | unknown | |
5 | JanSport 5L Larimer Crossbody Men's Sling Bag | ![]() | An Everyday Bag That Easily Fits Your Biggest Daily Essentials | 400 Denier Nylon Packcloth | 39 cm x 2 cm x 24 cm, 5 Liters | 5 | Zipper | unknown | |
6 | Samsonite Cadiaz Sling Bag | ![]() | Athleisure Style Bag That Keeps Your Daily Essentials Organized and Secure | Polyester | 27 cm x 17.5 cm x 5.5 cm | 5 | Top and Side Zipper | unknown | |
7 | Arctic Hunter Large Capacity Water Resistant Crossbody Bag|K00162 | ![]() | A Water-Resistant Bag to Protect Your Belongings While You Take On New Adventures | Ballistic Nylon Microfiber | 22 cm x 7.5 cm x 28 cm | 3 | Zipper | unknown | |
8 | Tigernu Anti Theft Sling Shoulder Messenger Bag|T-S8097 | ![]() | An Anti-Theft Sling Bag to Safely Hold Your Personal Items | Polyester | 32 cm x 20.5 cm x 5 cm | 3 | Quick Release Buckle, Zipper | unknown | |
9 | Augur Canvas Crossbody Bag | ![]() | Rock Laidback and Urban Looks With This Multi-Compartment Canvas Bag | Canvas | 26 cm x 5 cm x 30 cm | 4 | Magnetic Snaps, Zipper | unknown | |
10 | Shigetsu Hino Leather Sling Bag |Signature Hino | ![]() | A Sleek Versatile Bag to Complement Your Dapper Look | PU Leather, Polyester | 24 cm x 5 cm x 15 cm | 3 | Zipper | unknown |
If you're looking for something minimalist yet drenched in luxury and quality, this Lacoste bag should be a no-brainer. Made with genuine black leather, this bag would be your new closet staple. For elevated texture, this item also features metallic detailing and a lavish piqué pattern. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the brand's iconic crocodile logo.
Compared to the usual bulky, heavy, and anti-aesthetic-looking laptop bags, this one maintains a slim and elegant appearance. The adjustable straps can also be removed if you want to carry it by the handles. Not only is this best for work or school, but it can also be used for travel, as the band at the back can be slipped over your luggage or trolley handle seamlessly.
Material | Leather |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 38 cm x 29 cm x 4 cm |
Compartments | 3 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
Material | Corduroy |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 27.94 cm x 17 cm x 9.9 cm |
Compartments | 2 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
Whether you're looking for a bag that can accompany you on your active days or carry daily to pair with casual wear, this Nike Heritage crossbody bag is an excellent choice. Made with a nylon and polyester blend, this durable bag can help keep your belongings in check while you're on the go.
It comes in a sleek black shade adorned with the legendary Nike swoosh. In addition to its design, this bag can securely store your essentials in a zippered main compartment and a mesh front pocket; plus, it has an adjustable strap, allowing you to tailor your wearing experience to match your desired comfort level.
Material | 80% Nylon, 20% Polyester |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 17.78 cm x 12.7 cm x 2.54 cm |
Compartments | 3 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
The Coach Beck Crossbody is a multipurpose bag you can wear in multiple ways. You can wear it diagonally across your body for practical comfort, while for a laidback aesthetic, you can simply sling it over one shoulder. Besides serving as a bag, it can also function as a pouch; just remove its strap and stow it away on your tote bag or backpack when traveling.
Brimming with sophistication and functionality, this charcoal-hued masterpiece is crafted from refined calf leather and the brand's signature coated canvas. It also has a spacious main compartment guarded by a zip-around closure. Finally, Beck's sheer elegance is tied together with an external zip pocket and a statement "C" hardware that will be the focal point of your ensemble.
Material | Coated Canvas and Refined Calf Leather |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 15 cm x 17.5 cm x 6 cm |
Compartments | 2 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
When it comes to bags, you can never leave out JanSport. Known for high-quality, durable bags, they are among the go-tos of office workers and students. This particular offering features a main compartment, two mesh organizer pockets, and dual-front zippered pockets with rain flaps. Each compartment totals a capacity of 5 liters for your notebooks, books, a small laptop, tablet, and more.
What's even more remarkable is it has a horizontally elongated trapezoidal shape that helps distribute the weight more evenly compared to upright and vertical ones. On top of that, the adjustable straps are also embedded into the back for a more refined look and to cover the whole length of the bag.
Material | 400 Denier Nylon Packcloth |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 39 cm x 2 cm x 24 cm, 5 Liters |
Compartments | 5 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
As a trusted brand in the fashion industry, you can never go wrong with a Samsonite bag. Engineered with special compartments for each of your everyday must-haves, you won't ever have to worry about mindlessly rummaging through your bag to find your phone, USB cable, wallet, lip balm, or packet of peppermints.
This sling bag's exterior features a top and side zip design to organize your belongings easily. Meanwhile, its interior boasts a main compartment for your phone, tablet, and power bank. This space is further segregated into three smaller compartments for things like earbuds, notebooks, and even a snack. It's even equipped with a set of pen loops, so you can be write-ready anywhere.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 27 cm x 17.5 cm x 5.5 cm |
Compartments | 5 |
Closure | Top and Side Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
Material | Ballistic Nylon Microfiber |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 22 cm x 7.5 cm x 28 cm |
Compartments | 3 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
This Tigernu sling bag hits the mark in terms of both form and function. Its unique origami-inspired triangle shape does not only serve as a design element but also as a safety feature. The tip of the flap has a buckle to further secure the items on top of the zipper closures for the main compartment and two exterior pockets.
Aside from that, the polyester material is splash-proof, water-repellent, and lightweight, ideal for commuters. We won't be surprised if this small sling bag for men will be your daily commute staple in no time. Another great thing about this sling bag is that it is available in three colorways - khaki, yellow, and black.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 32 cm x 20.5 cm x 5 cm |
Compartments | 3 |
Closure | Quick Release Buckle, Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
The main section offers immense space to carry a large tablet, a phone, a power bank, and a notepad with more room to spare. Meanwhile, smaller essentials like keys, sanitizer, charging cables, and a wallet can effortlessly fit into the inner and outer pockets without making the bag look bulky. It's no wonder many users are praising its stylish and spacious design!
Material | Canvas |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 26 cm x 5 cm x 30 cm |
Compartments | 4 |
Closure | Magnetic Snaps, Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
Not skimping on practicality, Shigetsu designed this closet staple with three spacious compartments. It includes a main zipper pocket for your phone, power bank, and wallet. Plus, it also has a small pouch pocket and a small zippered pocket, which are ideal places for your house keys, car keys, earbuds, and hand sanitizer.
Material | PU Leather, Polyester |
---|---|
Dimensions or Capacity | 24 cm x 5 cm x 15 cm |
Compartments | 3 |
Closure | Zipper |
Adjustable Straps | unknown |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by this article's expert, Gio Ocampo.
For a formal look, choose high-quality materials like leather and nylon in solid colors or classic patterns and match them with tailored clothing and a minimalist design.
A sling bag can be a practical choice as it combines functionality, style, and comfort. Factors based on your personal preferences and specific needs are still important to consider before making a final purchase.
Alongside your sling bag, you will also need other types of bags to choose from depending on your needs. Check out the links below for the best backpacks, cycling bags, and camera bags in the market. Happy shopping!
Re-editor: Katreen David
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lacoste|Men's Chantaco Leather Slim Computer Bag
No. 2: Uniqlo|Round Mini Shoulder Bag|Corduroy
No. 3: Nike|Heritage Cross Body Bag
No. 4: Coach|Beck Crossbody
No. 5: JanSport|5L Larimer Crossbody Men's Sling Bag
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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