Sling bags and crossbody bags both keep your phone, keys and wallet on your body and your hands free. The difference is in shape, capacity and how they sit. Here is how to choose, what to carry, and how to wear each one.
Contents · 7 sections · 4 min
The short answer: a sling bag is usually a little bigger, with several compartments and a strap made to swing the bag from your back to your front. A crossbody bag is usually smaller and flatter and sits at your side or chest. Choose a sling if you carry more (water bottle, earbuds, a snack, gym essentials); choose a crossbody if you carry the basics and want it slim.
What is a sling bag?
A sling bag is a single-strap bag worn diagonally across the body, usually on the back, that you swing round to the front to open. Slings tend to have more structure and more pockets than a crossbody, which makes them a good small alternative to a backpack.
The LIT Tactical Sling is built that way:
- Rugged, water-resistant 1000D polyester that handles daily wear and rough weather.
- Three zippered compartments: a large main compartment, a smaller quick-grab pocket above the front pocket, and a low front pocket with our Lit Summit emblem.
- A mesh pocket on the back with a red snap closure that sits flush against you, for a phone, wallet or keys.
- PVC rubber pull tabs that are easy to grab, even with gloves on.
- Side webbing loops and D-rings for clipping gear, plus a top carry handle.
- An adjustable strap labelled "Live Intentionally Today".
- Four extra patches in the box, so you can make it yours.
It comes in black with red and in olive with red.
What is a crossbody bag?
A crossbody bag also has one diagonal strap, but it is smaller and flatter and is designed to sit at your hip or across your chest rather than on your back. It is the minimalist option: phone, card, keys, maybe sunglasses.
The LIT Crossbody Bag is the same water-resistant 1000D polyester, sublimation printed, with pull tabs and a mountain logo. It comes in four colourways: desert tan, tiger camo, slate black and cobalt blue.
Sling vs crossbody at a glance
| Sling bag | Crossbody bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger, more structured | Smaller, flatter |
| Worn | On the back, swung to the front | At the hip or across the chest |
| Compartments | Several | One or two |
| Best for | Gym, travel, days out | Errands, nights out, minimal carry |
What to carry for the gym
A good gym sling holds the things you need between stations and nothing more:
- Phone, keys, card or wallet, in the back pocket against your body.
- Earbuds and a small towel in the main compartment.
- Lifting straps or chalk, clipped to a D-ring or in the front pocket.
- A snack or a sachet of pre-workout in the quick-grab pocket.
Your water bottle and a change of clothes still belong in a gym bag in the locker. The sling is for what moves with you around the floor.
How to wear a sling bag
- Across the back for walking, cycling or anything where you want it out of the way.
- Across the chest in crowds, on public transport or when travelling, where you want your valuables in sight.
- Snug, not loose. Adjust the strap so the bag sits high and does not bounce. A loose sling swings into everything.
How to wear a crossbody bag
Higher across the chest looks current and keeps it secure; lower at the hip looks relaxed. Over an oversized hoodie, wearing it across the chest pulls the volume in at the waist and gives the outfit shape, which is half the reason the crossbody became a streetwear staple.
So which should you buy?
If your bag has to cover the gym, travel and long days out, get the sling. If you want something to carry the basics on errands and evenings, get the crossbody. Plenty of people end up with one of each, and they look good together on a hook by the door.
Topics
- sling bag vs crossbody
- sling bag
- crossbody bag
- everyday carry bag
- gym sling bag
- best sling bag for men
- crossbody bag for gym
- how to wear a sling bag
Common questions
Still wondering? Answered from the piece itself.
What is the difference between a sling bag and a crossbody bag?
A sling bag is usually larger and more structured, with several compartments, and is worn on the back and swung to the front. A crossbody bag is smaller and flatter and sits at the hip or across the chest. Both use one diagonal strap.
Is a sling bag good for the gym?
Yes. A sling keeps your phone, keys, card and earbuds on your body between stations. The LIT Tactical Sling has three zippered compartments, a back pocket that sits flush against you, and D-rings for clipping straps or gear.
Are LIT bags waterproof?
They are water-resistant, made from 1000D polyester that handles rain and daily wear. They are not designed to be submerged.
Can a sling bag be worn on the front?
Yes. Swing it round to your chest in crowds, on public transport or when travelling, so your valuables stay in sight.
What colours do the LIT bags come in?
The LIT Tactical Sling comes in black with red and olive with red. The LIT Crossbody Bag comes in desert tan, tiger camo, slate black and cobalt blue.
