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As someone committed to — nay, hellbent on — convenience, this contraption had my full attention.

As someone committed to — nay, hellbent on — convenience, especially of the practical variety, this contraption had my full attention. The case kept my friend’s cell readily accessible yet secure: She’d pick her phone up to type out a message or take a call, and then let the device drop, where it would land back at her side, secured by the strap.

When I returned to the States, I immediately started looking into crossbody phone cases. As I had suspected, the trend was most popular overseas and had yet to make its way to the United States.

I never misplace my phone anymore — instead of being lost in the abyss of my bag, it’s right on my person. I also love that the strap is adjustable, which allows me to tighten or loosen it depending on the activity (tighter for chores, looser while lounging).

I especially appreciate my case while I’m traveling or traversing crowded spaces. Since the holder keeps my phone secured around my body, I no longer feel that my phone is simply a sitting duck. Basically, if anyone tries to snag my phone, they won’t be able to do so without taking me and the lanyard along with them. It’s a true anti-theft item.

I’m convinced this crossbody case is the best of simple yet utterly helpful innovations, and rest assured, I will be using mine until the day I no longer own a phone. (A day which will probably never come.)

While I love my case from AccessoriesForLifeLTD at Etsy, Etsy offers other great options. We’ve rounded up some more picks for you to consider.

This vibrant option is designed with extra shock resistance, custom molding and adjustable straps. 

Check out the rest of this LA-based Etsy shop's selections here.

Promising reviews: "Excellent item, it made carrying my phone around on my trip to Disneyland so easy! I didn’t need to constantly check my pockets that it had fallen out." —lilibetlin

"I got it for my travel to Europe not to get stolen. Look so pretty and high quality material." —June

Get it from YourColorYourStyle on Etsy for $32.24+ (originally $42+; available for iPhones 14–17, including Plus, Pro, Air, and Pro Max versions, and nine colors). 

This style silicone case is equipped with a rope that's available in four different colors and accented with gleaming chrome-finish hardware. It's designed for iPhone models 13 and 14. The maximum length of the lanyard is 29.5 inches.

Promising review: “I use this one for my work phone when on projects and appointments. So nice to not be holding my phone or digging around for my phone in my purse. Convenient cute case colors and works to be hands free.” —Amazon Customer

If you're looking for a luxury option, try this elegant case from new-guard leather goods brand Maison de Sabre. Sized precisely for iPhones starting at 14, it's equipped with a curved card slot and an adjustable leather lanyard that clips on and off for maximum versatility. 

Get it from Nordstrom: for the iPhone 14 Pro Max for $65.40+ (originally $109; available in four colors), for the iPhone 15 Pro for $71.40+ (originally $119; available in five colors), and for the iPhone 16 Pro for $77.40+ (originally $129; available in six colors).

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