Five Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying New Sling Bags

Sling bags are some of the most versatile purses out there, coming in different shapes and often resembling a clutch, but available with a strap. You don't have to compromise your style if you prefer a smaller clutch purse. Guava currently has a huge array of the newest styles of sling bags for women out there that will suit every fashionista budget and aesthetic. Before you buy a new sling bag, though, here are five questions to ask yourself to help get on the right track.

 

1. What's the Bag Made Of?

This question is important because it often determines price differences as well as quality. Non-leather bags come in materials such as pleather which has increased in durability over the years. However, leather isn't replaceable, and will almost always last longer than any other material. It's more durable and can be easily cleaned. Your budget also factors in when you're trying to decide between leather or some other material. If you're interested in buying a sling bag to only carry in the evening to social events, for example, then spending a little less for a fun, funky accessory makes sense. On the other hand, sling bags are functional enough to be used on a daily basis. In short, the best way to gauge what kind of material you should look for in a sling bag is the way in which you intend on wearing it.

 

2. What Are You Carrying In the Bag?

Not all bags are meant to be practical. For example, Vogue India reports that one of the newest trends is taking old favorites and miniaturizing them, or what they refer to as the "mini me bag." These styles are certainly big enough to fit your credit cards and keys, but although they might be cute, they're not the most functional handbag in the world. Deciding what kind of sling bag to purchase should take into account similar considerations. One of the most important questions you can ask about a handbag is how it will fit what you carry around with you on a regular basis. Better yet, how it will work for you to access necessary items like your wallet and phone. Some women have trouble with closures that zip versus ones that clasp, depending on how they prefer to take out their wallet or other items. Think about the type of closure on the bag you have now, and decide that way. Sling bags come with many different types of closures, so you'll have no trouble finding one that suits your needs.

 

3. Strap Length

This is another important question, since sling bags come with straps in various lengths. According to The Wallet Lady, the strap length measurement is called the "drop," which is measured from the top of the strap to the top of the handbag. She suggests that the best way to determine what strap length will work best for you when you're buying a handbag online is to take a current bag you have, hang it on a nail, and measure the drop. This is essential to maintaining comfort when you're toting around your sling bag, but also, deciding what part of your body you want the bag to draw attention to depending on where it lands.

 

4. Party Hearty or Classic Chic?

Sling bags often come in small sizes and as statement pieces, boasting bright colors and elaborate hardware. Give some consideration to whether or not you want to go with a party look, or something classic and chic. Due to the fact that many sling bags have removable straps, it's actually very versatile in terms of transitioning from one aesthetic to another. The strap is chic and practical, but when you remove it, your look is immediately reinvented with a clutch. Bear in mind what kind of look you want to be able to achieve using this flexibility.

 

5. To Trend or Not to Trend?

Being on trend and being stylish are two very different things, but they can definitely overlap. A trend will look good on you if you wear the trend, and don't let it wear you. For example, Verve Magazine reports that it's all about the 70s right now, and boho is back. Whether you reinvent your wardrobe with more flowing silhouettes or you opt for a slouchy bag, it's a trend that's hot on runways right now. If you're interested in staying on trend, have a look at the array of slouchier sling bags available. However, although the silhouette may be in fashion right now, you may find a convertible boho sling bag that can be worn in different ways at different times suits you all year round.

The sling bag is one of the versatile styles in the world of women's handbags, and also comes in some of the most fun colors and styles on the market. Make sure you get a good look at the full selection and carefully consider your needs before purchasing. This way, you'll end up with a practical handbag that you'll love wearing on a daily basis