Allison Johnson’s article dated September 8, 2026, takes a humorous look at the sling used to carry phones diagonally across the shoulder. Johnson says the accessory is popular among Europeans and young people, but notes that she sometimes feels embarrassed carrying a $700 phone at waist level. Although she thinks it looks good with oversized jackets and athletic clothing, she recounts that a friend said, upon seeing the sling, “I feel like I’m hanging out with Rick Steves.”
The writer says the sling is more practical than searching for the phone in a pocket; she can easily take the device out, turn the screen toward herself and type messages, while keeping the phone ready for tap-to-pay payments. She says bending down to reach the payment terminal has turned into a small workout.
Johnson also complains that bars and restaurants are dark or that the text on menus has become smaller. The phone’s flashlight can be used to read a menu or the bill, but she notes that the white light, with its 50 lumens of brightness, stands out in a dim cocktail lounge.
According to the writer, the sling’s biggest drawback is that it does not carry anything besides the phone. She suggests a larger model for keys, a handkerchief, a small notebook, loose change and Carmex. She adds that, upon arriving home, the phone can be removed and the sling hung on a coat rack for its next use. Johnson thinks such a product might be sold at Target.
Why it matters
The article shows that a crossbody phone strap is not merely a matter of accessory preference; it highlights the tension between ease of use and how it is perceived by those around the user. Functions such as quick access to the phone, making payments and reading in dim environments offer practicality, particularly in situations where reaching into a pocket becomes difficult, while the strap’s appearance may leave the user socially hesitant. In addition, its ability to carry only a single device limits the scope of the solution, as it may require an additional bag or pocket rather than reducing everyday needs. However, since the assessment is based on the experience of a single person, it does not answer the questions of how widespread this way of using the product is or where the product can actually be found.