You’re probably familiar with the concept of adding a finishing touch to your outfit: a belt that smartens up trousers, a great pair of sunglasses, statement jewellery that livens up a plain T-shirt. Well, now, there’s a new accessory in town: the phone strap.
For many of us,it’s a must-have. On a practical level, it means you don’t have to root around in your bag every time you need to check Google Maps for directions. With phone theft also an issue, it could keep your mobile safer.
You can choose a striking option that ensures it will be the first thing someone notices, or you can opt for something subtler. From designer fashion straps to jingly jangly TikTok favourites, as well as upcycled and recycled options, here are 15 to get you started.
Accessorizebraid chain phone strap
£12 at Accessorize
This chunky gold and white braided strap can be worn around your neck, cross-body style. Just enough gold for it to elevate your everyday, and it will go with everything.
Native Union CitySling strap
£24.99 at John LewisFrom £17.99 at Amazon
A minimalist, urban strap by Native Union, with nautical knots and an adjustable length to turn it from necklace to cross-body. One for the purists.
Ateljé recycled phone case with pearl strap
£48.44 at Ateljé
Ateljé’s pearly straps went viral when one was spotted in the hands of Mindy in season one of Emily in Paris. They made another cameo appearance in season three. This one features a longer strap so you can wear it cross-body, and it comes with a recycled plastic case. The pearls are made from recycled plastic, too.
Nots phone lanyard
£40 at Nots
Using paracord (a type of nylon rope), Nots founder Emilia Jones hand-braids each lanyard using macrame and knotting techniques in her studio in Bristol. This design integrates hand-blown glass beads, too. The standard length is 120cm, but if you want it longer, you can add a note to request it.
Bandolier Billie strap
£135 at Bandolier
This utility-style strap could easily eliminate the need for carrying a separate handbag. It comes with three different compartments – one could fit a pair of glasses or a charger, the other bank cards, and the third is useful for makeup and keys. Of course, there are also two clips to attach to a suitable phone case. You can also buy add-ons, such as anAirPods pouch (£39).
CharKnots macrame lanyard
£15 at CharKnots
The founder of CharKnots, textile artist Charlotte Hanson, hand-makes her macrame lanyards in Sheffield. Hanson uses recycled cotton, and they come in various colours, including sage green and dusty pink. She also offers a wristlet version.
Bandolier Millie strap
£56 at Bandolier
With a delicate chain and tiny cut-out stars, this cross-body-style strap is perfect for those who love to layer up gold jewellery. Wear against black or dark brown to let the gold stand out.
SkinnyDip Londonsage flower beaded strap
£12 at SkinnyDip London
Anyone in touch with their inner flower child will love this nostalgic strap from SkinnyDip London.
XouXou phone case and necklace
£68.34 at XouXou
This phone necklace from XouXou comes with in-built eyelets, from which hangs a matching iPhone case. There are four colour options: burgundy, black, moss and taupe. You can still clip the lanyard on and off, and the case is MagSafe compatible.
Not Another Billcharm phone strap
£22 by Not Another Bill
Reach foryour phonethe stars with this celestial-body-inspired phone strap.
Studio Bowe Happy Strappy phone charm
£45 at Studio Bowe
Studio Bowe uses vintage and preloved glass and resin beads to create colourful, sustainable designs. Stylist Bertie Bowen hand-beads each design from her studio in London. The strap includes a custom smiley face bead handmade by a local artisan.
Casetify pebbled cross-body strap
From £33 at Casetify
For those who have built their wardrobe around more neutral shades of brown and cream, Casetify’s synthetic leather strap with gold metal hardware will slot right in. It comes in three shades: latte, oatmilk and greige, and the strap card included means it will work with most phone cases.
String Ting Breakfast wristlet
£44 at String Ting
String Ting’s creations, handmade in London, are designed to spark joy – and this wristlet, featuring everything from smiley motifs to toast, is guaranteed to do just that. Prepare for a lot of “I love your phone strap, where did you get it?” moments.
Topologie bungee strap
€45 at Topologie£38 at Farfetch
Founded by a rock-climbing enthusiast, Topologie’s straps riff on climbing paraphernalia. The bungee style can be easily lengthened and shortened, so it will work for a variety of body shapes. It’s available in 12 colours and will add a point of interest to any look.
Vivienne Westwood phone bag
£600 at Vivienne Westwood
Yes, we know, it’s £600. But if you have the funds for a splurge, this phone bag, with its jaunty check motif and leather edging inspired by heirloom quilts, is pretty special. It will certainly keep your phone snug, and you’ll be able to squeeze in your favourite lip gloss and a bank card as well.