**Full Disclosure: I received the Sash bag for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
My favorite kind of purse is a crossbody. You don’t have to hold a crossbody bag on your shoulder or in the crease of your elbow and it allows you do to do practically everything with two hands.
When I received The Sash Bag for review, I couldn’t wait to put it to work. I’d worn a hole in the crossbody bag I had before, so I was carrying around an on-the-shoulder purse that wasn’t really working for me. I had WAY too much stuff in the current purse so I dumped it out and decided what must-haves made the cut for my new Sash bag.
I ended up with more ‘necessities’ than I could fit in my Sash bag, so I had to narrow it down a little more. The final items consisted of: a new (shorter but fatter) wallet, 2 sets of keys, a pen, chapstick, a sock coin purse, business cards, a flashlight and {barely} my phone.
After the first day of using my new Sash bag, I wasn’t convinced it was for me. The reasons I had trouble adjusting to the Sash Bag:
- The 4 outside pockets don’t have zippers or buttons. I can’t fit anything in those pockets, but if I could, it’d be very easy to lose those items.
- The divider in one pouch of the purse causes that side to be way too small for anything useful.
- The bottom (the middle part between the two pouches) doesn’t hold anything. It’s not a pouch (which I found extremely confusing)!
After about the third day of use, I was feeling SO much better about it.
- I love the way it sits on my body with no help from me.
- I can use TWO hands to do whatever I need to (especially grocery shopping!).
- I was getting complimented on it left and right and all over the place!
- A friend’s 4 year old told me she NEEDED my purse! (I let her play with it and she thought it was the greatest thing!)
- I am really loving the double zipper on both pouches.
- I think the double-sided color combination is a great feature! I have Purple Punch Leather and Gray Suede. I prefer the Gray Suede, but mostly because it matches more!
As of today, if I could change anything, I would:
- Make the Sash bag about 2 inches wider so that my phone and wallet can be in the same pouch without me fighting to zip it.
- Add a zipper to the bottom middle piece so I have three pouches.
About The Sash Bag:
Aptly nicknamed “the fanny pack of the 21st century,” Sash bags are a stylish solution for women on-the-go, who need a way to be organized, hands-free, and prepared for anything… Without having to carry their handbag. When women want to carry something other than a traditional handbag, their choices are limited, and lacking style. With Sash, women have a sleek way to be hands-free while on the go.
Sash bags wrap securely around the torso, similar to a “Miss America sash”, and have four exterior and four interior zippered pockets to hold most of the contents that would normally go into a woman’s handbag. The way the pockets organize the contents, the product is able to remain sleek and balanced, providing an ergonomic and safe way to travel, ride a bike, shop, push a stroller, or any activity that requires a woman to be hands-free and organized.
BUY IT! You can purchase a Sash Bag from their store – starting at $69. Or you can design your own – starting at $149.
Nichol says
Those are cute but way too small for me. Even with an 11 and 6 year old I still carry a huge purse.
Sara Phillips says
I don’t like to carry a huge purse (because then my husband and kids assume I want to carry their stuff in addition to mine). This one is nice for an everyday purse, but I think it’s too small for traveling with.
Linda says
Love my Sash bags. Amazed at how much fits into it. I can carry my personal essentials but I’m no long pack horse for everyone else’s stuff.
I just received my new larger squared bag and I know it’s gonna be my favorite. That little bit of extra room is wonderful.
I was in a store and clerk commuted on it and as I was telling her about it she asked if I was a paid spokesperson for company. I told her no just a super satisfied owner of 4 bags.
Nichole says
Hi Ladies! Thanks for the review, Sara. I’m surprised that you felt you would lose things, as this bag is specifically designed to keep everything in check, and as a habitual mis-placer of my keys, phone, and anything else of importance, I specifically designed this bag to keep things in their place. I’m proud to say after a year of using my Sash bag I have not lost one thing.
I also am a mother of two. I have a two-year old and an eight-year old, and the Sash holds EVERYTHING I need. It is especially great for traveling as it fits a passport and itinerary safely zipped up inside. It’s really hard to imagine how much stuff you can comfortable fit in there until you try it. So thanks for testing it out, Sara!
Debbie null says
If you were to make it a little lighter and gusseted on the bottom I believe it would hold more. Bags that are GUSSETED hold more and make it easier to get things in and out also holds the large cell phones that are out there.
Sara Phillips says
Hi Debbie! Thanks for the feedback! I’ll pass it along to the Sash Bag makers.
Nichole says
Oh, one tip: The pocket with the divider is meant to fit your credit cards, business cards, cash, etc. and keep everything separated and organized. I consider those things pretty useful! If you have any questions about the best way to organize and utilize your Sash, let me know. I wear mine 24/7.
Sara Phillips says
OH! That’s good to know! I like to carry a wallet in my purse, so maybe that’s where I am going wrong? I did wear mine during church service last week and my husband asked if I’d planned on taking it off. I completely forgot I was wearing it!
Nichole says
Here’s how I organize mine (draped from right shoulder to left hip, so if you are opposite, this would be as well):
Outer right pocket: phone (I promise you won’t lose it. And we’ve tested every size phone – what phone do you have?)
Outer left pocket: Keyes (again, a year of use and never lost a thing – consider it similar to putting them in your pants pocket.)
Inside zipper right (with dividers): Cards, cash, business cards, receipts on the bottom half and chapstick and aroma therapy on the top half.
Inside zipper left: Passport (when traveling), pens, and any other random things I need to carry for the kids. Usually something like a granola bar and small sunscreen.
Hidden outer pockets (against the body): Sunglasses and digital camera when necessary.
The middle part is intentionally not a pocket because that’s what allows the product to sit nice and flush against your body and not add bulk or bounce around. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to, but once you make the transition from big bag to Sash bag, it’s incredibly liberating. To your point, you forget you’re wearing it! You can travel, dance, take the kids to the zoo, eat, use a public restroom (seriously how convenient is that) and never have to take it off! Thanks again for the review and for your thoughts. 🙂
Sara Phillips says
Awesome! I’ll have to reorganize and see how it goes! I have the Samsung SIII. Thanks!
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
That’s way too small for me, but cute!
Cindy Dawkins says
I might have to give it a try. It might be great for vacation.
Angie Bailey says
This would be great to take on vacation or when out and about anywhere.
Alison says
Oooh this is the kind of bag I need, I hate carrying a purse and I need something that I won’t have to fuss with! I would probably forget to take it off as well but heck that’s a good thing!
Elizabeth (Rock-A-Bye Parents) says
Both my purses are over body. I usually wear them as a normal purse, but with a toddler it’s great to have a purse that can be hands free. That one looks interesting, but I’m not sure it’s big enough for me. I’ve downsized some recently, but I’m not sure I could downsize that much. I’m one of those crazy people that needs to have everything with me.
Abby sailors says
Where can I see the bags so I can choose which one to buy ? I don’t do well on line. I missed them at the fair. I live in point Loma and would like to get one soon. Please email me and let me know. Thank you.
Sara Phillips says
Hi Abby! You can call this number: 877-GET-SASH and they can help you out!
Judy says
Hello, Just ordered my sash bag. Site said back ordered until end of April 2015. But you took my money as soon as I ordered? Is this correct? I am only asking because when I normally order online and something is back ordered they take my money when it becomes available to ship to me. Thank you.
Sara Phillips says
Hi Judy! I’m not Sash Bag, I just promoted them. My guess is they had to authorize the payment, but you could reach out to 1-877-GET-SASH. I hope you love your bag as much as I love mine!
Barbara says
I am interested in perhaps purchasing a sash bag but cannot find any web page where you show the fabric and color choices. Also, how long would I have to wait to receive the product? (Are there any ready-mades in stock?) I live on the East Coast and nee the bag by the middle of August.
Sara Phillips says
I wish I could help, but it looks like they have nothing on their site right now. I’ve seen updates on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sashbag?fref=ts) maybe you could ask there? Sorry!
Sandy says
Where can I purchase a sash bag in canada
Sara Phillips says
Hi Sandy! I’m not sure if the Sash Bag is available in Canada but I do believe you can order from their website and have it sent to you!
Marsha Arnott says
Received my sash bag today and holds everything I need but have one problem with it. My strap will not stay snapped together so since mine is solid black leather I have taken it to a cobblers shop to have strap sewn together.
Sara Phillips says
I’m so sorry to hear that!! I’d let Sash Bag know – You can reach them around the clock at info@thesashbag.com or call Sash Bag Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m (Pacific) at 877-GET-SASH (438-7274).
Margot says
“Us” ? I thought you weren’t affiliated?
Sara Phillips says
I copied that from their website. I will correct it immediately.
Veronica says
I have shoulder problems, which is one reason I don’t like to carry my purses line that. Has anyone had problems with the weight of the Sash causing shoulder pain and problems?
Sara Phillips says
Not that I’m aware of. I think it depends on how much you put in the purse, though.
Carol says
Hi I’ve been looking to buy one of your sash bags I’ve been trying to call no one answers
Sara Phillips says
Hi Carol! I am so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, I cannot help as I don’t own or work for Sash Bags. I just wrote this review for them.
Terry Gonzales says
Is the company still looking for anyone to try their Sash bag for review? I would love to try one & give my honest opinion on it. I love you idea of it & that you can get in reversible! Thank you.
Sara Phillips says
I have no idea. Sorry I’m not more help!
Celeste Cole says
I wish they weren’t so expensive, I’m disabled and walk with a cane, I won’t carry a purse so much because of being Mugged..This one looks like I could wear it under my jacket and not seen so much.. Being on Low income it’s hard to buy a really good purse like this one…Maybe there will be some knock offs or look a likes out there somewhere sometime. .
Sara Phillips says
If you sew, I bet you could make one. Sorry about the cost – I have no control over their prices.
Mary says
I think I would love this purse because mine always falls off my shoulder and it weighs a ton. My concern is that I would absolutely have to downsize what I put into it. I tend to stuff lots of receipts and papers in my purse between cleanings. Is there a compartment for papers/receipts?
Sara Phillips says
I could probably make room for receipts but you’d have to clean them out more frequently.
Cheryl Mercer says
Can you tell me exactly how many cards ( debit, credit etc) does it hold and is there a special place to store your drivers license?? I have quite a few cards and I’m worried that I won’t be able to carry all that I need.
Sara Phillips says
Hi Cheryl! There is not a dedicated spot for cards and/or a driver’s license.
Lisa says
Yes there is. Both the zipper sides have slots for cards. I carry 10 to 15 including license and insurance cards. Super easy to access. This bag is wonderful and I just ordered my second.
Pam says
Can you provide some measurements? I’m a small person and I don’t want to be over powered by the size of the bag. Thank you.
Sara Phillips says
Hi Pam! It’s about 29 inches long (but my purse has snaps so you could make it shorter) and 5.5 inches wide (at the widest spot).
Marla says
Does it have a place to carry my Epipen?
Sara Phillips says
I think it the Epipen would fit in the large pouch.
Gail says
Is there a place for change?
Sara Phillips says
Not unless you put a coin purse in the bag.
Jeri says
Love the concept…..but can’t imagine it ever holding every thing I must carry
Elizabeth says
I received my Sash a couple days ago. I was very excited. Not really excited now. No room for a wallet, a checkbook, pictures, nuttin!! Not all that happy, especially for 160.00 ?
Michael Spencer Strong says
Can you do one in leather that would be worn under a shirt that also includes a holster?
Sara Phillips says
Hi Michael, I don’t make the Sash Bags but I do think that would be a great idea!