I like that the pockets suits as much as 5 playing cards. I check a whole lot of MagSafe wallets, which usually solely match as much as three playing cards. This seems like loads. I can carry my debit card, bank card, driver’s license, and money with out it feeling like a decent squeeze. The snap enclosure ensures that every little thing stays inside safely. It is easy to open and shut, and you’ll pull your playing cards out with out struggling on the register.
The case’s backside has two hooks that connect to the clasps on the crossbody strap. Undo the hooks while you need to use your telephone like regular. The draw back? The built-in pockets obstructs the MagSafe magnets and disables the iPhone’s wi-fi charging capabilities and compatibility with MagSafe equipment—you’d must take the case off if you need these options again. I are inclined to take away the case after I get dwelling and pop it again on when heading out.
{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar
The pockets ought to’ve been detachable, however Bandolier does promote a MagSafe-compatible Mila crossbody. It has a built-in bifold pockets that folds out, permitting you to pop a wi-fi charger on the again of the iPhone or a MagSafe accent. However the Mila’s pockets does not accommodate as many playing cards, and it does not have the essential Necessities Pouch.
This mini zip pouch sits in the midst of the strap on the Bodie, making your gadgets simply accessible. You may transfer it additional up or down, or clip it to the highest. It is detachable, too. I will generally take it off the strap and throw it in my tote as an alternative of transferring all of the gadgets inside between luggage. It is small, so you possibly can’t match a lot inside, nevertheless it’s been helpful for carrying my automotive keys, chapstick, and AirPods.
Not like the skinny lanyards on most crossbody telephone circumstances, the Bodie’s strap feels equal to at least one on a pleasant purse. Manufactured from nylon, it is thick and sturdy, delivering a safe maintain even with a considerably weighty iPhone hanging from it. It is adjustable, so you possibly can swap up the size relying on what you are sporting or how tall you’re.
On days I would like to hold one thing additional, like lipstick or a small tube of liquid blush, I attain for Bandolier’s Avery AirPods Clip-On pouch to place my AirPods in, which conveniently attaches to the strap’s clips. Bandolier sells it individually, nevertheless it matches the Bodie completely, full with the identical pebble vegan leather-based texture and gold accents.
I used to be nonetheless nervous sporting the Bodie out for the primary time, with my iPhone awkwardly dangling from the facet of my hip. It simply did not really feel pure. That feeling shortly disappeared after I realized how good it was to be free from a cumbersome crossbody bag, the sensation of an annoying strap sliding off my shoulder, or being weighed down by all of the stuff in my pockets. I used to be hands-free, whereas nonetheless having easy accessibility to my telephone and necessities.
The compliments additionally helped. The primary day I introduced it out, a stranger at a retailer instantly talked about how good it regarded, requested me tons of questions, after which regarded it up proper in entrance of me on Bandolier’s web site (a pleasant confidence increase). Because it seems to be a lot like a conventional crossbody bag, particularly while you’re sporting it with the telephone display dealing with inward, it is laborious to inform it is a telephone lanyard—the very best of each worlds.
The minor design particulars matter. Between the thick strap, buckles, clasps, gold accents, and vegan leather-based look, the Bodie mimics a conventional crossbody, and it is powerful to inform that it is a telephone case that doubles as a pockets. The modularity, with the flexibility to decorate with totally different items, means you possibly can disguise it much more.
If the value on Bandolier’s Bodie is a soar scare, nicely, I do not blame you. Spending $150 on a glorified telephone case is tough to abdomen. But it surely’s a cute, trendy, and useful accent, and the standard shines via. It is a vogue accent greater than a tech accent. Taylor Swift would by no means steer me improper.