Crossbody bags are a popular hands-free way to carry your essentials. Two of the biggest names in the crossbody phone case space are Bandolier and Emma. But with different styles available, how do you choose?
I’ve tested out Bandolier’s Hailey case and Emma’s original crossbody case to see how they compare across the features that matter most:
| Aspects | Bandolier Hailey | Emma Original |
| Style | Croco-embossed leather | Pebbled vegan leather |
| Pockets | 16 credit card slots + cash pocket | 6 card slots + cash pocket |
| Phone Compatibility | Fits iPhone 14 Pro Max | Fits phones up to 6.5” |
| Strap | Removable crossbody strap | Fixed crossbody strap |
| Price | $78 | $35 |
Below I’ll dig deeper into the pros, cons, who each case is best for, and all the key differences to know between the Hailey and Emma crossbody phone wallet.
Bandolier Hailey Overview
The Bandolier Hailey is made of beautiful croco-embossed cowhide leather and comes in fun colors like emerald, lavender, and sea glass (a green-blue hue).
It has a simple design focused on maximum storage.
There’s a slot for your phone in the back and 16 credit card slots on one side.
The other side has an open pocket for cash, coins, receipts, or keys.
The Hailey comes with a removeable crossbody strap in a matching color.
So you can easily transform it from a wristlet-style case to a hands-free crossbody.
Some of the standout features of the Hailey crossbody case include:
- Leather material – The embossed leather gives it a classy, stylish look. The material also develops a unique patina over time.
- 16 card slots – With room for over a dozen cards, you can carry all your everyday credit/debit cards, ID, insurance cards, memberships cards, etc. No need to downsize what you carry.
- Cash/coin pocket – The open pocket provides quick access to cash, coins, and other small essentials.
- Removable strap – Go from wristlet to crossbody by adding or removing the strap. It offers versatility to match your needs and style for different occasions.
Overall the Hailey is designed for users who want the fashionable look of leather yet need ample storage space for cards and cash on busy days. The variety of bright colors keeps it fresh and fun.
Next let’s look at the key qualities of Emma’s original crossbody phone wallet.
Also Read: Reasons For Wildflower Phone Cases Being So Expensive.
Emma Original Overview
The Emma crossbody phone case is made of durable pebbled vegan leather. It uses animal-friendly materials while retaining the stylish look of real leather.
The Emma has a simple envelope-style design with a pocket for your phone and slots for 6 cards plus cash on the other side. The strap is fixed into the sides so it permanently stays as a crossbody bag.
Some notable features of Emma’s original case:
- Vegan leather material – Animal-friendly and sustainably made while giving a leather-like feel and aesthetic. Doesn’t fade or scratch as easily as real leather either.
- 6 card slots – Holds up to 6 of your most-used credit/debit cards and ID in RFID-blocking slots to prevent digital theft of your card info.
- Cash pocket – Slot provides quick access to bills, receipts, or even a key or two.
- Adjustable strap – Wear it crossbody style or shorten as a waist bag. Versatile for wearing on the go or hands-free while chasing kids.
- Phone pocket – Fits even larger phones like an iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung S21 Ultra. Soft microfiber lining protects your screen from scratches.
Overall Emma optimized their case to be an affordable, stylish, everyday vegan leather bag. It carries just the basics – phone, 6 cards, cash – in a slim, sleek crossbody wallet.
Now let’s directly compare some of the key differences in case style, storage, and usability.
Key Differences Between Bandolier Hailey And Emma Phone Cases
While Bandolier’s Hailey and Emma’s original case may seem similar at first glance, they have very distinct designs tailored to different user needs.
- Case material – The Hailey uses genuine leather for a high-end, fashionable look. Meanwhile the Emma features vegan leather made from plant material for an animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable construction. Both provide durable protection and good looks. So it comes down to your personal material preference here.
- Storage capacity – The Hailey can hold over a dozen credit cards, plus cash, for busy days when you need to carry everything. In contrast, Emma streamlined their case to just 6 card slots to keep it lightweight and slim in your pocket. So Bandolier is better for maximum carry, while Emma optimized for portability.
- Strap option – Emma’s crossbody strap is fixed into the sides for permanently wearing across your body. But Bandolier’s Hailey strap can be completely detached. So you have the versatility to wear it as a wristlet clutch without the strap or instantly convert it back to a crossbody bag as needed. It’s great for switching looks between occasions or formal and casual settings.
- Card protection – Emma built RFID-blocking technology into their card slots to secure your payment info from digital pickpockets or scanners. Bandolier does not advertise RFID-blocking features in the Hailey. So your card details may be at higher risk. Emma offers the more secure case here.
As you can see, Bandolier focused more on fashion and storage capacity with their leather Hailey case.
It’s made to hold all your daily essentials in a stylish way.
Emma optimized their case for minimalism, protection, and sustainability using animal-friendly materials.
It’s tailored more for light carry days rather than maximum storage like the Hailey.
So in the end, it comes down to your personal style, storage needs, environmental values, and intended use case scenarios.
Hopefully seeing the key strengths and differences for each case makes it easier to decide which design best matches your everyday carry and lifestyle.
Next I’ll cover some of the common questions to know about these popular crossbody phone wallet brands.
Also Read: How Phone Skope And Magview Stack Up?
FAQ About Bandolier & Emma Crossbody Bags
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Bandolier and Emma crossbody phone case brands.
While Bandolier makes cases in different sizes, the Hailey receives among the highest ratings and reviews. Users praise the Hailey for:
Beautiful style – The croco-embossed leather looks and feels luxe. Many say it’s their favorite Bandolier style.
Spacious storage – Fits over a dozen cards and cash on a slim, lightweight frame compared to cardholder-only designs.
Bright fun colors – Comes in versatile neutral tones along with bolder hues like emerald, lavender, sky blue, and more depending on the season. Easy to match your mood or wardrobe.
Crossbody versatility – Can wear as a wristlet clutch or instantly convert to hands-free carry with the detachable strap to match any situation or outfit change.
With its stylish full-grain leather, abundant storage, and removable strap versatility, the Hailey hits the sweet spot for many Bandolier fans. Though it comes down to your personal needs and style.
Several Hollywood celebrities and influencers have been spotted wearing Bandolier’s signature phone crossbody cases.
Some of the big name fans include: Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Chrissy Teigen, Gwenyth Paltrow, Olivia Culpo.
Part of the appeal for celebs seems to be Bandolier’s hands-free convenience so you don’t have to juggle a separate bag and phone. The stylish leather designs also elevate everyday outfits. And the variety of colors make it easy to coordinate with different looks.
Bandolier hand makes all their leather goods in their Brooklyn, NY factory. They wanted to return manufacturing to New York while retaining fine craftsmanship and detail in each case.
So if you buy a Bandolier case, you can feel good knowing it was ethically constructed supporting domestic production, not overseas sweatshops. The quality leatherwork and stitching reflects the pride they take in each piece.
Depending on the Bandolier case size, they can fit approximately:
Hailey – 16 cards
Bolo – 8 cards
Stella – 8 cards
Molly – 6 cards
Bliss – 2 cards
The Hailey can hold over a dozen credit cards comfortably thanks to its dual-sided design with abundant card slots on one side. So among Bandolier cases, the Hailey offers the most storage in their slimmest frame. It’s optimized to hold all your card essentials for everyday carry with room to spare.
If you only need to carry a few cards or want maximum portability, Bolo, Stella, or Molly offer more streamlined options. Or the tiny Bliss for ultra-minimalism.
So in summary, for copious card capacity the Hailey can’t be beat with space for 16 cards while keeping a slim crossbody wallet profile. But assess your own needs to decide which Bandolier model has the right balance of size and storage for your lifestyle.
Also Read: Juggernaut Case Competitors.
Finding The Right Crossbody Phone Wallet For You
Hopefully this overview gives you a better sense of how popular crossbody phone wallets like the Bandolier Hailey and Emma original case compare.
You really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both make durable, well-designed cases to keep your phone and everyday valuables secure while out and about.
But pay attention to the key differences in case material, storage capacity, card security, and versatility to decide which model best fits your personal style and needs. Consider factors like:
- How much storage space do you need daily?
- Do you value leather, vegan leather, or card protection features?
- Will you switch between wristlet and crossbody carrying?
- What colors and textures match your wardrobe or mood?
Once you determine your must-have priorities in a crossbody phone case, you can zero in on the right Bandolier or Emma bag to match your lifestyle. With your phone and essentials always close at hand in a stylish, hands-free way.
So explore all the case options to find your perfect pair! Both these cornerstone crossbody wallet brands offer gorgeous styles to elevate every outfit while keeping daily valuables secure and close by.
