Smartphones have gotten larger and larger as consumers use them as TVs and computers. Although they’ve quickly become our lifelines, they can also become cumbersome accessories: It’s hard to balance a drink and a smartphone during a night out.
But, of course, there are solutions. Smartphone purses and wallets are the wave of the future. These tiny bags — most of which are designed for women, but a few are creeping onto the market for men — manage to squeeze all of your essentials into one small space, so you can leave gigantic, suitcase-looking bags home and enjoy a lightweight night.
Pursecase
They look like tiny Chanel bags. Open the bag and you can fit a phone, cash and a few credit cards. The chain handle multitasks and can double as a bracelet. A cross-body strap chain ($10) is also available.
Holds this phone: iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s/5c, Samsung Galaxy S4. $29 at pursecase.com
Active Accessories On-The-Go Accessory Pouch
This pouch was made for women who were rushing to the gym and then to work in the morning or out for the night. The pouch is water resistant (in case you sweat on it), and it’s got the rare clasp for a key, so you really don’t need to bring anything else with you. And because you can’t really exercise with jewelry, there’s a practical snap-button holder where you can clip in your rings or hoop earrings. Although the designated smartphone pocket won’t fit large phone cases, those phones can be put into the center of the pouch instead.
Holds this phone: All. $9.99 at amazon.com
The Franklin iPhone 5 Wallet
This Owen and Fred Smartphone case for men, created by a small independent company, debuted in January and is a brown-with-navy-accents leather iPhone 5 carrier. It was made and
manufactured in the United States, and the leather is Horween leather (yes, the same stuff that NFL footballs and NBA basketballs are made from). It has two slots on the outside for cards and an opening for cash.
Holds this phone: iPhone 5. $115 at owenandfred.com
Robinson Smart Phone Wristlet
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It’s essentially a wallet with a practical compartment for your iPhone, so that when it rings you can reach it quickly. It’s made from scratch-resistant Italian leather and has a zip closure and a wrist strap so you can hold it and dance with it — but keep your iPhone close to your heart.
Holds this phone: iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s/5c. $155 at toryburch.com
Wallet Book
It’s a combo: Phone case and wallet. Made out of leather, it looks like a gorgeous wallet, but it’s got room for a phone with a front cover snap, and it has two card slots with an ID holder so you can store your credit cards and driver’s license. It comes in more than a dozen colors, ranging from pinks to black and brown.
Holds this phone: iPhone 4/4s, 5/5s. Price varies at senacases.com