Which shape should you actually carry?
The hobo is what moves fastest on this shelf — a soft, slouchy body on a single shoulder strap — which is why the Strokes hand-painted style is stocked in three colourways at INR 1,799. Structured shapes such as Lililo's Tied Down suit a more formal day, and Charme's Midnight Mamba Brown at INR 1,199 is the cheapest way onto the page.
What to buy
- Midnight Mamba Brown by Charme, INR 1,199 — the plainest shape here and the entry price.
- Strokes hobos, INR 1,799 — Denim Dusk, Ivory Lustre and Cinnamon Cocoa, each hand-painted, so no two are identical.
- After Hours by Lililo, INR 2,899 — structured, for days when a slouchy bag reads too casual.
- Tied Down by Lililo, INR 3,349 — the most formal shape on the shelf and the top of the range.
Soft or structured: the trade-off
Soft hobo bodies swallow more and look better half-full, but they lose their line and protect rigid contents less well. Structured bags such as After Hours and Tied Down hold shape all day and cost more for it. Hand-painted finishes also need slightly more care than a plain surface: keep them out of heavy rain and wipe rather than soak them. All eight bags sit above the INR 998 free-shipping threshold, and the range is on the shelf at Aurum Square, Navi Mumbai as well as online.
Where to go next
Compare with sling bags and totes and hand bags, or read the Strokes hand-painted bags guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which brands make the shoulder bags on this page?
Three Indian labels. Strokes by Namrata Mehta supplies the hand-painted hobo styles, Denim Dusk, Ivory Lustre and Cinnamon Cocoa, at Rs. 1,799 each. Charme's Midnight Mamba Brown Shoulder Bag is Rs. 1,199, and Lililo covers the structured end with After Hours at Rs. 2,899 and Tied Down at Rs. 3,349.
Which shoulder bag shape is most popular right now?
The hobo, a soft slouchy body on a single shoulder strap, is what moves fastest here, which is why the Strokes hobo is stocked in three colourways. Structured shapes such as Lililo's Tied Down suit a more formal look.
What is the difference between a shoulder bag and a sling?
A shoulder bag hangs from a short strap on one shoulder, while a sling or crossbody sits diagonally across the body and leaves both hands free. Shoulder bags generally hold more, which is why they suit work and college days better.
What do these bags cost?
The eight-piece edit starts at Rs. 1,199 for Charme's Midnight Mamba and goes up to Rs. 3,349 for Lililo's Tied Down Shoulder Bag. Free shipping applies over Rs. 998, so most of this page ships free.