Chain Crossbody Lanyards

What a chain crossbody strap is

A chain crossbody strap is a length of metal chain, in gold, silver or black tones, worn over one shoulder and across the body so the phone hangs at the opposite hip. Some have a leather or fabric pad where the chain sits on the shoulder. Chain looks smart, like the strap of a small evening bag, and it suits a plain black, silver or gold case and a night out as much as a day in town.

Long chain straps are also filed among the chain phone charms and pearl phone charms, and cord straps that set to any length are in adjustable crossbody lanyards.

Things to know before choosing a chain strap

• Weight and comfort. Chain is heavier than cord, can feel cold against the skin and chinks as you move. A shoulder pad helps on bare skin and on a long day.
• Plating. Most chain at everyday prices is plated, a thin layer of colour over another metal, and the colour can wear through where the chain rubs.
• Skin. The NHS lists nickel in jewellery as a common cause of contact dermatitis, an itchy skin reaction. If cheap jewellery has ever made your skin red, wear the chain over clothes, or choose one described as stainless steel or nickel-free.
• Length. Many chain straps are a fixed length. Hold a piece of string where you want the top of the phone to sit, take it over the opposite shoulder and back down, and compare with the length on the product page.

Fixing a chain strap to the phone

Most phones have no strap hole, so a strap needs something to fix to. A lanyard patch sits between the phone and its case with a loop out through the opening at the charging port, and cases with lanyard holes take a strap with nothing in between. Many chain straps end in a clasp, so the phone unclips and goes in a bag when you do not need it.

Questions people ask about chain crossbody straps

Is a chain strap strong enough?

A well-made one is, but the weak points are the clasp and the place it fixes to the phone. Give it a firm tug over something soft after fitting, and check both now and then.

How do I clean a chain strap?

Wipe it with a soft cloth, only slightly damp if needed, and dry it straight away. Do not soak it.

Will a strap stop my phone being stolen?

It stops drops, not a determined thief: a clip can be undone and a cord can be cut. Wear the phone at the front, where you can see and feel it. The Metropolitan Police advise watching for people on bikes and mopeds, not texting while walking, standing near a wall rather than by the kerb, and switching on Stolen Device Protection on an iPhone or Theft Detection Lock on Android.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Chain phone charms
• Pearl phone charms
• Adjustable crossbody lanyards
• Beaded crossbody lanyards
• Neck lanyards
• Crossbody phone bags
• Guide: Crossbody phone lanyards: how to choose and fit one