Quick answer
A small shoulder bag suits quick errands and a few essentials, while a large one suits a long day at work or university when you carry a lot. To choose well, compare three numbers in centimetres: width, height and depth, against what you actually carry every day. This guide includes a size chart of the Loly Bags shoulder bags and how to read it.
In this guide
How to read a bag size in cm
Most product pages list the size as width × height × depth. Each number tells you something different:
Width: from one side of the bag to the other. This number shapes how the bag looks on you more than any other.
Height: from the base to the top edge. It matters if you carry tall items like a water bottle or a folder.
Depth: the base from front to back. Many people forget this one, yet it makes the biggest difference to how much fits inside.
Try it with a bag you own
The easiest way to picture a size: take a bag you already own and like the size of, and measure it with a tape measure while it is empty and closed. Then compare its numbers with the bag you are considering. If you plan to carry a folder or notebook, measure that too, and keep in mind that outer dimensions are not always exactly the space inside.
Handle drop matters as much as bag size
On a shoulder bag, the handle length decides whether it sits comfortably on your shoulder or feels tight, especially in winter over a jacket. For example, the large zip shoulder bag lists handles that rise 23 cm above the top edge. If a page does not list this number, ask us on WhatsApp at 01226580500.
Small, medium or large? A rough size guide
There is no single official standard for bag sizes, so in this guide we use a rough split by width to make comparing easier:
Small: under about 25 cm wide. For your phone, wallet, keys and small items.
Medium: about 25 to 32 cm. For everyday essentials plus one or two extras.
Large: about 33 to 40 cm. For a long day at work or university.
Extra large or shopper: over 40 cm. For those who carry everything or love lots of room.
Loly Bags shoulder bag size chart
| Bag | Size (W × H × D) | Size class | Inside | Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woven bag with key charm | 25 × 22 × 13 cm | Medium | 3 compartments, one zipped, plus a zip pocket | Hand or shoulder with long strap |
| Woven bag with front belt detail | 31 × 22 × 12 cm | Medium | One main compartment and two small pockets | Hand or shoulder with extra strap |
| Soft hobo bag set | 35 × 26 × 14 cm | Large | One roomy compartment, plus a pouch and a mini bag | Shoulder, short handle |
| Large zip shoulder bag with magnetic flap | 35 × 28 × 14 cm | Large | One main compartment and two pockets | Shoulder by the handles or hand, plus extra strap |
| Drawstring bucket shopper | 45 × 30 × 12 cm | Extra large | One roomy compartment, plus a zip pouch | Shoulder, two thin cords |
The prices and colours below are current and may change, so check each bag's page before ordering.
Medium size: for everyday and university
Woven bag with key charm (25 × 22 × 13 cm)
The woven hand and shoulder bag with key charm is the smallest bag in the chart, but it is 13 cm deep and split inside into 3 compartments, one of them zipped, with a small zip pocket in the middle compartment, so your things stay organised. The front and back are beige woven fabric, the sides and handles are faux leather, and it closes with a top zip. Carry it by hand from the two top handles or on your shoulder with the detachable, adjustable long strap. It is 799 EGP, and the colours (for the sides and handles) are black, white, havana, light beige and burgundy.
Woven bag with front belt detail (31 × 22 × 12 cm)
The woven hand and shoulder bag with front belt detail is 6 cm wider, which gives you more room at the same height. The body is woven fabric with a diagonal pattern, and the handles and front belt detail are faux leather with a gold-tone buckle. Inside there is one zipped main compartment, a small zip pocket and a small open pocket. Carry it by hand or on your shoulder with the detachable, adjustable extra strap. It is 699 EGP and comes in black, blue and cashmere.
Large size: for a long work day
Large zip shoulder bag with magnetic flap (35 × 28 × 14 cm)
The large faux leather shoulder bag with zip and magnetic flap has a grained faux leather surface and a high-density polyester lining. Its size is measured on the empty, closed body without the handles. It opens in two steps: a front flap with a magnetic closure, then a top zip. Inside there is one main compartment, a side pocket and a second zip pocket. Carry it on your shoulder by the handles, which rise 23 cm, or by hand, and it comes with a detachable, adjustable extra strap. The body is soft and may change shape with what you put in it, while the base is firm with four gold-tone feet. It is 799 EGP, in black, havana and dark beige.
Soft hobo bag set (35 × 26 × 14 cm)
The soft hobo shoulder bag set has almost the same width and depth as the previous bag, but with a soft shape that relaxes with use. It is faux leather with a light crinkled texture, carried on the shoulder from a short knotted rope handle, closes with a magnet and has one roomy main compartment. The set has 3 pieces: the bag, a large zip pouch for small items, and a small mini bag that works on its own for quick errands. The set is 699 EGP and comes in 6 colours: black, brown, havana, light beige, dark beige and burgundy.
The difference in daily use: the large zip bag suits you if you like your bag fully closed and want inside pockets, while the hobo set suits you if you love a soft shape and want a mini bag for small errands from the same set.
Extra large: a shopper for carrying everything
Drawstring bucket shopper (45 × 30 × 12 cm)
The large drawstring bucket shopper is the widest bag in the chart. It is smooth faux leather, closes with a drawstring at the top with no zip, and has one roomy main compartment. It is carried on the shoulder from two thin cords knotted through silver-tone metal rings, and comes with a zip pouch with a wrist strap so small items do not get lost inside. It is 549 EGP, in black, white, havana, navy blue and burgundy.
Since it has no zip, keep your phone and cash in the pouch, especially in crowded places. If you are considering it for work or university, read our tote bag guide for work and university.
Choose the size by your day
Quick errand or short outing: the woven bag with key charm, or the mini bag that comes with the hobo set.
University or a normal day: the front belt bag, or the large zip bag if you carry a notebook or folder. Compare their sizes with your folder first.
Long work day: the large zip bag or the hobo set.
Carrying everything or going shopping: the 45 cm wide bucket shopper.
A general tip: a bag in proportion to your frame tends to look more comfortable, so do not fill your shoulder bag with heavy things you do not need, and switch shoulders from time to time so you do not get tired.
Shoulder bag or crossbody?
If you are still deciding between a shoulder bag and a crossbody in the first place, read crossbody vs shoulder bag: key differences and how to choose. And to learn about other types like mini bags, camera bags and backpacks, see our guide to the types of women's bags and their names.
Frequently asked questions
Tap a question to see the answer
What size is a small shoulder bag?
There is no official number, but a bag under about 25 cm wide is usually considered small. The smallest shoulder bag in our chart is 25 cm wide and 13 cm deep.
What size is a large shoulder bag?
In this guide we treat about 33 to 40 cm wide as large, like the large zip bag (35 × 28 × 14 cm) and the hobo set (35 × 26 × 14 cm).
Can a large shoulder bag fit a laptop?
These product pages do not say the bags are made for a laptop. Compare your laptop size with the listed dimensions, and if you are not sure, message us on WhatsApp before ordering.
Is a bag size measured outside or inside?
The large zip bag page states its size is for the empty, closed body without the handles. For the other bags, ask us if you need measuring details.
Can I exchange a bag if the size is not right?
Yes, within 14 days of receipt if the bag is in the condition you received it with all its parts. For a normal exchange you pay double your zone's shipping fee, and one exchange is allowed per product. Full details are in our return and exchange policy.
Ready to pick your bag?
Browse Loly Bags hand and shoulder bags or tote bags, and compare the sizes with a bag you own before you choose. If you have a question about size, message us on WhatsApp at 01226580500.
Cash on delivery and delivery across Egypt in 2-5 days.
