Mobile phone covers
−79%
only 7 of 19 remaining on sale
CHF3.60 was CHF16.90
XOUXOU Mobile phone case with eyelets (MagSafe)
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Xouxou lanyard phone case review – smartphone accessories for fashionistas?
23.6.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
I don’t want to wear my phone around my neck. It looks questionable – and makes me look at the screen more than I’d like to. Can this case from Xouxou convince me otherwise?
Frankly, I’m no fan of phone cases with a strap. And yet, my smartphone’s currently in one. Why? Well, we added the Berlin-based brand Xouxou to our range in June, and our Category Management Team suggested I give the products a go. At first, I thought to myself, «Aren’t cases with straps a bit passé? And what’s this got to do with fashion, my area of expertise?»
The company, which was founded in 2016, calls itself a fashion tech brand and has already collaborated with brands like MCM and Aries. Scrolling through Xouxou’s nicely curated Instagram feed, I’m met with lakes, beaches and pools, exciting colour combos and beautiful looks. This little dopamine kick (and a pinch of pressure from our Category Management Team) is enough for me to get carried away and do a product test.
Source: Instagram @matwooster
Source: Instagram @xouxou
The colour selection is great
The phone case and strap are sold separately. In our range, we offer two of the brand’s strap types: a conventional cord and a flat one that’s reminiscent of a seat belt. I opt for the latter. The flat, wide nylon strap, click buckles and snap hooks look functional. And given the popularity of athleisure wear and functional clothing, their aesthetic even seems trendy. The cord, on the other hand, is a little too boho for me.
I really like that you can mix and match the straps and case to fit whatever outfit. I put together two combinations from the many beautiful colours: a monochrome black set and a dreamy, pastel combination of light-green, yellow and purple.
Source: Instagram @xouxou
Source: Instagram @andreilucasuk
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XOUXOU Light Olive Lanyard Strap (One Size)
Mobile phone covers
CHF55.–
XOUXOU Black Mobile Phone Case with Eyelets (MagSafe) iPhone 13 Pro
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
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XOUXOU Lanyard Belt (One Size)
The case feels high quality
Unpacking the straps, I’m surprised by their weight. The nylon strap looks very sturdy and the detailing is made of metal, not plastic. Another nice detail is the subtle woven pattern. The phone case has a silicone surface that’s pleasant to the touch. On the inside, it’s lined with microfibre. At the bottom are two large eyelets for the carabiners.
While I think the product itself is beautiful, I feel like it interferes with my outfit – both worn across my chest and as a necklace. Over the next few days, I’ll be trying it out with several outfits. Chic, feminine looks get too cut up by the thick strap. The case works best with loose-fitting looks and sporty outfits. It also looks fine worn over a jacket.
Moderately fashionable, but super practical
At Art Basel, the case came in quite handy. My phone was always ready when I wanted to take a photo or scan an artwork’s QR code. What’s more, my small handbag was already full to the brim, so I wouldn’t have been able to fit in my phone anyway. At the same time, I do wonder, «Do I really want to have my smartphone handy at all times? Do I want to be available at all times?» To be honest, it’s really the opposite I want. That’s why I’d say this case is especially suitable for special occasions when you really do want to keep your phone handy at all time – for example, when sightseeing.
Source: Instagram @xouxou
The strap is removable, though the large eyelets look out of place when not in use. You can, of course, also throw your phone into your bag coupled with the strap. In fact, this is quite advantageous in large bags – it’s easier to find. In small bags or pockets, the strap takes up too much space. In addition, it’s distracting to have it dangling around from your phone instead of on your body.
The lowdown
The crossbody cases from Xouxou are indisputably handy. I also find the brand’s nylon straps nicer than other options on the market. But I still wouldn’t call this product a fashion accessory. In my eyes, it’s a beautifully designed tech accessory. It didn’t enhance my outfit. Then again, it doesn’t have to. While I like the colourful combo I put together, I do find myself reaching for the black version more often. It’s subtler and doesn’t frantically try to be something it’s not.
Even though I enjoyed the benefits of this crossbody case, I’m putting my phone back in its usual cover after this review. If, unlike me, you’re a fan of phone cases with a carrying option, I definitely recommend Xouxou’s models. They’re well made, customisable and aesthetically pleasing.
Header image: Instagram @xouxou
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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