This bag looks like it would be a backpack, but if you get the extra small size, as I did, it doesn't. And it fits so comfortably over my shoulder, I hardly know it is there. No slipping, it isn't bulky, and yet it holds as much as a regular sized (not small) purse. Love this thing! I have the polyester one, because it looks like micro-suede, but is washable, and this nylon one, which is perfect for the snowy and rainy fall and winters we have here. A friend got the micro-suede, and is beautiful, heavier than the polyester but also not washable. Just love these bags.