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7 Best Ways for a Man To Carry a Cell Phone

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Man is, by nature, a social animal, and new research shows our socialization pattern is changing rapidly. For example, cell phones have become akin to one of our body parts, and most people want to keep them close by at all times.

For most men, a cell phone holster like this one will work very well.

The rest of this article will detail seven great ways to carry a cell phone and then answer a few frequently asked questions. Please note that I included a link to my recommended Amazon product associated with each carrying method.

Here are the seven best ways for a man to carry a cell phone:

1. Leather Phone Holster

This cell phone holster (available on Amazon) is one of the best ways to keep your mobile safe. It’s a wallet-like case that attaches to your waist belt, keeping your phone within arm’s reach at all times. 

Some holsters also come with a hanging hook, which links with the belt loop on your pants. They’re usually made of leather or thick cloth material, and some even have multiple pockets and zips.

Many people like keeping their phones inside a holster, even when they have pockets. It’s more secure in most cases, and you don’t need to worry about stray change scratching the glass on your phone.

That said, it’s ideal for people without pockets or for pants with shallow pockets. 

The unique selling point (USP) of a holster is that it keeps your device safe while ensuring it’s easy to take out when you receive a call.

2. Armband Cell Phone Holder

For those who like to listen to music while exercising or simply need their phone nearby at all times, this armband holder is ideal. 

This type of armband often has an adjustable strap with velcro to secure the phone in place. They’re most often used by runners or people at the gym because they allow hand-free workouts.

Most also include a clear screen so the user can see and use their phone safely. 

The one main downside of using this type of phone holder is that you may experience discomfort if you work out vigorously. Though it will be secure, you’ll feel it shaking on your arm as you move. 

It is also restricted to use under certain activities. For example, while it’s normal to see them at the gym, it wouldn’t look great over a shirt at dinner.

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3. Cell Phone Lanyard

Research does not conclusively establish mobile phones’ effects on the heart. But if you’re concerned about keeping your phone in your shirt pocket, an easy alternative is a simple lanyard.  

Lanyards, like this one, are simple strings with a hook attached at the end. Its strap can be a spiral cord, a plain ribbon, or even a leather strap. 

Some come with phone cases onto which you can attach the lanyard, whereas others have phone holders secured already. Like the option above, that holder often has a clear surface so you can still use your phone while it’s in the case.

This is the perfect pick for travelers who frequently take pictures as the phone will be secure around your neck, but you can still use both hands.

4. Hiking Waist Pack

This hiking waist pack is lightweight and comes in several colors. Available on Amazon, it’s stylish enough to be used in everyday life and can also hold your wallet, sunglasses, and keys.

An extra removable strap secures the bag around your thigh, which is excellent if you move around a lot during the day.

Related How to Store Electronic Components | Keep Them Safe & Organized.

5. Crossbody Fanny Pack

Okay, don’t laugh. Wearing these is not as taboo as it once was. In fact, that was only a temporary thing over the past 20 years or so.

Fanny packs or waist belts, like this one, are not new. In fact, they’ve been around for centuries and because of their practicality, we’re seeing a huge revival of the once-outdated bag. 

Now more than ever, these belly belts have become an everyday choice for kids and grown-ups alike.

A fanny pack (also known as a bum bag in the UK) is a small bag with enough room for certain essentials, including a mobile phone, car and house keys, and possibly your cards and wallet. It has an adjustable belt to fit most men, or you can wear it over the shoulder like a sash.  

6. Running Belt for Phones

This flip belt is similar to a fanny pack. However, it is sleeker and provides a more sporty look that is easier to hide under your clothes. 

So, if you like the functionality of a fanny pack but you’re not satisfied with its bulky design, this is the perfect option.

Flip belts are like normal waistbands, including pockets to carry a smartphone and other little things while exercising. They are made of stretchable cloth that can be adjusted to your size and also allows for even the biggest of smartphones. 

7. Men’s Shoulder Bag

If you are searching for a way to keep your device safe at a party or a business meeting, you can’t go wrong with this trendy handbag

This particular bag is available in a few colors and looks very modern, so it will be appropriate for casual days out or bringing to work.

Shoulder bags are comfortable and often come in a few different sizes. So if you don’t need to add more than your phone, keys, and wallet, you could opt for a smaller sling bag.

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How Do Men Carry Their Phone Without Pockets?

Men carry their phones without pockets by using phone holsters that attach to their waistband or with some kind of small bag, such as a shoulder bag or waist pack. Other options include a lanyard with a phone holster, fanny packs, flip belts, or armbands often used at the gym.

One of the best ways to carry a mobile phone without a pocket is to keep it in a holster. They attach at the waist and are sleek and easily concealed. Some holsters also come with a hook that hangs the phone case with the belt loop of your jeans for added security.

Illustration showing evolution of man ending with a man talking on a cell phone while walking
Guess we haven’t had time to develop carrying pouches.

Is It Bad For Men to Keep a Phone in the Front Pocket?

As mentioned, although research does not establish health risks from cell phone radiation, researchers advise keeping our cell phones distant from the body as much as possible. 

One study did actually find a negative association between sperm health and cell phone radiation. So with that in mind, carrying a phone in your front pocket might not be a good decision.

It can be bad for men to keep a phone in the front pocket because wireless devices emit RFR (Radio Frequency Radiation). Although not conclusive, some studies have suggested that keeping your phone in your front pocket may have a negative impact on one’s reproductive health. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a fact sheet on radiation and public health. It states that every individual is affected differently by the different radiation levels. 

Therefore, it is better to take necessary precautions and reduce radiation exposure whenever possible in the absence of enough data. 

Is It Safe to Carry a Cell Phone in a Shirt Pocket?

Another common concern for many men is the harmful effects of carrying a phone in their shirt pocket. However, where the above section concerns reproductive health, carrying a smartphone in a shirt pocket involves cardiac health

It is safe to carry a cell phone in a shirt pocket sometimes, but doing so too often may lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Also, it’s easier for the phone to slide out of an open shirt pocket, so it’s best to use your pants pocket or a holster.

Although keeping mobile phones near the body is highly debated among experts, everyone seems to agree on one thing – we should try to keep our mobile phones far from the body, especially the heart and head, as often as possible.

Of course, another issue with keeping a phone in one’s shirt pocket is that it could easily fall out. After all, not many shirts have zippers or buttons to secure the phone away. In fact, many shirt pockets aren’t even big enough to fully cover new smartphones. 

If you are concerned about your phone falling out of your shirt pocket, you may want to use a lanyard cell phone holder. It gives you easy access to the device and keeps it a little further from your heart.

How Do I Stop My Cell Phone From Falling Out of Pocket?

A survey shows that the most common cause of mobile phone damage is accidentally dropping it on the ground. The second most common reason (at about 49%) is cell phones falling out of pockets.

To stop your cell phone from falling out of pocket, try covering it with a silicone case. The case will add friction to the surface, which should keep the typically sleek phone from sliding out of place. Another option is to find a case with a hook that you can attach to your waistband or belt loop.

Thanks for reading!

For more, check out How Much Does a Satellite Phone Cost? (And Plan Details).

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Murray Palmer

Tuesday 26th of April 2022

Hi, Jim, Has anyone thought of using a lead bag or similar device similar in principle to the lead bags used to prevent damage to photographic film when going through security scans at airports to prevent radiation emitted from cell phones from damaging human tissue, or is simple avoidance radiation the best approach by keeping cell phones turned off as much as possible? Thank you.

Jim James

Wednesday 27th of April 2022

That's an interesting question. I would think that airports would not allow a lead bag to be taken through their security, due to the potential for concealing the contents. I would just call the airport ahead of time that you have sensitive film that cannot go through the x-ray or whatever. They will guide you on what to do. As for damage to human tissue, I am not sure about that one.