Back to overview

May 13, 2026

How to choose the right phone case for you

A phone case is one of those things that sounds like a simple decision until you're actually making it. Colour, material, with or without a ring, long cord or short. And underneath all of that: what do you actually want your phone to feel like to carry?

Here's how we think about it.

Start with how you carry your phone case

Before colour, before anything else. Do you always have a bag with you, or do you prefer to go hands-free? Do you hold your phone constantly, or does it mostly sit on a table?

If you move around a lot and want your hands free, go for a phone case with rings. The rings are what attach the cord, and the cord is what makes hands-free actually work. If you prefer a cleaner look and don't plan on using a cord, our cases come without rings as well.

 

Then think about phone case colour

A phone case protects your phone. That part is a given. But we've always believed it should do more than that: it should feel like a considered part of your outfit, an accessory you actually chose rather than something you grabbed because you had to.

So think about colour the way you'd think about any other accessory. What matches your vibe right now? If you're drawn to quiet luxury and want something that works with everything without trying, our clear Never Out of Stock cases, like Caramel or Tortoise are exactly that. If you want to make it pop, Teal, Motel Pink and Saffron are the ones that do the talking. And if you're somewhere in between, Mosslight in olive green or Sunlit in butter yellow are the ones that add colour without committing to a full statement. 

Long cord, short cord, or both

A phone case on its own is a complete thing. But a phone case with a cord is a different experience. The cord changes how you carry your phone, how it sits in an outfit, how visible it is.

A short cord sits close to the phone and works well as a wrist strap or a small loop. A long cord worn crossbody means hands-free movement and a different kind of presence in an outfit. And if you want both: you can attach a long and a short cord to the same case at the same time, which is the combination we find ourselves reaching for most.

When in doubt, go for the one you keep coming back to

You'll notice that one colour or combination keeps pulling your attention. That's usually the right one. A phone case is something you live with every day, and the one that makes you happy every time you pick up your phone is the one worth choosing.

Shop the full Ateljé phone case collection at shopatelje.com.

Loved this guide to finding the right case for you?

You might also enjoy reading about our favourite phone cases for summer 2026

YOUR NEXT READ