I am 5' 8" and not super slim (size 8) and I can wear the bag on my shoulder, but like others, I like the shoulder strap for constant carrying - using the strap delays handle warming too. I sold a City to a young lady and she was carrying her Twiggy over her shoulder which she said she does all of the time, so it seems those handles are just a tad longer or they were stretched. I have a Club that works really well as a true shoulder bag.