We’re not fans of sleeve-style iPhone cases, but when they’re done right, they can have some appeal. Spigen SGP’s Crumena for iPhone 5 ($30) features a clean design, nice materials, and a reasonable price. Available in black, white, or brown, the holder is made of real calf skin leather, a fact that’s somewhat surprising given the cost.
The two sewn together pieces of leather that make up Crumena are smooth and soft, with only one marking: the name of the pouch is found in script at the bottom of the back panel.
An iPhone is inserted through an opening at the top that’s just wide enough for the device. In our testing we found that it slips in pretty cleanly up until the last 3/8” or so; after that, it takes a lot of pressure to force the iPhone down the rest of the way, extra force that shouldn’t have to be applied. A magnetic tab holds the iPhone in place and doubles as a way to pull it out.
This feature works quite well.
Because sleeves are already somewhat impractical in our eyes, they really have to wow us to earn commendation. In some ways Crumena is quite nice, but the fact that the iPhone 5 doesn’t slide in and out without friction detracts from the appeal and earns it a limited recommendation.
