Belt bags, fanny packs, waist pack. Whatever you call them, all we know is that they are a must for any and all adventures.
Belt bags are just that — a pouch that is attached to an adjustable belt, usually with a clip closure that can easily be worn around your waist (above your fanny, so to speak) or draped over your chest, which is the new, trendy way to wear them.
Speaking of trendy, it seems like everyone is rocking the retro belt bags these days. Kylie Jenner reportedly has a collection worth over 50,000, according to a 2019 Page Six article, that we can only imagine has grown since then. Additional stars have been snapped wearing fanny packs including Beyoncé, Kristen Bell and Hailey Bieber to name a few.
From the infamous lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag to designer renditions, there’s no shortage of styles, price points, and storage capabilities available.
If you want to join celebrity ranks and rock a belt bag, now is the perfect time, especially with summer travel coming up in no time and beach days ahead sooner than we may realize. We rounded up our favorites, from classic and casual fanny packs, those perfect for a fun festival, and even some designer options that will elevate any look.
Click to go straight to our FAQs or our winners of the best belt bags by category:
Best Belt Bags and Fanny Packs
Best overall: Lo & Sons Bond Belt Bag
The Lo & Sons Bond Belt Bag emerges as the undisputed champion, combining style, functionality, and versatility in one sleek package. Crafted with the finest materials and attention to detail, the Bond Belt Bag exudes sophistication and durability. Its minimalist design seamlessly transitions from day to night, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion.
“This Lo & Sons belt bag has carried me through years of day adventures, office visits, date nights, and dancing,” Commerce Editor Kendall Cornish stated. “The sheepskin leather is as luxe as it gets — ultra-soft and flexible for a relaxed yet elevated look and feel. The nylon interior is easy to clean and a soft medium gray so you can actually see what you have inside. The zipper is reinforced and the piece overall feels like one of the nicest, most versatile things I own.”
Pros
- Crafted with premium materials for durability and sophistication
- Versatile design suitable for various occasions, from day adventures to date nights
- Sheepskin leather offers a luxurious and soft feel
- Easy-to-clean nylon interior with a soft gray color for better visibility
- Reinforced zipper ensures security and longevity
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other options
Best designer: Prada Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Belt Bag
Prada once again proves its prowess in the fashion realm with the Re-Nylon and Saffiano Leather Belt Bag. This designer belt bag seamlessly blends functionality and luxury. Crafted with Prada’s signature Saffiano leather, the bag exudes sophistication and durability.
“The incorporation of Re-Nylon, a sustainable and eco-friendly material, showcases the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility,” something important to Cornish. “With its sleek design, ample storage space, and iconic Prada logo, this investment belt bag is the epitome of high-end fashion and practicality at the same time.”
Pros
- Blend of functionality and luxury with Prada’s signature Saffiano leather
- Incorporates sustainable Re-Nylon material, showcasing environmental responsibility
- Ample storage space and iconic Prada logo add to its high-end appeal
Cons
- Hefty price tag due to its designer label
Best leather: COS Swing Crossbody Bag
For those who appreciate the timeless elegance of leather, the COS Swing Crossbody Bag stands out as the best in its class. Meticulously crafted from high-quality leather, this belt bag exudes a sense of understated luxury.
“The minimalist design and clean lines make it a versatile accessory for various occasions,” Cornish stated. “It doesn’t compromise on functionality either, offering a well-thought-out layout to keep your essentials organized.” Elevate your style with this leather belt bag that effortlessly combines classic aesthetics with modern convenience.”
Pros
- Meticulously crafted from high-quality leather
- Versatile design suitable for various occasions
- Well-thought-out layout keeps essentials organized
- Combines classic aesthetics with modern convenience
Cons
- Price point may be higher compared to similar leather belt bags
Best sporty: lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
Chances are you’ve seen this belt bag everywhere. The lululemon bag is so popular, that it even has its own dedicated review here, to be sure every Post reader has the chance to get their hands on one.
“The lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L has the perfect name — you’ll seriously want to take it everywhere,” said Commerce Reporter Victoria Giardina. “Its mesh-style interior pockets have a soft feel, making whatever I placed in them (a hand sanitizer, hygiene products, what have you) well-spaced and easy to grab. Plus, the strap is so secure that felt comfortable hiking to the top of a mountain in Arizona without a worry in the world.”
Pros
- Popular choice with a secure strap and spacious mesh-style interior pockets
- Versatile and comfortable for various activities
Cons
- May not offer as much luxury or high-end appeal as designer or leather options
Best color options: Stoney Clover Classic Fanny Pack
The Stoney Clover Classic Fanny Pack takes the crown for offering the most diverse and vibrant color options, catering to every taste and style preference. With an extensive palette ranging from classic neutrals to bold and playful hues, this fanny pack allows you to express your personality and accessorize according to any mood or occasion.
“Trust me, I’ve tried the ultra-viral lululemon belt bag, but for me, nothing compares to Stoney Clover Lane’s classic fanny pack,” raved Commerce Reporter Angela Tricarico. “As someone who pretty much only wears fanny packs as a crossbody bag, the length of the waistband/strap is important to me as someone who is plus size, and Stoney Clover’s fanny pack is the first I’ve tried where I don’t feel like the bag strap is uncomfortably tight around my chest. I also find that it’s always the perfect size for everything I typically carry with me when I go out — phone, keys, small card wallet, AirPods, and a lip balm all fit comfortably inside. And how cute are all of those colors?!”
Pros
- Wide range of diverse and vibrant color options
- Comfortable strap length
- Perfect size for carrying essentials like phone, keys, wallet, and lip balm
Cons
- May not offer the same level of sophistication as leather or designer options
Best for men: Everlane The Renew Transit Fanny Pack
Everlane’s The Renew Transit Fanny Pack emerges as the top choice for men seeking both style and functionality in their accessories. Designed with a keen eye for modern aesthetics, this fanny pack offers a sleek and versatile look that complements any outfit. Constructed from recycled polyester, it underscores Everlane’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on durability.
“This belt bag boasts ample storage space and thoughtful compartments, making it perfect for carrying essentials on the go wherever that may be,” Cornish said. “Whether navigating city streets or embarking on outdoor adventures, my partner can rely on this fanny pack for its practicality, comfort, and contemporary design.”
Pros
- Designed with a modern aesthetic and sustainability in mind
- Constructed from recycled polyester, showcasing commitment to eco-friendliness
- Ample storage space and thoughtful compartments throughout
Cons
- May not offer the same luxurious feel as leather options
More belt bag styles we love
Fjallraven Women’s Kanken Hip Pack
Crafted with the signature durability of Fjallraven, this hip pack offers a compact yet spacious design to keep your essentials organized on the go. With its adjustable strap and stylish design, it’s perfect for urban adventures and outdoor excursions.
Bellroy Sling Mini
With its compact size and adjustable strap, this sling bag offers easy access to your essentials while keeping your hands free. Crafted from premium materials and featuring thoughtful organization pockets, it’s the perfect blend of style and functionality for everyday use.
Monos Metro Sling
Designed for the urban commuter, this sleek sling bag combines minimalist aesthetics with practical features. With its lightweight construction and ergonomic design, it offers comfort and convenience on the move. Whether you’re navigating city streets or traveling light, the Monos Metro Sling is the perfect companion for your daily excursions.
Brevite All-Purpose Belt Bag
Designed for versatility, this belt bag features multiple compartments and pockets to keep your essentials organized. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or running errands in the city, its durable construction and adjustable strap ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Hammit Charles Belt Bag
Crafted from premium leather and featuring sleek hardware accents, this belt bag combines style and functionality effortlessly. With its adjustable strap and spacious interior, it’s perfect for keeping your essentials close at hand while on the move. Whether you’re heading to a music festival or exploring a new city, the Hammit Charles Belt Bag is the ultimate accessory for the modern adventurer.
THE NORTH FACE Berkeley Lumbar Waist Pack
Built with rugged materials and featuring multiple pockets for organization, this waist pack is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration. The adjustable waist belt ensures a comfortable fit, while the iconic THE NORTH FACE logo adds a touch of style to your outdoor gear.
Carhartt Waist Pack
Made from durable materials and featuring ample storage space, this waist pack keeps your essentials secure and easily accessible. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or traveling, its adjustable waist strap ensures a comfortable and personalized fit, making it the perfect companion for your outdoor pursuits.
Coach Belt Bag
Crafted from luxurious materials and featuring the iconic Coach logo, this belt bag exudes sophistication and elegance. With its adjustable strap and multiple compartments, it offers both fashion and function for your everyday needs. Whether you’re running errands or heading out for a night on the town, the Coach Belt Bag is the perfect accessory to complete your look.
Timbuk2 Rascal Belt Bag
Designed for the urban explorer, this belt bag features a modern, minimalist design and durable construction. With its adjustable strap and multiple pockets, it offers convenient storage for your essentials while keeping your hands free. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city, the Timbuk2 Rascal Belt Bag is the perfect companion for your daily adventures.
FAQs
Are belt bags still in fashion?
If you’re a member of Generation X, you probably remember wearing a belt bag or fanny pack as part of your daily ensemble. The accessory has been around since the 1950s (they were called day bags or bum-bags in those days), and were a favorite way to carry around small essentials, like a wallet, house key, or tube of lipstick.
After disappearing from the fashion scene in the early 1990s, they are now back on everyone’s radar — and hips! We’ve seen them on celebs like Kendall Jenner and Sarah Jessica Parker, and there are more than 900k posts for the term #fannypack on Instagram.
Unlike their clunky predecessors, the belt bags of today can be sleek and made from a variety of materials, ranging from polyester to genuine leather. They are also no longer only worn at the hip, but can be carried like a crossbody or worn with the pack across the bum.
How do I choose a belt bag?
Similar to finding the right purse or wallet, it all comes down to what you need from a belt bag. Do you want something to replace your tote? Will it be for every day or are you looking for a fun way to edge up a basic or conservative ensemble?
One fanny pack we like for daily use is the Bellroy Sling Mini ($90). It has four compartments for storage, is made of water-resistant fabric and has a slim build. It comes in a variety of bright colors and looks very rad slung across one’s back.
Another fanny pack we like is the Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Belt Bag ($55). It’s compact, has a top carry handle and a two-way zip-around closure to make it simpler to retrieve items inside. We really like this for weekends, sightseeing or any other occasion we’ll need to carry some things but want to avoid lugging around a backpack. It also doesn’t hurt that it comes in four different colors.
Which lululemon belt bag is best?
If you’re familiar with lululemon, you’re also probably familiar with the brand’s famous fanny pack called the Everywhere Belt Bag. Since its debut in 2020, it’s been a favorite of trendsetters and those who rock athleisure on the regular.
Today it’s available in a wide (and we mean wide) selection of sizes and colors. And recently, lululemon dropped the Everywhere Belt Bag in fleece ($68), making it a fun option for fall and winter. It has lots of pocket space like the other models but features the soft texture of the textile fiber, as well as eye-catching hardware.
Other belt bags from lululemon that are worth checking out include:
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