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17 of the Best Belt Bags for Hands-Free Hot Girl Walks

The fanny pack is back

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Best belt bag: A woman wears a belt bag over her shoulder next to a collage of belt bags
Paula Boudes for PureWow

Ah, the belt bag—everyone's favorite purse of the hour. There was a time when belt bags were mostly sought out by athletes and tourists and used for function—not fashion. But the ‘80s staple has become the de facto accessory of contemporary wardrobes, and seemingly every brand, from lululemon to Kate Spade, is offering them up on a silver platter.

Whatever aspect of your life you need a belt bag for, there’s more than one out there—in fact, we've found 17 of them just for this list. The ideal belt bag should meet at a cross section of comfort, style and functionality. You'll want to prioritize lightweight and durable fabrics, such as nylon, for everyday bags (bonus points if they’ve got divided sections inside!), or upgrade to a more structured and elevated fabric, like leather, for a night on the town. Below, the best belt bags around.

The Best Belt Bags at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

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2

Most Stylish Belt Bag

Bandolier Fanny Pack

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3

Most Functional Belt Bag

Béis Sport Pack

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4

Most Casual

State Florence Belt Bag

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5

Best Oversized Belt Bag


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How We Chose the Best Belt Bags

We chose the best belt bags based on in-depth testing that involved carrying the bags anywhere and everywhere and stuffing everything we possible could inside them in addition to vetting real customer reviews and analyzing each one's materials (leather or nylon?), features (How many pockets are inside? Do the zippers work well?) and of course, appearance.

Best Overall

1. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon

  • Why We Love It: trendy, functional, high-quality
  • What We Don't Love: high sell-out risk

At this point, you've probably heard tell of the wondrous lululemon Everywhere bag, and now, you can add it to your collection in a Barbie pink nylon. Recently restocked, it’s simple and practical, holding everything you need without looking overstuffed. The hardware is plenty durable, and the large zipper opening and smaller interior organizing pockets make getting to your stuff easy. It’s almost as if it could be called the—gasp—Everything bag!

Most Stylish Belt Bag

2. Bandolier Fanny Pack

Bandolier

  • Why We Love It: chic, real leather, easy-to-adjust straps, back slip pocket, key clips
  • What We Don't Love: no interior pockets, zipper doesn't go all the way across, back zipper can catch on material

Martha Stewart's not the only one who's newly obsessed with Bandolier. Our Commerce Director, Nicole Briese, can't say enough about this checkered fanny pack, which somehow manages to make the '80s silhouette current—even, dare we say, fashionable. It's made of a high-quality pebbled leather that looks just as nice as any other handbag that's liable to be in your collection, and the strap easily takes it from a waist bag to a cross-shoulder style and back again. It's got a back-slip pocket for your phone and is big enough to hold your wallet, but not so large it overtakes your body. Our only complaints are with the interior (there are no pockets inside, though it's compact enough that you might not need the separation) and the zippers, which can catch a bit on the leather, particularly at the back.

Most Functional Belt Bag

3. Béis Sport Pack

Béis

  • Why We Love It: super functional, hanging accessories, snug fit
  • What We Don't Love: strap is too long to comfortably fit around waist

We've been using Béis’s Sport Pack for day trips to Disney World all summer, and it hasn't disappointed yet. Though it was made with hikers in mind (and it certainly caters to them, with D-rings for hanging accessories, as well as an water bottle loop), its clean silhouette with perfectly textured nylon and extra braided strap make it an irresistible accessory for daytime wear, too. It's highly functional, with a nice, spacious interior that boasts a zippered slip pocket at the back and there's also an exterior compartment for your phone. We wish the adjustable strap had a slightly shorter strap, however, as it's a bit too long to fit around our waists without falling down.

Most Casual

4. State Florence Belt Bag

State

  • Why We Love It: back slip pocket, sleek design
  • What We Don't Love: larger profile

This sleek and slim color-blocked State fanny pack exudes casual cool, and will easily get you through errands, weekend outings or coffee jaunts. The large main zippered compartment will hold all your daily essentials (including a 12-ounce water bottle), and the interior zip pocket will keep your most-used items within reach. But maybe the best feature? The Florence fanny also has an exterior back slip pocket, so you'll always know right where your phone is. 

Best Oversized Belt Bag


Stoney Clover Lane

  • Why We Love It: super soft, ultra-spacious
  • What We Don't Love: may look too large on your frame

Let's face it: Belt bags don’t always take the place of a bigger purse or backpack, especially if you tend to carry a lot of stuff. Enter the Stony Clover Lane jumbo fanny pack—a stunningly soft bag with tons of room, so you can have your on-trend cake and eat it, too. We also love the bright jewel tones it comes in.

Best Everyday Belt Bag

6. Dagne Dover Ace Belt Bag

Dagne Dover

  • Why We Love It: water-resistant, minimalist design, recycled lining
  • What We Don't Love: straps and seams can fray and split

Dagne Dover doesn’t miss, so it’s no surprise that the brand's Ace belt bag is a perfect pick for everyday wear. The minimalist design has a vegan mesh texture that's water-resistant with a recycled lining. The interior and exterior card pockets are also a major bonus for convenience.

Best Designer Belt Bag

7. Kate Spade Flower Jacquard Belt Bag

Kate Spade

  • Why We Love It: unique pattern, leather trim
  • What We Don't Love: pricey

Kate Spade bring its stylish touch to the belt bag with this little jacquard number. The pop of cerulean blue (and, of course, the signature Kate Spade logo) definitely give it that designer feel without too hefty of a price tag. Fans of this beautiful piece say it’s “perfect for your phone, keys and [a] small wallet or some cosmetics.”

Most Versatile

8. The Drop Preston Belt Bag

The Drop

  • Why We Love It: hidden back pocket, budget-friendly
  • What We Don't Love: cheap zipper, may be smaller than expected

Whether you’re looking to add a laid-back accent piece to a casual outfit or finish off something a little more fancy fancy, the Preston belt bag from The Drop will do the trick. Its streamlined silhouette is the perfect canvas for its embossed croc print, and it’s made of faux-leather, so the price point is perfect. There's even a hidden back pocket for your lip gloss. We’re big fans of the simple black or grey options, but for extra wow factor, there’s also a fun snake print.

Best Sustainable Belt Bag

9. Everlane ReNew Transit Belt Bag

Everlane

  • Why We Love It: nearly 100 percent recycled material, can be worn two ways
  • What We Don't Love: stiff fabric, can be hard to open

Everlane is known for its high-quality, timeless basics, and the Renew Transit bag is no exception. Whether you’re wearing it crossbody or classic fanny pack style, the elongated, slender shape will hold a lot without looking too bulky. Two sliding metal buckles make the strap adjustable while keeping its profile understated. And of course, being Everlane, it’s made from nearly 100 percent recycled polyester (sans for a few zippers and trim), so your eco-conscious self can feel a little better about your trendy buy. You can also get it in several other neutral colors if neon green or pink aren't your bag.

Best Nylon Belt Bag

10. Varley Lasson Belt Bag

Varley

  • Why We Love It: lightweight, front zipper pocket, quick-drying
  • What We Don't Love: expensive shipping

For a reliable activewear choice that’s also sophisticated, check out this lightweight nylon Varley Lasson belt bag. It has a thoughtful and utilitarian design with an extra zipper pocket at the front for quick-grab items, and the quick-drying, sweat-wicking nylon material makes it a convenient option for your hikes or runs.

Best Basic Belt Bag

11. Pander Everywhere Belt Bag

Pander

  • Why We Love It: lululemon lookalike, affordable, recycled nylon
  • What We Don't Love: not super durable, shows wear easily, zippers can

Similar in style to the beloved lululemon Everywhere but for only $22? Yes, please! On the outside, the Pander belt bag, which comes in eight neutral colors, is made of a durable, recycled nylon that's made to withstand friction and keep its smooth appearance. Inside, three mesh wall pockets will keep all your necessities organized—and they’re made of recycled polyester. What’s not to love?

Best for Festivals

12. Fotociti Holographic Belt Bag

Fotociti

  • Why We Love It: eye-catching, waterproof pocket
  • What We Don't Love: may have an odor, shows grease and handprints

Here is a belt bag that's compact enough to get you through the festival gates but also catches the eye. This holographic pack, which comes in 11 different shiny colors, will be the perfect dancing companion. The exterior pocket is waterproof, so your cash will stay safe even in a downpour, and the company says it's even big enough for a water bottle, so you won't get dehydrated while walking the fest grounds. Starting at just $13, it will be tempting to treat yourself to a few.

Most Sporty

13. adidas Belt Bag

adidas

  • Why We Love It: Front pocket key fob, durable
  • What We Don't Love: doesn't sit flush against body

Feeling a Sporty Spice moment? This athletic waist purse is big enough to fit all your gym essentials but convenient enough to still let you move about with ease. Its classic polyester fabric is super strong by nature, so it can easily withstand a careless toss into your locker, and there's even a front pocket key fob with solid metal pullers for an added bonus.

Best Leather Belt Bag

14. Hyer Goods Upcycled Leather Belt Bag

Hyer Goods

  • Why We Love It: real upcycled leather, chic
  • What We Don't Love: pricey

If you’re looking for the ease of a belt bag but the sophistication of a classic black leather purse, look no further. Hyer Goods has made a super sleek and soft, supple leather piece for just about every occasion. As a bonus, it’s made of upcycled waste leather, allowing you to do your part to live more sustainably.

Most Classic


L.L.Bean

  • What We Love: lightweight, folds into itself for storage
  • What We Don't Love: super compact, thin material

What better way to pay tribute to the OG belt bag trend than with one that has a retro look and feel? The L.L. Bean Stowaway hip pack is made of ultralight nylon with a mesh back panel for breathability, making it a great option for hitting the trails. This updated model even folds down into its own storage pocket should you opt to pack it in a larger rucksack.

Best for Parents

16. Suessie Diaper Belt Bag

Suessie

  • Why We Love It: detachable changing pad, built-in pocket for wipes, stroller clips
  • What We Don't Love: stiff zippers, wipes pocket is not airtight

The last thing any new parent needs is to be caught out and about with no place to change the baby. This lightweight diaper fanny hybrid comes with a detachable changing pad, so you can get the job done in a pinch, and has a built-in waterproof wipes pocket, besides. While you can wear it around your hips or crossbody, it also comes with universal stroller clips so you can really take a load off. Genius!

Best Hip Belt Bag

17. Fjällräven Kanken Belt Bag

Fjällräven

  • Why We Love It: durable, water-resistant, two-way zipper
  • What We Don't Love: colors fade, stiff, noisy zippers

It’s become more common to wear a belt bag crossbody-style than around the hips, but if you’re looking for a comfy option that looks cute on the waist, try the Fjällräven Kanken hip pack. Modeled after the brand's iconic Kanken backpack ($59), the belt bag is lightweight-but-sturdy thanks to its technical weave. It's also small enough to fit comfortably on the hips (and look cool doing it). We particularly love the two-way zipper, which means you'll be able to get to your stuff from any angle.

Why Are Belt Bags So Popular?

The belt bag, more commonly known as a fanny pack, is a bag that's worn around your waist or hips, like a belt, allowing you hands-free convenience. Often secured using a clasp and buckles that slide along the strap, they're easy to adjust for fit and comfort. More current styles also feature longer straps for crossbody use.

Belt bags first saw a reemergence in the late 2010s, when A-list influencers were spotted sporting them during fall fashion week. Since then, as our collective style has shifted towards a more casual, laid-back look (thanks, COVID-19), these handy purses have become the go-to for carrying everyday essentials, with TikTokers becoming particularly obsessed.

The lululemon Belt Bag Is Back in Stock — But Probably Only for the Next Hour


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PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.


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Nicole Villeneuve is a freelance writer based in Toronto and has been writing about all things pop culture, entertainment and lifestyle for more than ten years. She's a...

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