The 20 Best Belt Bags, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

Best Overall

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

View On Nordstrom $90 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $95 View On Dagnedover.com $95

We fell in love with the Dagne Dover fanny pack the second we pulled it out of its pouch. Everything from the size, material, and ergonomics appealed to us. Unlike your typical cotton or leather belt bag, this one is made of premium neoprene, Dagne Dover’s signature tear-resistant fabric, which feels thick, plush, and high-end. When we (accidentally) poured coffee over it while camping, it simply rolled right off the bag without leaving a trace, which was incredibly impressive. There are two zipped pockets — a little one at the front and another for the main pocket — with a little credit card slot, key hook, and chapstick strap inside. None of these slits were big enough to compartmentalize our phones away, so that needed to sit in the main cabin along with our wallet, snacks, hair clip, and notebook.

The strap also felt substantial — thick, sturdy, and easily adjustable. It can extend up to 36 inches long, which made it easy to sling across our bodies and change up the style a little. It even fit flawlessly over our thick coat — one that has hide sleeves. Its versatility and generous size allowed us to travel all around Los Angeles, Denver, and Seattle with it, leaving not a single scratch or tear on the bag.

Colors: 7 | Material: Premium neoprene, recycled repreve | Size: W 9.25” x H 5.5” x D 2.75

Best Budget

Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap

View On Amazon $13

There’s a certain very popular belt bag, namely the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag (more on that below), and we found this Ododos Mini Belt Bag to be the perfect dupe. We found it extremely practical, because although it’s quite small in size, it still fit all our essentials. The strap adjusts easily, allowing us to alternate between carrying it around our waist and as a sling depending on the activity we were engaged in. We’ve taken it on hikes, to run errands, to festivals, and on travels, as it can be easily incorporated into any outfit and holds almost anything we put in it, from wallets to phones to granola bars and keys. We could even stuff a small Fiji water bottle in it. The mesh divider inside the pouch also helped compartmentalize some items. As an affordable item, the stitching is not always extremely sturdy, we found. At times we worried that the zipper might rip, but if it ever did, it wouldn’t hurt to repurchase the item at this price. 

Colors: 20 | Material: Nylon | Size: W 8” x H 5” x D 2”

Best Splurge

Senreve Belt Bag

View On Senreve.com

In keeping with Senreve’s luxurious style, the Aria belt bag has to be one of the brand’s most practical bags. Coming with a stylish front flap (with a magnetic snap closure), an extra exterior pouch, and a stain-resistant micro-suede interior, the bag fit all of our essentials including a phone, wallet, lip gloss, keys, and sunglasses. Believe it or not, we even fit a foldable shopping bag and a small umbrella. Inside the zippered compartment we kept our airpods, although a small wallet would have fit as well. Two card slots made our hotel card and metrocard easy to access.

The leather belt portion isn’t sewn onto the bag, so we were able to remove it and swap it for this chain we bought on Amazon. As a matter of fact, we loved styling it in various ways, using it as a clutch one day, a belt bag another, and a crossbody for nights out. It simply elevated any look with its expensive appeal without loudly showing off any designer labels (keeping to that quiet luxury trend). The leather is not going to weather well against friction, sweat, or rain, however, so make sure to pick the right day and outfit to wear it with.

Colors: 22 | Material: Italian leather| Size: W 8” x H 5” x D 2”

Best Sport

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

View On Amazon $41 View On Lululemon $48 View On Walmart $22

Hikers, runners, and ballers, if you don’t already have the Lululemon belt bag, allow us a minute of your time to convert you. The bag somehow expanded internally to fit whatever we wanted, not unlike the bag Mary Poppins had, even though the exterior seems small and compact (and thereby never getting in the way of our activities). We were able to fit our phones, keys, airpods, lip balms, and even the ball we then used to play tennis with. For us trail blazers, this bag holds trail mix and a bottle of facial sunscreen as well. In the back pocket, we were able to stash our phones and keep it flush against the body. Somehow, even with all of our goodies, the bag remained nice and lightweight. It made it very appealing on days when we knew we would be out for a long time. The water-repellent fabric makes it ideal for outdoor use, too. The only con here is that you cannot wash it. If we want to give it a little refresh, we have to spot clean it carefully.

Colors: 4 | Material: Recycled polyester, recycled nylon | Size: W 8.3” x H 5.7” x D 2.2”

Best Plus Size

Athleta Belt Bag

View On Gap.com

For a little more sporty and casual look, take a look at this belt bag from Athleta, which entrepreneur and fashion consultant Katie Sturino wears on power walks. We found this one to be smaller and more compact compared to the other options, like the Dagne Dover or Calpak bags, which made the bag much more discreet and practical for grabbing our essentials and running out the house. The smaller size also makes it easier to wear underneath a jacket without looking too bulky. And while most exterior pockets usually come in a tiny slit, big enough for maybe some keys, this one is big enough to fit a 1.52 ounce hand cream. Accessing our belongings was also very easy here as the zipper curves down the sides of the bag, making it open up widely. And as a little cherry on top, it’s both water-repellent and UPF 50+ protected, making this ideal for everyday adventures out and about. 

Our biggest quarrel with the bag was that the strap was rather slim. While it does feed into a clean and minimalist aesthetic, when wrapped around our waist, the weight of the bag pulled it down a little which felt awkward at times. That being said, we appreciated how long the strap was, making it fit a variety of bodies. Any excess strap could easily be tucked into the rubber piece to prevent any dangling.

Colors: 3 | Material: Polyester, recycled polyester | Size: W 7” x H 4.5” x D 2”

Most Spacious

Calpak Luka Belt Bag

View On Nordstrom $58 View On Calpaktravel.com $50

The luggage specialists at Calpak knew what they were doing when they designed this Luka belt bag. The bag is deceivingly spacious, fitting our large hair claw, wallet, phone, dog treats, and even a ball. But while most bags that fit that many things look and feel bulky, this one remains rather flat against the hip. It’s definitely bigger than the Athelta option, or even the Dagne Dover one, but we didn’t find it heavy or taking too much space. Most notable, however, was the hidden back pocket. It’s quite large, and even fit our phone sans-problem. We imagine this would become a huge help while on the go, when you want to keep your passport as secure and close to you as possible. The cushiony exterior also felt comfortable on our bodies and protective on our valuables. And as a little extra bonus, it’s water-resistant, thereby keeping everything nice and dry while you’re sightseeing, in case you get caught in the rain. Even the zipper felt superior, gliding open and closed seamlessly. The only thing we didn’t love was the strap. While it is very gracious in length, its softness lacks structure and width, making it feel a little flimsy.

Colors: 7 | Material: Polyester | Size: W 8.5” x H 5.25” x D 1.5”

Best Sling

The North Face Isabella Sling

View On The North Face View On Dick's $45 View On Academy.com

Sure, a sling bag doesn’t necessarily constitute a belt bag, but we felt it necessary to highlight this alternative as something more mom-friendly. We were able to not just carry our own essentials, but our kids toys, snacks, and juice boxes in this North Face Isabella Sling. Our hands remained free, and the snap buckle closure on the strap allowed us to easily remove the bag once home or paused between errands. Best of all for folks always working, the large compartment even had space for our iPad, which allowed us to get work done during a quick break from running around. 

The organization capabilities on this bag were also impressive. While in a rush, it was always easy to know exactly where all of our things were, sparing us from rummaging through what seems like a black hole. There’s a pocket on the strap where we kept our phone for easy access, as well as a front pocket with a softer lining, good for keeping sunglasses scratch-free. We only wish we had more color options, as the cream would get dirty quickly and the blue is not always fitting to our outfits. A classic black would have sealed the deal.

Colors: Recycled polyester | Material: | Size: W 9.5” x H 14.5” x D 5.5”

Best Unisex

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

View On Uniqlo.com

People of all genders and ages have something to love about the Uniqlo mini shoulder bag. While it isn’t labeled as a belt bag, it holds many of the same functions as one — and you can wear it as such. The simple demi-circle design might not seem like much at first, but it holds an impressive amount of items while on the go, including airpods, wallets, keys, and even a 16 ounce water bottle. The unisex appeal made it easy to share with our significant other, with whom we now alternate usage of the bag. We also loved just how lightweight the bag is. It’s thickly lined so that it doesn’t feel at risk of tearing, but weighs as much as a T-shirt. With adjustable straps that accommodate a range of body sizes, we felt that this bag would be universally loved by all. Unfortunately, there aren’t many compartments inside the bag, nor is there an outer pocket. You will have to be okay with throwing everything into one big pouch. 

Colors: 8 | Material: Polyester | Size: W 11” x H 6.7” x D 3.9”

Most Durable

JanSport Fanny Pack

View On Amazon $18 View On Jansport.com View On Office Depot $22

If you’ve ever had a Jansport backpack in high school, then you already know how much weight (and careless tossing around) the bag can withstand. It’s likely the beat up bag is still in your closet somewhere, looking a little dusty but ready to be at your service at any given moment. You can expect the same durability in this indestructible fanny pack. 

More than just reliable materials, however, the bag was thoughtfully constructed. The exterior pocket is not just there for decoration, as some tiny bags have, but spacious enough to hold hand creams and a facial sunscreen. We were able to place everything from small notebooks to snacks along with our everyday essentials in here. On top of being very strong and stretch-resistant, the strap is easily adjustable and long enough to wear around the waist or around the body. As a size 16, we felt we had enough of the strap to wrap around our body, so we definitely qualify it as size inclusive. All of these great amenities are bundled into a rather large and chunky looking bag, which may not be fit for a stylish day in town, but is perfect for travel and exploring. 

Colors: 5 | Material: Recycled polyester | Size: W 6” x H 10” x D 2.5”

Best for Travel

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack

View On Amazon $43 View On Patagonia.com View On REI $24

Belt bags in general are always great options for travel, but this one in particular has a leg up on the rest for two very unique reasons. The first is that it can be converted into a carrying pouch simply by turning inside out — this allows for easy packing and transport. The second is that it’s extremely lightweight, almost featherlike, minimizing the amount of weight you need to schlep around on your trips. 

We traveled around Europe with this bag and found it extremely easy to pack our everyday essentials. Passports, chapsticks, sunglasses, wallets, and airpods alike fit into the two main compartments of the bag. Despite it being small and airy, the recycled nylon ripstop fabric was very durable and even weather-resistant, expertly protecting all of our valuables. The strap was also quite long, which made it easy to adjust around our bodies whether we wanted to wear it on our hips or diagonally across our chests. It always remained flush against our bodies which freed up our eyes (and conscious) to take in the sights worry-free. Aside from the black, the bag isn’t offered in many neutral tones, making it difficult to match with our carefully curated travel outfits. 

Colors: 6 | Material: Recycled nylon ripstop | Size: W 4.75” x H 8” x D 2”

Best Expandable

Peak Design Field Pouch V2

View On Amazon $50 View On Peakdesign.com View On B&H Photo Video $50

On any given day, your essentials can change from just a wallet and a phone to a camera, water bottle, and a tripod. Peak Design took our ranging activities to mind and created this expandable waist bag. It can carry anything between 1.5 liters to three liters, simply by extending the top fold. It features a zipper closure, eight compartments, and a soft interior lining fit to protect any camera gear. In other words, it’s ideal for the outdoorsy adventurers who need their extra batteries and different lenses easily grabbable, on top of their other essentials. 

But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a photographer to enjoy this bag. We found it plenty useful as a travel bag as well, leaning the pouch on our hips while using the long straps as a crossbody bag. Which brings us to an important note: the straps were a little thin and flimsy. We wish they were thicker, or able to convert into a belt, but instead we mostly used it as a messenger bag. 

Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon, leather | Size: W 7.5” x H 9.4” x D 0.4”

Best Everyday

Alo Explorer Fanny Pack

View On Aloyoga.com

For our everyday pick, we wanted something sleek, well designed, and durable — this Alo Explorer Fanny Pack fit the bill. It has three zipped compartments: in the main one, we fit everything from a rolled up tote bag to a water bottle. On the front pack, we kept our airpods and our keys (although there’s room for more), and in the back zippered compartment we concealed our phones, so that it could safely remain flush against our body. 

There’s a metal buckle on the strap which feels significant and sturdy, making it easy to snap on and off. The whole body of the bag has a smooth satin-like finish to it and puts up a strong fight against any distressors. Even after wearing it daily, it showed zero scratches or rips. That being said, it’s not weather-proof. If a sudden rain shower commences, make sure to hover over your bag to protect it.

Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon | Size: W 4.75” x H 10.75” x D 4.75”

Best Leather

Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag

View On Quince.com

If you thought you couldn’t wear fanny packs to a nice dinner, think again. This leather option from Quince offers a more elevated touch to belt bags, with its pebbled exterior and slim body. At a first glance (and touch), it was evident how well the bag was made. The leather felt thick and soft to the touch, somehow managing to be durable without being stiff or rough. And even through nights prancing around, it has yet to reveal any scratches or markings. 

The bag is slim but long, so while it may look like it won’t fit a whole lot, it surprisingly accepted all we offered it without a fight. A card holder, phone, airpod case, keys. Lipsticks, gum, and pill case all nestled into the main compartment. There is also an internal leather card slot that could fit two cards at most and a zippered pocket on the back panel for any emergency cash. The strap is closed with a clasp, rather than a buckle, which added to its sleek appearance. Although we do have to say, it’s not as easy to hook on and off each time, so we mostly resorted to pulling it over our heads. 

Colors: 3 | Material: Leather, cotton | Size: W 11” x H 5.75” x D 1.5”

Best for Waist

Silver and Riley Leather Belt Bag

View On Silverandriley.com $395

Few belt bags on this list are designed specifically to be worn at your waist — most fit around your hips or are intended to be worn as a sling — so if that’s how you intend on wearing it, we’d love to introduce you to the Silver and Riley bag. The belt on this one was sized to wrap around your waist, so it sits higher than your standard belt bag. It offers you the ability to wear it with different styles, like a dress, instead of just some jeans. Made with structured calf leather from Italy, the little pouch has a minimalist appeal, with only a single extra pocket in the interior, big enough to hold some cards or loose change. Otherwise, the sleek design feels very mature, and is available in light brown and pink as well.

It does come with a few complicated care instructions, however. The brand recommends avoiding direct sunlight, rain, or heat. They also recommend keeping a tissue paper in the interior when not in use, to maintain the shape and absorb any moisture. If you hope to maintain its pristine condition, take heed of these precautions.

Colors: 3 | Material: Calf skin leather | Size: W 6” x H 5” x D 2.4”

Best Designer

Bottega Veneta Cassette Belt Bag

View On Bottegaveneta.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue $2,100 View On Harrods.com

The Bottega cassette bag took the world by storm, so of course, we had to mention it. Aside from being visibly very cute, the leather used by Bottega feels substantial, even more so than other designers. Writer Bianca Kratky has a similar bag from them, and can confirm that the 100 percent lambskin leather is softer, yet sturdier than anything she’s handled before. On top of that, the simple criss cross pattern can be incorporated into any outfit, be it sporty or classy. At 6.9 inches in width, it will fit less essentials than the Dagne Dover option, but it looks more elevated. And you can still fit most needs, like a phone, card holder, keys and some lipstick. But anything more might require you to fit it in your pants pockets or to leave home. 

Colors: 10 | Material: Lambskin leather | Size: W 6.9” x H 3.7” x D 2”

Best Minimalist

Banana Republic Leather Belt Bag

View On Bananarepublic.com

This belt bag truly looks and feels like it was handmade by an Italian craftsman in a remote city — it even smells of fresh leather when you unbox it at first. The beautiful and minimalist style comes without any metal detailings (except on the belt closure), magnets, or hidden pockets. It’s a very straightforward leather piece that you close by inserting the little front strap through the loop. Despite the lack of zippers or fasteners, we were pleasantly surprised to find it remaining closed the entire time. There are also enough belt loops to tie it snug against the waist, which increased the number of ways we could style this bag. But the one-inch depth was too slim to fit both a phone in its case and a wallet side by side. We had to swap some cards and coins into a card holder in order to make it all fit. 

Colors: 1 | Material: Leather | Size: W 6” x H 3.5” x D 1.0”

Most Practical

Caraa Sling Bag

View On Caraa.co

Offered in various sizes, colors, and textures, this leather bag (also available in vegan leather) works for pretty much all situations. It’s quite large in size, so it’s ideal for anyone who needs a little more room than many of these other stylish bags offer, like mothers or avid travelers who like to keep their hands free. We were able to stuff snacks (yes, snacks plural, as in you can fit granola bars, a pack of cheez-its, and more in here), a passport, a handkerchief, multiple beauty products, and of course, a wallet and a phone. We did find it a little odd, however, that the two zippers on the sides of the outer pocket don’t really lead to anything. While there is very tiny space inside, it’s only good enough for perhaps a few quarters. We believe this serves more as a design element than anything else. 

Colors: 8 | Material: Leather, antique gold, nylon | Size: W 10.5” x H 4.5” x D 3.6”

Best for Hiking

Beis Travel The Sport Sling

View On Beistravel.com

To set expectations right, this Beis bag is theoretically a sling, not a belt bag. With its impressive amount of pockets (we counted nine compartments), and an entire water bottle holder, it was too good not to include. It’s been especially useful on our long hikes in Los Angeles (where it’s extra hot) and tennis adventures, where frequent hydration is required. It’s been a dream to simply expand out the little pouch that’s otherwise neatly packed away in the back pocket, and place our extra large water bottles in it. When not in use, the pouch stays hidden, keeping the overall look of the sling clean. On top of the front slit where we kept our iPhones for easy access, there’s a zipped pocket that conceals three card holders. The main pocket is very large — large enough to even hide a book — and features a separate zippered mesh pocket as well, where we kept our sunglasses. In short, we continue to be amazed at all the functions of this bag, as if we never stop discovering new features and pockets. The key leash allowed us to further organize our belongings. Needless to say, it’s almost impossible to lose anything in this bag.

Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon, faux leather, recycled polyester | Size: W 6.7” x H 8.2” x D 2.7”

Best Quilted

MZ Wallace Belt Bag

View On Bloomingdales $145 View On Mzwallace.com

We wanted to switch up the style a little, and a quilted belt bag felt very current and trendy. It allowed us to pair it with more than just athleisure, but a nice coat into town as well. Although we have to say, the red detailings on the zipper threw off the clean aesthetic a little, but that’s a personal preference. Otherwise, we loved that the quilting goes beyond just the bag, but into the belt a little as well. There are four compartments — a little zipped pocket in the front, and a main pocket that features another zip closure on one side and an open pocket on the other. While it might not be enough for an adventure on the mountain, it’s ideal for everyday needs and casual outings into town.

Colors: 1 | Material: Nylon, leather | Size: W 8” x H 5” x D 2”