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When they first came around in the 1980s-1990s, fanny packs became a fashion staple for those wanting to integrate style and comfort in their day-to-day lives, without the hassle of carrying around a heavy shoulder bag. (Plus, it made it very easy to add a pop of neon to complete your rollerblading outfit.) While they may have been considered a fashion punchline for decades after their heyday, fanny packs are now making a comeback in the best possible way. With so many different styles and brands to choose from, it’s now entirely possible to wear a fanny pack without looking like you walked straight out of a bad ‘80s sitcom.
In this article, we’ve curated a number of belt bags that you can wear anywhere from your daily commute, to lunch with your friends, to a jog around your neighborhood.
What to consider when buying belt bags and fanny packs
Purpose and use
Consider what you are purchasing the fanny pack for. Do you need it for hiking and outdoor activities, dog walking, or maybe just for hands-free pocket space while walking around your city? Deciding what your primary use will be will help you decide which belt bag is the right choice for your lifestyle.
Material
Choosing the material for your waist bag is extremely important. While some materials are more useful and durable than others, some materials also appear more chic and stylish. Depending on your intended use, the material you choose can make or break your look.
Space and size
Depending on your day-to-day lifestyle, you may need more or less space in a bag. It’s important to factor in the amount of items you’ll need to carry around every day when choosing the right belt bag for you, as well as the minimum and maximum size you’d be willing to carry around. Also consider packability: If you’re looking for a belt bag to toss into a travel tote as an option to wear on a weekend trip, choose one that’s lightweight and low-profile.
Our top picks for the best belt bags and fanny packs
Best sporty fanny pack for women: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Our overall choice for the best sporty fanny pack for women is a cult-favorite: The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L. Whether you’re going shopping, to the gym, or on a night out, this versatile bag offers you the space, style, and comfort you need. The water-repellent finish ensures maximum durability, and the 13 color choices ensure that you’ll always look coordinated and fashion-forward, no matter where the day takes you.
Specifications:
- Colors: 13 color combos/prints
- Material: 100% recycled polyester
- Dimensions: 19cm x 5.5cm x 13cm (7.5 inches x 2 inches x 5 inches)
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: 41.7 inches
- Price on publish: $38
What we like:
- Water-repellent
- So many color and print options to choose from
- Interior and exterior pockets for extra storage
What we don’t like:
- Many reviewers say the strap runs small
- Colors appear less vibrant in person
Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Best sporty belt bag for men: Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack
If your favorite pair of casual pants have a more tailored look, your wallet will probably be a tight fit for your pockets. The solution? A stylish belt bag. Our overall best pick as a belt bag for men is the Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack. Stylish, versatile and relatively affordable, this bag is a must-have for those looking for comfort, style and flexibility all in one.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black, Dawn Blue, Patina Green, Rowan Red, Shark Grey
- Material: Nylon
- Dimensions: 8.3 inches x 4.7 inches x 2.4 inches
- Closure: Zip, key clip
- Strap length: 52 inches
- Price on publish: $45
What we like:
- Built for comfort
- Lightweight and waterproof
- Super functional with minimal bulkiness
What we don’t like:
- Sells out quickly
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack
Best fanny pack for travel: The North Face Explore Hip Pack
The North Face Explore is built for travelers. With a fleece-lined crossbody style, you can easily throw this pack on and take it with you throughout all of your adventures.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black, Summit Gold
- Material: Water-resistant polyester
- Dimensions: 9 inches x 4 inches x 6 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: 50 inches
- Price on publish: $45
What we like:
- Small and lightweight
- Reflective detail for low light visibility
- Built for comfort
What we don’t like:
- May not fit larger phones
The North Face Explore Hip Pack
Best running fanny pack: Nathan Running Belt Waist Pack
Built with runners in mind, this Belt Waist Pack by Nathan is a small-yet-safe way to carry all of your basic necessities while running. Designed with bounce-proof technology and reflective fabric, this bag is ideal for competitive and casual runners alike.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black, Very Berry, Black/Cockatoo, Magenta/Estate Blue
- Material: 85% neoprene
- Dimensions: 7.99 inches x 6 inches x 1.93 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: 44 inches
- Price on publish: $22-$26
What we like:
- Small and lightweight
- Reflective detail for low light visibility
- Built for comfort
What we don’t like:
- May not fit larger phones
Nathan Running Belt Waist Pack
Best waterproof fanny pack: Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack 9L
As far as waterproof packs go, you can’t go wrong with the Guidewater Hip Pack 9L from Patagonia. This pack is fully-submersible, ideal for any weather conditions or climate. While it is on the larger, heavy-duty side, this bag is a great option for anyone looking for a foolproof way to keep their valuables dry. You can also consider it a great accessory for your next vacation, when a beach bag is too much to carry around.
Specifications:
- Colors: Pigeon Blue, Salvia Green
- Material: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester
- Dimensions: 13 inches x 9 inches x 9 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: Not listed
- Price on publish: $239
What we like:
- Keeps belongings super dry
- Roomy and practical
- Great for outdoor adventurers
What we don’t like:
- Can be difficult to open at first
- Waist runs small
Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack 9L
Best designer belt bag: Saint Laurent Kate Textured-Leather Belt Bag
If you’re looking for a chic, going-out statement piece, you’ll love the Kate Textured-Leather Belt Bag from Saint Laurent. This belt bag can be worn as-is, or you can remove the strap to wear as a super-cute and elegant clutch. Made of premium leather, this bag is extremely high quality and built to last for many years to come.
Specifications:
- Colors: Black, Dark Beige
- Material: Tanned leather, cotton lining, metal hardware
- Dimensions: 7 inches x 4.7 inches x 1.7 inches
- Closure: Magnetic snap
- Strap length: 25.2-47.6 inches
- Price on publish: $1,150
What we like:
- Classy stylish look
- Super durable and compliments any outfit
- High-quality materials that ensure it will last for years to come
What we don’t like:
- On the pricier side
- Thin, so not a lot of storage space
Women's Kate Belt Bag In Grain De Poudre-Embossed Leather - Black
Best plus-size belt bag: Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
A fan favorite, the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack combines style and function for a stylish way to travel. With its adjustability and inclusive sizing, anyone of any size can wear this bag, making it a great option for plus-sized shoppers.
Specifications:
- Colors: Wine/Maritime, Amber/Wheat, Oak/Dahlia, Lupine/Saddle, Maritime/Canyon
- Material: 100% recycled nylon
- Dimensions: 11 inches x 7 inches x 3 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: Up to 54 inches
- Price on publish: $60
What we like:
- Trendy and size-inclusive
- Roomy, fits a lot
- High quality and durable
What we don’t like:
- Reviewers claim it is a bit bulky and heavy
- A lot of compartments make it harder to style
Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack - Cada Día in Canyon/Rust
Best unisex fanny pack: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
If you’re looking for a high-quality multipurpose belt bag, the Ace Fanny Pack from Dagne Dover may just be the bag for you. With both plain neoprene and air mesh options, there is a style option for everyone. Shopping tip: Water-resistant neoprene construction is a signature of Dagne Dover, which is one of the reasons why their designs made our lists of the best workbags for women, best travel backpacks for women, and the best makeup bags.
Specifications:
- Colors: 9 different color options
- Material: Neoprene, polyester
- Dimensions: 9.25 inches x 5.5 inches x 2.75 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: 36 inches
- Price on publish: $95
What we like:
- Sleek and trendy
- Light and durable
- 100% vegan
What we don’t like:
- Strap runs small
- Small bag as well, only fits essentials
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
Best leather fanny pack: Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag
A high-quality leather bag can spruce up any outfit, from a t-shirt and jeans to your favorite pair of yoga pants. A bit more budget-friendly than its leather counterparts, the Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag from Quince is a high-quality option that will last for years to come.
Specifications:
- Colors: Cognac, Mink, Black
- Material: Leather
- Dimensions: 5.75 inches x 11 inches x 1.5 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: 32 inches
- Price on publish: $69.90
What we like:
- High-quality Italian leather
- Looks great with everything
What we don’t like:
- Strap is relatively short
- Many reviewers felt the bag was too large
Quince | Women's Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag in Cognac, Italian Leather
Most practical fanny pack: Nike Heritage Hip Pack
An affordable, timeless classic, the Heritage Hip Pack from Nike is an all-around safe option for anyone looking for a multipurpose bag. A sporty option, this bag is great for outdoor activities and will fit your phone, keys, and other necessities so that you can remain hands-free throughout the day.
Specifications:
- Colors: 7 different color combos
- Material: 100% polyester
- Dimensions: 16 inches x 4 inches x 6 inches
- Closure: Zip
- Strap length: Up to 40 inches
- Price on publish: $28-$42
What we like:
- Classic look
- Light and durable
- Budget-friendly
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
- Runs large
Nike Unisex Heritage Waistpack (3L) in Black, Size: One Size | DB0490-010
How we chose the best belt bags and fanny packs
To find the best belt bags, we scoured fashion forums and conducted extensive research to uncover the most popular styles, functional materials, and widely favored products throughout various online communities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What material is best for fanny packs?
The best material for your fanny pack depends on the type of bag you are looking for. For a functional, outdoorsy pack, you may want to look into a nylon or polyester option for the waterproof functionality it offers. For a fashionable belt bag, you may be more inclined to go with a leather option, which provides durability while looking sleek and stylish.
How do you make a fanny pack look good?
Anyone can wear a fanny pack—it’s all about how you style it! Choosing the right pack for your outfit is essential to looking classy and stylish. Consider materials, color, and silhouette as your guide. A sleek leather belt bag is an easy one, because it instantly dresses up nearly any outfit. Sportier materials like neoprene and nylon can have a similar effect, as long as the silhouette is more on the tailored side and you stick to neutral hues.
How do you wear a fanny pack stylishly?
There are so many ways to wear a fanny pack. While many people think of a belt bag in the classic around-the-waist style, nowadays there are so many more ways to style your pack. It’s currently very on-trend to wear your fanny pack slung over your shoulder like a regular bag, and many are also wearing them slung across their torso as a crossbody bag.
What is the difference between a fanny pack and a waist pack?
Nowadays the two terms can be used interchangeably to mean the same thing—any bag that can be secured around the waist. In general, though, waist packs tend to refer to designs for outdoor activities rather than brunch dates.
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