Photo:
@hedvigso
A quick history lesson for you: The fanny pack, a 1980s wardrobe staple, decided to rebrand itself, and in 2021, the belt bag was born. That’s it.
I didn’t say redesign because the design is really just the same. Worn around your waist like a belt or slung over your shoulder like a bag, belt bags and fanny packs are convenient ways of carrying your belongings. I love a good handbag, but I will say they have their flaws, especially when you live in Manhattan—spending minutes digging around for my wallet at the Whole Foods self-checkout and hearing impatient coughs from the line, hugging it to my chest when I’m taking the subway late at night, accidentally bag-slapping my fellow civilians on the sidewalk as I rush to hail a cab. That’s where the belt bag steps in.
The fundamental difference between a fanny pack and a belt bag is the former’s level of sophistication. Just take the name itself. Would you really buy something named after your arse? No. And this is exactly why (okay, maybe not exactly why) luxury designers decided to help with rebranding by introducing designer belt bags.
Designer belt bags are essentially Bluetooth: hands-free, modern, and attached to a steep price tag. At first, I was skeptical of these bags (and Bluetooth, too). But after a Sunday of heavy-duty research, I was convinced. As belt bags are sleek and practical, I found myself tabs deep in inspiration to save my paychecks for. I’ve also taken the liberty of rounding up the best designer belt bags to share some of this inspiration.
And who knows, maybe designer belt bags will have a rebranding in 40 years that someone else will write about. But for now, keep scrolling to see the 15 best designer belt bags available now.
Jacquemus
Le Ceinture Carree Wallet Belt
$430
Jacquemus is always a winner when it comes to accessories. This unique belt bag comes in black too.
Isabel Marant
Skano Belt Bag
$496
My two favorite words: studded leather.
Longchamp
Belt Bag
$210
Name one outfit this wouldn’t go with.
Photo:
@_Madelynnfurlong_
Prada
Nylon Belt Bag
$695
Designed to carry your AirPods, one penny, a single piece of gum, and nothing else.
Givenchy
Pandora Cube Crossbody
$1490
This one is named after Pandora’s box, which seems oddly fitting given the havoc it would wreak on my bank account.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Stanton Leather Sling Bag
$375
$446
You can easily wear this one slung on your shoulders too.
Bottega Veneta
Cassette
$1600
Dressed up or down, this is a truly versatile bag.
Photo:
@annabelrosendahl
Saint Laurent
Kate Belt Bag
$1100
Classic and timeless.
The Row
Legere Belt Bag
$1790
$1253
Trust The Row to come up with something this chic.
Isabel Marant
Skano Studded Leather Belt Bag
$695
Really loving this vibe.
Tom Ford
Black Leather Belt Bag
$1750
$1103
I love a little croc-embossed moment.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Stanton Leather Sling Bag
$375
It’s perfect in black, too.
Gucci
Small Ophidia Web Belt Bag
$1590
“Belt bag” taken very literally.
Saint Laurent
Kate Patent Leather Belt Bag
$945
The definition of adorable.
Zimmermann
Mini Leather-Trimmed Wicker Belt Bag
$450
$315
This will get you so many compliments.
Picks Under $100:
Photo:
@thelondonchatter
Lululemon
Everywhere Shell Belt Bag
$84
I’ve heard so many friends rave about this.
The North Face
Bozer III-L Hip Pack
$40
A staple.
Herschel
Fifteen Belt Bag
$35
This color is everything.
Photo:
@madeleinebuggekarlsen
Dagne Dover
Ace Fanny Pack
$95
This one includes a lot of handy inner compartments.
FP Collection
Kinsey Knit Sling
$78
This would look so good cinched over an airy white dress.
Banana Republic
Heritage Leather Belt Bag
$100
This will add instant polish to your look.
Everlane
The Renew Transit Fanny Pack
$45
Your new everyday favorite.
Free People
Short Cut Pocket Belt
$98
Utility chic.
Stoney Clover Lane
Classic Fanny Pack
$98
Essential for any “hot girl walk.”
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Up next, I’m Clearing Out These Summer Trends and Buying These 10 Anti-Trend Alts Instead
- Explore More:
- bags
- Belt
- luxury
- Winter Trends
- trends
- Crossbody Bags
- Runway Trends
- Handbags
- Accessories