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17 Best Belt Bags to Make On-the-Go Style a Cinch

These aren't your dad's fanny pack.

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best belt bags 2024
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After years of sore shoulders from carrying travel totes and crossbody bags, I finally discovered the holy grail of purses: the belt bag. Designed to be worn around your waist or hips, belt bags are perfect if you need to go hands-free but also don't want something bulky or heavy pulling on your shoulders or neck. A functional accessory that'll literally take the weight off my shoulders? Yes, pls.

But belt bags aren't just practical, they're also super cute. Yes, there are actually stylish fanny packs out there—trust me, they've had a major glow-up since the '80s and '90s. The belt bags of 2024 go with everything from exercise dresses to summer date night outfits. And many of them can be worn as sling bags, so you get versatility along with some major style points. But listen, it's not just me who's a big fan: I polled fellow Cosmopolitan editors and combed through hundreds of tester reviews to find you the best belt bags worth buying now.

Our top picks for the best belt bags of 2024:

Now all you need are your essentials—keys, cards, chapstick—and one of these belt bags, and you'll be ready for a night out on the town or a morning at the gym!

1
best belt bag overall

Calpak Luka Belt Bag

Luka Belt Bag
$58 at Calpak$58 at Nordstrom
Pros
  • So. Many. Pockets!
  • Easy to clean
  • 55" max strap length is plus size-friendly
Cons
  • It's hard to dress up

I was unsure if this sporty bag would fit my style, but I shouldn't have worried. Yes, it's on the sportier side, but the solid color palette and practical design give it a cleaner look. It's also huge and has tons of interior pockets, so you can fill it with all your essentials without a) losing anything and b) making it look bulky.

Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor Beth Gillette swears by the Luka Belt Bag, "When I'm traveling and want a really functional bag to store my passport, wallet, etc., while wading through the airport, I always, always, always have this strapped around my chest," she says.

  • Dimensions: 11" x 5.5" x 3.5"
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Colors: 23
  • Max strap length: 55"

Glowing Customer Review: "I was looking for a fanny pack that was spacious enough for a maximalist like me. It even fits a water bottle! I've used it on walks, when I go to the gym, running errands. I bring it to work and it even comes with me when I travel from city to city. Honestly, I love this bag!"

2
best sporty belt bag

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag with Long Strap 1L

Everywhere Belt Bag with Long Strap 1L
Pros
  • Super durable and weather-proof
Cons
  • Might be too small for some

A fave of Cosmopolitan's Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson, lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag truly lives up to the hype, especially now that it comes in a bunch of different colors and styles. This is the long strap version, with a max strap length of 55.5" (the original Everywhere Belt Bag strap only goes up to 41"), so it will fit a wider variety of people and be easier to wear crossbody, too! P.S. It also comes in mini and large sizes, as well as in various materials and with metal hardware.

  • Dimensions: 7.5" x 5" x 2"
  • Materials: Nylon, polyester
  • Colors: Glaze pink, white, flower glide multi, cascadia green, peach bellini, green punch
  • Max strap length: 55.5"

Glowing Customer Review: "I LOVE THIS BAG! The fabric is soft and cleans easily. There's plenty of room inside, and there's also another zippered compartment in the back. The long strap allows me to flip it from crossbody to fanny pack. The best of all worlds...obsessed!"

3
best belt bag that's really a belt

Quince 100% Italian Nappa Leather Belt Bag

100% Italian Nappa Leather Belt Bag
Pros
  • Leather strap can actually fit in belt loops
Cons
  • Small strap can put stress on shoulders

Looking for a belt bag that can actually be used as a functioning belt? Look no further. Not only is Quince's Italian Nappa Leather Belt Bag cute and sophisticated, it features a thin strap that should fit through most belt loops. This is especially useful for travel when you want to keep your valuables as close as possible without sacrificing style for safety.

  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 7.75" x 2"
  • Materials: Italian leather
  • Colors: Cognac, beige, black
  • Strap length sizes: S/M (max: 34"), L/XL (max: 40")

Glowing Customer Review: "Great belt bag! Leather feels nice and high quality. The bag is small, but fits all my essential items. Looks much nicer than most belt bags that have a more athletic style. Get the larger size if you want to wear it as a crossbody."

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4
best everyday belt bag

The Drop Preston Belt Bag

Preston Belt Bag
Pros
  • Nice enough to wear to the office
Cons
  • Some reviewers feel it looks to plasticky

We love a bargain, and the Preston Belt Bag from The Drop is a good one. Just look at that olive color! It's chic, but affordable, and big enough to fit your phone, glasses, and even a small notebook.

  • Dimensions: 12.25" x 7.75"
  • Materials: Polyurethane, polyester
  • Colors: Olive lizard, black, grey, lavender croc, sand, spice
  • Max strap length: 42.5"

Glowing Customer Review: "Great mini-purse for on the go. I love that it fits my wallet and phone and lip gloss. Looks nice and goes with lots of outfits."

5
best small belt bag

Lux & Nyx Origami Belt Bag

Origami Belt Bag
Pros
  • Front pocket offers quick phone access
Cons
  • Won't fit large phones

The Origami Belt Bag stands out because of its unique folded design, which doubles as an open front pocket. It's the perfect place to put your phone if you're obsessed with taking photos, you'll be so happy you no longer have to dig through your purse to find it! The bag itself is compact, but, trust me, you can easily fit in all the essentials (cards, phone, etc). And I love how elegant it looks.

  • Dimensions: 5" x 8" x 2"
  • Materials: Ultra Satin
  • Colors: Black, cashmere blue, cardinal red, navy, crimson, champagne
  • Max strap length: 39"

Glowing Customer Review: "Love this bag! It is the perfect size—small enough to go anywhere and big enough to fit all the essentials. The design and material make this bag feel fancier than other belt bags and it's high-quality."

6
best budget belt bag

ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag

Unisex Mini Belt Bag
Pros
  • It's waterproof and easy to clean
Cons
  • Doesn't keep its shape if overstuffed

Cosmopolitan Associate Editor Chaise Sanders has had this belt bag for over five years, and it's still going strong. "It's surprisingly roomy," she says, adding that the interior mesh pockets mean she can keep her cards or cash safely tucked away and leave her wallet at home. It's also available in 31 colors, in monochrome or with black accents, so you can truly tailor it to your style.

  • Dimensions: 8" x 5.5" x 2"
  • Materials: Not specified
  • Colors: 31
  • Max strap length: 48"

Glowing Customer Review: "I was traveling to Central America (with humidity and random bouts of rain) and needed a fanny pack/waist bag that was waterproof, could hold a variety of things, and was cute enough to pair with a variety of outfits. This fanny pack was PERFECT," writes one tester. "It is small enough to not feel bulky or consume your waist, but is spacious enough to hold: lip balm, hand sanitizer, a face mask, inhaler, medicine, tissue pouch, a thin wallet, and a foldable tote bag."

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7
best belt bag-crossbody combo

Clare V Grande Fanny

Grande Fanny
Pros
  • Polishes up any outfit
Cons
  • The strap is a bit short

This Clare V leather belt bag is definitely more akin to a crossbody bag thanks to its half-moon shape and flexible construction. But if you ask Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gillette, that's part of the appeal. "I love that it looks like a traditional purse (not a fanny pack, which isn't my style), but is equally as functional," she says.

  • Dimensions: 12.75" x 8"
  • Materials: Leather
  • Colors: 16
  • Max strap length: 39"
8
best belt bag for the beach

WOUF XL Terry Waistbag

XL Terry Waistbag
Pros
  • It's big enough to fit your essentials, sunscreen, and more
Cons
  • The print won't go with everything

Heading to the beach or pool? Then you want this terry belt bag at your waist. Full disclosure: this is way bigger than a majority of belt bags on this list, but that's also what you want in a beach bag. This baby has enough room to fit your essentials, sunglasses, a good body sunscreen, and the latest Emily Henry book.

  • Dimensions: 15.75" x 8" x 3"
  • Materials: Organic cotton
  • Colors: Yellow, pink combo
  • Max strap length: 43.3"
9
best belt bag for travel

Monos Metro Belt Bag

Metro Belt Bag
Pros
  • Compatible with Monos' Metro backpack and duffle
  • Card slots mean you don't need a wallet
Cons
  • On the slim side

If you're looking for something more sleek and structured, this Metro Belt Bag from Monos is perfect. Made with vegan leather, Monos Metro bags are smooth to the touch and come in four neutral colors, so they go with every outfit. I love that the zipper goes all the way around the edge, so you'll never have to worry about losing anything at the bottom of your purse. This one also has interior and exterior pockets, but its narrow rectangular shape means it's harder to fit bulkier items like a glass case or a small water bottle.

  • Dimensions: 7.68" x 5.9" x 1.77"
  • Materials: Vegan leather
  • Colors: Saddle tan, mahogany, ivory, carbon black
  • Max strap length: 51"

Glowing Customer Review: "I love this little bag! It holds my essential cards, keys, balm, and isn't bulky. It's not much bigger than a wallet, but so much handier and cuter!"

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10
best belt bag for hiking

Béis The Sport Pack in Maple

The Sport Pack in Maple
Pros
  • Removable rope shoulder strap can be used for function and style
  • Key leash makes finding your keys easy
Cons
  • Fits essentials, but not much else

Full disclosure: the Sport Pack from Béis is both a belt and sling bag (yes, there is overlap!), and as a belt bag, it's very reminiscent of the classic fanny pack thanks to its curvy, banana shape. This bag is especially great for hikers because it's big and features many D-rings, so you can easily attach other bags or a water bottle holder to your pack. It's also got an interior zip pocket for valuables and a key leash.

  • Dimensions: 16.5" x 6.7" x 4"
  • Materials: Nylon
  • Colors: Maple, beige, black, slate, Atlas pink, olive
  • Max strap length: 53"

Glowing Customer Review: "Obsessed with this bag. This is basically my new limb. The bag is sleek, super cute, and fits SO MUCH. I already need it in other colors."

11
best neoprene belt bag

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Ace Fanny Pack
Pros
  • Soft fabric is malleable without being thin
Cons
  • Short strap length

Dagne Dover is known for its thick, soft neoprene fabric, which makes this Ace Fanny Pack so durable. Besides the super smooth fabric, this belt bag stands out thanks to its interior design—the main pouch is equipped with an elastic loop (perfect for chapstick), card slot, and a key clip. It also has a hidden back pocket perfect for storing your credit card or I.D.

  • Dimensions: 9.25" x 5.5" x 2.75"
  • Materials: Neoprene
  • Colors: 18
  • Max strap length: 36"

Glowing Customer Review: "I love this fanny pack. It's perfect when running errands, out and about, quick access at the airport. Holds only my phone, cash, cards, and chapstick."

12
best clear belt bag

Stoney Clover Lane Women's Stadium Clear Fanny Pack

Women's Stadium Clear Fanny Pack
Now 25% Off
Pros
  • Stadium-approved for concerts and games
Cons
  • Doesn't have any interior pockets for organizing

Many stadiums require clear bags for entry to any major concert or event, so a clear belt bag is an absolute must if, for example, you're going to see the Eras Tour for the third time. This belt bag from Stoney Clover Lane is stadium-approved and actually cute. I love the gold hardware especially because it makes the bag feel substantial and not like the plastic bag you got with your takeout.

  • Dimensions: 6" x 11" x 3"
  • Materials: Vinyl, nylon
  • Colors: Noir/Black
  • Max strap length: 38"
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13
best leather black belt bag

Coach Quilted Pillow Leather Essential Belt Bag

Quilted Pillow Leather Essential Belt Bag
Pros
  • Interior pockets for cards or cash
Cons
  • Might be too narrow to carry extra accessories (glasses, etc.)

This gorgeous black belt bag is pure mob wife aesthetic thanks to its gold hardware and quilted leather. Just imagine pairing this with a bodysuit topped with a faux fur coat and some oversized sunglasses? Yes. Style aside, this belt bag had a zip closure and one interior slip pocket for cards or cash. What more could a mob wife want?

  • Dimensions: 12" x 4.5" x 3"
  • Materials: Quilted nappa leather
  • Colors: Black, chalk
  • Max strap length: Not specified

Glowing Customer Review: "This belt bag is absolutely adorable and perfect for not having to worry about carrying a bag with me. I got so many compliments, and this will definitely be replacing my cheap belt bags. Goes with any outfit and you can wear it in so many different ways!"

Pros
  • Deceptively roomy
Cons
  • It is still narrow, so you have to play a bit of Tetris to get all your essentials to fit

Most belt bags have one big pocket with mini pockets or card slots inside, but not this one. This belt bag has three main pockets that can stretch to fit all your essentials. It's perfect for a night out or a family brunch because of its clean design and deceptively roomy pockets. Plus, it's pretty darn cute.

  • Dimensions: 7.87" x 5.7" x 2.16"
  • Materials: Vegan leather
  • Colors: 10
  • Max strap length: 40.15"

Glowing Customer Review: "As a mom of 3 on the go a lot, I wanted something not so bulky and big as my normal crossbody purse. This is the perfect size for the essentials—phone, small wallet, keys, chapstick, hand sanitizer, etc. I love that it has three pockets to keep everything organized! I've gotten so many compliments on it and it's so cute and comfortable to wear too!"

15
best circle belt bag

Eastpak x Telfar Circle Bag

Circle Bag
Pros
  • Shoulder strap is padded for maximum comfort
Cons
  • Won't fit much other than your cards and phone

I love my Telfar shopping bag, but this circle bag, part of the brand's collaboration with Eastpak, is pretty great, too. It comes in multiple solid colors and has the signature Telfar logo imprint and an Eastpak tag. But what I love most is how functional the strap is. It's padded for extra comfort and is long enough to be worn crossbody or as a belt bag, so you'll always have options. Plus, the D-rings on the sides of the strap can be used to clip in a water bottle if you're on the go but need to stay hydrated.

  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 6.5" x 1.75"
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Colors: Cerulean, purple, khaki
  • Max strap length: 55"
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16
best belt bag for a music festival

Poppy Lissiman Adventure Waistbag

Adventure Waistbag
Pros
  • Plenty of pockets to keep you organized
Cons
  • It's a bit on the bulkier side

Cargo pants are back, so is it any wonder that this pocket-forward belt bag would be all the rage too? Consider this your perfect summer bag. It's got plenty of pockets to help keep you organized, not to mention clip attachments for adding bags or a water bottle to your belt bag. It also comes in a bunch of different bright colors, so you can use it as a bag and a statement piece to add a pop of color.

  • Dimensions: 8.6" x 5" x 2.5"
  • Materials: Recycled rPET nylon
  • Colors: 7
  • Max strap length: Not specified
17
best luxury belt bag

Yvonne Kone Large Yari Belt Bag

Large Yari Belt Bag
Pros
  • Thick strap provides added comfort crossbody and around the waist
Cons
  • Magnetic closure is slightly less secure than a zipper

A chic black belt bag that can actually fit everything I need in a day? Yes, please! This one fits all your essentials and then some thanks to its wide shape and envelope-style closure. The thick belt strap helps keep the bag in place, so it won't flop around when you're on the go.

  • Dimensions: 6.75" x 9.75" x 1.5"
  • Materials: Cowhide
  • Color: Black
  • Max strap length: 50"

Why trust Cosmo?

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Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh). We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations.

Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes pieces for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

Headshot of Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.  

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