In the past ten years, belt bags have quickly become a staple in fashionable men’s rotations. They’ve also proven helpful for practicalists.
If you’re not that into fashion with a capital F, you may never have ever wondered how to wear a belt bag. Still, I think today’s exploration is worth your time. Here’s why.
As a writer who covers style and lives in New York City, I’m responsible for being privy to fashion trends and brands. So, I attend Fashion Weeks and luxury brand launches.
But make no mistake about it — I’m a practicalist. I own three suits, one tuxedo, and five shirts — that’s it. I’d almost always rather be in a baseball cap. With everything I know about belt bags, though, I’ve deeply considered acquiring a high-quality model.
Sure, there’s no getting around the brand and luxury component of the belt bag’s rise. I’ll cover that, too. But let me show you how practical and good-looking this accessory can be for any guy, regardless of your personal style.
What Is a Belt Bag? Everything You Need To Know
So, what is a belt bag, exactly?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A belt bag is a small bag or compartment of bags attached to a belt. You can use it to hold small items, handy accessories, or valuable items like your wallet. In that sense, it’s no different than a ladies’ purse.
There are many possible names for belt bags. For example, waist packs, waist bags, and bum bags (a popular term in Britain). Even more names include hip sacks, moon bags, waist wallets, belly bags, and even banana bags.
The latter comes from the French phrase sac banane, which means exactly that. It refers to the long shape of the pouch, not what it’s meant to carry (otherwise, it would be “sac de banane”).
Of course, belt bags are technically not that different from the fanny packs popularized in the ‘80s and ‘90s. However, people wear modern-day belt bags in many different ways rather than around the waist. So, a lot of the time, the older fanny packs don’t extend as far as today’s bum bags do.
They can be made from any material, from leather to fabrics to tech materials like nylon and polyester. This, of course, means they also come in a wide range of prices, from affordable to cost-prohibitive.
Why I Like Them
I’m going to go into how belt bags went from back from the dead to fashion-forward to (possibly) classic. However, before I do that, let me tell you why I like them. Even more, why should you consider them despite your relationship with fashion?
First off, it’s literally like carrying a Batman utility belt.
I personally like carrying as much everyday carry as possible. I want my Swiss army knife and my mini flashlight on my person at all times. However, it isn’t always possible. They either add bulk to my outfit or end up at the bottom of a backpack.
This brings me to another reason I love them. Belt bags are the most efficient way to carry a minimal amount of handy items hands-free. Backpacks are big and not as convenient to access.
They’re also not as good for your spinal health. (Remember, posture is important.)
They blend into your outfit more seamlessly because many are fashion accessories first. This is where practicality and style overlap. Why not pick a belt bag that makes you look good?
It’s not as if they’re overly trendy or make you look like you care too much about how you look. They’re literally meant to store things, after all.
Then there’s the security factor. Wearing the bag portion on the front should keep would-be robbers at bay. Plus, it’ll protect your electronics, phone, and earbuds, for example, from the rain better than your pockets can.
And they don’t have to be expensive.
Popularity
As mentioned, fanny packs became popular in the 1980s. You could find them with performance material like nylon. They also came in several colors, neons being common and popular.
The fanny pack dominated well into the mid-90s. In fact, Gucci made a fanny pack that appeared in Sex and the City. By this point, they were no longer in vogue, but Sarah Jessica Parker’s character wore one as an early instance of anti-fashion fashion.
In the early 2010s, big fashion designers tried to make them happen again by putting them on runways. This was the start of our relationship with belt bags today — as high-fashion pieces for the possibly trendy.
Then, they blew up in 2017 when supermodels like Bella Hadid and rappers like A$AP Rocky wore them. Their prominence in hip-hop gave them a sort of cool streetwear factor.
And, if you’re a practicalist or not into trends, this is why you might be hesitant to try them. However, let me show you that there are a few ways you can style them. Then let me show you the range they come in.
You might find they’re more you than you think.
How to Wear a Belt Bag
Modern belt bags can be worn in several different ways.
If you don’t want to look like you’re wearing it for fashion, I suggest doing one of the following.
Wear it around your waist, with the bag portion on the side to your hip. Then, wear a pullover or piece of outerwear to cover it slightly. This way, it’s more of an accent rather than a statement.
In fact, if you wear it over a coat, like a raincoat or utility jacket, it blends right in. Even the most stylish outerwear is still a utilitarian garment. The bag will look like it’s part of it, like the self-belt on a trench coat.
Or, feel free to wear it with the bag portion in the back. It’s certainly easy enough to whip it around when you need something. The only con is that it’s less secure this way, as would-be robbers can come up from behind you.
Finally, you can wear it like a shoulder bag. This way, it looks more practical, leaning more toward the bag part than the belt part.
The most popular way is across your chest, like a sash. Streetwear influencers popularized this style with an open suit jacket or leather bomber. These days, it’s the default setting.
If you find a bag that accommodates your style, this is an easy, practical way to wear it. And again, you can always wear it over your outerwear.
I’ve also seen people wear them as giant necklaces around their chests. Hey, to each his own.
Top 9 Designer and Athletic Belt Bags
Now, let’s look at some athletic and high-fashion brands that make belt bags.
Lululemon Belt Bag
Lululemon belt bags are my favorites because they combine form with function and are inexpensive.
I love the one-liter Everywhere Belt Bag because they’re water-repellant and come in a variety of colors. Meanwhile, the Fast and Free is subtle and sleek.
Coach Belt Bag
The League Coach Belt Bag is conveniently multi-pocketed and durably built with canvas jacquard and calf leather.
Plus, it combines sleekness with a military aesthetic.
YSL Belt Bag
I think that the YSL Belt Bag has an almost rocker look to it.
This strong, water-resistant model would look great with a leather moto jacket and would add some gloss to the workwear style.
Prada Belt Bag
This Prada Belt Bag adds a sleekness to the classic modern fanny design.
It costs a pretty penny, but you might consider it an instant family heirloom.
Gucci Belted Bag
We turn to Gucci for good Italian craftsmanship or, admittedly, logo-mania.
This Gucci belted bag combines both of these while remaining relatively subtle with the latter.
Burberry Belt Bag
My favorite Burberry belt bag is the Cason.
It has the classic check, but it is understated and has silver accents.
Fendi Belt Bag
The men’s Fendi belt bag breaks up those Fedi Fs with a fun pop of color.
This palladium-accented model can be worn in streetwear, workwear, or even racer-forward aesthetics.
Nike Belt Bag
This Nike belt bag is practical, affordable, and super convenient.
It’s a traditional fanny pack but more durable and modern-looking.
Louis Vuitton Belt Bag
This Louis Vuitton belt bag is made of premium calf leather with exquisite tonal hardware.
It’s a piece of wearable art, and its price reflects that.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about belt bags:
Are men’s belt bags in style?
Yes. They were trending hard in the late 2010s and are still relevant now.
What’s the difference between a belt bag and a men’s fanny pack?
Not much. Belt bags often refer to modern iterations, though.
Why are belt bags so popular?
They’re convenient and practical. Moreover, tastemakers, like celebs and influencers, started wearing them.
How are people wearing belt bags?
You can wear a belt bag around your waist, over your shoulder, and either over or under outerwear.
Conclusion: Consider a Belt Bag
Now you know how to wear a belt bag and that anyone can sport it. As such, consider adding one to your rotation.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune, Lulelemon and Nike are great practical options. And if you do want to be fashion-forward, well, you’ve got tons to choose from!
Questions? Comments? Let us know in the comments!
