When you're on the go, you don't want to have your hands full with your phone, keys or other essentials. After all, then how would you grab a sweet treat from the ice cream truck, carry all your groceries or stop to pet that cute dog on the street?
The solution, of course, is to carry a bag with you everywhere you go — but a big purse or duffel can be pretty bulky. That’s why a sling bag, like a belt bag or crossbody option, is the perfect alternative. These styles allow you to carry around all your essentials, without weighing you down and leaving your shoulders feeling sore.
And lately, these types of bags have been making a splash on the internet. The trend has been particularly popular on TikTok, where the #beltbag and #crossbodybag tags have racked up more than 200 million views each, with users showing off their favorite options from Lululemon, Baggu, Amazon and more.
“You can carry your essentials, plus more, and it can fit almost any style,” says New York-based stylist and fashion editor Audree Kate Lopez.
Fanny packs are also having a moment due to their wide price range. “You can invest in a nice leather designer bag or find a great nylon, budget-friendly option, too,” she says.
How should you wear a fanny pack or belt bag?
Rather than wearing them around your waist, many folks are starting to style them across their chest (like a crossbody purse) for a more trend-driven look.
“[In] 2020, fashion took a more casual and athleisure take on dressing, thanks to Covid and WFH — so instead of the chunky commuter bag, tote bag or backpack, the mini and micro bags entered the scene (a nod to Y2K fashion) and the fanny pack had a resurgence,” explains Lopez. “People didn't need to carry around a large purse anymore, and our outfits were functional and comfortable. Fanny packs were hands-free for our daily hot girl walks (coined by TikTok stars), running to the grocery store or outdoor exercise.”
Lopez recommended several easy ways to incorporate the accessory into your everyday look. “Pair your fanny pack with a sweat set, baseball hat and trench for an effortless look; or pair with a blazer, turtleneck and jeans for a more elevated street-style look."
If you want to try the trend for yourself, there are a lot of options on the market. From casual belt bags that clock in at under $20 to chic styles that you can pair with any outfit, keep reading to see some of the most popular and trending picks that you can shop now.
Belt bags and crossbody bags under $20
Clear Fanny Pack
Heading to a sports game or concert in a big arena? This clear fanny pack is stadium-approved and should help you get through that security line stress-free.
UTO Waterproof Nylon Fanny Pack
This belt bag comes in more than 100 variations, including a leather style, a version with a detachable wallet and a quilted option. Meaning, there's something to match everyone's style. One Shop TODAY writer said this is the bag she'd grab first out of her collection almost every time she heads out the door. "I do have another belt bag, but for me, this one stands out from the rest, thanks to its many pockets," she raved.
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Maxtop Large Crossbody Fanny Pack
You can get this bag in more than 30 colors. According to the brand, the strap can extend from 20 inches up to 50 inches. The material is also said to be water-resistant, so it seems like a great option to wear on hot days or for sweaty workouts.
Wild Fable Fanny Pack
Currently available in three lighter and neutral colors, this fanny pack is perfect for the warmer weather days ahead. According to the brand, the shell is made from 100 percent recycled cotton and the strap extends to up to 50 inches.
Osoce Anti-Theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag
If you're worried about keeping your essential items safe on your next vacation, this bag should give you peace of mind. The bag is said to feature reflective parts, a strong zipper and is made to be resistant to tears or scratches.
Isabelle Multi-Pocket Crossbody Bag
Pockets galore! This bag features a few different zippered pockets to help you keep your essentials organized. "This little bag has made a huge difference for me. Now I can carry those things I absolutely must keep on my person, without being weighed down with a bulky or heavy handbag," one reviewer wrote.
Ododos Unisex Fanny Pack with Adjustable Strap
Currently the No. 1 bestselling “Fashion Waist Pack” on Amazon, shoppers have raved about how cute and spacious this bag is. There are 16 different color options to choose from, ranging from solid neutrals to bright shades like orange and neon green.
Gap Factory GapFit 100% Recycled Fanny Pack
Don't miss your chance to save 50% on this fanny pack from Gap Factory. According to the brand, it's made out of 100 percent recycled polyester and has an adjustable strap. The sage green shade is perfect for spring but it's also available in black if you prefer something neutral.
Zorfin Fanny Pack
Made with a waterproof nylon material, this fanny pack is said to be easy to clean, durable and tear-resistant, so you can bring it along for practically any excursion. It comes in over 40 colors.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
The #Uniqlobag tag has garnered more than 69 million views on TikTok — and if you scroll through the tag, you'll see that most of the videos feature this exact bag. Users say that they are "obsessed" with how it can fit a variety of items in its roomy interior. (One person fit a makeup bag, power bank, wallet, ring holder, candy container, mini spray bottle, phone and keys in theirs.)
FashionPuzzle Phone Crossbody Mini Bag
This stylish crossbody bag is perfect for the days when you only need to bring along a few essentials. One reviewer said it easily can fit two phones as well as an ID and credit card.
Universal Thread Addison Crossbody Bag
With its faux leather material and thin, adjustable crossbody strap, this bag is a classic and chic option. It comes in some fun shades and patterns, like red or plaid, but if you're looking for an option that you can wear every day, we suggest going with the Cognac color.
FashionPuzzle Triple-Zip Crossbody Bag
With almost 20,000 verified five-star ratings, this bag is a clear shopper favorite. It comes in 30 colors, and at its affordable price point, we think it's worth grabbing a few!
JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack
It really doesn’t get more classic than a JanSport fanny pack. This one comes in multiple colorways, is affordable at $20 and seems a bit larger than other fanny packs on the market — meaning, more room to stash your stuff.
Adidas Originals National Waist Fanny Pack-Travel Bag
For all the sporty guys and gals out there, this Adidas Originals fanny pack "screams too cool for school." Wear it around your waist or across your chest — either way, you’ll look pretty fly.
More trending fanny packs and belt bags to shop
Mosiso Sling Backpack
If you're looking for something a little roomier, this crossbody "backpack" fits the bill. According to the brand, it can fit a variety of items — including some versions of iPads! It has a small zippered pocket in the front for your wallet or phone and a larger main compartment for everything else.
Herschel Fifteen Waist Pack
If you’re on the hunt for a fanny pack with more room, this pick from Herschel is for you. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, can fit all of your necessities and has a simple yet elegant design.
Carhartt Adjustable Waist Pack
Ideal for hiking, festivals, concerts and general traveling, this fanny pack from Carhartt is made from heavy-duty poly with Rain Defender durable water repellent. This is a large fanny pack that’s great for full-day trips where you’ll need a bit more than just the basics.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
This Patagonia pick is a favorite of Shop TODAY editorial assistant Sierra Hoeger who says she owns two of them. "They're my go-to because of how durable they are. I'm able to fit my large wallet, phone, Chapsticks and keys in it, making it perfect for running errands or when I need to access just the essentials," she raves. "Plus, the mismatched colors are fun and spunky."
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
We can't talk about belt bags and not include TikTok's favorite from Lululemon. It comes in a dozen colors and, according to the brand, is made with water-repellant fabric so you can take it on any adventure.
The North Face Lumbar Belt Bag
Another bag with tough tech canvas, this pick from The North Face is designed to last a long time in many different weather conditions.
Adventurist Backpack Co. Summit Sling Bag
Available in four different colors, Shop TODAY senior SEO editor Jess Bender says this one quickly became her go-to bag for hikes and errands. "Beyond the incognito phone sleeve on the chest-facing side, its main sleeve can hold my glasses case, several snacks, a rolled-up tote, all of my keys, earbuds, hand sanitizer and glosses at the same time," she says.
Calpak Luka Belt Bag
If you're a fan of the pillowy soft, quilted look, this belt bag is perfect for you. It comes in 10 limited edition colors and four classic neutral colors. It weighs in at a half-pound and the strap extends up to 55 inches long.
L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Waterproof Hip Pack
With two color options and a sleek design, this L.L. Bean belt bag is lightweight, waterproof and has a roll-top closure — ideal for the great outdoors.
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Alo Utility Cross Body Bucket Bag
With a near-perfect average rating from shoppers, this bag from Alo seems to expertly combine several different styles. The bucket bag is deep enough to store larger items like your keys and wallet, while there are still smaller zippered pockets for lip balms, hand sanitizer and any other items you need to access quickly.
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
Featuring water-resistant neoprene, an adjustable strap, sneaky pockets for your valuables and a key clip for safekeeping, this Dagne Dover fanny pack will look great with any outfit. Plus, we love that the lining and dust bag are made from Repreve® recycled polyester, which is "a durable, versatile material that turns recycled bottles into bags."
MZ Wallace Metro Belt Bag
Designed to fit just the essentials, the MZ Wallace Metro Belt Bag is a trend-forward piece that will look great with any outfit this season and the next!
Parker Clay Desta Belt Bag
Designed for versatility and style, the Desta Leather Belt Bag is a beautifully crafted fanny pack-like bag that can be worn around your waist throughout the day or transitioned into a crossbody bag, thanks to the removable crossbody strap. The Desta is lined with soft goat leather, has interior and exterior pockets for optimal storage and comes in three complementary colors (black, brown and dark brown).
