There are very few things in the travel universe that I have a hard time getting behind—cruises definitely top that category, and I’ve always had a strong aversion to the fanny pack. This summer, my dear friend Pilar came to visit us in France, and was wearing a little leather Il Bisonte pouch in a cross-body way. Turns out it’s called a “belt bag,” which is what the bag fka a fanny pack has been called since the 2010s (if Chat GBT is to be trusted). Once I saw how Pilar was wearing it, it was an epiphany. I needed to get over my hangup. It’s not the nylon Jansport fanny pack the athletic moms wore to soccer games when you were a kid—these are super cool, fit close to the body (read–no shoulder/neck issues), and are great for travel and if you’re stuck in a rainstorm. After said epiphany, we went deep on our search for more belt bag options, and our favorites are below. Who knows, maybe we’ll influence you too.
Top row, left to right:
L/Uniform belt bag – Geniusly, the shoulder strap is adjustable so you can completely remove it and use this as a clutch, wear it as a crossbody, or double wrap the strap and use it as a belt bag.
Clare V Grande Fanny – Our deputy editor Alex wore this constantly on her recent trip to Marrakech—it was perfect for keeping valuables close to the body when walking through the crowded medina, and is a much chicer alternative to some more utilitarian options (she swapped between the black-cream sporty strap for day and the matching brown leather strap for evening).
Il Bisonte bag – Our friend Pilar wore this cross-body style when she came to France this summer and it looked so good, it made us rethink everything about belt bags.
Polène Numéro Sept Belt – We love the minimalistic nature of this belt by Polène with gold hardware that dresses it up, ideal for transitional packing.
Middle row, left to right:
This Ruskin Clutch can be transformed into a cross-body or fanny pack with a matching leather strap, perfect for packing light and day-to-night conversions.
Quince Box Belt Bag – This woven box-shaped bag looks like Bottega for a fraction of the price.
This Longchamp belt bag reads traditional fanny pack in shape, but chic travel bag in function and design in caramel leather.
Bottom row, left to right:
Cuyana Crescent Belt Bag – While it may not be as practical as the others for everyday usage, this structured belt bag by Cuyana comes in an elegant croc style, and the gold hardware means it’s suitable for dinner dressing.
The Row belt bag – Only The Row would make a fanny pack so chic and minimalistic that we would imagine paying this price.
Parker Thatch Sling – They make such great travel workhorses, and this sling bag comes in a really beautiful chestnut suede that would go with anything. It’s on the bigger side, so more of a crossbody, but can be worn across your waist as well.
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