How to Wear a Belt Bag: A Complete Style Guide

Belt bags are well and truly in vogue right now. People of all ages are wearing them, with older folks rediscovering the utility of these handy bags that wrap around the waist and younger generations making a fashion statement with belt bags in various styles, shapes, and colors. But one question many people have when it comes to belt bags is how, exactly, should they be worn?

Well, there's no singular answer to that question, as there are multiple ways you can wear a belt bag, and they all depend on the individual. This guide explores how to wear a belt bag in a few different ways while also highlighting the versatility and style of today's belt bags.

Choosing the Right Belt Bag for Your Style

Before we get to how to wear a belt bag, let's look at how to pick one.

Consider the Occasion

First, think about how and where you're going to use your belt bag. Want to use it in casual settings, like running your daily errands or walking the dog? If so, simple, sporty designs will be just fine. Planning to take it on your travels? In that case, you're going to want to focus on practicality as a top priority, looking for belt bags with deep storage for ATM cards, passports, phones, and so on. Or, for more formal settings, you'll need a bag that fits in with the formal theme, like a smart black leather one, for instance.

Size and Capacity

Think, too, about the size of your belt bag. They can range from mini bags that are just about big enough for cards and keys to much larger options with pockets, compartments, a phone harness, and even an insulated pouch for your bottle of water. Consider how much stuff you intend to put in your pack to find one that'll give you the storage you need. When in doubt, go for a slightly larger model, since an overstuffed bag just doesn't work.

Material and Durability

Of course, material selection also influences the look, feel, and longevity of your bag. Some materials, like canvas and leather, are highly praised for their durability. They can cope with the rigors of the outside world, withstanding rain, snow, heat, and frost and keeping your precious possessions safe in any situation. Other materials, like nylon and cotton, are good for active users, thanks to their breathability and gentle texture.

Different Ways to Wear a Belt Bag

As touched on earlier, there are lots of ways how to wear a belt bag. Here are a few options.

Around the Waist

This is the classic, de facto method for wearing a belt bag, and the reason they're called belt bags in the first place. With the around-the-waist method, you just wear the bag as though it were a belt. You can even use it to tighten loose clothing or help a dress or gown hug your midriff.

This method is great for a few reasons. First, it emphasizes your waistline and can produce a flattering silhouette, especially when paired with dresses and jumpsuits. Second, it gives you instant access to your bag's storage space and all the items inside.

Across the Chest

For a "street" or casual vibe, you might consider wearing your belt bag higher up, across your chest. This option is gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations, and can deliver a cool, contemporary feel to your casual and urban outfits. To pull it off, just strap the bag around the top of your torso, keeping your phone and other precious items quite literally close to your heart.

Over the Shoulder

You can even sling your belt bag over your shoulder, like you would with a handbag or sling bag, and carry it around that way. This can produce a sporty "athleisure" look, and it's good for active people on the move. It's also quite a casual way of wearing your belt bag, giving you rapid access to items like a water bottle or snacks without any hassle.

As a Crossbody

Last but not least, you could wear this versatile accessory as a crossbody bag. With this method, the bag is worn diagonally, across the torso. This provides extra security, as it's difficult for a thief to snatch your bag away when it's held in this position, and it could even provide that crucial finishing touch to your latest stylish outfit.

Styling Tips for Different Outfits

 

The way you wear your belt bag may vary, depending on the rest of your outfit.

Athleisure Looks

For sporty looks, focus on functional, sporty belt bags that offer room for items like cell phones, water bottles, and sports snacks while you run, cycle, or work out. Choose bags that have comfy, adjustable straps and breathable materials that won't get you too hot and sweaty. Try pairing them with leggings, biker shorts, or hoodies for a chic, active aesthetic.

Casual Day Outfits

If you're going for a casual look, it's best to pick a neutral complementary color, like black, white, gray, or beige. Pastel-colored bags, like the classic Kate Spade New York Belt Bag, work wonderfully well, and you can pair them with simple tees for a laid-back look to match your personal style.

Elevating Formal Wear

A belt bag can be a practical accessory for a formal setting, too, similar to a classy clutch or toiletry pouch, but you have to get the style just right. Opt for simple, neutral colors, like a black leather belt bag, to go with typical formal wear, like a black dress or suit. The Prada Cahier Leather Belt Bag is an iconic example of this idea in action, and such bags pair nicely with tailored blazers and high-waist pants.

Summer and Vacation Outfits

Belt bags are often associated with travelers, typically American or Aussie tourists on their travels around the world. They're great summer and vacation accessories for storage and security. To make the most of them, pair them with flowy dresses, rompers, or tees and shorts, and don't be afraid to have fun with brighter, bolder colors, like the reds and blues of models like the Rebecca Minkoff Nylon Belt Bag.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While versatile, belt bags aren't the solution to every styling problem. Here's what you need to avoid when wearing one.

Overstuffing the Bag

Belt bags aren't usually as spacious as the average backpack or sling bag. You can still fit plenty inside them, but you won't want to stuff them too much. Overstuffing your bag will make it look bulky and awkward against your body. Try to keep it slimmer and flatter, only inserting the kinds of items you need to protect or grab on the go, like your keys, phone, credit cards, and wallet.

Clashing Styles

As discussed earlier, belt bags are available in a variety of colors, from neutrals like white, gray, and beige to bright hues like neon green and cornflower blue. It's important to match the color and style of your bag with the rest of your outfit. A black belt bag, for example, looks nice with a formal, business-like outfit, but a brightly colored one would cause a real clash and quite possibly ruin your look.

Incorrect Fit

One of the last things you want with your belt bag is a bad fit. If it's too tight, it'll restrict your movement. If it's too loose, it'll keep slipping down and be overall awkward to carry around without frequent adjustments. That's why it's wise to look for fanny packs and money belts with adjustable straps you can lengthen and tighten accordingly to match your body type.

Conclusion

It's no surprise that the belt bag trend has become such a big hit. Waist bags like these are so handy, effortless to wear, endlessly versatile, and super stylish, too. If you're still unsure how to wear a belt bag in the best way for you, experiment! Try a few different methods and positions, and mix and match your outfits to find a look that works right for you.

Of course, it's also important to ensure you've got the best possible bag for every occasion. That's when the Canvelle collection comes in. Check out our complete fanny pack range today to find a bag that's perfect for you and think carefully about how and where you intend to use it to pick the right size and color.

FAQs

How high should I wear a belt bag?

That's totally up to you. The traditional method with a belt pack is to wear it around your waist, where you'd wear a belt. However, there's nothing wrong with wearing your bag higher up. Some people wear them around the chest, and others sling them over their shoulders instead.

Why is everyone wearing belt bags?

A few reasons. First, there's a big rise in 90s-style fashion trends lately, with belt bags and fanny packs being some of the most popular accessories of that period. Lots of people are also discovering the utility of belt bags for safely storing, carrying, and accessing their personal items and valuables.

Is there a difference between a belt bag and a fanny pack?

Not really. The two terms are often used interchangeably and both refer to typically small backs you can wear around your midriff, much like a waist belt. Waist packs and moonbags are other names for these kinds of bags. The only possible difference to mention is that belt bags are traditionally worn a little higher up than fanny packs.

What are the benefits of a belt bag?

A belt bag is a handy accessory. It's great for storing essential items, keeping your stuff safe and within easy reach. Belt bags also count as "hands-free bags," as you don't have to hold them up or take them off to rummage around inside and find your items. Plus, with a variety of styles, colors, sizes, and prices, it's easy to find a belt bag that fits you just right.