Despite their bad reputation, fanny packs are the most functional travel accessory there is. With the convenience of having your wallet and phone accessible at the pull of a zipper and the security of keeping your valuables secured around your waist, fanny packs rock. Unfortunately, they’ve never been known to add style to an outfit—until now.
Fanny Packs Are Back in Style
Fashion designers are bringing back the fanny pack. Once seen as a cheap tourist accessory, fanny packs, also known as belt bags, are now considered high fashion. And while not everyone can afford a $2,000 fanny pack made of crocodile skin, there are still plenty of stylish down-market options that will still look good and be incredibly handy on your next trip.
LOVEVOOK Fanny Pack
Big enough to hold your phone, wallet, passport, and those extra bits and pieces, this fanny pack from LOVEVOOK is as cute as it is versatile. With two styles of straps, you can wear this bag around your waist or over your shoulder. Pull out the chain attached on the inside to transform the bag into a more classic purse for a night out on the town.
Price and where to buy it: $26 on Amazon.com
Olympia Beltbag
From KENDALL + KYLIE, this designer fanny pack is unapologetic, making a statement in a glistening yellow color. With two extra pockets on the exterior and interior, this fanny pack can hold a lot. Plus, the strap is extendable for the option to wear it over the shoulder.
Price and where to buy it: $79 at Nordstrom
LuKaiSen Exercise Slim Belt Bag
If you plan on working out on your trip, check out this athletic fanny pack made especially for hiking and jogging. This ultra-thin sports accessory from LuKaiSen won’t bounce around as you run, plus it can hold your phone, cash, credit cards, and even has an opening for your headphones. It’s also totally waterproof to keep your items safe from sweat.
Price and where to buy it: $10 on Amazon.com
Badiya Mini Leather Cell Phone Pocket
If you just need a fanny pack for your cell phone and maybe a few credit cards, a smaller bag like this mini leather cellphone pocket belt bag is a great option. Available in multiple colors and styles, this chic little belt bag is a great choice for jazzing up an outfit when you’re short on pockets.
Price and where to buy it: $17 on Amazon.com
Clare Vivier Floral Leather Supreme Fanny Pack
Now that you’ve embraced the convenience of the fanny pack, it’s time to flaunt it and express your inner fashionista. With this Floral Leather Fanny Pack from designer Clare Vivier, you can wear not just your phone, but also a small tablet or notebook.
Price and where to buy it: $299 at Nordstrom
Herald Leather Elegant Fanny Pack
The Elegant Leather Fanny Pack from Herald Fashion is another fun fanny pack with a little bit of flair. With a look that’s both bubbly and classic, this is a versatile bag that can go from day to night.
Price and where to buy it: $23 on Amazon.com
Zappos Baggalini Waist Pack
If you want a fanny pack that’s got all the utility of the old days but isn’t a total fashion faux pas, the Slim Waist Pack from Baggalini is a super-functional bag that’s sleek and functional with plenty of pockets for organizing.
Price and where to buy it: $25 on Zappos
Ralph Lauren Millbrook Belt Bag
This Ralph Lauren bag plays it safe fashion-wise but is also a good gateway fanny pack if you’re not sure how long the trend will last this time. With a subtle brown color and small size, though still large enough to hold your essentials, this simple belt bag is a wonderful way to add an extra pocket with an outfit that might not have one.
Price and where to buy it: $63 on Zappos
A Custom-Made Fanny Pack
If you’re having trouble finding a fanny pack that suits your style, have one custom made on Etsy—a market place for antiques and handmade goods. There are tons of cute fanny packs on Etsy, like this sleek and slim burgundy belt bag, this vintage-looking chocolate leather bag, or this one with a more minimalist style.
Price and where to buy it: Starting at $54 on Etsy
More from SmarterTravel:
- 7 Was to Protect Your Valuables While Traveling
- 9 Travel-Friendly Dresses with Pockets
- Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff
Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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