Waist bags, belt bags, fanny packs, bum bags – these bags of many names were once derided as fashion mistakes of the 80s and 90s. But, like all style transgressions of the past, we so love to repeat them, and so, here they are once again, back to adorn our hips and some of our behinds. But, don’t worry – they have been updated and upgraded to look way more modern and stylish, such as these ones here. Oh, and pro tip: You should strap them across your body and shoulder so as to look voguish, not fogey-ish.
Fake/Not GG Supreme belt bag, $1,490 (USD $1,118), Gucci
Want to appear more subversive than just a man strutting around town with a bum bag? Then tote a luxury brand one that’s printed with a bold, yellow “FAKE” in uppercase on top of a monogrammed print on the front. The inside joke: it’s got the word “NOT” printed on the back. In any case, no one’s gonna doubt the GG Supreme house coated canvas, iconic red and green stripe, and brown leather logo patch as anything else other than authentic Gucci.
Available at MatchesFashion
Workman belt bag, $29, Dickies
Into the whole utility-workwear aesthetic? Here’s an accessory to help complete your look. Simple yet functional, this brown bag’s made of poly ripstop (so it’s durable) and comes with just one single zip compartment (cos’ that’s all a working man needs).
Available at Urban Outfitters
Webbing-trimmed Intrecciato rubber belt bag, $1,016 (£552.84), Bottega Veneta
This is how you do military-utilitarian, but make it fashion. It’s dark green, it’s gorge, it’s got laser-engraved rubber elements that nod toward Bottega Veneta’s signature leather-weaving intrecciato pattern. Save and splurge on this good-sized carrier that comes with a two-way zip fastening and silver-tone hardware.
Available at Mr Porter
Fourteen bum bag in navy and black, $46.99, Herschel Supply Co. & New York Yankees
Baseball fans, this one’s for you. Emblazoned with a New York Yankees print and logo patch, it’s a suitably sporty-looking, petite-sized polyester piece for days when you are going out light. (FYI, it’s an ASOS exclusive.)
Available at ASOS
Technical-pleated belt bag, $390 (USD $292), Homme Plissé Issey Miyake
Stand out amongst all the other bum bag “bums” with this vibrant orange, fashionable and functional accessory. Made out of the Japanese brand’s technical-pleated fabric that conforms to the shape of whatever is being held within, it’s kept steady with a black webbing strap, with the slender bag being able to retain its pleated texture even when after all the stuff’s been removed. As long as you don’t try and stretch it beyond its carrying capacity, that is.
Available at MatchesFashion
Hydro Jam belt bag, $51, Chums
Going on a hike or wandering a green trail in SG? Pack all your essentials in this one. Why it’s perfect: it’s got an adjustable strap, a phone sleeve with touch-screen functionality, an earphone port, water bottle holder and a stash pocket for your cash, cards and other stuff. It’s the next best accessory to an actual hiking partner.
Available at Urban Outfitters
Leather-trimmed printed monogrammed coated-canvas belt bag, $1,383 (£752.21), Gucci + Doraemon
Another Gucci monogrammed item? But, how can we not, since it’s got everyone’s fave blue cat robot Doraemon printed all over it? If that isn’t enough reason why you should get this, then maybe the luxury details – the claret leather, and Gucci’s signature coated canvas and striped webbing strap – will convince you. Keep away from cutesy-loving kids and your other half if you want this all to yourself.
Available at Mr Porter
Waist bag, $565, Neighborhood X Porter-Yoshida & Co.
Paisley’s still the print of spring-summer, so might as well get one in this trendy pattern. Part of the collab collection between Japanese brands Porter-Yoshida & Co. and Neighborhood, this indigo waist bag does its job of storing your junk well with its front pocket and a main zipped compartment, while helping you give off some serious street-style steez to make all the other players jelly.
Available at END.
Reflective Grid On Lamy bag, $303 (USD $229), Stone Island
What this polyamide piece is described as: “Semitransparent hyper light Lamy Nylon Tela with a resin treatment.” What it really translates to: “Cool. Must buy.” That its print is reflective, and that it comes with a padded carrier shoulder strap and padded neck flap waist straps, just make this more than essential for bringing out your essentials – it’s uber desirable.
Available at HBX
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and are based on current exchange rates.
