There’s been a lot of discourse online recently about alternatives to the belt bags we’ve all been wearing for the last few years. Every time I open TikTok, I see a video asking people to weigh in with their suggestions for a replacement for the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. I’ve even had colleagues and family members reach out to me, saying, “I’m sick of my belt bag! What can I wear instead?”
The lululemon belt bag will seriously deserve a spot in a museum someday. A few years ago, it was selling out so quick that it was a harder to get than a Birkin (not really, but you get it). You’d walk down the street and see every single person you passed with the bag strapped to their chest like a badge of honor. And although people definitely still wear them, there’s a desire out there to mix things up.
Before we get into these alternatives, let’s get one thing straight: If you love your belt bag, keep wearing it! I’m not here to encourage you to just jump from trend to trend because the internet said the bag isn’t “in” anymore. However, fashion burnout is real. If you feel bored with your style because you’ve been wearing the same outfit formula for years, you might be ready to switch it up. And you’d be surprised by how easy it is to elevate your look simply by swapping out your bag.
I talked to the rest of our team, searched TikTok, and scoured all of our favorite stores for the best belt bag alternatives you can get right now. I found options for anything you might be looking for in your new bag. Shop them all below!
If you’re not ready to part with lululemon: lululemon Slouchy Sling Bag
If you’re a lululemon girl through and through, don’t fret. They have tons of updated styles to choose from. The Slouchy Sling is probably my favorite, as it comes in two sizes, three neutral colors, and leopard print. It also has an adjustable strap, so it can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody.
If you want an incredibly versatile investment: Senreve Aria Belt Bag
Our Chief of Sales, Alexandra Pagar-Wolf, says that this is “by far her most-used bag of all time.” While it’s a bit of an investment, it’s a timeless and versatile piece that you’ll have forever. It’s made of scratch- and water-resistant Italian pebbled leather. It also has loops on the inside and outside and a removable, adjustable strap. This means it can be worn five ways: as a belt bag, a crossbody, a shoulder bag, a sling bag, or a clutch.
If you want a budget-friendly option with a cult following: Uniqlo Mini Shoulder Bag
Many of our editors say that this is the bag they’ve already switched to from their trusty ol’ belt bags. One even said that when she wore it around her friends, three of them bought it on the spot. It fits a ton and goes with everything, and the best part? It’s only $20.
If you just want a belt bag’s older, more spacious sister: Athleta All About Hobo Bag
I decided to grab this bag for myself after testing it out for our summer capsule wardrobe, and I am so happy I did. It’s been my go-to all summer long (including on my two-week Europe trip!). Every time I use it, I seriously can’t believe how much it fits. It can comfortably hold my wallet, two small pouches, keys, sunglasses, Kindle, claw clip, camera, and even a small water bottle. I have the bone color, but I love the bright hues of the red and blue.
If you want the option to wear a shoulder bag: Coach Laurel Small Shoulder Bag
A belt bag replacement definitely doesn’t have to be the same sporty style. If you love the small size and functionality of a belt bag but want something more elevated, consider a classic crossbody. For added versatility, choose one that can convert to a shoulder bag as well. I love every single Coach bag I own, and you can score great prices through Coach Outlet. This particular style would look great with a classic oversized T-shirt and biker shorts, but it can be dressed up as well!
If you want to wear what the cool kids are wearing: Baggu Nylon Crescent Bag
It feels like there’s not a Gen Z gal out there who doesn’t own a Baggu. And as a Zillennial myself, I own a few, too. Similarly to the Athleta bag above, this bag can seriously fit everything. I used it as a personal item on an 18-hour travel day, and I had everything I talked about above, plus my neck pillow and over-ear headphones in it. They release new colors and patterns every season, and there are some particularly gorgeous ones available right now.
Related Story: 8 Millennial Trends That Are So Back—And How To Wear Them in 2025
If you want an elevated look: Quince Italian Leather Sling Bag
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this bag is one of The Everymom’s most-purchased items of all time. Our readers and editors alike love this bag, and there are a lot of reasons it’s so popular. You get handwoven Italian leather for just $90, it can be dressed up or down, it has a built-in card holder, and it comes in three gorgeous neutrals.
If you want to upgrade to a tote (or find one in the back of your closet): Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
Some of the traits we love about athleisure belt bags are that they’re an easy-to-clean nylon material and that they fit all the essentials. Something like a Longchamp tote has those features, too! Whether you treat yourself to a new one (knowing they last forever) or have the one you used as your college “book bag” hiding in the back of your closet, this bag is truly perfect for everyday use.
8 colors available
comes in many additional styles and sizes
If you want something oversized: Madewell The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag
On any given day in The Everygirl Media Group Chicago office, you could poll the team and discover that at least half of us brought Madewell bags to work that day. They’re incredibly high-quality, gorgeous, and can hold a ton. This woven style is especially stunning. It also has an adjustable strap and can be worn crossbody or on the shoulder.
If you’re going for a quiet luxury look: Cuyana Sling Bag
When researching bags for this list, this Cuyana option stood out to me immediately. It has all the convenience of a belt bag or sling bag but with a much more elevated look. I love that it wouldn’t look out of place with an athleisure outfit or a dressier one. But it gets better: It’s made from 100 percent recycled landfill plastic, and it’s machine washable.
More of our favorite belt bag alternatives
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Jessica Welsh, Senior Editor, Commerce
As Senior Editor, Commerce, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic image credited to: Clara Mgo | Dupe Photos.
