Lululemon Belt Bag vs. Crossbody: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Belt Bag and Crossbody Bag both offer hands-free convenience with sleek, sporty designs, but they cater to different needs. The Belt Bag is a compact, minimalist option designed to be worn securely against the body for active pursuits and quick access, while the Crossbody offers more storage capacity and a more relaxed fit for all-day use, commuting, and travel.

Here’s a detailed look at what sets these two popular Lululemon bag styles apart to help you decide which is the right choice for you.

Lululemon Belt Bag

The Lululemon Belt Bag, epitomized by the viral "Everywhere Belt Bag," is designed for those on the move who need just the essentials. It’s a compact, functional accessory that sits snugly against the body, making it ideal for everything from a morning run to a bustling farmers' market, ensuring your phone, keys, and cards are secure and easily accessible.

• What it is: A small, lightweight bag designed to be worn around the waist like a fanny pack or slung across the chest.
• Key features: Made with a water-resistant technical fabric, featuring an adjustable strap, an exterior zippered pocket for quick-access items, and interior pockets for organization.
• Price: Typically costs around $38 to $48.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a durable and easy-to-clean nylon or polyester blend with high-quality zippers and hardware for longevity.
• Fit/Wearability: Provides a secure, close-to-the-body fit that minimizes bouncing during movement. It's versatile enough to be worn on the hips, at your natural waist, or as a chest sling.
• Pros: Extremely lightweight and compact, secure fit is perfect for high-movement activities like running or hiking, modern and minimalist aesthetic, comes in a huge range of colors.
• Cons: Limited capacity - it fits essentials only and can feel bulky if overstuffed. May not fit larger phone models along with other necessities like a full-size wallet.

This bag is perfect for athletes, minimalists, and anyone who wants a secure, no-fuss way to carry their valuables during activities or quick errands.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Belt-Bag

Lululemon Crossbody Bag

Lululemon's crossbody bags offer a bit more space and a more traditional wear style without sacrificing the brand’s signature sporty look. These bags are designed for daily use, providing enough room for more than just the basics, making them a great companion for commuting, travel, or a full day of errands.

• What it is: A versatile bag worn over the shoulder or across the body, offering a larger capacity and a slightly more structured silhouette than a belt bag.
• Key features: Features a water-resistant fabric, adjustable strap for customized length, multiple compartments (both interior and exterior) for better organization, and often a more polished design.
• Price: Ranges from approximately $48 to $68+.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes the same high-quality, lightweight technical fabrics as the belt bags, ensuring it holds up to daily wear and tear.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for a more relaxed fit that allows for easy access to contents while walking or commuting. The adjustable strap ensures comfort for all-day wear.
• Pros: More storage capacity for extra items like hand sanitizer, snacks, or a small notebook. Versatile styling can be dressed up or down. Excellent for travel and daily commuting.
• Cons: Tends to be slightly more expensive. The looser fit means it can swing around during vigorous activity, making it less ideal for workouts or running.

The crossbody is geared towards a city-dweller, frequent traveler, or anyone who needs a stylish, functional bag to carry them through a busy day.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/All-Night-Festival-Bag-Micro

Lululemon Belt Bag vs. Crossbody Bag Comparison

Capacity & Storage

The most immediate difference is storage space. A Lululemon Belt Bag is designed for essentials only: phone, keys, credit cards, and maybe some lip balm. It has a main compartment and often a secure back pocket perfect for a passport or phone. Its compact nature forces you to be a minimalist.

The Crossbody Bag, by contrast, provides more room. You can carry everything the belt bag holds, plus items like a small portable charger, sunglasses case, and other personal effects. Its additional pockets and slightly larger footprint make it more suitable for a full day out where you might need a few extra things.

Fit & Wearability

Fit is the other major differentiator. The Belt Bag is designed to be worn tightly against the body, either at the waist or across the chest. This snug fit prevents it from moving or bouncing, making it the superior choice for running, hiking, cycling, or any activity where you need your hands free and your belongings secure.

The Crossbody hangs more loosely and is designed for comfort during lower-impact activities like walking, shopping, or commuting. While comfortable for all-day wear, it is not ideal for intense physical activity where its movement could become a distraction.

Style & Aesthetic

Both bags feature Lululemon’s signature sleek, sporty, and minimalist style. The Belt Bag has a distinctively casual, utilitarian vibe that perfectly complements athleisure wear. It’s the emblem of functional, on-the-go fashion.

The Crossbody Bag can feel slightly more polished. While still sporty, its silhouette is closer to a traditional handbag, making it a bit more versatile for different settings. It can seamlessly transition from a yoga class to a casual brunch without looking out of place.

Price & Value

There is a clear price difference. Belt bags are the more accessible option, typically priced under $50. Their value comes from their purpose-built functionality for active lifestyles. Crossbody bags command a slightly higher price, usually between $48 and $68. The extra cost is justified by the increased capacity and versatility, making it a more comprehensive everyday bag.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Lululemon bags deliver on quality and style, but each excels in different scenarios.

Choose the Lululemon Belt Bag if:

• You need a secure, hands-free bag for workouts, running, or hiking.
• You are a minimalist who only carries a phone, wallet, and keys.
• You want a compact bag for concerts, festivals, or crowded places.
• You love rocking the sporty, athleisure look and want a trend-forward accessory.

Choose the Lululemon Crossbody Bag if:

• You need a daily bag with enough space for more than just the basics.
• You prioritize comfort and versatility for travel, work commutes, or running errands.
• You prefer the traditional feel of an over-the-shoulder or across-the-body bag.
• You want a functional bag that still feels a little more put-together than a fanny pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Lululemon Belt Bag and Crossbody?

The primary differences are capacity and intended use. The Belt Bag is smaller and designed for a secure, close-to-the-body fit during physical activities. The Crossbody is larger, offers more storage, and is meant for versatile, everyday use with a more relaxed fit.

Can you wear the Lululemon Belt Bag as a crossbody?

Yes, many people wear the Belt Bag slung across their chest as a more modern, stylish take on the traditional fanny pack. This "sling" style keeps it secure and accessible.

Which bag is better for running?

The Belt Bag is unequivocally better for running. Its snug design prevents it from bouncing or shifting, offering a secure and distraction-free way to carry your essentials.

Which Lululemon bag holds more?

A Lululemon Crossbody Bag generally holds more than a Belt Bag. It's designed with extra compartments and a larger overall volume to accommodate more than just the bare essentials.

Are Lululemon bags waterproof?

Lululemon bags are made with "water-resistant" fabric, not fully waterproof. This means they can handle light rain or splashes, protecting your belongings from getting damp, but they should not be submerged in water.

Can a large phone fit in the Everywhere Belt Bag?

Most standard-sized smartphones will fit comfortably. However, the largest "Pro Max" or "Ultra" models with bulky cases might be a tight squeeze, especially if you have other items in the main compartment. It's always a good idea to check the bag's dimensions against your phone's.

Which bag is more popular?

The Everywhere Belt Bag gained immense viral popularity and is arguably one of Lululemon's most iconic accessories. While both styles are popular, the Belt Bag is more recognizable and widely sought after for its trendy yet functional design.

How do I clean my Lululemon bag?

Lululemon recommends spot cleaning their bags. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap to gently clean any stains and then let it air dry. Avoid machine washing, as it can damage the fabric and hardware.

Are they worth the money?

Both bags are considered a good value for their price. They are made from high-quality, durable materials and are designed with practical features that align with an active lifestyle. Their longevity and stylish functionality make them a worthwhile accessory.