Nix Alanon, Interior designer
Why do you use it?
It has many compartments. It keeps my phone, power bank, wallet, lip balm and other necessities that would otherwise create unsightly bulges in my pockets.
What style do you wear?
I have a Gucci monogram belt bag from 2000, inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. I have another one from Fila. During my last trip I didn’t even bring a wallet and just had this belt bag at all times, which I hid underneath my shirt.
What do you pair it with?
My Gucci with black pants or distressed jeans.
When is it not OK to use one?
It really depends on how you style it. Look at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house and you can usually tell when you should just opt to carry a regular bag.
Do you see more people using belt bags?
I think more people should use them! It’s very practical and convenient. However, I don’t think everyone can pull it off, but I would definitely recommend trying it.
Joseph Pascual, Photographer
Why do you use it?
It’s adjustable and convenient to store stuff that would otherwise end up in my pockets. I like having a lot of things on hand, but I also like skinny jeans, and something has to give. Basically I have too much stuff and don’t want to hold anything.
What style do you wear?
I own a basic black one from Hickok Essentials; I found it in SM Store in 2014 and I’ve worn it every day since.
What do you pair it with?
Everything except brown leather shoes, so I leave the house looking anything from Asian tourist dad to weird rentboy.
When is it not OK to use one?
The easy answer is that belt bags are probably too utilitarian for formal wear, but just like choosing a bag or weird footwear, what really matters is the material and style of the belt bag, how cool your event is, and how much you really care.
Wear it wherever you want. Wear it to a funeral to hold your tissues. Wear it to the beach, like I did to hold essentials like sunscreen and a pair of shades. Wear it while robbing a bank to hold stray gold bars that slip from your sack. Just treat it as a hardworking belt and match it with the color of your shoes.
Do you see more people using belt bags?
I see more people using it as a fashion statement, yes. The ’90s are back, and it has already hit Zara so it’s probably fleeting, but inevitable.
Ralph Mendoza, Photographer
Why do you use it?
Easier to reach my things than, say, a backpack or messenger bag. Frees up my shoulders. It’s a good errand bag.
What style do you wear?
Porter belt bag, black.
What do you pair it with?
Plain errand clothes. It’s a bag made to make things easy so it won’t make sense to overthink an outfit to match it with.
When is it not OK to use one?
There’s always a way to fit that belt bag in. If you end up feeling awkward, then ditch it. For me it’s more about what you’re feeling when you’re wearing it than it is to do with dress codes or trends.
Do you see more people using belt bags?
Not too many yet. Just me and my mom, haha. —CONTRIBUTED