Lululemon Belt Bag vs. Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Review | POPSUGAR Fitness

Nov 04, 2024

This vs. That features a comparative analysis of two trending products, offering a technical review of both items and cutting through internet discourse with authority. For our latest installment, we compared the beloved Lululemon Belt Bag against the brand's newest accessory, the Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag.

On the Mount Rushmore of Lululemon's most coveted and (subsequently) purchased products, several items reign supreme: buttery-soft Lululemon leggings that get reintroduced in new colorways each season, supportive sports bras that are designed for both low- and high-impact workouts, yoga mats that have become a staple at studios across the world, and perhaps most notably, Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag ($48), which has inspired countless dupes, and in some ways, even introduced a whole new bag category.

Lululemon's Belt Bag has become a cult-favorite item, known for its effortless, everyday design; Kristen Bell and Camila Cabello have been photographed wearing the bag, PS editors regard it as one of their staple wardrobe essentials, and with nearly 22.3 millions posts under the "Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag" tag on TikTok alone, it's hard to deny the style's popularity.

But it's not just other brands that have attempted to replicate the magic of the belt bag; Lululemon itself has introduced a number of accessories that draw inspiration from the O.G. style's sporty and casual design. Earlier this year, it debuted a Dual Pouch Wristlet that's made from the same water-repellant material as the iconic belt bag, and most recently, unveiled the Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag ($78) — which takes everything shoppers love about Everywhere Belt Bag and translates it into a sleek, crossbody silhouette.

Eager to see how this new style holds up against its infamous counterpart, I tested the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag against the Everywhere Crossbody Bag to examine their differences, similarities, and ultimately determine which accessory is best for certain shoppers. Keep reading for my full Lululemon review.

Since this marks the first time I've ever owned a Lululemon bag(s), I can now say that I definitely see the appeal with both of these accessories. While I'm usually drawn to structured bags, the soft, squishy design of both of these pieces makes them feel all the more comfortable while on — with no sharp corners or edges hitting my waist in an awkward way. The material of each bag is sleek and water-repellant, with a nylon-like smoothness that feels cool against skin and is easy to keep clean.

Despite their compact shape, both of these Lululemon bags are surprisingly spacious. From small portable fans to hand lotions and charging banks, they feel like mini Mary Poppins' bags with the way that I'm able to seamlessly pull item after item out of each accessory. I also appreciate that I can style these everyday bags in a variety of ways, thus ensuring I get the most wear out of each piece. The crossbody bag can be worn like a standard crossbody, over the shoulder like a traditional shoulder bag, or (after removing the strap) like a small carrying pouch. Alternatively, the belt bag can be worn over the waist area or draped across my chest.

For as similar as these Lululemon bags are in style and size, there are a few noticeable differences between the two accessories. First, the Everywhere Crossbody Bag has more pockets, including a main zippered compartment, an exterior zippered compartment, a back slip pocket, and an interior zippered pocket; the Everywhere Belt Bag has one main zippered compartment, an exterior zippered compartment, and interior pockets. Both are fitted with adjustable straps, but the crossbody bag's strap is completely removable, thanks to its hook and closure design.

Additionally, while each bag is made from Lululemon's signature water-repellant fabric, the belt bag is available in more color options — seven as opposed to the crossbody's four colorways. They're also designed to be worn differently. The belt bag, for example, is made to be worn across your waist or chest, whereas the crossbody bag can be worn over your shoulder or across your body.

As someone with a larger bust, my biggest qualm with belt bags is simply the way they fit on my upper body. Even with the adjustable design of this Lululemon belt bag, I still find myself toggling with the accessory and moving it around so that it sits more naturally across my shoulders. The style isn't uncomfortable by any means, just wonky-feeling because of how elevated it is on my bust. Alternatively, the crossbody bag has a lengthier design which ensures the accessory stretches across my bust, with the actual pouch portion sitting closer to my waist — which I prefer.

At the time of publishing, the Everywhere Belt Bag is also $30 cheaper than the Everywhere Crossbody, despite being similar in size. Unlike the belt bag, the crossbody does have slightly more interior space thanks to its extra pockets, though there's ample carrying space in both accessories.

If you're looking to go truly hands-free with a bag that's so effortless and lightweight, you'll forget you're wearing it at all, Lululemon's Belt Bag is definitely a worthwhile purchase. The accessory can be worn around your waist or chest, and unlike traditional handbags or purses, you'll have easier access to your credit cards, iPhone, or any other essentials you have stored inside — making it ideal for the person who prefers to travel with less. It's a bit sportier and more low-maintenance than other Lululemon bags, which is why I'd recommend it for those with a more active lifestyle; I love wearing it on hikes, to the gym, or even while walking on the beach.

As for Lululemon's Everywhere Crossbody, I'd argue that this is the perfect bag for everyday wear or travel. It's lightweight, minimalistic (so you can style it with a variety of outfits), and fitted with plenty of interior space so that you can comfortably carry everything from a portable charger to a passport holder and even mini makeup products. The zippered compartments provide an extra sense of security, while its adjustable (and removable) strap means you can convert it into whatever style of bag you'd prefer for the day ahead. Whether you're exploring a new city or walking through the mall with friends, this is the perfect accessory for casual activities — even if it's slightly more expensive than its belt bag counterpart.

Both of these bags are available to shop exclusively at Lululemon.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Rating:

★★★★

Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Rating:

★★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.