Last Updated on
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.
There are two accessories that I can't live without: a set of earbuds and my FlipBelt.
I've had my hot pink FlipBelt for a couple of years, and it's often my answer when people ask me, "How do you find time to listen to so many podcasts?"
I'm almost always wearing it. It keeps my phone handy so I can play podcasts, no matter what I'm wearing or where I am.
Podcasts provide hours of free entertainment and professional development, and many readers of the blog say they wish they could squeeze in more time to listen.
If you think you don't have time to listen to podcasts, or that it's too inconvenient to carry your phone around all the time (although you probably do that anyway), you need to try the FlipBelt.
The FlipBelt is for anyone who enjoys listening to podcasts (or music) while:
- running or jogging
- working out in the gym
- walking the dog or the baby
- cleaning the house
- or doing any other activity
It's also for anyone who is sick of not having pockets! A lot of women's clothing (especially workout gear) tends to lack pockets large enough to hold phones, keys, or money. (There's a podcast episode all about this - of course - which I recommend at the bottom of this post.)
And the FlipBelt isn't just for women! I recently noticed that my husband keeps holding down his pockets while he runs; his wallet and phone bounce around a lot. Believe me when I say: his FlipBelt is on order.
What Is A FlipBelt?
The FlipBelt is a super comfortable sports belt that you can wear around your waist. You can wear it either under or over your clothing, since it lays flat on your body.
Here's a picture of my FlipBelt. It has no ends or buckles; it's kind of like a tube (but without any bulk!)
You'll find reviews about the FlipBelt all over the internet, mostly on running websites or stores that sell gear to runners. And sure, I run sometimes. I go to the gym several times each week.
But even if I'm not at the gym, I'm usually wearing my FlipBelt.
How To Put On & Wear The FlipBelt
My favorite part about the FlipBelt is how easy it is to put on/wear/use. To put the FlipBelt on, you simply step into it, like you would a pair of shorts or a skort. You can put it on after you're fully dressed, and it is perfectly acceptable to put it on in public (or in the gym parking lot, like I usually do).
You can wear the belt wherever it feels most comfortable on your waist; high or low, it doesn't matter. The FlipBelt comes in 5 sizes (and the sizing guidelines are very accurate), so as long as you select the right size for you, you'll barely even notice that you have it on. It doesn't ride up or slide down, no matter what kind of activity I'm doing.
Once on, you simply slip your phone, keys, money, lip balm or other items into the "pockets" that surround the belt.
The pockets are really little openings on the belt. Remember how I said that the FlipBelt is like a tube? The entire thing is like one big pocket, and the little slits on the belt allow you to slide items into the "tube" without fussing with zippers or the size limitations of a normal pocket.
My FlipBelt has 4 pocket openings. One includes a sturdy elastic with a plastic hook on it, to let you clip your keys for extra security. Newer versions of the FlipBelt include a zippered pocket.
6 Things You'll Love About the FlipBelt
Here are more features and details about the FlipBelt:
The fabric is moisture wicking
My FlipBelt has seen some serious sweat, people. There are times that I go to take it off and I'm grossed out by how wet it is. But the great thing is, you don't feel all that moisture while wearing it!
The fabric wicks sweat to the outer layer of the belt, which doesn't touch your skin. I don't feel wet or sticky, and my FlipBelt never makes me feel hot. Like I said, I barely notice that I have it on (sometimes I get home and forget that I have it on, only to realize it when I change my clothes).
The fabric washes well
Y'all, I'm pretty picky about doing laundry. If I think that something is going to get snagged or lose its shape in the washing machine, it goes in a special wash bag or on a delicate cycle.
Over the years though, I've thrown my FlipBelt into the washing machine with any random load of laundry. I'm not careful with it at all. It comes out clean (no sweaty odors, ever!), in the same shape/size as before, and with no snags.
(Note: I...um...don't wash my FlipBelt every time I work out and get it sweaty. Maybe that's gross to some of you, but it's the truth! The belt dries super fast and it doesn't smell - ever. I wash it only once per week, but I do think that it would hold up well to multiple washings per week).
No chaffing
The seams on the FlipBelt are flat, so no matter how much bouncing or stretching you do, your skin won't be irritated or chaffed by the belt.
If you're a long-distance runner or have sensitive skin, this is a big deal. I've worn a lot of different workout clothes and accessories that are made to look good and wick moisture, but rubbed me in all the wrong places (literally). Not so with the FlipBelt.
Reflective logo
If you do your activities outside and at night, the FlipBelt has a reflective logo that will help to keep you visible to cars, bikes, and other pedestrians.
This isn't something I've personally found use for, but I did check to see if the logo on my belt was still reflective after two years and multiple washings, and it is!
You can stuff a lot into the FlipBelt
It's pretty amazing how much stuff you can fit into a FlipBelt. I don't have a very large phone (it's an iPhone 5), but it is in an OtterBox case, so it's a little bulkier than a standard iPhone. Still, my phone practically disappears under my clothing when I slip it into my FlipBelt.
According to the folks at FlipBelt, the belt will also fit larger iPhones and Samsung Notes, while still allowing room for storing your other essentials.
Sometimes I stuff my earbuds into my FlipBelt (in a big jumbled mess), other times I wrap them around my phone and stuff the whole thing in.
I've also carried money, keys, my ID, and my passport in my FlipBelt (I think my husband and I own at least three under-your-clothes travel belts, but I'm so hooked on my FlipBelt that it's the only thing I pack now.
(Note: I used to have a big bulky key ring and, although it fit in my FlipBelt just fine, it did bounce around a little. I figured out that I had to use the key clip and then flip the belt over, putting the pocket openings against my skin, in order to keep the keys from bouncing around. This was an easy fix, although I think the real problem was the size of the key ring in general!)
Speaking of packing
You can fold or scrunch the FlipBelt into just about any purse or backpack. My flip belt is just bigger than my fist when I bunch it up. It's super lightweight, so it's easy to take with you anywhere. (Please disregard the weird coloring on the photo below!)
How Wearing a FlipBelt Makes Time to Listen to Podcasts
When I say I'm almost always wearing my FlipBelt, I mean this:
- I wear it when I'm cleaning the house. Sadly, my husband and I can't afford the full-house surround sound system that I dream of (sigh). So when I want to listen to podcasts or music while moving from room to room, or doing laundry, I can keep my phone on me with my FlipBelt.
- I wear it when I'm working out in the yard. I don't even wear earbuds. I just put my phone in my FlipBelt and cruise around, with voices coming from my waistband!
- I wear it when I'm making dinner and washing dishes. Once upon a time I dropped my phone in a sink full of soapy water. Now, I don't trust myself with my phone in the kitchen. So I wear my FlipBelt.
- Sometimes I wear it with Bluetooth headphones, and other times with corded ones. When I do wear corded earbuds (these are my absolute fave), I wear the cord under my clothes, from my FlipBelt to my neckline, that way the earbud cord doesn't get caught on anything.
These are just some of the times that I am able to listen to podcasts because I've made it easier on myself to have my phone handy, and not in the way.
If you're a mom and you have to play keep-away with your phone and your child, the FlipBelt will keep your phone safe and secure while you're wearing it!
Why I Choose the FlipBelt Over Other Accessories or Clothing
Listen: I know that there are other accessories for carrying a phone around. But those armbands that hold your phone? NO. Not my thing.
And yes, I DO have some shorts and hoodies with pockets.
Still, I would choose to wear the FlipBelt over those things any day of the week.
First of all: Most days, I can't wear a hoodie in Florida. Not practical. Also, hoodie pockets are usually open and cut at an angle, which makes it easy for things like phones, money, and keys to fall out.
Second: Pockets on most clothing are actually too large to prevent bounce. The FlipBelt is designed with this in mind. The size of the tube-like design, along with the stretchy fabric, means you won't feel your belongings bouncing around during activity.
Also: I don't just wear my FlipBelt for listening to podcasts and music. I wear it when trekking through the streets of Europe for hours on end. Not because I'm scared of pickpockets, but because it beats carrying a handbag around all day (my back and shoulders are grateful!)
Final Thoughts On The FlipBelt
My FlipBelt is absolutely one of the best purchases that I have ever made. I am confident that I'll continue to use it for years to come.
If you've been wanting to find more time to listen to podcasts, go buy your FlipBelt now!
Related Post: 19 Comebacks for "I Don't Have Time To Listen to Podcasts"
Related Podcast: 99% Invisible's episode all about pockets