Undoubtedly, fanny packs are one of the hottest bag trends in 2024. Who would have guessed that the 80s and 90s mainstay would become a fashion statement on the global stage today?
With a variety of designs, fanny packs can be used in many diverse ways.
Fanny packs were not considered fashionable for a long time. However, this old bag has survived for decades and is still here to stay.
Want to know more about fanny packs? Let’s delve into our 2024 guide on the fashion item.
Fanny packs; What are they?
Other names for fanny packs are bum bags, waist bags, belt bags, and belly bags. They are interchangeably used to replace fanny packs in a sentence.
Fanny bags are characterized by a compact-sized pouch that is strongly fastened to a clasped belt. This clasped belt is also secured by a buckle.
Fanny packs are usually lightweight and can be worn around the hip, waist, or a cross-body form across your shoulder.
The history of fanny packs
No one can actually tell the origin of fanny packs. On closer look, they tend to emanate from several cultures across the world.
Take, for instance, the popular Native American Buffalo pouch that the natives carry on their front chest or wear on their wrists. The incredible thing about the natives is that rather than sew pockets into their clothes, they preferred wearing the pouch.
Another origin came from the Scottish people who wore a Sporran. This is a belted pouch that shares striking similarities with the Native American Buffalo pouch.
France still call it a banana bag till date.
Melba Stone, an Australian widow, was also credited for making a fanny pack after being inspired by a kangaroo in 1962.
Nonetheless, history has it that it was a bag specifically worn in front of the body to protect one’s self from bandits.
When were fanny packs popular?
Fanny packs became popular in the 90s when a skier’s leather fanny pack was first displayed in a Sports characterized Christmas shopping guide for just 10 USD.
The skier leather bum bag was designed to carry lunch or hold a cross-country skier’s wax. Skiers fanny packs were also used for cycling, hiking, and more.
In the late 90s, Adweek named the fanny pack bag “The Product of the Year”.
This was because fanny packs modern versions were now in vogue and their vendors made huge sales.
This is attributed to the fact that the newer versions of fanny packs were made from synthetic materials, especially nylon.
In recent times, several people began to wear fanny packs as eye-catching accessories to complete their outfits. Others said it gives them that retro vibe whenever they wear it.
It will interest you to know that fanny packs are also associated with street culture and hip-hop. This made it a popular accessory among persons who wanted to show their loyalty to the hip-hop community as well as stand out from the populace.
What are fanny packs called today?
Fanny packs were named hands-free bags in 2012. During this time, several designers were planning to recreate this bag with stylish and pricey designs.
According to the Boston Globe, fanny packs became trendy again as they were introduced by popular fashion designers – Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
They were even worn by megastars, the likes of Jaden Smith, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and others.
However, several people still saw the bag as an old-fashioned and distasteful bag that could have evolved in the 21st century.
In a bid to turn this situation around, other fashion brands including Chanel recreated and introduced the bag to the public as “ the belt bag”.
This belt bag maintains all the great qualities of the bag plus an exquisite design.
Today, when you mention fanny packs, it’s no longer an ugly clothing that was associated with exercises, or bright colors but a trendy fashion statement.
Function of fanny packs
There are several benefits attached to using fanny packs. Originally fanny packs were designed to carry essentials without stressing our hands.
Since fanny packs are known to be hands-free and lightweight, they can provide the practical solution of helping you convey your essential items, and keep them safe, while you use your hands for other things.
Fanny packs can keep your mobile phones, water bottles, tissue paper, snacks, and others.
Fanny packs were also designed to conceal or carry specific weapons. Take for instance, the first skier leather fanny pack that was designed to hold the cross-country skier’s wax.
Fanny packs keep evolving from various fashion designers across the globe, this is why you will find various modifications of fanny packs in the fashion world today.
How to wear a fanny pack properly
Similar to handbags or backpacks, you can also use fanny packs to carry your personal items. However, it does not put much constraint on your hands or back.
Let’s take a look at the various trendy ways to wear a fanny pack in 2024 below:
- Let it rest on your hips – All you need to do is to buckle up your fanny pack and allow it to rest on your hips. Ensure you adjust it slightly off-center to the back or the side of your waist.
- Cross your fanny pack over your chest or place it on your back
- Make it visible by wearing it on the outer layer of your outfits. This look will give you a unique and stylish appearance.
- Wear it under your hood or jumper – This is a good idea to opt for if you are planning to go for a hike, ski, snowboard, or on a trip without having to flaunt your essentials, especially in areas with high risks of robbery. Note that when you place this hip bag under your hood, it firmly secures the bag and reduces shifting of the bag whenever you move.
- Wear it under your arm on one side – When you wear a fanny pack this way, you are creating a chic look while all your relevant essentials remain safe in the bag. All you have to do is to adjust the strap to the length so that the bag can stay conveniently under your arm.
- Wear it on your lower back – This style is reminiscent of the 90s trend. It’s a perfect idea for those who would love to have fun at the beach while keeping their essentials safe.
- Turn it to a chest belt – Turning your fanny pack into a chest belt is very easy. All you need to do is to adjust the strap of the bag to a shorter length and then place it on your chest.