The Revival of the Fanny Bag

The Revival of the Fanny Bag

A fanny bag is a waist pouch worn above the belt that can be used to store essentials. It can be closed with a buckle or zipper and is often secured to your waist by a strap. Whether you call it a bum bag, waist pack, fanny, or waist wallet, it's the perfect hands-free accessory for anyone who needs to keep their belongings safe and accessible while traveling or going on outdoor activities. Originally popular in the 1980s, fanny packs dropped out of fashion by the early 1990s until recently, when they've been seen on celebrities and resurrected by travelers, hikers, and festival-goers.

The fanny bag is a versatile accessory that can be used for both casual and dressy looks. You can even decorate it with patches, pins, or hair bows to make it unique. The best fanny bags are made of leather and fabric with sturdy clasps, which can withstand the elements and daily wear. They're also lightweight, which helps you avoid pulling on your shoulders or carrying too much weight around your waist.

Fanny packs are most commonly worn with workout clothes, but they're also great for travel and outdoor activities. Hikers can use a fanny pack to store trail maps, water bottles, or a first aid kit while hiking. Tourists might use a fanny pack to hold their passport, maps, and extra cash. And festival-goers can use a waist bag to keep their tickets and ID safe while they're dancing.

While the fanny bag's heyday came in the 1980s, the trend is now regaining popularity among millennials and Generation Z, according to Adweek. This revival is credited to the emergence of athleisure, as well as the popularity of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's fanny-pack-rocking meme on Instagram.

A fanny bag can be worn with jeans or shorts, but it's best to avoid wearing it with anything formal or businesslike. You'll likely want to skip the fanny bag for weddings, funerals, and other high-profile events where you may be asked to remove it.

If you're a minimalist, consider pairing your fanny bag with other monochrome pieces to create a sleek look. A basic fanny pack in black or a brown leather style pairs perfectly with neutral colors like white, navy, and gray. It's also easy to pair a neutral-colored fanny pack with floral prints and other bright colors to create a fun, summery outfit.

You can find fanny packs online or at your local department store. If you're looking for a statement-making accessory, try finding one with a colorful print or embroidery on the front. This will instantly transform the look from basic to cool, and it's a surefire way to turn heads. You can also personalize your fanny bag by ironing on patches with sayings or images that you love, like a map of the city where you're headed or your favorite quote from a movie or book. You can even add a flower pin for an elegant, feminine touch.