This fashion accessory from the 80s and 90s, which has become outdated over time, is making a comeback. Where does this trend come from? Learn everything about the fanny pack in our article!

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Pourquoi le sac banane est-il tendance ?

The fanny pack, long relegated to the rank of obsolete accessories, is now making a comeback. Popular in the 80s and 90s before becoming outdated, this accessory has reinvented its image and established itself as a must-have in contemporary fashion. In this article, we'll explore why the fanny pack has become trendy again, how this accessory fits modern styles, and the best ways to incorporate it into your everyday outfits.

Fanny packs from 5 brands

Where does the fanny pack come from?

The fanny pack, also known as a fanny pack or belt bag, is an accessory whose origins go back centuries!

The origins of the fanny pack can be traced back to ancient times, where pockets and bags attached to the belt were commonly used to carry small items. During the Middle Ages, belts with pouches were popular among peasants and artisans, providing a practical way to keep their tools and possessions close at hand.


Two reversible fanny packs from the Cabaïa brand ( Rennes and Jaipur )

Do you want to discover the practical and trendy world of Cabaïa? Don't miss Cabaia's bags.

When did the fanny pack appear?

The fanny pack as we know it today was popularized in the 1980s. This accessory was mainly used by outdoor sports enthusiasts, hikers and tourists due to its practicality. The synthetic materials and sturdy zippers used in its construction made it both lightweight and durable.

It was during the 80s and 90s that the fanny pack really became a fashion phenomenon. The accessory was worn by celebrities and was an integral part of the popular culture of the time. However, in the late 90s and early 2000s, it started to be seen as HYPER cheesy and was therefore inevitably relegated to the back of the closet.


The fanny pack is one of the key accessories of the 80s.

Are fanny packs really trendy?

Over the past few years, the fanny pack has made a spectacular comeback, adopted by fashion designers and influencers around the world. Designers have reinvented the fanny pack with luxury materials, innovative designs and varied styles, transforming it into an accessory that is both chic and practical. Its adoption by renowned fashion houses and its appearance on the catwalks have consolidated its status as an essential fashion element.

At the same time, perhaps motivated by the return to the fashion of the 80s, some people dare to wear the fanny pack on the belt again, as was done originally, fully embracing the old-fashioned aspect of the accessory.

There is therefore no doubt that fanny packs are at the forefront of current trends. It is now a unisex accessory, appreciated by both men and women.

Discover our collections of fanny packs for women and men.

Men's and women's collection

Why the fanny pack is back in fashion: the power of fashion designers and influencers

The return to popularity of fanny packs is a fascinating phenomenon that perfectly illustrates the cyclicality of trends and the influence of fashion designers and influencers.

Renowned fashion houses and influential fashion designers have played a crucial role in the revival of the fanny pack. Brands like Gucci , Prada , and Chanel have reintroduced the fanny pack into their collections, transforming it into a luxury accessory (which was not the case at all before!)

A Gucci fanny pack A Gucci fanny pack

Celebrities and fashion influencers have adopted the fanny pack, giving it visibility again by wearing it in a different way. Stars like Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have been seen with fanny packs, contributing to their popularity. On social media, fashion influencers share modern looks, demonstrating how this accessory can be integrated into various current outfits from casual to chic.

The fanny pack now exists in a variety of shapes and for all uses. Here, for example, is a changing fanny pack from the Mellipou brand:

Mellipou diaper bag
A Mellipou changing fanny pack , the perfect example of the evolution of the fanny pack.

Do you want a bag that is both practical and versatile to stay organized with your children? Discover all Mellipou accessories.

How to wear a fanny pack?

  • The classic way:
    Originally, fanny packs were worn on the back (cross body) or on the belt, hence its nickname “fanny pack”. Nowadays, the fanny pack worn in this way (on the belt) embodies the whole outdated and cheesy image that most people have of this accessory. This is why the current trend requires it to be worn across the body or on the shoulder (but you do what you want!).

A fanny pack worn at the waist
Waist fanny pack

  • The current trend:
    One of the most fashionable ways to wear the fanny pack is to wear it diagonally across the chest, like a crossbody. This gives a more urban and modern look.
    Carrying the fanny pack diagonally on your back is a practical and stylish alternative that frees up the passage of your hands.
    For an elegant touch, you can also wear the fanny pack on the shoulder, like a small handbag. This method works particularly well with models made of leather or with more sophisticated designs.

Contemporary way to wear the fanny pack The more contemporary way to wear a fanny pack.

The fanny pack, worn well, can become the flagship accessory of your wardrobe, combining practicality and trend with a touch of nostalgia. As a fan of the 80s, and nerdy through and through, I chose my side!

Discover our collections of fanny packs for women and men.

How to choose your fanny pack?

First of all, think about the main use of your fanny pack:

  • Daily use: Opt for a medium-sized bag with several compartments to store your essentials like phone, wallet, keys, etc.

  • Travel and outdoor activities: Choose a more spacious and durable model, possibly with special features like water resistance.

  • Events or outings: choose a more elegant and compact model, often in leather or with sophisticated details.

To choose the right fanny pack, you must take several factors into account: intended use, size, material, style and comfort. Take the time to define your needs and compare different models to find the one that will fit perfectly into your wardrobe and meet your practical requirements.
With the right fanny pack, you will combine style and functionality on a daily basis.

Menorca sponge fanny pack from WOUF
The Menorca fanny pack from WOUF in sponge material.

Do you want to discover all the Barcelona fashion fanny packs? Discover the fanny packs and different accessories from WOUF.

Hindbag’s trendy and ethical fanny packs

Discover hindbag fanny packs, ethically made organic cotton fanny packs.

The French brand hindbag is an ethical and responsible brand, which offers products produced with a Slow Fashion perspective. Thus, all of the bags and accessories are made in collaboration with an Indian partner, an NGO, engaged in the fight for the emancipation of women in a disadvantaged neighborhood of Delhi.

Be as close as possible to the trend by choosing a bag that is practical, environmentally friendly and ethical.

Hindbag fanny packs

Slow fashion above all!

Slow Fashion is a movement promoting ethical working conditions and transparency.

One of the fundamental principles of slow fashion is the promotion of ethical working conditions in the fashion industry. Unlike fast fashion, which favors low costs and exploitation of workers, slow fashion highlights transparency, fair remuneration and respect for the fundamental rights of employees.

Discover hindbag’s fanny packs now .

Ethical and artisanal manufacturing:

Hindbag collaborates with the Swami Sivananda Memorial Institute (SSMI), an Indian NGO dedicated to the emancipation of women in the deprived district of Punjabi Bagh, located in the northwest of Delhi.

The difference with hindbag is that the brand is engaged in a long-term and exclusive partnership with the sewing workshop. This allows the women who work there to be paid a salary well above the country's average. This not only enhances their skills, but also allows them continued education and a school place for their children.

hindbag's commitments, in partnership with the NGO, are:

  • To offer remuneration 3 times higher than the local salary to its employees.

  • To offer qualitative training to recruited women and a place in school for their children

  • Enable a positive social impact and the creation of 100% organic and sustainable bags and fashion accessories.

hindbag collaborates with the NGO Swami Sivananda Memorial
The design of hindbag bags is certified 100% ethical, and takes place within a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified NGO.

Choose quality while making a committed gesture by choosing a hindbag fanny pack. Discover hindbag’s fanny packs now .

 

Conclusion

The fanny pack has established itself as an essential accessory in contemporary fashion thanks to its versatility, practicality and unique style. During a time perceived as old-fashioned, it was reinvented by fashion designers and adopted by influencers, thus becoming a symbol of modernity and originality. You now know everything about this versatile accessory that is the fanny pack. Don’t hesitate to check out my other articles if you want to learn more about many other topics!

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