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It didn’t help that 2020 was an especially unprogressive era for fashion, as we delved deeper into retro aesthetics.
The 90s was overrun with abstract geometrics, mood rings, and neoprene jackets, which served as a visual representation of MTV positivity.
In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of dated trends in an effort to relive the glory days—which gave way for the iconic bumbag to finally make a comeback. So now it’s time to swallow your pride and ask how to wear a fanny pack.
Considered a favorite of moms and dads alike, the cheesy silhouette of a fanny pack usually triggers fond memories. It reminds us of childhood trips to Disneyland, garage sales, and going grocery shopping with our parents.
There’s a sense of sentimentalism attached to the bum bag, so it’s not difficult to understand why it’s been revived.
For those fond of this vintage trend, we’ll teach you how to wear a fanny pack using 10 outfit ideas. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll understand:
- How to wear a fanny pack crossbody
- Stylish fanny pack outfits
- Some fanny pack shoulder bag looks
- Popular ways to wear a crossbody fanny pack
What Is a Fanny Pack?
Go ahead and ask your mom and dad this question. They’ll happily regale you with tales of the retro fanny pack.
Simply put, the bumbag is a type of carry-on that’s designed as a hands-free alternative. It can be worn in several different ways, including the waistbelt method, the crossbody look, or the backpack approach.
Most fanny packs feature a zipper enclosure and a traditional trapezoid silhouette. They’re attached to a long strip of nylon webbing, which usually comes with an adjustable buckle.
History of Fanny Packs
Ötzi, a famed mummy, isn’t exclusively known as an archeological relic. He happens to be a trendsetter as well. The first-ever fanny pack was developed 5,000 years ago and was made from traditional calf leather.
His perception of modern-day valuables didn’t include the cellphone or wallets. Instead, the bumbag stored primitive tools that proved crucial to his survival. Thankfully, fashion has evolved past Ötzi’s pre-historic prototype.
The fanny pack would re-enter the fashion world through ancient Egypt and Scotland. People in the Victorian era and Middle Ages also adopted the bumbag as a trendy accessory, which gave way to the chatelaine purse.
The true fanny pack that we’ve all come to know and love didn’t come to fruition until the 1960s when Melba Stone patented the iconic bag.
The bumbag experienced a boom in popularity during the 80s and 90s. Since then, thanks to tourism and haute couture, the fanny pack was re-introduced as a coveted staple.
As you’ve probably already guessed, this controversial carry-on has undergone many highs and lows thanks to fast fashion. But surprisingly, it’s managed to stay on-trend over the years.
When to Wear a Fanny Pack
The traditional fanny pack outfit consists of a pair of jeans and a crewneck tee. I think it’s safe to say that this specific carry-on can only be worn casually.
Ideal for errands, laidback hangouts, and leisurely walks, the bumbag is a more practical alternative for trendsetters to consider. Plus, thanks to its hands-free design, wearers don’t have to worry about back or shoulder pain.
Obviously, fanny packs and formal events work as well as oil mixed with water. Its bulky silhouette paired with its streetwear design doesn’t blend with fancy dresses and tuxedos.
That being said, haute couture has a knack for marrying opposite aesthetics together, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a mish-mash of the two during fashion week.
How to Wear a Fanny Pack
I get it—dad-core isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing trend to follow. Due to the cheesy nature of the bumbag, it’s relatively easy to adopt that ‘fatherly’ vibe accidentally.
If you prefer to exude a different attitude, we’ll show you how to wear a fanny pack using 10 outfit ideas as inspiration.
From blazer suits to midi skirts, trendsetters will be glad to know that this guide is free of purposeful corniness.
10 Outfit Ideas With a Fanny Pack
It’s hump day, and you really can’t be bothered. Khakis seem too stiff, collared shirts appear unnecessary, and Oxfords feel totally impractical.
It’s no wonder why we opt for athleisure since this fashion trend offers us the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Of course, this particular fad still requires a bit of accessorizing. Instead of wearing your usual satchel, we recommend opting for the belt bag as an edgier alternative.
This black fanny pack features a robust shape, which helps to provide that ‘muscular’ energy that all athleisure outfits require. The hoodie and track pants provide a great foundation for the bag to shine through.
For shoes, this ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ guide highly recommends wearing a pair of chunky white sneakers for a pop of color.
The hypebeast aesthetic is a daring look to pull off. Balenciaga, a front leader in this fashion movement, isn’t known to shy from bold color palettes and designs.
If you’re looking to incorporate branded clothing within your wardrobe, we recommend narrowing down your outfit into two distinct hues.
Here, A$AP Rocky is wearing his Balenciaga fanny pack with a matching parka, a bright orange zip-up, and track pants. Bold in color, the ensemble itself is rather simplistic in silhouette.
If you’re wondering how to wear a fanny pack for guys, this is the OOTD to opt for.
Stripes are best worn vertically. Horizontal patterns create the illusion of a shorter stature and a wider frame. Case in point, this stylish outfit acts as the perfect example.
Designed to provide a slimmer silhouette, it’s a simple way of losing weight without actually losing weight.
The black pants and the matching shoes help to provide some dimension to the ensemble. Of course, the real star of the show is the yellow mens fanny pack.
Bright in hue, it adds an additional pop of color to an otherwise somber OOTD.
It’s the kind of outfit that does all the talking for you. Outfitted with an orange beanie, spectacles, an oversized shirt, and a camo fanny pack, this look is intrinsic to hipster fashion.
The garments themselves are relatively simple to get a hold of. The silhouette, on the other hand, requires a bit more effort. Reminiscent of local cafes, record shops, and vintage thrift stores, this ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ contender definitely screams, “I prefer vinyl over CDs.”
Fanny packs can’t look classy, right? Well, contrary to popular belief, that’s just not the case.
This sophisticated outfit breaks all expectations when it comes to the classic bumbag. It features a brown trenchcoat, cream-colored pants, Doc Martens, a flat cap, and a stylish black belt bag over top.
Elegant in silhouette, it offers a hint of streetwear finesse if you’re not keen on the corporate aesthetic. We highly recommend topping the look off with a set of stacked rings for some added bling.
Don’t get me wrong—bomber jackets will forever be known as a wardrobe basic—but their traditional polished sheen leaves something to be desired. If you’re craving a different texture, how about a sherpa coat instead?
This bright yellow parka is made out of a fuzzy material for added visual interest. Paired with a white turtleneck, a flannel shirt, and a Prada belt bag, it’s definitely a more romantic take on traditional streetwear.
You can never go wrong with a graphic sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. Considered the easiest way to answer the ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ query, this outfit idea keeps things simple and basic.
For an interesting twist, we recommend switching up the branding. For instance, a Balenciaga bumbag would pair well with your Thrasher pullover.
If you want to add another designer brand item, why not wear a pair of Yeezy sneakers to complete your hypebeast-themed look?
Trench coats and fanny packs are considered an unusual outfit combo. But, it’s a great backup to have if you’re left with no other options.
Complemented with a Supreme bumbag, a red hoodie, track pants, and a matching baseball cap, this ensemble definitely warrants an Instagram post of its own.
Obviously, it’s a daring look to pull off—which is why we recommend swapping the red belt bag with a more neutral alternative, such as black.
The best fanny pack outfits aren’t exclusively found in a Vogue magazine. You can easily make do with wardrobe basics that you currently own.
Take, for instance, this ensemble, which features a yellow corduroy button-down top, a white T-shirt, black jeans, and a matching pair of sneakers.
Accentuated with a black bumbag, this look is perfect for casual events. This ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ guide suggests accessorizing your outfit with a colorful beanie on top.
The denim jacket is known as a highly versatile garment. So, it would be a disservice for us to not include an example of this jacket within our list.
This trendy outfit consists of a blue denim coat, a purple tee, black pants, and a gray fanny pack to match.
Simple in silhouette, this ensemble is recommended for those who can’t be bothered to create a cohesive OOTD. For shoes, we suggest wearing a pair of chunky sneakers.
What Type of Fanny Packs Can You Get?
Since the birth of the 1960 Melba Stone fanny pack, we’ve encountered hundreds of re-designs of the classic bumbag. To the casual dresser, it’s an overwhelming onslaught of options.
On the other hand, the vast selection provides a unique opportunity for trendsetters to experiment with different styles.
It’s natural to get ‘lost in the sauce,’ which is why we’ll provide a condensed list of fashionable fanny packs to consider.
- The traditional fanny pack: Typically made out of canvas, cotton, and nylon, this bumbag keeps things simple and straightforward for casual dressers.
- The luxury fanny pack: This includes designs made by brands like Balenciaga and Prada. They usually feature the logo on the front for additional flexing.
- The dainty fanny pack: Typically made out of leather, this unique belt bag features a demure silhouette. It warrants a more elegant ensemble instead of a streetwear outfit.
- The oversized fanny pack: If you’re looking to store more goods, we suggest opting for this kind of belt bag. It’s rather generous in size and closely mirrors the shape of a backpack.
How to Choose the Best Fanny Pack
Bags are a necessary component of any outfit. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you own a crossbody purse, a clutch, or a fanny pack. Trendsetters should always consider each purchase with some forethought since well-made carry-ons are known to be expensive.
If you want to become a responsible shopper, it’s important to assess each fanny pack based on five criteria: quality, material, design, practicality, and price.
Quality depends heavily on the materials used. Fanny packs are usually made out of heavy-duty canvas, cotton, nylon, polyester, and leather. They should feel durable under stress, given that their ultimate purpose is to protect your belongings.
Those constructed out of thin fabrics will usually result in excessive wear and tear, so it’s crucial to choose a bumbag that’s thick in material weight.
Of course, quality is also determined by other additional features. Zippers, storage compartments, mesh webbing, and adjustable straps are considered notable assets to have.
Design plays a major role in wearability. Ultimately, you want to find a fanny pack that blends with your current aesthetic. Those that feature bold colors and bright patterns are typically difficult to style, which is why it’s important to opt for a traditional hue/silhouette instead of avant-garde pieces.
Practicality is another factor worth considering, as you don’t want to settle for a belt bag that’s difficult to carry and has limited storage space.
In terms of cost, fanny packs can range in price—from as low as $20 to as high as $1,000. It’s relatively easy to find affordable options online, but don’t let that deter you from investing in a designer piece. If you frequently wear belt bags, perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a luxury alternative.
How to Style Your Fanny Pack
It’s time to take back the power. For so long, fanny packs were considered the ‘bottom-of-the-barrel’ accessory. Thanks to the resurgence of Y2K and ‘80s fashion, however, the iconic belt bag has transformed into a 2022 staple.
We’re confident that our ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ guide has provided some outfit basics for novice dressers to copy. But, for those still struggling to create a cohesive ensemble, we’ll share tips on how to style your FP.
- The crossbody method: Considered an easy way to style a fanny pack, this fashion tip allows you to keep your belongings close to your chest.
- The waist-belt method: If you want to mirror that retro ‘90s aesthetic, this styling tip can help you showcase that classic look.
- The backpack method: It’s a ‘less invasive’ method compared to the crossbody look. Plus, with this nifty hack, you’ll exude that coveted schoolboy aesthetic.
- Keychains: Instead of opting for traditional jewelry, we recommend pimping out your belt bag with an assortment of keychains and pins.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With a Fanny Pack
There’s a reason why fanny packs were considered cheugy years ago. The early 2000s were especially unkind to the iconic belt bag, as they were typically paired with unflattering outfits.
For those who aren’t keen to return to this controversial era of fashion, this ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ guide will share some styling no-nos associated with this particular carry-on.
- Low-rise pants: The excessive bulk of a fanny pack is enough to weigh down your bottoms. As such, wearing a pair of low-rise jeans may result in ‘accidental exposure.’
- Belts: If you’re going to wear your fanny pack on your waist, it’s best to leave your belt at home.
- Gimmicky fanny packs: Belt bags that feature quotes and bizarre images will always be considered out-of-style. To guarantee continued use, we recommend opting for simpler designs instead.
- The ‘second bag’ look: If you’re going to wear a fanny pack, you must commit to the aesthetic. Carrying around an additional purse or clutch will ruin your outfit’s entire vibe.
How to Take Care of Fanny Packs
Like any type of bag, fanny packs deserve some TLC as well. As a precautionary measure, it’s best to double-check the laundry tag. Some bags are machine-friendly, while others may require some professional help.
For regular clean-up, we recommend removing any excess debris with a microfiber cloth or a brush. Stains can easily be buffed with a damp rag and a dab of gentle soap.
In terms of storage, bags are best kept in a dark and dry environment. If you really want to maintain your fanny pack’s quality, keeping it in a cardboard box is an absolute must.
Best Places to Buy Fanny Packs
Before this ‘how to wear a fanny pack’ guide ends, we thought it best to leave our readers with some recommendations. So here’s where you can shop for your next (or first) fanny pack.
- Nordstrom
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Zumiez
- ASOS
- Urban Outfitters
Final Thoughts
To fully embrace the fanny pack, you must confront cheesy fashion head-on. Sure, it’s a controversial aesthetic to delve into, but it’s indisputably fun to play around with.
From bucket hats to corny floral shirts, there’s an element of charm to be found in the 80s and 90s styles. The bum bag is no exception, as it exudes the perfect amount of retro finesse.
Here’s to hoping that now you know how to wear a fanny pack—whether it’s with a turtleneck, trench coat, or whatever else you fancy. Our list of outfit ideas is brimming with OOTD inspo, so you’re bound to find a fit that speaks to you.
Looking for more fanny pack inspiration? We’ve got you covered: