Fanny Packs: Back in Fashion, Here to Stay – and Why

There was a time when hip bags, usually called “fanny packs,” were all the rage. They were extraordinarily common, so much so that they were seen as a sign of the times in the late 80s and early 90s.

But then they quickly fell out of favor. 

What happened?

First, they were notoriously bulky and cheap looking. Even during peak fashion, they were frequently seen as a discount bag – one that you could easily buy at a low cost department store in bright and often silly colors.

Second, they were primarily marketed as a women’s bag (hence the term “fanny,” which itself had loosely sexist origins), but women had purses, and when men used them they were often feminized. In a way, they were not designed for women’s OR men’s fashion, as they did not have the fashion style of purses (to be seen as an adequate replacement) and were not really made for men either.

Finally, back then, carrying a lot of items was largely optional. There were no mobile phones. Fewer people had credit cards. Fanny packs could carry cash, but that was often inefficient (especially in the larger pockets of the waist bags of old).

So they had less reason to exist, they were not fashionable, and they were marketed to women in a strange way. Not exactly the bag of the future.

But now…

Now, not only has style and fashion changed, but so too has the need for these bags. That’s why not only are the bags back in fashion and trendy, but even if they ever become less trendy, the bags themselves are likely to be used forever.

Hip Bags, Phones and More

We can say fairly confidently that the more these hip bags become in style, the more likely they will *always* be in use in some form. We can say that because this current iteration of the hip bag is not like the fun, goofy, trendy hip bag of the past. For example:

• We Have Things to Carry

Today’s person, man and woman, has many things they have to carry that are difficult to fit in a pocket. Specifically, there are large cell phones, keys with key fobs, wallets, and a host of credit cards and other items. Most people now have more to carry than their pocket allows, which means that there is a need for someone to carry a bag on them at all times.

• Non-Trendy Fashion is the Fashion

In theory, every type of fashion is a trend in some way. Fashion changes constantly. But one thing that is slightly different about this fashion go-round is that trendy fashion is, specifically, non-fashion. Meaning, it’s clothes that do not particularly stand out as fashionable while still being cleanly cut with looks in mind.

In other words, most of the items you own now will still be stylish even if trends themselves change around them. Your sleek, minimalist black hip bag, for example, will still match almost any fashion – even brightly colored hammer pants – because they current fashion is designed to be more non-descript yet still sleek.

• They’re Non-Gendered, Non-Identitied

Current hip bags – which you can tell by the name already – are not called “Fanny Packs” anymore. They’re also designed differently. They’re far more minimalist, with a time tested form that can be either masculine or feminine depending on how you style it. They aren’t designed to be associated with a specific identity (for example, “a nerdy style) and they aren’t made for a specific gender in a way that pushes out other genders.

• It’s Functional

These hip bags are designed to be used the way that bags actually are used, not just as a catch-all for all items you have. There are specific spaces to fit specific items, allowing you to have organization that makes these bags truly functional. Rather than find yourself fumbling around in the bags, they are convenient and easy to use, adding to their appeal. 

See for Yourself

If you want to see what makes these bags so popular, the best thing to do is take a look at our inventory and see them for yourself. Check out our hip bags and see why so many people are choosing to buy their next “Fanny Pack” at Allett.