How to Wear a Fanny Pack: Style Tips for Every Occasion

The fanny pack is well and truly back! Across the globe, people of all ages are embracing this endlessly useful accessory, discovering just how practical and fun it can be to have all your essential items right there, around your waist, with the freedom of having your hands free. Along with a fun aesthetic, fanny packs or waist packs also bring security to the table, for when you want to keep your personal items close and secure to your body. 

But functionality isn't the be-all and end-all of fanny packs. These bags can be quite stylish, as well, with a variety of colors and forms to suit your personal vibe. There are cute fanny packs in bright colors, along with a wide selection of more elegant options for a mature style. But, once you've found your perfect fanny pack, you might still wonder how, exactly, to wear it.

Indeed, lots of people struggle with how to wear a fanny pack, and the truth is that there are many ways to wear them. It's difficult to say if some ways are "right" or "wrong," but some may work better for you than others. This guide explores how to wear a fanny pack several ways, along with buying and styling tips to help you.

Choosing the Right Fanny Pack for Your Style

Before figuring out how to wear a fanny pack, you need to find the right one.

Consider the Occasion

First, it's important to choose a fanny pack that fits the settings and uses you have in mind for it. A fanny pack for running daily errands and quickly wrapping around your waist when heading into town may look totally different from one that you intend to take to work or on your next vacation.

So, think about how you want to use your pack. For formal settings, a sleek and minimalist design like a simple black fanny pack tends to work best. For more casual settings, funky and colorful packs may be a better fit, with a quick release buckle like this green belt bag . Or, if you're setting off on grand adventures, you'll want a versatile accessory with loads of space, travel smart pockets, and comfort to keep you company.

Size and Capacity

Next, let's talk about sizes. Fanny packs, like other bags, come in several different sizes. There are mini bags that can just barely hold your keys and phone, as well as much larger bags that can store larger devices like kindles or even water bottles Again, the trick here is to ask yourself "How and where will I use my fanny pack, and what do I want to store in it?"

Smaller packs are ideal for everyday essentials and casual use, and they may be seen as a little more fashionable and easier to match with different outfits. Bigger packs can be more awkward to carry but are vital accessories for people who do lots of traveling or are carrying items for more than one person (parents!!)..

Material and Durability

Finally, think about the materials your pack is made of and how well it'll last. Much like with traditional bags, fanny packs come ina bunch of material options. Polyester and nylon Canvas are  hugely popular choices due to versatility and performance potential—they are awesome at resisting rips, tears, and punctures while also coping with harsh weather changes, while remaining light weight.

There are also leather fanny packs that can look super stylish and, if made of real (not imitation) leather, although heavier they should last for years of use. Some fanny packs are made of sustainable, recycled fabrics, too, and others feature cotton or linen construction, which are soft to the touch and can look cool and casual but may not last quite as long. Try to find the right balance between aesthetics and performance, as you don't want a pack that'll wear away after just a few uses.

Different Ways to Wear a Fanny Pack

That's the basics covered. Now, let's look at how to wear a fanny pack, with four styling options.

Classic Around the Waist

We can't talk about how to wear a fanny pack without mentioning the most traditional method of all: around the waist. This where the name came from after all! Popular decades ago when these bags first emerged, it's still a very popular option today, helping you make the most of your pack for outdoor activities, travel, or day-to-day wear. It has a fun athleisure look or retro vibe that you can really lean into. Also you have the benefit of going hands free.

With this method, you simply strap the pack around your waist and position the bag either at your front (more traditional) or behind you. Going front is the right choice for those seeking a retro-style 90s fanny pack look, or when you want quick and secure access to your stuff. You can also move it to the hip, but a larger fanny pack might not fit well there.

Across the Chest

In recent years wearing your fanny pack as a kind of chest pack, wrapping it higher up the body around the chest, rather than the waist, has been popularized. This takes on a crossbody bag style, and looks laid-back and casual particularly when paired with streetwear, like an oversized jacket or hoodie. It's practical and bold at once, and you can quickly and easily stash or grab items like your phone or keys in your crossbody fanny pack.

Over the Shoulder

Just because it's called a fanny pack, that doesn't mean you have to wrap it around your midriff. You can also sling it over your shoulder, like a handbag or sling bag. This creates a relaxed and casual effect, ideal for running around town and when you want to quickly throw your bag over your shoulder.  Effortless, while still giving you that practical, easy access that fanny packs are famous for.

As a Belt Bag

Next, a more modern, fashion-forward way of working with a fanny pack: treat it like a belt. Instead of wearing a belt to cinch the waist of your dress or tighten loose clothing, use your fanny pack instead. Tighten the adjustable strap so the pack sits snug against your body, giving you all the benefits of a belt and a fanny pack with one simple movement. This style tends to be higher up around your waist rather than sitting on your hips.

Styling Tips for Different Outfits

The way you wear your pack may be influenced by the rest of your outfit. Here are some examples.

Streetwear Vibes

Fanny packs were a big part of the 90s street-style fashion, and many people are trying to emulate that classic urban look with  a modern flair. A good way to do this is with fanny packs in bright and bold colors—think neon blues and greens—which add that dash of color and life to your outfit. Pair your bolder fanny pack with urban staples, like hoodies, joggers, and sneakers for a trendy aesthetic.

Casual and Everyday Wear

Fanny packs also fit nicely with everyday outfits for running  errands and casual outings of everyday life. They can look right at home alongside simple tees and comfortable jeans, for example. To get the style just right, opt for a neutral color fanny pack that won't stand out or clash too much with the more relaxed vibe of your outfit—shades like gray, beige, and black work fine for this.

Elevating Formal Outfits

Even in a formal or business setting, you don't need to leave your fanny pack behind. You just have to choose the right type to suit the situation. A versatile leather fanny pack or classy black fanny pack should look perfectly fine when paired with a black suit jacket or formal dress. Again, color is key here—go for subtle, classic  colors, like how a black tote works so much better in formal settings than a bright or patterned one.

Outdoor and Travel Use

A fanny pack is a super practical item to take on trips and outdoor adventures, ready to safely store your phone, passport, keys, and even a book. If you're heading out into the wilderness, functionality should be your top priority. Look for big, spacious packs with pockets and water-resistant materials that'll guard your gear against the elements,.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Finally, let's review a few common mistakes to avoid when picking and wearing a fanny pack or hip pack.

Oversized Packs

A big and bulky pack may seem like the perfect option when you've got lots of stuff to carry. However, oversized packs have to be worn with care. They can overwhelm your outfits and stand out too much, especially if you're going for a relaxed, clean look. Make sure you pick a pack that's practical, but that won't dominate your aesthetic.

Poor Fit

As with any other type of bag, like a sling bag or backpack, fit matters with fanny packs. It's a real pain when you're trying to make your way around with a pack that keeps slipping down or when your fanny pack straps feel too tight. Look for packs that are well-made, with user comfort in mind, and opt for those with an adjustable strap you can lengthen or shorten to match your body shape. For example a removable crossbody strap can look more formal and allow you to change up your strap, but works best for crossbody styling. Whereas a fanny pack with a quick release buckle is perfect to tighten  around your waist especially if you are planning to something active like running or cycling.

Conclusion

There's no doubt about it—fanny packs are just about the most versatile little bags money can buy. They've got such a lot of uses, suiting everyone from their formal workday to casual weekend, running around town or exploring a new country. Not only that, they're also able to be worn in all sorts of ways, whether it be over the shoulder, around the waist, or like a belt, fitting with everyone's sense of style and personal preference.

If you're not sure about how to wear a fanny pack, experiment! Try a couple or more of the different styles listed above to find those that work best for you. Remember: the secret to pulling off a fantastic fanny pack look is confidence. With the right fanny pack, with the right size and fit, and knowingyour style, you can look and feel your best while enjoying the handy functionality of a fanny pack by your side.

Check out the Canvelle fanny packs to find the perfect pack for you.

FAQs

Do you wear a fanny pack on front or back?

Either way works. Historically, people tended to wear fanny packs on their fronts, for security reasons. It's also quite convenient to have the bag right there in front of you, where you can reach in and grab items at any time. However, wearing it on the back can be beneficial in certain situations where you need to keep your front clear, like when cycling.

What is the point of a fanny pack?

Traditionally the fanny pack gives a hands-free approach to carrying various personal items around the waist. These bags are particularly popular for their usefulness and practicality. More than any other bag, they allow you to grab valuables straight from around your waist, without having to take off your bag and rummage around.

Why do they call it a fanny pack?

The name comes from the fact that the bag often sits above the "fanny" in U.S. slang. This is similar to how the British often called them "bum bags" or "bum packs," as "bum" is the British equivalent of "fanny" (which has a different British meaning). Other terms are sometimes used for these bags, like belt bags and waist bags, to avoid the "fanny" connotation.

Why are fanny packs cool again?

As with lots of other fashion items and accessories, fanny packs have been in and out of style over the years. There's a real fanny pack trend at the moment, as new generations discover their practical, convenient benefits. They're often affordable, too, and tie in with the rise of 90s-style fashion, which is resurfacing at the moment. It also helps that stars and celebrities like Kendall Jenner have been seen with fanny packs lately.