1. Time Is A Flat Circle
In fashion, it can sometimes feel like there’s nothing new, just new ways to wear what we already have (or used to have). And not to brag, but I remember the first time fanny packs were cool, which was back in the '80s when acid wash, big hair and popped collars were not a costume but were real, unironic style choices. Still, no one ever tells you what trends are going to come back! Zippers at the bottom of jeans? Nowhere in sight. Pants with giant pleats? Oh god, I hope they never return. And while fanny packs were pretty cringe-worthy for a few decades, I’m actually pretty pleased to see them come back around.
2. The Northern Migration Of The Fanny Pack Is A Good Thing
Just like every trend that’s really just another iteration of a prior trend, there’s a new twist on how to wear this accessory. In the case of the fanny pack, it has simply moved higher on the body. No longer resting atop your waist like a kangaroo pouch, it’s now slung between your shoulders (messenger-bag style), casually hanging out near your chest or resting along the sides of your ribs. Having worn it this way for a few weeks, I quite like the arrangement—especially since I feel strongly that the original, lower torso location often felt like I was strapping on a gut. And no one wants that.
3. Got Kids? The Fanny Pack Is Your New Best Friend.
Parents are all about pockets. Have you seen most diaper bags? We go bonkers for pouches, slots, extra compartments and any other vessel for carrying a random item. Being constantly bombarded with requests for food, beverages and toys—not to mention kids’ iffy toileting habits—will do that to you. But I really like having the most important stuff (keys, phone, cash) on hand and within easy reach, but not in danger of getting left on a park bench or plucked off a stroller.
To wit: the night I went to a back-to-school event with my pack. While I ordinarily may have abandoned my bag in a not-so-secure corner, this time I didn’t have to put anything down. Oh, and not once did I have to dig my house keys out of the depths of my bag while standing in front of my apartment building, in the pouring rain, with two shrieking kids. That’s what I call #winning.