Wherever I go, I get compliments on my fanny pack, which I wear on the daily. But almost in the same breath of admiring it, just about everyone says, “I could never pull that off.”
You not only can pull off a fanny pack—you should!
I’ve become a fanny pack evangelist because I love fanny packs. They’re practical. They save me from neck and shoulder pain. And they’re cute!
(Just don’t call my fanny pack a belt bag—I’m not in denial. It’s a fanny pack.)
Not convinced? Read all the reasons why I love fanny packs, then get yourself one. At the bottom of this post, I’ve pulled together my favorite ones (including the galactic fanny pack I wear, of course!) and tips on how to wear a fanny pack.
I promise: You can pull this off. Here’s why you should try.
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Fanny packs: The ultimate mom accessory
Whether you already rock a fanny pack (high five!!!!) or are wondering how to wear a fanny pack, these reasons to love ’em will have you embracing the 80’s throwback in no time.
1. Go hands free
When you wear a fanny pack, your hands are free to take photos, dole out snacks and hold onto your kids’ hands.
(Even still, my youngest says, “Mama, think of what you could do with eight hands!”)
2. Pockets when you wear leggings
I am an unabashed fan of wearing leggings all the time. I’m pretty sure you agree that leggings 24/7 is the best mom uniform ever: All the comfort and the cute styles without having to worry about what to wear (or a dry cleaning bill).
The only problem with leggings is they have no pockets!
The brilliant solution: Fanny packs. Wearing a fanny pack is basically like adding pockets to leggings.
3. Carry what you need—and no more
If you’re like I was before I started using a fanny pack, your purse is full of stuff. You have whatever you need—and a whole lot more. I would find random toys, doodads from birthday party goodie bags, used tissues and bouncy balls in my purse.
But now that I use a fanny pack, I carry my wallet, phone, keys and a snack for the kids. I have just enough room for what I need so I don’t end up being a pack mule.
4. Hike with just what you need
On a related note, I wear my fanny pack when my family goes on short hikes. If we’re out walking the dog or hiking for just a mile or so, I don’t want to carry a big backpack—it’s overkill. But I can carry just enough with my fanny pack.
5. Find that perfect accessory to babywearing
My kids are 3 and 5 now, so I don’t wear them that often (though I still do on the trail sometimes). When they were smaller, though, babywearing was constant. Yet my Lillebaby carrier (which I absolutely love and still sometimes buy for friends’ baby shower gifts) didn’t include a pocket, so I had nowhere to put my keys and phone.
I started to wear by fanny pack along with my baby carrier and my problem was solved!
6. Stash a secret pocket
My fanny pack has two zippers—the front one, where I carry everything I need, plus one that lies flat against my belly. It’s safe and secure, which is why I carry my passport there when I travel abroad (like here, when I visited Huaca Pucllana in Lima, Peru). I also keep a small set of just-in-case items there at all times: In a snack sized ziplock I carry a few band-aids, several Ibuprofen and a hair tie.
(Wondering where I am in this photo? Check out my post about the best things to do in Lima, Peru.)
7. Save your shoulders and neck
Recently I learned I have several bulging discs in my neck. (Glamorous, I know). Suddenly it made sense why I’d get severe neck and shoulder pain when I wear a purse: Having anything on one shoulder threw me out of alignment and aggravated my injury.
When I wear a fanny pack, I have so much less neck and shoulder pain. We moms are constantly holding a million things at once—a kid on one hip and 40 pounds of groceries in the other hand, for example—and we need to give our bodies a break. Wearing a fanny pack is one easy way I do just that.
8. Stop hitting people with your purse
Moms, you’ve been there: You lean over to see your child eye-to-eye or tie their shoe, and your purse swings forward, bopping them in the face. Ow!
Fanny packs stay put. No more hitting people with your shoulder bag!
9. Avoid gross situations with your purse
You know when you use a public bathroom and there’s no hook to hold your purse? You end up wondering what in the heck to do with it while you do your business. And when you sit down at a café or restaurant, you probably put your purse on the floor, picking up whatever germs other people’s shoes left behind. Yuck.
When I wear a fanny pack, I don’t have to worry about where to hang it. I just keep it on.
How to wear a fanny pack
Now that I’ve convinced you to love this mom-friendly accessory, you might be asking how to wear a fanny pack.
Personally, I wear mine on my front, so it’s actually more of a belly pack. When it comes to how to wear a fanny pack, I prefer it on my front so I can easily grab what I need.
I wear it low over my hips, not around my waist.
You can also wear a fanny pack in the back, over your bum. Sometimes I’ll swing it around this way if I’m carrying one of my kids so it doesn’t get in the way.
On the other hand, if I’m in a crowd, I don’t wear my fanny pack in the back because I worry someone will pick my pocket.
Thirdly, you can wear your fanny pack across your chest. I have friends who do this, making a fanny pack a hybrid shoulder bag. It’s not ideal if you have neck or shoulder pain like me, although it’s better than a purse because it stays close to your body and therefore doesn’t pull you to the side as much.
However, wearing a fanny pack across your chest doesn’t work as well if your bust is on the bigger side.
My favorite fanny packs
Now that you’ve been won over by my fanny pack evangelism, you might be wondering which one to buy. The great news about fanny packs is they tend to be durable but not that expensive, so you can totally buy several and rotate them, just like a (cheaper) purse.
Need some ideas? Check out my 8 favorite fanny packs below!
Glitter glamor
I’m actually putting this glitter fanny pack on my wish list for Christmas/my birthday (since they’re around the same time). I could definitely use a little extra glam in my day-to-day!
Totally radical 80’s throwback
This hologram-like fanny pack makes me want to break out my scrunchie and leg warmers.
Utilitarian and unisex catch-all
If you want something that’s not flashy, this no-frills fanny pack is ideal. (And you might be able to persuade your husband to wear it! Maybe…)
Flirty flair
Sometimes girls do just want to have fun. I like this tropical-inspired fanny pack because it makes me think of beautiful warm weather (and cocktails with umbrellas in them).
Preppy practicality
I love this simple fanny pack because it’s cute (and comes in many colors), but it’s also understated—perfect for traveling moms who might be more comfortable in collared shirts.
Sleek style
Ok, so this red belt bag isn’t actually a fanny pack, but for those of us who need a bit of a gateway drug to fanny packs, embrace this red tailored leather!
Sporty spice
Whether you actually run marathons or just like athletic wear, this sporty fanny pack is adorable and practical.
Space kitties!
You could also buy the space cats fanny pack I wear every day—then we could be fanny pack twins!
It’s no secret I love fanny packs, but how about you? Would you try out this mom-friendly style now that you know how to wear a fanny pack?
I wear a Fanny Pack too especially when I have to ride the metro or out walking. I really like the glitter fanny pack and will have to put that on my list too. I also put my phone and wear headphones in my fanny pack while I do a 5K.
I’m not surprised you like the glitter fanny pack because of your blog name! 😉 Yeah, they’re really practical for hiking, running and working out, since most athletic wear doesn’t have pockets.
OMG – I totally have that 80’s fanny pack in gold! I bought it for an 80’s party this summer, but totally found myself thinking I need to wear this like on the daily because it is SO handy! Your version is so cute too!
When I get that one, we should wear ours at the same time and be fanny pack twins!!!
This is a convincing article for getting a fanny pack! Love it! And the space kitties fanny pack is amazing. My favourite tip is for wearing them with leggings. This is an eternal problem, and you’ve solved it!
Oh my gosh yes, the whole leggings conundrum is such an issue. Thank goodness for fanny packs 🙂
I have to say I used them a lot in the 90’s and I’m so glad they’re a fashion trend again x
Me too! Although tbh I’d wear them even if they weren’t on trend haha.
Yes!! I need to get a fanny pack! I love these tips on how to wear them and I’ve always loved them because they’re just so dang practical (I’m always down for practicality), I just need to pull the trigger and get one!
DOOOO ITTTTTTT! They’re the best, and your only regret will be that you didn’t get one sooner.
I love a good fanny pack! I need to use them more often, so I appreciate the inspiration!
Yes, so glad to find another fanny pack enthusiast!
Why can’t men wear fanny packs?
They can! I’m an equal opportunity fanny pack supporter! It’s just that my particular man, my hubs, won’t wear one. If you want to, go for it!!!
I am all about being hands free! With two kids, being handsfree is key. After the birth of my second, I upgraded our diaper bag to a backpack and I’m loving it!
Yes! We moms know hands-free is the best way to go.
You know I may be convinced to try a fanny pack now! I am loving the glitter one!
Yes!!!! Do it!!!!!
I am all about the fanny pack life! The hardest part is choosing one… the metallic 80s style is so retro! I personally like having my important things on my front versus back so I feel more secure. It makes retrieving them so much easier too, not having to take a backpack or purse off. Now which one should I get…
Why limit yourself to just one?! I want to get a few more so I can mix up my fanny packs.
Lol so i admit that I LOVE your space kitty fanny pack – i mean who wouldn’t love that!? but I would still feel like I’d fallen out of the eighties if I tried to rock one. You do look fab it it though.
p.s. I still can’t call it a fanny pack! It just sounds so dodgy to my British ears! It’s a “bum bag” to me.
Hahaha, I’ve never heard “bum bag” but that’s hilarious! I’m on a mission to convince everyone that they CAN pull off a fanny pack – ya just gotta try it. 🙂
Carrying a fanny pack is while hiking and travelling is a great idea. I wonder why I didn’t think of it myself before. Thanks for the tip.
So glad to help! I love having a fanny pack I can grab and wear everywhere, but especially on hikes or when I’m out traveling.
I must admit that I am one of those who will say, I can’t pull it off. That’s because I think fanny packs add bulk to the abs when that is precisely what I am working on to eliminate every day in the gym. That’s the same reason why I don’t use pockets, even if they are there. I use a fanny-pack size cross-body bags.
I hear that, and wearing it across your body / across your back is a good way to reduce bulk but still limit how much you can carry.
My wife considered that too, but we decided to stay with our backpacks as they are the best stowaway during hiking for our water and tea bottles. But other than that, I agree that is a good idea.
Yep, I opt for a backpack because they hold so much more on a medium or long length hike. But for short hikes and trips, fanny packs are the best! 🙂
Fanny packs will always be my OG! Its comfy and fashionable as well.
Yay, I’m so glad to hear from someone who thinks fanny packs can be fashionable!!!
You almost convinced me, but not quite. They’re super practical but not very appealing for us women with big hips!
I loved my fanny pack back in the 80’s! I agree with everything you said about why they are super-practical but I don’t see myself wearing one again now, mainly because my weight gain right in the belly would only be accentuated by the fanny pack. I bet if I searched my closet I could still find one that I have been holding on to “just in case.” I loved them for theme park visits too.
Oh man, I wish I still had my fanny packs from the 80s! I’d be *so cool* if I still had ’em. 😉 Fanny packs aren’t for everyone, but they sure are handy!
I never thought fanny packs could look so amazing as they do on you! And so true about the issues of overstuffing purses and hitting people with them! Love your kid’s comment on eight hands – so cute 🙂
Haha, thank you Smita! I really am a big advocate for a fanny pack, whether you’re a mom or not! 🙂
I have seen many travelers sporting one and it seems to be on a rise. However, I feel travelers should not wear one while traveling in places where robbery and theft are common because it draws unnecessary attention. Otherwise, it is a great travel resource.
I don’t know if a fanny pack draws that much attention, to be honest. And I don’t think a fanny pack is more prone to robbery; it might be less prone, actually. After all, it’s carried on your front, where it’s more in your control and line of sight. I feel more prone to robbery when I wear a purse, which is carried on my side.
I find it funny people carrying fanny packs. But yours totally goes with your wardrobe. I must say it is very convenient to carry all your important things in a fanny bag but it also shouts out loud that you are a tourist which makes you prone to robbery and scams. It is a trade-off that every individual has to consider.
Hm, I hadn’t considered that it makes me look more like a tourist. I have a feeling most places I travel that I stick out at least a bit anyway. It’s always good to consider safety and keep in mind more ways to further protect yourself!
Haha…I used to have one – they are an absolute necessary when you are out and about with kids. It was awesome. I knew what I had in it. I knew where to find what I needed – and it was in the fanny pack.! Great post!
Thanks Georgina! I hate digging through my purse to find something… and you’re totally right that you can always get just what you need out of the fanny pack without a bunch of hunting.
Ok, I was an ardent anti-fanny pack person, but you may have convinced me. I know it’s better for my shoulder pain, but my favorite reason was, “Stop hitting people with your purse!” LOL – my kids complain about that all the time!
Haha, that’s a real mom truth, isn’t it?!