Fanny Packs - YouLookFab Forum

I would love to start a discussion about this topic.

But first I want to share the backstory.

Yesterday I took my 14 (almost 15) year old DD school shopping. She will be entering High School next week. Over the past few weeks we have had several incidences of her leaving her phone while out in public because her clothes have no pockets and she doesn't use a purse or crossbody. (that would get left/lost too). She left her phone in Ikea the other day on a display shelf. Then in the bathroom of a restaurant another day and again in a store on a shelf while looking at clothes. I try to remind her to leave it in my purse, but hey I am not the police (or don't want to be). So I made a threat that she would not get her phone or I would "attach it to your body somehow". I made a joke about stapling or chaining it to her body. Many hours later as we entered Urban Outfitters low and behold the solution was screaming in my face! Fanny Packs EVERYWHERE! All styles, shapes, sizes etc! I found this cute one and purchased it for her. I tried it on and it was pretty cute (I may even borrow it). I have been adverse to the whole fanny pack, geek look since it fell out of style decades ago. But I still have a very fond memory of a small black leather one I had in the 80's that I loved. I have observed them slowly sneaking back into fashion over the past few years. So now I am pondering the question....Are Fanny packs back? Are they stylish? Under what circumstances are they trendy or fashionable or maybe even practical? Do you think they are trending or still revolted by them?

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8 years ago

Muffin

Veteran

I have seen them in action on the teen/early 20's set in my city and they look adorable. I use a gear one for running but can't imagine I would use a fashion one. Never say never, but I don't think I would have all the other pieces to pull it off without totally looking like a dork.

Anonymous

Yeah - they're back with the hipster crowd. They are also showing up in a refined and pretty great-looking way in some leather luxury brand collections right now. My 21 y/o bought one at UO herself last year to take to music festivals etc, but doesn't wear it on a daily basis. She uses a combo phone/wallet case. Would that work for your daughter?

mtnsofthemoon

lisa p ....I have tried the phone/wallet case combo. My MIL gave her an old LV one but same issue....she sets it down and forgets about it. :-(. Muffin, laughing and nodding my head. But I am tempted to give it a spin on the weekend (wink) just for the hell of it (or maybe for the reaction) hahahaha

rachylou

Oh they're in, definitely in. They've gone beyond those old hiking ones - those are definitely still uncool

Stagiaire Fash

Whatever works. I had one small one back in the day that I liked. I generally wore it in front. Since then, I've grown an apple belly. It is slowly shrinking away, but I don't think I'll find anything sticking out in front (which is how they're wearing them) appealing for me for a long time.

But it's not for me. It's not even for you (even if you borrow it). It's for her to hang onto a piece of equipment more expensive than our parents would've dreamed letting us run around with.

Teeny tiny crossbody that fits under a jacket so she never takes it off all day, fanny pack that she likes & will wear, even one of those armbands for jogging with a phone (maybe combined with a wallet/case?) --there are lots of things out there that people are accustomed to seeing and won't get weird stares. If she likes it and it fits into the fashion micro-world at her school, I say go for it.

Guess I'm pretty hard core function over form on this one.

ETA: I also had a belt that had a little coin purse attached. Wonder if some form of that is headed our way.

I suspect that your DD is not the only young person who needs a way to carry her phone and that fanny packs, belt clips and tiny cross body bags will become more popular before someone figures out a more "cool" way.

DonnaF

I bought the one below last September, $16 down from $48, so not much of a risk. I think the advertising angle was to wear it to Coachella or some such. I rarely use it due to its tiny size, plus it has wardrobe limitations such as the need to tuck or otherwise have a fitted waist. At least the belt is short enough on this one. I've found that with most fanny packs, the waistband doesn't go small enough. While I'm fairly small, it is not as though I'm tiny!

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The one Donna posted is very sleek looking (and this is why I never say never)!

jill58

I realize they're coming back but I have such bad associations from the first time they were popular. DonnaF -- the one you posted is much nicer than the ones I remember.

always trying

I only ever used a fanny pack to hold money(OP's) working dog walk fund raisers, etc. I also only carry a purse when going to doctors or something when I need insurance cards or such. When grocery shopping or things like that I put a credit card in my pocket. Otherwise car keys, cash, phone, lip balm, etc. all go in pockets. I will not own clothes without pockets except for formal events or such. then I have a few small clutches to use. Why don't women demand pockets in clothing, and use them just as men do?

I use one for hiking. They are invaluable for hiking.

I think the right one could work for your daughter. As to whether I am seeing them around in real life, I think I have. In the back of my mind, I think I have seen them being used by both young men and women.

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