How to Wear a Fanny Pack

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

If all you know of fanny packs is the neon pink one your mom wore in the '80s, it's time to re-think your opinion of them! Fanny packs, also known as belt bags or bum bags, come in all styles and colors now, and you can even find some high-end options. If you want to start wearing a fanny pack, try out a few different styles and looks to make outfits with pieces from your own closet.

1

Wear your fanny pack around your waist for a classic style.

This is an easy way to keep your essentials within reach. Try wearing your fanny pack around your natural waist just above your belly button.^{[1]
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Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
- Wearing a fanny pack here will also help you highlight your figure and give your waist more definition.
- If you have a small fanny pack, try looping it through your belt loops for a more subtle approach.
- If you don’t want your fanny pack to be front and center, try turning the pack around to your back.

2

Sling the bag across your chest for a more modern style.

Your fanny pack will look more like a purse or a small handbag. Buckle your fanny pack together and throw it over one shoulder, then position the pack itself in front of your chest.^{[2]
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- This looks really cool if done over a blazer or a fitted denim jacket.^{[3]
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  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
- If you don’t want your fanny pack front and center, slide the pack itself around to your back. When you need to reach your stuff, just position the pack in front of your chest again.

3

Let your fanny pack stand out by layering it over your clothes.

A fanny pack on top of your outerwear is easy to style. Sling your fanny pack over your jacket, use your fanny pack as a belt, or tuck in your shirt to draw attention to your fanny pack.^{[4]
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- This will also make it easier to grab anything you need out of the pack throughout the day.
- Or, try a two-piece suit with matching pants and a jacket. Underneath, wear a simple white T-shirt or a bodysuit; then, put your fanny pack high on your waist to close the jacket.^{[5]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}

4

Wear your fanny pack under a jacket for a chic look.

Your outfit doesn’t have to revolve around your fanny pack. Wrap your fanny pack around your waist and put on a simple fitted tee. Then, throw on a jacket to complete the look.^{[6]
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- This look is great for a rock concert or date night, depending on what jacket you choose!
- You can also try this look with a statement top and no jacket, such as a plunging silk top with billowy arms that falls just over the top of the fanny pack.

5

Use a solid-colored fanny pack for casual outfits.

Black fanny packs go with anything, while bold colors will stand out a little more. If you’re putting together an everyday, casual look, pick out a solid-colored fanny pack.^{[7]
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- White, blue, green, red, and yellow fanny packs all make a fun statement piece in any outfit.
- You can create sporty or athletic looks with a plain black fanny pack. Match it with a pair of joggers and a hoodie for a casual day out.
- Or, add a bit of femininity to a more masculine outfit with a bold color. Pair a pink, red, or yellow fanny pack with an oversized button-down and fitted trousers.

6

Go for a patterned fanny pack for fashion-forward looks.

If the rest of your look is a little plain, use your fanny pack as an accent piece. Pick one out that has a bold pattern and bright colors to tie your whole outfit together.^{[8]
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- Stripes, polka dots, camouflage, and triangles all look super cool with a monochromatic outfit.
- Be bold by wearing a patterned fanny pack with an oversized pantsuit or skirt and top set.
- Or, add a camouflage fanny pack to cargo pants and a tank top for a masculine look.

7

Pick a small fanny pack for a more sophisticated look.

You can wear a fanny pack to a semi-formal event. Opt for a small clutch-sized fanny pack to pair with dresses or suits for a night out.^{[9]
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- A "little black bag" is a good option, as it can go with many outfits. Try one with a slender leather strap or even a delicate chain.
- Small envelope-style fanny packs look great on top of a structured pantsuit.

8

Use a slouchy fanny pack for a laid-back, fun look.

Traditional fanny packs are great for everyday wear. Grab a large, slouchy fanny pack to throw on when you go to school, out with friends, or on a hike.^{[10]
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- A black bag pairs with almost anything, while bright or patterned ones can make a statement in any look.
- These slouchy fanny packs are usually bigger, too, so you can fit more things inside of them.

9

Create a streetwear vibe with a fanny, a t-shirt, and jeans.

This is a classic look you can wear almost anywhere. Pair a fanny pack with your favorite t-shirt and jeans, then sling it over your hips for a walk in the park or a fun day at a festival.^{[11]
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- If you’re going for a more streetwear look, try an oversized shirt instead of a fitted one.
- To tie in the edgy coolness of the fanny pack, wear a cool graphic T-shirt that's more trendy. Finish off the look with a good solid white sneaker.^{[12]
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  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
- Or, spice up your look with mules or a pair of strappy sandals.

10

Get fashion-forward with a fanny pack over a dress.

You can wear this look for a night out on the town. Put on your favorite mini dress, then add your fanny pack on top to define your waist and emphasize your figure.^{[13]
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- Try to pick a fanny pack with good quality material, like leather, silk, or wool.
- This look works best for casual looks, date night, and semi-formal events, depending on the bag you choose. Skip it for formal events.

11

Add pins to make your bag unique.

Enamel or acrylic pins can make your fanny pack stand out. Pick out pins or buttons with fun sayings or cute characters, then arrange them on your bag for a fun look that’s all yours!^{[14]
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- You could even add floral brooches for a vintage touch.
- Thrift stores usually have a wide variety of pins to choose from, or you can look online.
- If you’re looking for a more feminine touch, try adding a hair bow.

12

Iron or sew on patches to make a statement.

You can pick out patches that perfectly match your style. Try adding stars, flowers, fun sayings, kittens, or even your own name.^{[15]
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- You can find patches online or at most craft stores.
- Patches usually work best on cotton or synthetic materials, but they probably won’t stick to leather fanny packs.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How should a man wear a fanny pack?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

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A simple look that will work for men or women is to wear your favorite jeans with the fanny pack where your belt is. Wear an awesome T-shirt on top, like a cool band or graphic T, then do a front tuck-with the shirt. Finish off with a pair of sneakers. Someting stylish and simple, like a solid white sneaker or a tennis shoe, is perfect.
Question

If I go to a restaurant wearing the fanny pack around my waist do I sit it with it around my waist? The waist bag I bought has a belt style buckle that makes it a hassle taking it off.

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If your fanny pack is slightly small, you can sit with it around your waist like normal. If it's a little bit larger or it feels uncomfortable, try situating the pack itself on top of one of your hips. That way, it won't get in the way of sitting down.
Question

How do I pack a bum bag?

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You can put anything in a bum bag as long as it fits! Try putting your phone, keys, and wallet in to start, then adding any extras, like lip balm, mascara, tissues, or hand sanitizer.