BELT LOOP
M
ost would know the fanny
pack by its distasteful
reputation and the stereotype
of being worn by the typical
dad. For a time, no one who cared anything
about fashion would be caught wearing
one. But now, it looks like the fanny pack is
rising from the garbage heap of regrettable
clothing fads to try and make it’s claim to
fashion relevancy.
A major trend this season is dad-inspired
accessories. Items that our fathers once wore
(and we once scoffed at) are now all the
rage. One major example is chunky New
Balance sneakers, a shoe made solely for
comfort with a competitive price. Many may
accredit the start of this trend to Kanye West,
who had his wife and muse Kim Kardashian
West rock his Yeezy dad shoes.
Taking a note from the dad shoe, the
fanny pack has also taken off. Originally just
a form of functionality and a no-hands
compartment, the fanny pack has moved
towards a path of form over function.
Designers like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint
Laurent are now releasing their own fanny
packs, coining them with a more tasteful
moniker: the belt bag. The new name
screams chic more than “fanny pack” could
ever hope to, and this rebranding has proven
nothing but success for everyone from
luxury to lower market designers.
A once canvas, hands-free purse worn
so the typical tourist has room in their hands
for both a map and a camera, it has now
evolved and can be found in hundreds of
different shapes, fabrics, and designs.
Everyone from socialites to hipsters is now
sporting the fanny pack. It can be worn
across the chest, around the shoulder, or
even looped into pants as an actual belt.
Another inclusive plus is that fanny packs
are completely unisex. The versatility of the
belt bag is just another perk.
It is almost ironic that the ugliest shoes
and accessories are now in style. The rise of
the fanny pack is a testament to the cycle of
fashion, which tends to repeat itself decade
after decade. I mean, what’s better than
finding a great designer belt bag? The
answer: finding a great vintage designer belt
bag at an affordable thrift