Once associated mainly with the 90s and tracksuits, for a while pushed into the background, today they reign again in urban fashion outfits. But did you know that the history of fanny packs goes back a long way?
Where did fanny packs come from, and what do the Iceman and Skaters have to do with them?
Did you know that the first primitive version of a fanny pack - or rather a pouch - appeared around 5,000 years ago? Did you know that the first primitive version of a fanny pack - or rather a pouch - appeared around 5,000 years ago? It was part of the wardrobe of Ötzi, also known as the Iceman, whose mummified body was discovered in the Ötztal Alps between Germany and Austria. Ötzi, who lived between 3400 and 3100 BCE, wore clothes made from six different animal species and 17 different trees. It was from calf leather that he made a belt with a pouch, the first primitive pouch. "This simple leather belt will accompany him in any conditions except the most extreme," writes PrimitiveWays.com. Over the millennia, people tried to fasten their kind of "pouches" this way and store all necessary items in them. The precursor of the fanny pack we know today had its beginnings in the 16th century. They were more like sacks, which were fastened under skirts with ribbons. They had a rectangular or pear-shaped design. They remained virtually hidden - they were purely practical for storing valuables, not fashionable accessories. It was only a century later (in the late 17th century) that they became a fashion accessory - but for men. Men began to tie them to their belts, making them an accessory to their outfits.
First prototype, bum bags in 80s and 90s
The design of a modern fanny pack is attributed to Australian Melbie Stone, who produced a prototype of a hip bag in 1962 (possibly inspired by kangaroo pouches), but it wasn't until the late 1980s that the fanny pack became a popular fashion accessory. In the 80s, fanny packs also became popular among hip-hop and streetwear fans, as well as tourists. In the 90s, they were incredibly popular, and in '94 they even appeared in Chanel's collection as a "belt bag." At the turn of the 90s and 2000s, fanny packs became a favorite must-have among skaters - the fanny packs they wore were worn cross-body to the front, allowing for easy access to all the necessary things and at the same time providing comfort while skating or riding a skateboard. It was they who played a big role in making the fanny pack such a popular element, and at the beginning of the 2000s, it returned to the collections of the most top designers. At the beginning of the 21st century, bum bags disappeared from fashion trends. But fortunately, only to come back with a bang as a must-have! Then, with great style, they returned to fashion shows of the biggest world designers, starting with Jeremy Scott in 2012 - also those who are characterized by a more elegant style, such as Chanel or Gucci.
Practical and stylish - how not to love bum bags?
However, fashion is cyclical, and what was once unfashionable can become the latest trend today. This is also true for fanny packs. In recent years, many designers have decided to bring them back to the runway, and their popularity has been on the rise. Today, fanny packs are not just for men's wardrobes, but also for women's - they're totally for everyone! Available in various color and material versions, fanny packs are available for anyone who values comfort and style.
There are many advantages to wearing a fanny pack. Above all, it is a very practical and comfortable accessory that allows you to have your most important things at hand, such as a wallet, keys, or phone. This means that you don't have to carry a heavy purse, while still having everything you need. Additionally, a fanny pack can be worn in many ways, both around the waist and over the shoulder, making it very versatile. We warn you - once you start wearing a fanny pack, you won't be able to part with it! :)
Check out our fanny packs and choose the model that suits you!
Photo: Paweł Widurski
Models: Marta Majchrowska, Paweł Widurski