If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you owned a fanny pack. They helped you keep your stuff together, was convenient, and came in some cool fashions. What’s not to love right?
The 1980s saw the appearance of quite a few strange things (especially for those who never lived through it) and the popularity of the fanny pack was one of those.
Fanny packs were simple zippered pouches wrapped around the waist like a belt. By 1988, they were everywhere, although not every manufacturer called it a fanny pack. But whatever name you called it, they were on the waists of teenagers and adults alike.
Fanny Packs In The 80s
There are many possible reasons why the fanny pack became all the rage. Some say that its popularity was because inherently cool people such as bikers and soldiers used them a lot. Add the fact that it was functional and a new fad was born.
It seemed during the 80s you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing a fanny pack. They were especially prevalent at places like theme parks where you wanted to carry a few items, but your pants pockets just didn’t cut it.
The convenience and stylish nature of the fanny pack is what made them one of the most popular fashion accessories of the 1980s.
The Decline Of The Fanny Pack
So how come fanny packs went out of style? Well, that’s the nature of fashion—most things always go out of style. And teenagers don’t really like it all that much when adults started using them as well. That’s the problem when something is everywhere. People just begin to get tired of seeing them, and the trendsetters always liked to be different from the common people.
There’s also the undeniable fact that a fanny pack seriously ruins your silhouette. It looks like you’ve got some sort of tumor around your waist, and if it’s in front of your pants then it just looks rude. Some women really loathe the idea of fanny packs today and a lot of self-declared fashionistas detest the very idea of it.
Are Fanny Packs Still Popular?
Even though they are not as popular as they were during the 1980s, fanny packs still has a following today among those that love retro fashion. Fanny packs never really disappeared completely, and even today you may see people—even celebrities—wearing them.
In fact, some fanny packs today are actually rather tasteful, and many top name brand designers make fanny packs. However if you prefer the 80s nostalgia, there are still many versions in neon if you really want to go back to the past.
Practical Uses Today
- If you are a cyclist, then it’s still ok to wear them. Practicality and functionality always wins out when you’re on your bicycle, which is why people wear helmets and pads even though they may look a bit dorky. Besides, bikes are inherently cool anyway.
- If you are a tourist, then you should definitely consider them. Your hands are probably going to be busy either shopping or taking pictures, and a fanny pack keeps your stuff safe. As for your fashion creds, no one really knows you where you are in the place you’re visiting anyway, so who cares?
- Anyone just looking for convenience should have one. Who cares if other people don’t like it? This is actually one of those attitudes that show authentic coolness. If you find them useful, then in a way they can also be cool. If you simply like the idea of the 80s or have lived through it, then wearing fanny packs is one way to honor that wonderful decade. Either way, if you feel comfortable with a fanny pack then there’s no one to stop you from wearing one.
Though we love to see that the fanny pack is still alive and well, these days they are seen more as an occasional use items rather than an every day fashion. Still fanny packs will always be one of the favorite fashion accessories we think of when think back to the glorious eighties.
