Long dismissed as outdated and subject to clichés, the fanny pack went through a period of obscurity. Indeed, a real phenomenon of the 80s and 90s, it was relegated to oblivion before returning to the forefront of fashion in the 2010s.
Today, the fanny pack has established itself as a wardrobe essential, practical in any situation and appealing to all generations with its variety of styles, materials, and colors. But what is the history of this bag that has become an intergenerational icon? Furthermore, how does this fashion item combine trendiness and environmental responsibility today?
After a first selection of 13 fanny pack styles made from surprising materials, discover a new selection of 10 models that are also in tune with the times.
The history of the fanny pack: a journey through time
A true star of our wardrobe, the fanny pack is part of the scenery, as if we had always worn it. But where exactly does it come from?
To find out, we have to go back in time. Back when the first men precisely wore animal skins as pouches to collect small objects and all kinds of harvests.
Time flies and bags evolve! At the beginning of the 20th century, it was the turn of the Apaches, in America, to use satchels made of bison hide [not very eco-friendly for the planet] perfect for carrying their weapons.
We have to wait until 1954 for the fanny pack as we know it to make its star debut in the magazine "Sport Illustrated". It joins skiers who adopt it for its ability to carry their belongings while keeping their hands free, the dream accessory for athletes in action!
The heyday of the fanny pack was rather in the 80s and 90s with its little retro side, ultra-colorful… But also an emblem of the casual look. Indeed, this bag became popular with tourists for its practical side, and also found its way into the hands of fitness and urban fashion enthusiasts.
This chameleon-like and functional fashion accessory, worn both around the waist and over the shoulder, perfectly reflected the bold spirit and the drive for freedom of that era. From stars to teenagers, the fanny pack marked these decades as the height of coolness, offering an original and unique touch to any outfit.
Now back to the present, the fanny pack is the trendy accessory to adopt to energize a look. Brands have understood this well and are riding the wave to offer models in all possible materials, in all colors, and with different patterns.
The real novelty, however, is the commitment of designers to eco-responsibility. They are innovating by offering bags made from natural and sustainable materials, without ever compromising on quality or style. The fanny pack, timeless in its origins, is becoming the standard-bearer of a conscious and stylish fashion.
10 eco-responsible fanny packs: mix and match between ethics and style
The eco-responsible fanny pack is a bag designed ethically with natural materials: organic cotton, linen, plant-based materials: Pinatex (pineapple fibers), Apple skin (apple waste), banana fibers (yes, you read that right)... It also includes pouches made from upcycled materials (recovering fabric scraps intended to be thrown away, for example), vegan, cruelty-free.
At Meanwhile Boutique, the trendy fanny pack, then focusing on these committed brands, and respecting the selection charter with 17 values.
1/ The eco-responsible fanny pack in deadstock fabrics - Hedison
Eco-responsible fanny pack in upcycled fabrics Hedison - €65
Revolutionize your style with this upcycled fabric fanny pack! Each piece is unique, made from recovered fabrics to reduce waste and promote more sustainable fashion. As a little fun fact, the fabric roll ends used to make this fanny pack belonged to fashion houses.
By choosing revalued materials, this piece testifies to a strong commitment to the environment by reducing textile waste. Nothing is lost, everything is transformed!
2/ Crochet fanny pack - several colors
In recycled materials
Crochet fanny pack - several colors -€65.00
The crochet fanny pack from the brand Wouf is a unique artisanal piece, made by crochet, which combines practicality and style. With its striped print and eco-responsible construction, it is perfect for carrying your essentials while adding a touch of Mediterranean to your summer outings.
Adopt the fanny pack for a casual and trendy look while making an ethical choice thanks to its artisanal manufacturing and recycled materials. Don't miss the opportunity to stand out while respecting our planet!
3/ The eco-responsible handmade fanny pack - Dame Pach Bangkok
Eco-responsible handmade fanny pack Dame Pach Bangkok - €70
This artisanal fanny pack is a tribute to traditional craftsmanship. Even more fun, it is handmade, by a collective of grandmothers committed to protecting nature. This bag testifies to the attention paid to details and the commitment to preserving ancestral manufacturing techniques. Choosing this model means supporting authentic and responsible production.
4/ The eco-responsible organic cotton fanny pack for children - Hindbag
Eco-responsible fanny pack in organic cotton for child Hindbag - €32
Designed especially for the youngest, this organic cotton fanny pack is soft on the skin and on the planet. Grown without harmful chemicals, organic cotton offers a safe and sustainable alternative to accompany your child in all their adventures.
5/ The eco-responsible half-moon fanny pack in organic cotton - Hindbag
Eco-responsible fanny pack in organic cotton Hindbag - €47
To play matchy-matchy with your child, or not, this fanny pack will delight you. Always in organic cotton - the Hindbag trademark (which works with an Indian NGO) - this piece brings a touch of modernity with its half-moon shape.
An original model that promotes organic farming practices and a travel companion as fashionable as it is eco-responsible.
6/ The eco-responsible fanny pack in upcycled jute canvas - Theane
Eco-responsible fanny pack in grape leather Theane - €78
Find the rustic and resistant side in this upcycled jute canvas fanny pack for the front part and in vegan grape leather, also called grape or Vegea on the top and back of the bag. This fanny pack combines robustness and respect for the environment, making it an ideal choice for zero-waste enthusiasts.
7/ The eco-responsible handbag in Apple skin - Atelier Ikigai
Eco-responsible handbag in Apple skin Atelier ikigai - €299
Innovative and vegan, this Apple skin handbag is made from apple waste, thus offering a second life to organic waste. It is a plant-based alternative to leather, proving that it is possible to combine fashion, ethics, and ecology without compromise.
8/ The eco-responsible fanny pack in banana fibers - Binette
Eco-responsible fanny pack in banana fibers Binette - €48
Discover the fanny pack in banana fibers, an exotic and ecological material that will surprise you with its texture and durability. The fibers not only provide remarkable strength, but they also embody a future where fashion is in perfect harmony with nature.
9/ The XL vegan fanny pack in apple leather - several colors
XL vegan fanny pack in apple leather - several colors- €125
This ergonomic XL fanny is designed to offer you maximum comfort and style, whether you wear it in crossbody or crossbody at the hip. Made with eco-responsible materials such as apple leather and a cotton strap, this piece is ideal for those who are looking for both durability and a modern design. Its magnetic flap and adjustable strap add practicality and elegance to your outfit.
10/ The Boston fanny pack in upcycled fabric - Black Houndstooth
Boston fanny pack in upcycled fabric - Black Houndstooth - €69
Keep your hands free and your belongings organized in its large main compartment. Its easily adjustable strap allows you to wear it crossbody or around the waist depending on your mood of the day.
Leave us a little comment to share your favorite model with us!
How to wear your fanny pack in style?
After seeing it everywhere on the street and in stores, you are also falling for the fanny pack trend. You would like to have your own, but you don't know how to wear it. The fanny pack, it's the accessory that refines any outfit with style. You can wear your fanny pack just above the hip, cross-body (crossbody), over the shoulder… Depending on your mood, have fun!
Here are 3 ways to wear it in video:
Pairing it with casual outfits like jeans and a t-shirt, it will give you a more urban look. You can also break the streetwear style of a fanny pack with a dress or skirt.
Play with the colors and textures of your bag to make it stand out or to complement your outfit harmoniously. Don't be afraid to treat it as a full-fledged fashion accessory (it clearly is) and show it off! Let your fanny pack express your personality!
As you may have guessed, the fanny pack still has many good days ahead of it, however, to ensure this accessory a place of honor in our daily lives, it is essential to prioritize quality and to turn towards eco-responsible options.
By choosing a sustainable fanny pack, made with respect for the environment and ethical processes, you are not only making a style choice, but also a gesture in favor of the planet.
