Back in the day, when I saw my mom sporting a fanny pack, I cringed. I was a tween, and my mom was utterly embarrassing with her nylon belt bag. Flash forward a couple of decades and as I juggle four kids at a playground while my tote keeps slipping off my shoulder, I find myself thinking, "Maybe, just maybe, my mom was onto something."
And I'm not the only one. That's right friends, fanny packs are BACK. Why? Well, for celebs and fashion-types, it's because everything that was once old must always be reincarnated.
But for us mamas, there is one simple resounding answer: The bag is incredibly convenient. It allows us to have our hands free—to, ya know, change a diaper or put a bandage on a knee—and it also forces us to pare down the litany of items we'll throw into our purses before we head out the door. Like, those ten extra snacks or a juice box or a coloring book — the items that result in your purse suddenly weighing 50 pounds.
Oh, and this just in: You can also sling a fanny pack around your body, now. We've got options!
Is it the ultimate mom bag? Listen, we're not going to say it is. But we're also not going to say it's not. Catch our drift? And if you see yourself in a mirror while sporting your new belt bag, we dare you not to start singing, "I'm too sexy for… my fanny pack."
Shop our favorite patterns and styles below, some of which start as low as six bucks.
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack
This just in: We all need more neoprene in our lives! We're loving the yellow lace design detail, and the fact that this one has a key clip and card holder inside, too.
Pam & Gela Leopard Print Belt Bag
We're just going to say it: One can never have too much leopard in their closet. This one will definitely spice up your daily jeans and t-shirt outfit.
Herschel Supply Co. Fifteen Belt Bag
Durable? Check. Fun colors? Check. Cute Herschel logo badge on the front? Check.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
Yes, you need a sporty fanny pack, too. This one is perfect when you're heading to Saturday morning yoga.
State Crosby Fanny Pack, $42.00
Proof that fanny packs can be uber-hip (and sleek!) at the same time.
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No Boundaries Fanny Pack, $5.97
This sweet-pea pattern screams, "Spring!" and at this price, we might buy two.
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Lola Los Angeles Moonbeam Belt Bag, $28.00
We're loving the nylon fabric and cool Lola badge on this one, which also comes in black, red and maroon.
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Tee Shirt and Jeans Janie Fanny Pack, $11.99
This one had us at pompoms. Oh, and that price. Sold!
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MZ Wallace Metro Belt Bag, $145.00
Moms everywhere love MZ Wallace for their crazy parenting-friendly totes, and turns out they make an equally utilitarian belt bag in a variety of fun hues and patterns.
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Gucci Ophidia Small Suede Belt Bag, $1,390.00
What's that? You only wear designer bags? Fear not, they've adapted to the fanny pack trend (except they refer to the style as a "belt bag,") and this Gucci stunner will transition seamlessly from the park to date night.
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Clare V. Perforated Leather Fanny Pack, $299.00
The epitome of cool-girl bag brands, Clare V. has brought its chic aesthetic to the fanny pack category, and we couldn't be happier about that. We adore the perforated leather of this bag, as well as the high-contrast zipper.
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Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack, $17.00
If we're going to go the fanny pack route, we might as well go the whole way, right? Right. And nothing screams "90s!" like a Jansport bag. The good news is they haven't raised their prices too much in the past two decades.
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Nike Benassi Just Do It Fanny Pack Slide Sandal, $50.00
Okay, okay, this isn't a true fanny pack per se. It's better! It's actually two amazing '90s trends packed into one perfect product. We give you... the fanny pack slide!
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