How to Wear a Waist Bag 14 Ways: The Ultimate Style Guide

Plus, expert stylist tips on pairing fanny packs with trendy looks

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: August 12, 2025 Fact Checked

If all you know of fanny packs is the neon pink one your mom wore in the '80s, it's time to rethink your opinion of them. Also known as belt bags, waist bags, or bum bags, fanny packs come in all styles and colors now, and you can even find some high-end options. If you want to get in on the trend, check out our list of 14 cool and stylish ways to wear a fanny pack. Plus, find out from professional stylists and image consultants Jordan Stolch and Susan Kim which fanny pack looks work best with outfits from your closet. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Easy & Cool Ways to Wear Fanny Packs

Image consultant and style advisor Jordan Stolch suggests letting fanny packs sit around your natural waist “just above your belly button.” Other ways include crossbody style (front or back), layered over clothing, or under a jacket. Choose solid colors for casual looks, or patterns or designs for going formal.

1

Wear a fanny pack around your waist for a classic style.

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This is an easy way to keep your essentials within reach. Stolch mentions “wearing your fanny pack around your natural waist just above your belly button.” ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Interview} If you don’t want your fanny pack to be front and center, try turning the pack around to your back or wearing it at an angle so it doesn’t sit directly beneath the center of your waist.
- Wearing a fanny pack at the waist can also help you highlight your figure and give your waist more definition as a woman.
- Wearing it around the back is also a good option when you’re exercising or running, so it stays out of your way.
- If you have a small fanny pack, try looping it through your belt loops for a more subtle approach.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Jordan Stolch is an image strategist and style advisor with over a decade of experience in helping people build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage.

Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion.

2

Sling it across your chest for a more modern style.

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Your pack will look more like a small handbag when worn cross-body. Buckle your fanny pack together and throw it over one shoulder, then position the pack itself in front of your chest. It ends up feeling similar to wearing a cross-body bag . ^{[2]
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- “Another way that people are wearing fanny packs is over the shoulder—overtop one shoulder and underneath the other. This one's a little harder to navigate throughout the day, not quite as practical, but it looks really cool. If worn overtop a blazer, that would be awesome,” notes Stolch. ^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  
  Expert Interview}
- If you don’t want your fanny pack front and center, slide the pack itself around to your back. When you need to reach your stuff, just position the pack in front of your chest again.

3

Highlight your bag by layering it over clothes.

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A fanny pack worn on top of your outerwear is easy to style. Sling your fanny pack over your jacket, use your fanny pack as a belt, or tuck in your shirt to draw attention to your fanny pack. This will also make it easier to grab anything you need out of the pack throughout the day.
- Stolch recommends trying the following look: Wear a “two-piece suit where the pants and the jacket match. Underneath, pair it with either just a simple white T-shirt or a bodysuit. The fanny pack sits higher at the waist, so it tucks into the jacket.” ^{[4]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  
  Expert Interview}

4

Wear it under a jacket for a chic look.

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Keeping your fanny pack under a jacket keeps things private and secure. Your outfit doesn’t have to revolve around your fanny pack. Wrap your fanny pack around your waist and put on a simple fitted tee. Then, throw on a jacket to complete the look. ^{[5]
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- This look is great for a rock concert or date night, depending on the jacket you choose.
- Be stylish by wearing a fanny pack with a statement top and no jacket, such as a plunging silk top with billowy arms that falls just over the top of the fanny pack.

5

Wear it high so the bag acts as a chest belt.

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This unique style keeps your bag and its contents close to your chest. Plus, by wearing it directly in the center of your chest, you can always keep an eye on it. It’s also a great idea if you want to grab something out of your fanny pack without any effort. Be sure to fasten it securely with buckles, clips, or velcro straps so it remains in one place.
- Wear your chest pack with oversized jackets or hoodies, along with sneakers, for a street style that stands out.

6

Let your fanny pack hang under one arm.

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This is similar to carrying a purse under your arm. Sling it over one shoulder and let the pack hang down. You can decide how high or low to wear it; when worn higher up, your fanny pack may feel more secure. Wearing it lower offers you the same freedom of movement you have when carrying a purse or bag on one side.
- Wear it so the bag sits directly under your arm (next to your armpit), or rotate it so the bag rests more vertically along the back of your arm.
- Complement this streamlined look by dressing in a stylish casual outfit, such as a t-shirt and jeans or joggers.
- Dress it up by wearing it with a dress or a blazer.

7

Use a solid-colored fanny pack for casual outfits.

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Black fanny packs go with anything, while bold colors stand out more. If you’re putting together an everyday, casual look, pick out a solid-colored fanny pack. White, blue, green, red, and yellow fanny packs all make a fun statement piece for any outfit. ^{[6]
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- You can easily create sporty or athletic looks with a plain black fanny pack. Match it with a pair of joggers and a hoodie for a casual day out.
- Add a bit of femininity to a more masculine outfit with a bold color fanny pack. Pair a pink, red, or yellow fanny pack with an oversized button-down and fitted trousers.

8

Pick a patterned fanny pack to be fashion-forward.

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Use your fanny pack as an accent piece if the rest of your look is neutral. Pick one out that has a bold pattern and bright colors to tie your whole outfit together. Stolch states that, “since the fanny pack is really interesting, having everything else be simple allows the fanny pack to be the statement piece.” ^{[7]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Interview}
- Stripes, polka dots, camouflage, and triangles all look super cool with a monochromatic outfit.
- Be bold and dress fashionably by wearing a patterned fanny pack with an oversized pantsuit or skirt and top set.
- Add a camouflage fanny pack to cargo pants and a tank top for a masculine look.
- You can even make your own fanny pack to create a look that’s only yours.

9

Choose a small fanny pack for a sophisticated look.

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You can wear an undersized fanny pack to a semi-formal event. Opt for a small clutch-sized fanny pack to pair with dresses or suits for a night out. Choose a neutral color like navy, grey, or beige, so it blends into your outfit.
- A "little black bag" is a good option, as it can go with many outfits. Try one with a slender leather strap or even a delicate chain.
- Small envelope-style fanny packs look great on top of a structured pantsuit.

10

Use a slouchy fanny pack for a laid-back, fun look.

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Traditional fanny packs are great for everyday wear. Grab a large, slouchy fanny pack to throw on when you go to school, out with friends, or on a hike. Slouchy fanny packs are usually bigger, so you’ll be able to fit more things inside them. ^{[8]
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- A black waist bag pairs with almost anything, while bright or patterned ones can make a statement in any look.

11

Get a streetwear vibe with a fanny pack, t-shirt, and jeans.

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This is a classic look you can wear almost anywhere. Pair a fanny pack with your favorite t-shirt and jeans, then sling it over your hips for a walk in the park or a fun day at a festival. Kim agrees that “fanny packs are super in these days, so I love to throw on a fanny pack or a belt on my waist to dress down a skirt and give it more of a street vibe.” ^{[9]
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Expert Source

Susan Kim
Professional Stylist

Expert Interview} You could even “finish off the look with a good solid white sneaker,” says Stolch. ^{[10]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Interview}
- If you’re going for a more streetwear look overall, try an oversized shirt instead of a fitted one.
- To tie in the edgy coolness of the fanny pack, wear a cool graphic T-shirt that's more trendy.
- Try spicing up your look with mules or a pair of strappy sandals.

12

Get fashion-forward with a fanny pack over a dress.

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You can rock this unique look for a night out on the town. Put on your favorite mini dress, then add your fanny pack on top to define your waist and emphasize your figure. This look works best for casual looks, date nights, and semi-formal events, depending on the bag you choose. Skip it for formal events. ^{[11]
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- Try to pick a fanny pack made from good quality material, like leather, silk, or wool.

13

Decorate your fanny pack with pins.

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Enamel or acrylic pins can make your fanny pack stand out. Pick out pins or buttons with fun sayings or cute characters, then arrange them on your bag for a fun look that’s all yours! You could even add floral brooches for a vintage touch. ^{[12]
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- Thrift stores usually have a wide variety of pins to choose from, or you can get them online.
- For a more feminine touch, try adding a hair bow.

14

Iron or sew on patches to make a statement.

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You can pick out patches that perfectly match your style. Try adding stars, flowers, fun sayings, kittens, or even your own name! ^{[13]
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- You can find iron-on patches online or at most craft stores.
- Patches usually work best on cotton or synthetic materials, but they probably won’t stick to leather fanny packs.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How should a man wear a fanny pack?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

A simple look that will work for men or women is to wear your favorite jeans with the fanny pack where your belt is. Wear an awesome T-shirt on top, like a cool band or graphic T, then do a front tuck-with the shirt. Finish off with a pair of sneakers. Someting stylish and simple, like a solid white sneaker or a tennis shoe, is perfect.

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Are fanny packs back in fashion?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Staff Answer

Fanny packs are making a bit of a comeback lately. But even when they’re not in style, they’re always useful when you need a hands-free way to carry your stuff!

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What do you call a fanny pack now?

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You can still call them fanny packs, but some people prefer bum bag, belt bag, or waist pack.

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How to Wear a Waist Bag 14 Ways: The Ultimate Style Guide

Easy & Cool Ways to Wear Fanny Packs

Steps

Wear a fanny pack around your waist for a classic style.

Sling it across your chest for a more modern style.

Highlight your bag by layering it over clothes.

Wear it under a jacket for a chic look.

Wear it high so the bag acts as a chest belt.

Let your fanny pack hang under one arm.

Use a solid-colored fanny pack for casual outfits.

Pick a patterned fanny pack to be fashion-forward.

Choose a small fanny pack for a sophisticated look.

Use a slouchy fanny pack for a laid-back, fun look.

Get a streetwear vibe with a fanny pack, t-shirt, and jeans.

Get fashion-forward with a fanny pack over a dress.

Decorate your fanny pack with pins.

Iron or sew on patches to make a statement.

Expert Q&A

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